Alabama vs. CBU

Comparable Facts

Compare The University of Alabama in Tuscaloosa, AL with Christian Brothers University in Memphis, TN on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

The University of Alabama is larger than CBU based on total student enrollment (40,846 students vs. 1,772 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• The University of Alabama is located in Tuscaloosa, AL (Small City setting); Christian Brothers University is in Memphis, TN (Large City setting).
• The University of Alabama is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Christian Brothers University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: The University of Alabama 19:1; Christian Brothers University 9:1.

Alabama vs. CBU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Alabama or CBU? Published tuition is the sticker price; many students pay less after aid (see average net price below).

• The typical actual cost that students pay to attend (average net price) is less at Christian Brothers University than Alabama ($16,754 vs. $22,559).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Christian Brothers University are 26.4% lower than at The University of Alabama ($11,055 vs. $15,016).
• Christian Brothers University is 215.4% more expensive for in-state tuition than Alabama (about $26,240 more per year; $38,420.00 vs. $12,180.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 12.4% higher at CBU than at The University of Alabama (about $4,248 more per year; $38,420.00 vs. $34,172.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Christian Brothers University than at The University of Alabama (100% vs. 80%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Christian Brothers University students is 78.4% larger than aid received by The University of Alabama students ($31,234 vs. $17,503).

Alabama vs. CBU Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Alabama or CBU? Typical SAT and ACT scores (same estimates as in the table above), middle 50% test ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between CBU and Alabama.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at The University of Alabama (1290) is 90 points higher than at CBU (1200).
• Incoming Alabama students have a 6 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (27 vs. 21 at CBU).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: The University of Alabama 1170/1400; Christian Brothers University 1020/1380.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: The University of Alabama 24/31; Christian Brothers University 19/24.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Alabama - Test optional; CBU - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Alabama May 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Alabama students have a 0.09 point higher average high school GPA (3.76) than students at CBU (3.67).
• CBU has a higher acceptance rate (86.7%) than Alabama (76.6%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 18.5% at Alabama vs. 13.4% at CBU.

Alabama vs. CBU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Alabama and CBU? Graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt are common indicators. The bullets below summarize the same federal outcomes fields as the comparison table (College Scorecard / IPEDS where applicable).

• The University of Alabama's six-year graduation rate (66%) is higher than Christian Brothers University's (52%).
• Graduates from Christian Brothers University earn a median of about $700 more per year than Alabama graduates about ten years after starting college ($50,600 vs. $49,900), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, The University of Alabama graduates have a $3,250 lower median loan debt than CBU graduates ($23,750 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Alabama graduates have an estimated $34 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than CBU graduates ($245 vs. $279).
• More Alabama graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former CBU students, three years after graduation. (59% vs. 53%)

Sources: U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov IPEDS and College Scorecard https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/. Values reflect the most recent year available in our dataset.