UNiversity of Alabama
TUSCALOOSA, AL Wesley Hitt/Getty Images

The University of Alabama System Board of Trustees has approved tuition increases across its three campuses—Tuscaloosa, Birmingham, and Huntsville—for the 2025–2026 academic year. This decision, made during the board's recent meeting, reflects efforts to address rising operational costs and maintain academic excellence.​

Tuition Adjustments:

  • University of Alabama (Tuscaloosa):
    • In-State Undergraduate Students: Tuition will increase by 2.67%, amounting to $5,842 per semester, an increase of $152. ​
    • Out-of-State Undergraduate Students: Tuition will rise by 3.5%, totaling $17,271 per semester, an increase of $585. ​
  • University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB):
    • In-State Undergraduate Students: A 2.9% tuition increase will set the new rate at $5,820 per semester. ​
    • Out-of-State Undergraduate Students: Tuition will increase by 3%, resulting in a new rate of $14,490 per semester. ​
  • University of Alabama in Huntsville (UAH):
    • In-State Undergraduate Students: Tuition will rise by just over 3%, bringing the cost to $5,345 per semester. ​
    • Out-of-State Undergraduate Students: A 3% increase will set the new tuition at $12,695 per semester. ​

Additionally, UAB's professional schools, including the Schools of Medicine, Dentistry, and Optometry, will experience a 3% tuition increase, with the exception of the School of Optometry's non-resident tuition, which will remain unchanged. ​

Rationale Behind the Increases:

University officials cite escalating operational expenses as the primary driver for the tuition hikes. Dana Keith, Senior Vice Chancellor for Finance and Administration, emphasized the necessity of these adjustments to sustain the quality of education and support services. She highlighted the importance of offering competitive salaries to attract and retain top-tier faculty and staff, as well as addressing increased costs related to state retirement contributions, employee benefits, and technological advancements. ​

"We have thoroughly vetted and benchmarked these adjustments to our peer institutions to ensure our universities' tuition rates remain at or below average amongst our peers," Keith stated.

Comparative Context:

The approved increases follow similar adjustments in the previous academic year, marking the first consecutive tuition hikes for Alabama residents since 2018. These changes align with trends observed at other institutions within the state. For instance, Auburn University implemented a 3% tuition increase for the 2024–2025 school year. ​

Implementation Timeline:

The new tuition rates will take effect starting in the fall semester of 2025. Students and families are encouraged to review these changes and plan accordingly for the upcoming academic year.​

For more detailed information on tuition and fees, please visit the official websites of the respective universities.

Topics University of Alabama