University of Alabama at Birmingham vs. CBU

Comparable Facts

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

University of Alabama at Birmingham is larger than CBU based on total student enrollment (20,905 students vs. 1,772 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• University of Alabama at Birmingham is located in Birmingham, AL (Midsize City setting); Christian Brothers University is in Memphis, TN (Large City setting).
• University of Alabama at Birmingham is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Christian Brothers University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: University of Alabama at Birmingham 18:1; Christian Brothers University 9:1.

University of Alabama at Birmingham vs. CBU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, University of Alabama at Birmingham 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 University of Alabama at Birmingham ($16,754 vs. $17,997).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Christian Brothers University are 22% lower than at University of Alabama at Birmingham ($11,055 vs. $14,170).
• Christian Brothers University is 322.3% more expensive for in-state tuition than University of Alabama at Birmingham (about $29,322 more per year; $38,420.00 vs. $9,098.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 70.3% higher at CBU than at University of Alabama at Birmingham (about $15,858 more per year; $38,420.00 vs. $22,562.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Christian Brothers University than at University of Alabama at Birmingham (100% vs. 90%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Christian Brothers University students is 183.3% larger than aid received by University of Alabama at Birmingham students ($31,234 vs. $11,025).

University of Alabama at Birmingham vs. CBU Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, University of Alabama at Birmingham 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 University of Alabama at Birmingham.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at University of Alabama at Birmingham (1330) is 130 points higher than at CBU (1200).
• Incoming University of Alabama at Birmingham students have a 5 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (26 vs. 21 at CBU).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of Alabama at Birmingham 1210/1450; Christian Brothers University 1020/1380.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of Alabama at Birmingham 23/30; Christian Brothers University 19/24.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: University of Alabama at Birmingham - Test optional; CBU - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: University of Alabama at Birmingham Jun 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman University of Alabama at Birmingham students have a 0.15 point higher average high school GPA (3.82) than students at CBU (3.67).
• University of Alabama at Birmingham has a higher acceptance rate (88.2%) than CBU (86.7%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 20.1% at University of Alabama at Birmingham vs. 13.4% at CBU.

University of Alabama at Birmingham vs. CBU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for University of Alabama at Birmingham 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).

• Christian Brothers University's six-year graduation rate (52%) is higher than University of Alabama at Birmingham's (45%).
• Graduates from Christian Brothers University earn a median of about $4,200 more per year than University of Alabama at Birmingham graduates about ten years after starting college ($50,600 vs. $46,400), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, University of Alabama at Birmingham graduates have a $5,500 lower median loan debt than CBU graduates ($21,500 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, University of Alabama at Birmingham graduates have an estimated $57 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than CBU graduates ($222 vs. $279).
• More CBU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former University of Alabama at Birmingham students, three years after graduation. (53% vs. 52%)

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.