At $13,889/yr net price, Alabama State University graduates earn $34,502/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $502/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $13,889 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $55,556 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $34,502/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$502/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 110.7 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 30.2% |
| 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 | $13,512/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $14,047/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $15,155/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $15,771/yr |
| $110,001+ | $11,863/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions. | Doctoral | $77,872 | |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. | Master | $50,717 | $50,483 |
| Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions. | Master | $47,729 | $54,592 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Bachelor | $39,369 | $31,187 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. | Bachelor | $34,526 | $32,250 |
| Chemistry. | Bachelor | $28,960 | |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections. | Bachelor | $28,236 | $31,000 |
| Social Work. | Bachelor | $28,055 | $33,188 |
| Marketing. | Bachelor | $25,967 | |
| Psychology, General. | Bachelor | $25,194 | $31,000 |
The Risk Factor
30.2% of students at Alabama State 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 State University offers poor financial returns for most students, with median earnings of $34,502 ten years after graduation barely exceeding what many high school graduates earn without college debt.
Your best bet financially is rehabilitation and therapeutic professions, where graduates earn $77,872 annually. Teacher education programs show mixed results, with some graduates earning over $50,000 while others make just $34,526 despite similar debt loads around $32,000-$50,000. Business administration graduates earn $39,369 with $31,187 in debt, providing modest returns at best.
The 30% graduation rate presents your biggest financial risk. Seven out of ten students leave without a degree but often with substantial debt. The 60% retention rate means four out of ten freshmen don't even return for sophomore year, suggesting academic or financial struggles that could derail your investment early.
You face significant opportunity costs here. The median debt of $31,000 combined with below-average earnings means extended payback periods that delay wealth building. Most graduates will struggle to justify the time and money invested compared to entering the workforce directly or attending a higher-performing institution.
Alabama State works financially only if you plan to major in rehabilitation professions or can secure substantial financial aid that reduces your net price well below $13,889. The 72% of students receiving aid suggests generous need-based assistance, but merit opportunities appear limited given the overall student outcomes.
If you're considering teaching in Alabama, factor in the state's low educator salaries when evaluating the education programs. Look elsewhere if you want stronger career prospects, higher graduation rates, or better alumni earning potential.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Alabama State University worth the cost?
Alabama State University's value depends heavily on your major choice. With median earnings of $34,502 ten years after graduation and typical debt of $31,000, the return is weak for most programs except rehabilitation therapy, which pays around $77,000.
What are the best paying majors at Alabama State University?
Rehabilitation and therapeutic professions offer the strongest return at Alabama State University, with graduates earning around $77,000 annually. Teacher education programs pay about $50,000, while business graduates typically earn $39,000.
Is Alabama State University a good financial investment?
Alabama State University presents high financial risk with a 30% graduation rate and modest post-graduation earnings. The $31,000 median debt load is concerning given that most graduates earn less than $40,000 annually.
How much debt do Alabama State University graduates have?
Alabama State University graduates carry a median debt of $31,000. With average earnings of $34,502 after ten years, this debt burden represents nearly a full year's salary for typical graduates.