At $23,351/yr net price, Birmingham-Southern College graduates earn $59,481/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $25,481/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $23,351 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $93,404 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $59,481/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$25,481/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 3.7 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 64.2% |
| 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 | $19,562/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $20,562/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $21,634/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $22,894/yr |
| $110,001+ | $25,419/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Bachelor | $33,993 | $26,000 |
| Psychology, General. | Bachelor | $26,933 | $24,857 |
The Risk Factor
64.2% of students at Birmingham-Southern College graduate within 6 years. A significant share of students finish, but roughly 36% do not complete their degree.
Analysis
Birmingham-Southern College presents a financially risky proposition with below-average returns across most measures. Your median post-graduation earnings of $59,481 create a tight margin against the $23,351 annual net price, especially concerning given the 64% graduation rate means over one-third of students leave without a degree.
The school's program-specific data reveals troubling patterns. Business administration graduates earn just $33,993 annually while carrying $26,000 in debt, creating a debt-to-income ratio that signals financial stress. Psychology majors face even worse outcomes at $26,933 in earnings with nearly $25,000 in debt. These numbers fall well below national averages for similar programs at comparable institutions.
Your financial risk extends beyond poor earnings outcomes. The 63% retention rate indicates academic or financial struggles cause many students to transfer or drop out, often with debt but no degree. The relatively low 22.56% of students receiving aid suggests limited institutional grant money, forcing many families to rely heavily on loans.
Birmingham-Southern might work financially if you secure substantial merit aid that reduces your net price below $15,000 annually, or if you plan to pursue graduate school where the specific undergraduate institution matters less than your academic preparation. The school could also make sense for students with guaranteed family employment or those pursuing careers where alumni networks in Alabama provide significant advantages.
For most students, particularly those needing strong financial returns or considering the highlighted business and psychology programs, you should explore public universities or private colleges with better earnings outcomes and graduation rates.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Birmingham-Southern College worth the cost?
Birmingham-Southern College's graduates earn a median of $59,481 ten years after graduation, which is modest given the $23,351 annual net price. With a 64% graduation rate and $25,000 median debt, the return on investment is mixed depending on your field of study.
Which Birmingham-Southern College programs have the best ROI?
Business Administration programs at Birmingham-Southern show stronger earnings potential at $33,993 compared to Psychology graduates who earn $26,933. The business programs offer better financial returns relative to the cost of attendance.
How much debt do Birmingham-Southern College graduates typically have?
Birmingham-Southern graduates carry a median debt of $25,000, which is manageable compared to many private colleges. However, this debt load may be challenging for graduates in lower-paying fields like psychology.
What is the graduation rate at Birmingham-Southern College?
Birmingham-Southern College has a 64% graduation rate, meaning about one-third of students don't finish their degree. This completion rate is a significant risk factor when considering the college's cost and potential return on investment.