At $13,869/yr net price, Troy University graduates earn $42,062/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $8,062/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $13,869 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $55,476 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $42,062/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$8,062/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 6.9 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 46.8% |
| 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 | $12,718/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $12,632/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $15,109/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $15,553/yr |
| $110,001+ | $14,278/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Master | $91,389 | $41,000 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $58,549 | $35,797 |
| Educational Administration and Supervision. | Master | $55,512 | |
| Public Administration. | Master | $55,102 | $44,295 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Bachelor | $54,382 | $21,625 |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Master | $53,775 | $20,500 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Associate | $51,273 | $20,417 |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections. | Master | $50,606 | $47,711 |
| Computer and Information Sciences, General. | Bachelor | $49,136 | $25,000 |
| Human Resources Management and Services. | Master | $46,321 | $36,771 |
The Risk Factor
46.8% of students at Troy University graduate within 6 years. More than half of students finish, but the dropout rate is a real factor in whether this investment pays off.
Analysis
Troy University delivers mixed financial returns, with strong outcomes for nursing and business students but significant graduation rate concerns that create risk for your investment.
Nursing programs stand out as clear winners, with registered nursing graduates earning $91,389 annually despite $41,000 in debt. Even the lower-earning nursing track produces $54,382 salaries with just $21,625 in debt. Business administration graduates earn $58,549 with moderate debt of $35,797, making it another solid choice. These programs justify the investment through strong regional healthcare and business demand in Alabama.
The 47% graduation rate poses the biggest financial threat. Nearly half of students leave without degrees, meaning you face substantial risk of paying for education you never complete. The 73% retention rate suggests many students struggle in their second year.
Public administration and educational administration programs carry concerning debt-to-income ratios. Public administration saddles you with $44,295 in debt for $55,102 in earnings, creating a tight financial squeeze early in your career.
Troy works financially if you target nursing or business programs and have strong academic preparation to avoid the graduation rate trap. The $13,869 net price keeps costs reasonable for students who finish. Alabama residents benefit most from the low in-state pricing.
Avoid Troy if you need extensive academic support or are considering lower-earning majors. The combination of moderate completion rates and limited high-earning programs outside nursing and business creates financial risk. Students with stronger academic records should consider universities with higher graduation rates to protect their investment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Troy University worth the cost?
Troy University offers decent value with a low net price of $13,869 annually and manageable debt of $25,000. However, the 47% graduation rate and $42,062 median earnings after 10 years suggest many students struggle to complete their programs or see strong financial returns.
What are the best paying majors at Troy University?
Nursing programs at Troy University lead to the highest earnings, with some graduates earning over $90,000. Business administration and education administration also show solid returns around $55,000-$58,000.
How much debt do Troy University graduates have?
Troy University graduates have a median debt of $25,000, which is reasonable compared to the national average. With 10-year earnings of $42,062, graduates typically face manageable debt-to-income ratios if they complete their degrees.
What is Troy University's graduation rate and does it affect ROI?
Troy University has a 47% graduation rate, meaning more than half of students don't finish their degrees. This significantly impacts ROI since students who don't graduate still carry debt but miss out on the earnings boost that comes with a completed degree.