At $13,832/yr net price, University of West Alabama graduates earn $44,232/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $10,232/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $13,832 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $55,328 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $44,232/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$10,232/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 5.4 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 38.0% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $24,944 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $13,773/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $12,806/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $14,480/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $16,763/yr |
| $110,001+ | $16,755/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Educational Administration and Supervision. | Master | $61,681 | $27,333 |
| Student Counseling and Personnel Services. | Master | $53,942 | $38,666 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Associate | $52,107 | $20,750 |
| Special Education and Teaching. | Master | $48,510 | $34,166 |
| Educational/Instructional Media Design. | Master | $47,260 | $27,333 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas. | Master | $46,380 | $27,333 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. | Master | $46,261 | $27,334 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas. | Bachelor | $37,054 | |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Bachelor | $34,847 | $30,875 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. | Bachelor | $32,711 |
The Risk Factor
38.0% of students at University of West Alabama 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
University of West Alabama offers weak returns for most students, with median earnings of $44,232 ten years after graduation falling well short of what you need to justify the costs. The 38% graduation rate means six out of ten students leave without degrees, often carrying debt with no credential to show for it.
Your best financial bet lies in specific education-focused programs. Educational Administration pays $61,681 annually with manageable debt of $27,333, while nursing graduates earn $52,107 with the lowest debt load at $20,750. Special education and student counseling also deliver solid returns, though counseling comes with higher debt at $38,666. These programs work because Alabama's rural education sector and healthcare facilities actively hire UWA graduates.
Skip this school if you plan to major in anything outside education or healthcare. The data shows other programs struggle to generate decent returns in Alabama's limited job market. The 60% retention rate signals many students realize early that UWA may not serve their goals.
You face significant risk of leaving without a degree. Consider UWA only if you commit fully to education or nursing, have strong study habits, and plan to work in Alabama after graduation. The low graduation rate means academic support will be important to your success.
UWA works best for Alabama residents pursuing teaching or nursing careers who want to stay in-state. Look elsewhere if you need broader career options, higher earning potential, or plan to work outside Alabama's rural job market.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is University of West Alabama worth the cost for the return on investment?
University of West Alabama offers a mixed ROI with graduates earning $44,232 after 10 years against median debt of $24,944. The low graduation rate of 38% means many students accumulate debt without finishing their degree.
What programs at University of West Alabama have the best job prospects and salary potential?
Educational Administration leads UWA's salary outcomes at $61,681, followed by Student Counseling at $53,942 and Nursing at $52,107. These programs significantly outperform the overall graduate average of $44,232.
How much student debt do University of West Alabama graduates typically have?
UWA graduates carry a median debt of $24,944, which is manageable relative to the national average. However, the 38% graduation rate means many students may accumulate debt without completing their degree.
Should I attend University of West Alabama if I'm concerned about financial outcomes?
UWA works best for students pursuing education or nursing programs, which offer stronger salary potential. Students in other majors face below-average earnings and significant completion risk given the low graduation rate.