University of Alabama System tuition will increase for the 2026–27 academic year, with hikes affecting all three campuses in Tuscaloosa, Birmingham, and Huntsville, according to trustees.
Tuition increases approved for 2026–27
The UA System Board of Trustees approved increases of up to 4%, with rates varying by campus. In-state undergraduate tuition will rise by 2% at the University of Alabama, 2.79% at UAB, and 3% at UAH. Out-of-state students will also see higher rates, with increases of up to 4% depending on the institution.
At the University of Alabama, in-state tuition for 15 credit hours will increase to $5,959 per semester, up from $5,842. At UAH, the rate will rise to $5,511, up from $5,350. Meanwhile, UAB will see its per-semester rate increase to $6,075 from $5,910.
In addition, medical student tuition at UAB’s Heersink School of Medicine will increase by 3%.
Cost pressures drive adjustments
University officials said the increases are tied to rising operational costs and continued investment needs across the system.
“We consider tuition adjustments carefully and we make changes only when absolutely necessary,” said Dana Keith, senior vice chancellor for finance and administration.
However, the system emphasized that tuition remains below cumulative inflation across the three universities.
Broader context for Alabama students
The UA System serves roughly 71,000 students. About 44% of University of Alabama undergraduates are Alabama residents, according to school data.
Even with the latest increases, Alabama’s net tuition revenue remains above the national average, reflecting ongoing reliance on tuition to support higher education funding.
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