At $17,053/yr net price, University of Montevallo graduates earn $42,957/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $8,957/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $17,053 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $68,212 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $42,957/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$8,957/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 7.6 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 49.4% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $24,000 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $13,806/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $14,642/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $18,414/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $20,102/yr |
| $110,001+ | $20,529/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Communication Disorders Sciences and Services. | Master | $56,157 | |
| Education, General. | Doctoral | $53,984 | |
| Educational Administration and Supervision. | Master | $52,733 | |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Bachelor | $44,933 | |
| Finance and Financial Management Services. | Bachelor | $44,384 | |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. | Master | $42,249 | $41,000 |
| Marketing. | Bachelor | $37,208 | |
| Student Counseling and Personnel Services. | Master | $37,088 | $51,000 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. | Bachelor | $34,872 | $24,500 |
| Biology, General. | Bachelor | $32,569 |
The Risk Factor
49.4% of students at University of Montevallo 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
University of Montevallo delivers weak ROI with median earnings of just $42,957 ten years after graduation, barely double the $17,053 annual net price. The 49% graduation rate means half of students never finish their degree, making this a high-risk investment.
Your best financial bets are communication disorders ($56,157), education ($53,984), and accounting ($44,933). These programs align well with Alabama's job market, particularly the growing demand for speech therapists and teachers. Business and finance programs produce modest returns around $44,000, while most other majors leave graduates earning closer to the state median.
The biggest financial risk is the dropout rate. With nearly 30% of students leaving after freshman year and only half eventually graduating, you face real odds of paying for college without earning a degree. The $24,000 median debt load is manageable if you graduate in a strong program, but devastating if you drop out.
Montevallo makes financial sense if you plan to teach or work in healthcare in Alabama, where the cost of living keeps the modest salaries workable. The school also offers merit scholarships that can reduce costs significantly for high-achieving students. However, if you want higher earning potential or plan to work in expensive markets, you should consider other options. The combination of low graduation rates and below-average earnings makes this school particularly risky for students who are unsure about their major or commitment to finishing college.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is University of Montevallo worth the cost?
University of Montevallo offers mixed value with graduates earning $42,957 after 10 years against $24,000 in median debt. The low graduation rate of 49% means half of students don't finish, making the investment risky for many.
What are the best paying majors at University of Montevallo?
Communication Disorders Sciences and Services leads at $56,157, followed by Education programs around $53,000. These programs offer better ROI than the school average, while business majors like Accounting and Finance earn in the mid-40s.
How much debt do University of Montevallo graduates typically have?
Graduates typically carry $24,000 in debt, which is manageable compared to the national average. However, the 49% graduation rate means many students may accumulate debt without completing their degree.
Does University of Montevallo have good financial aid?
With a net price of $17,053 per year, University of Montevallo is relatively affordable for a four-year university. The lower sticker price helps keep debt levels reasonable for students who complete their degrees.