Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $50,273/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$16,273/yr |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $18,051 |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Computer and Information Sciences, General. | Bachelor | $61,020 | $22,750 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Bachelor | $41,406 | $20,834 |
| Business, Management, Marketing, and Related Support Services, Other. | Bachelor | $41,193 | $20,320 |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Bachelor | $41,087 | $22,073 |
| Mathematics. | Bachelor | $40,281 | |
| Special Education and Teaching. | Bachelor | $38,289 | $23,144 |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections. | Bachelor | $38,289 | |
| Human Resources Management and Services. | Bachelor | $37,208 | $22,940 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas. | Bachelor | $36,745 | $22,366 |
| Social Sciences, General. | Bachelor | $35,416 |
Analysis
Athens State University gives you a modest but stable financial return. Median debt sits around $18,000 against median earnings near $50,000 ten years out, so you graduate owing less than one year's pay. That ratio protects you from the debt traps that sink graduates at pricier schools.
Computer and Information Sciences is the clear winner here. It pays roughly $20,000 more per year than any other program on the list, and while the debt runs a bit higher at about $23,000, the extra earnings cover that gap fast. If you can handle the coursework, this is the major that makes the school worth it.
The business and accounting programs cluster tightly around $41,000, and they carry debt loads of $20,000 to $22,000. That is a weak trade. You take on nearly as much debt as the CS majors but earn about a third less. Mathematics lands at the bottom of the earnings list with no obvious payoff to offset it.
The specific risk here is picking business or accounting expecting a strong return and getting a middling one. These are the school's popular majors, and their salaries barely clear the school-wide median while their debt sits above it. North Alabama's job market anchors these numbers, so a degree that travels poorly outside the region compounds the problem.
This school fits you if you want a low-debt path and are drawn to computing. The price stays affordable enough that a four-year degree here rarely leaves you overextended. Look elsewhere if you plan to major in business or accounting and are counting on a salary that justifies the borrowing. At lower incomes, the reduced net price makes even the modest-earning majors defensible. at higher incomes paying closer to full cost, only the CS return clearly earns back the outlay.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Athens State University worth the cost?
Athens State University graduates earn $50,273 annually 10 years after graduation with typical debt of $18,051, making it a reasonable value for Alabama students. The relatively low debt burden helps offset below-average earnings compared to national standards.
What are the highest paying majors at Athens State University?
Computer and Information Sciences leads Athens State's earnings at $61,020 annually, while business-related programs cluster around $41,000. Math graduates earn $40,281, showing a clear advantage for technology fields at this school.
How much student debt do Athens State University graduates have?
Athens State University graduates typically leave with $18,051 in debt, which is manageable compared to many four-year schools. This lower debt load makes the school's moderate earnings more financially viable for graduates.
Does Athens State University have good financial aid?
The relatively low median debt of $18,051 suggests Athens State provides adequate financial aid or attracts students who can afford most costs upfront. However, the school's moderate post-graduation earnings mean students should still borrow carefully.