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's financial picture is mixed, and the gap between your major and everyone else's decides which side you land on. Median earnings ten years out sit near the low end for a four-year school, and with a typical debt load of $31,000, the median graduate carries roughly three-quarters of a year's salary in loans. The 28.7% graduation rate is the bigger problem here. Fewer than a third of students finish, and if you borrow but don't graduate, you get the debt without the degree that pays it back.
Engineering is where the return holds up. Electrical engineering graduates earn about $61,000, roughly $20,000 more than the school-wide median, and that spread comfortably covers the $32,500 in debt those students take on. Mechanical engineering and computer science both clear $52,000, and even civil engineering beats the median. If you can get into and finish one of these programs, the math works for you.
Outside engineering and computer science, the picture is weaker. The school-wide median of $40,628 tells you most other majors land well below the engineering figures, so borrowing $31,000 for a program that isn't on the earnings list is a real risk. Pair that with the low completion rate and the danger is concentration: the students who don't finish or don't major in a paying field carry debt that their earnings won't easily support.
Net price runs cheapest if your family earns under $48,000, around $13,800 to $13,900. It climbs past $16,000 above that and tops out near $19,000 for the $75,000-$110,000 band. This school fits you best if you're low-income and locked into engineering or computer science. If you're aiming at a lower-earning major, look hard at the completion odds before you borrow.
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.