UAH earns national recognition as Alabama’s best value university for eighth time

The University of Alabama in Huntsville (UAH) has once again been named the Best Value university in Alabama by SmartAsset, an online financial services provider. The 2023 rankings mark the eighth time that UAH, part of The University of Alabama System, has received this honor.

“UAH has been ranked in the top spot for eight years. This speaks to the will and strength of our faculty and staff who work to provide the best resources and exceptional education to our students,” says Dr. Charles L. Karr, UAH president.

In determining which colleges and universities provide the best value to students, SmartAsset evaluated schools on various financial metrics, such as scholarships awarded, starting salaries, tuition, living expenses and retention rates.

Among numerous other factors, UAH boasts the highest median starting salary in Alabama: $62,200, according to this report.

“This is a remarkable achievement,” says Karr. “Many UAH graduates are working in STEM and business fields and making a tremendous impact on the economic development of our state.”

More than 70% of UAH graduates remain in Alabama when they enter the workforce.

And when students arrive at UAH to begin their degree programs, they are more likely to stay through graduation.

“Our retention rates are high compared to other campuses in Alabama,” Karr says, “and that is a reflection of how much our students enjoy the UAH way of life.”

At UAH, nearly two-thirds of undergraduate students receive financial aid. When it comes to student housing, UAH has created numerous ways for students to find affordable options that are aligned with their needs. Students are able to live in an environment that merges collaborative study and engaging activities.

“In a time where students and parents alike are looking for the best fit, they are also looking for a university where their degree will be valuable for years to come,” says Karr. “We are immensely proud that we can offer that to our students.”

This is a contributing story from UAH’s newsroom. For more information, please visit www.uah.edu/news.