At $14,596/yr net price, Auburn University at Montgomery graduates earn $44,391/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $10,391/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $14,596 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $58,384 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $44,391/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$10,391/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 5.6 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 35.7% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $25,000 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $12,999/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $13,645/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $16,689/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $18,249/yr |
| $110,001+ | $16,075/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Educational Administration and Supervision. | Master | $63,997 | $27,373 |
| Business/Commerce, General. | Master | $56,641 | |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Bachelor | $53,269 | $17,245 |
| Public Administration. | Master | $47,260 | |
| Special Education and Teaching. | Master | $46,478 | |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. | Master | $46,087 | $30,750 |
| Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research and Allied Professions. | Bachelor | $45,314 | $25,000 |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections. | Bachelor | $43,426 | $24,418 |
| Business/Commerce, General. | Bachelor | $41,937 | |
| Finance and Financial Management Services. | Bachelor | $41,193 |
The Risk Factor
35.7% of students at Auburn University at Montgomery 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
Auburn University at Montgomery offers weak financial returns for most students, with median earnings barely exceeding twice the annual cost and a troubling 35% graduation rate that puts your investment at serious risk.
Your major choice determines everything at AUM. Educational Administration graduates earn $64,000 annually, making the $27,000 debt load manageable. Nursing provides solid returns at $53,000 with lower debt of $17,000, while Business graduates reach $57,000. These three programs justify the cost.
The graduation rate creates the biggest financial risk. Two-thirds of students never finish, leaving them with debt but no degree. The 66% retention rate means many students struggle from year one. If you're not academically prepared or lack strong study habits, you're gambling with borrowed money at poor odds.
AUM works financially if you're pursuing Education, Nursing, or Business and can handle college-level work confidently. The low net price of $14,596 makes it affordable for Alabama residents seeking practical career training. Local students benefit from staying home while earning degrees that connect to Montgomery's government and healthcare job market.
Skip AUM if you need a high-support environment to succeed academically or want prestige that opens doors nationally. The low graduation and retention rates signal systemic challenges with student success. Consider community college first if you're unsure about your readiness, then transfer once you've proven you can handle coursework consistently.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Auburn University at Montgomery worth the cost?
Auburn University at Montgomery offers a relatively affordable education at $14,596 per year, but graduates earn only $44,391 after 10 years, which is below average for college graduates. The low 36% graduation rate means many students don't finish their degrees.
What are the best paying majors at Auburn University at Montgomery?
Educational Administration pays the highest at $64,000, followed by general business at $56,641 and nursing at $53,269. These programs offer better returns than the school average, though still modest compared to other universities.
How much debt do Auburn University at Montgomery students graduate with?
Median student debt is $25,000, which is manageable given the low tuition costs. However, with starting salaries around $44,000, debt payments could strain budgets for the first few years after graduation.
Does Auburn University at Montgomery have good job placement?
The 36% graduation rate suggests many students struggle to complete their programs, which raises concerns about academic support and job preparation. The school's 92% acceptance rate indicates low selectivity, which can impact employer perception and networking opportunities.