by our College Data Analytics TeamUnderstanding all of the expenses related to attending college can allow you to make the best decision at University of Alabama at Birmingham.
On this page you will find:
Housing and meal plans are priced out separately here. The standard student paid $7,880 in 2026, and a standard meal plan cost $6,290. Taken together, a typical on-campus student at University of Alabama at Birmingham paid roughly $26,908 in 2026 across housing, dining, books and other living expenses.
Discover housing costs for both on-campus and off-campus, as well as meals and other expenses at University of Alabama at Birmingham.
| Expense | On Campus | Off Campus |
|---|---|---|
| Room and Board | $19,951 | $20,871 |
| — Housing | $7,880 | |
| — Meals | $6,290 | |
| Other Living Expenses | $5,757 | $6,007 |
| Books and Supplies | $1,200 | $1,200 |
| Total | $26,908 | $28,078 |
Tuition is not the only college cost that climbs each year — room and board does too. Projecting the trend helps you plan for all four years instead of only the first.
Over four years you could pay about $115,716 by the time you graduate.
Here is how combined on-campus room and board has moved over the last few reported years, with a projection of where it is headed, at University of Alabama at Birmingham.
| Year | Room & Board |
|---|---|
| Three Years Ago | $17,862 |
| Two Years Ago | $18,877 |
| One Year Ago | $19,347 |
| Most Recent Year (2026) | $19,951 |
| One Year From Now * | $20,728 |
| Two Years From Now * | $21,536 |
| Three Years From Now * | $22,376 |
| Four Years From Now * | $23,248 |
* estimated
Room and board changed an average of 3.9% per year. If current trends continue, incoming first-year students would pay about $27,685 in housing, food and other costs their first year.
By their final year, a student might pay about $30,205 for a bachelor’s degree, while a two-year (associate) student would pay around $28,493 in their second and final year.
For a full bachelor’s degree, expect to spend a total of around $115,716 over four years — compared with roughly $56,178 for two years on campus.
Annual increases in room and board are the norm, so build a yearly increase into your four-year budget.
Wondering whether you may be required to live on campus? See the table below for on-campus housing details.
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| On-Campus Room Capacity (Per Occupant) | 3,480 |
| Offers On-Campus Housing | Yes |
| Offers a Meal Plan | Yes |