At $14,559/yr net price, Alabama A & M University graduates earn $40,628/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $6,628/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $14,559 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $58,236 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $40,628/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$6,628/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 8.8 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 28.7% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $31,000 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $13,776/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $13,923/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $16,471/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $19,057/yr |
| $110,001+ | $18,200/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering. | Bachelor | $61,303 | $32,500 |
| Communication Disorders Sciences and Services. | Master | $55,036 | |
| Computer and Information Sciences, General. | Bachelor | $52,107 | $30,100 |
| Mechanical Engineering. | Bachelor | $52,107 | $27,100 |
| Educational Administration and Supervision. | Master | $50,231 | |
| City/Urban, Community and Regional Planning. | Master | $47,260 | |
| Civil Engineering. | Bachelor | $47,260 | |
| Mechanical Engineering Related Technologies/Technicians. | Bachelor | $44,971 | |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $43,798 | $43,588 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. | Master | $43,240 | $48,932 |
The Risk Factor
28.7% of students at Alabama A & M University graduate within 6 years. Fewer than half of students complete their degree. If you don't graduate, the financial investment may not pay off.
Analysis
Alabama A&M University presents a mixed financial picture with significant variation across programs. The engineering programs deliver solid returns, with electrical engineering graduates earning over $61,000 annually and mechanical engineering reaching $52,000. Computer science also performs well at $52,000. However, the overall median earnings of $40,628 mask weaker performance in many other programs.
The 28.7% graduation rate creates substantial financial risk. If you don't finish your degree, you'll still carry debt without the earnings boost. The 64% retention rate after freshman year signals academic or financial struggles that could derail your investment.
You'll find the best value in engineering and computer science programs, where starting salaries justify the typical debt load around $30,000. Communication disorders also shows promise at $55,000. Avoid programs not listed among the top earners, as they likely lead to earnings below the school median.
This school works best if you're committed to high-earning technical fields and have strong academic preparation to handle the completion challenges. The relatively low net price of $14,559 helps, but only if you graduate. Students unsure about their major or those struggling academically should consider schools with higher graduation rates, as the financial risk of dropping out here is substantial given the retention and completion data.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Alabama A & M University worth the cost?
Alabama A & M University graduates earn $40,628 ten years after graduation, which is below the national average for four-year college graduates. With a median debt of $31,000 and a low 28.7% graduation rate, the financial return is weak for most students.
Which programs at Alabama A & M University have the best job prospects?
Engineering programs at Alabama A & M offer the strongest earnings potential, with electrical engineering graduates earning $61,303 and mechanical engineering graduates earning $52,107. Communication disorders and computer science also show decent returns above $50,000.
What is the graduation rate at Alabama A & M University?
Only 28.7% of students graduate from Alabama A & M University within six years. This low completion rate means most students leave without a degree but may still carry student loan debt.
How much student debt do Alabama A & M University graduates have?
Alabama A & M graduates have a median debt of $31,000. Given the relatively low average earnings of $40,628, this debt burden represents a significant financial challenge for most graduates.