@sbjdorlo - I am a UAH graduate so I could be biased but I think for STEM related degrees, it is great. I have had opportunities to work across the US but have stayed in Huntsville. I have friends all over the US though that went to UAH and work for companies like Microsoft, Amazon, Boeing, etc… I feel UAH is better for STEM than the University of Alabama.
The downside at UAH is historically is has been a commuter college. They have been working hard to change that. There are lots of research opportunities at the school and with local industry (both private and government related). Another downside for college sports fans is no football team. They do have the other typical sports plus Ice Hockey.
There is a $39 shuttle service that runs between the Huntsville and the Nashville airport. This helps to make flights cheaper.