Student Outcomes
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 27.0%
- Median Earnings (10 years after entry)
- $36,597
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $11,000
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 21:1
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 37.3%
- Estimated Monthly Loan Payment
- $117/mo
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Associate | $48,752 | $9,750 |
| Heavy/Industrial Equipment Maintenance Technologies. | Associate | $48,041 | |
| Precision Metal Working. | Associate | $42,682 | |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Associate | $33,007 | |
| Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants. | Associate | $30,409 | |
| Business Operations Support and Assistant Services. | Associate | $22,420 | |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | Associate | $19,891 | $6,500 |
| Human Development, Family Studies, and Related Services. | Associate | $16,786 | |
| Cosmetology and Related Personal Grooming Services. | Associate | $15,552 |
Outcomes Overview
Southern Union graduates carry a median debt of $11,000, creating a manageable debt-to-earnings ratio of 30% when measured against their $36,597 median income after 10 years. Monthly loan payments of $117 represent just 3.7% of typical graduate income, well below the recommended 10% threshold for student debt. The college's strong employment rate of 92.9% reflects its focus on career and technical training programs that prepare students for immediate workforce entry. Many graduates enter healthcare support, skilled trades, and manufacturing roles common in rural Alabama's economy. The combination of low debt burden, strong employment outcomes, and affordable monthly payments creates a strong return on investment for career-focused students.