Alabama State University
Alabama State University — Earnings vs Cost (vs National Average)
Is Alabama State University Worth It?
At a value score of 13/100, Alabama State University is a below-average value relative to its cost. Graduates earn $34,502 — 36% below average — while paying $20,435/year. Consider alternatives with better earnings-to-cost ratios.
With a 2.4-year payback period, most graduates recoup their total cost of attendance relatively quickly.
A 30% graduation rate is a serious red flag — fewer than 3 in 10 students finish. Those who don't graduate may still carry student debt without the higher-earning credential to show for it.
With a 98% acceptance rate, admission is essentially open — the question isn't whether you'll get in, but whether the investment will pay off.
With median debt of $31,000 representing 90% of first-year earnings, loan repayment will be a significant burden for most graduates.
Bottom line: consider whether the specific program you're interested in at Alabama State University has outcomes that justify the cost — the institution-wide numbers suggest caution.
How Alabama State University compares to peer public colleges of similar tier nationally
Ranked #69 of 72 on value score. Peers are matched by size, median earnings, SAT, and admission rate — not just geography.
| Rank | College | Value | Net price / yr | Median earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | South Florida State College | 100 | $3,877 | $39,990 |
| #2 | College of the Mainland | 100 | $1,342 | $39,639 |
| #3 | Florida Gateway College | 97 | $5,364 | $37,894 |
| #4 | West Virginia University at Parkersburg | 97 | $1,807 | $35,171 |
| #5 | Taft College | 96 | $2,823 | $38,861 |
| #6 | Gulf Coast State College | 90 | $4,709 | $38,359 |
| #69 | Alabama State University | 13 | $20,435 | $34,502 |
Peer group: public colleges within ±60% of Alabama State University's student body size and within a similar academic tier (SAT ±80, admit rate ±10pp, median earnings ±25%).
Best Programs at Alabama State University
The highest-earning program at Alabama State University is Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods at $35,700/year (4 years after graduation). The lowest is Communication and Media Studies at $20,700/year.
Your major matters more than the school name — a Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods graduate from Alabama State University earns $35,700, while a Communication and Media Studies graduate earns $20,700. Choose your program carefully — it's the single biggest lever you control.
Debt also varies by program: Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods graduates carry $35,407 in median debt vs. $31,000 for Communication and Media Studies.
Return on Investment
Estimated 4-Year Cost
Based on $20,435/yr net price × 4 years
Earnings Premium
vs. national average of $53,787/yr
Payback Period
Time to recoup the total cost through higher earnings
10-Year Net Gain
Median earnings over 10 years minus total cost of attendance
Programs & Earnings by Major
Graduate earnings data by field of study (4 years after graduation):
| Major | Earnings (4yr) | Earnings (1yr) | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods | $35,700 | $35,700 | $35,407 |
| Social Work | $29,800 | $29,800 | $35,125 |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections | $27,000 | $27,000 | $32,625 |
| Information Science/Studies | $25,500 | $25,500 | $32,615 |
| Psychology, General | $24,000 | $24,000 | $31,194 |
| Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions | $21,600 | $21,600 | $33,000 |
| Biology, General | $21,000 | $21,000 | $32,149 |
| Communication and Media Studies | $20,700 | $20,700 | $31,000 |
Similar Colleges in AL
Quick Facts
- Institution Type
- public
- Location
- Montgomery, AL
- Student Body
- 3,477 students
- Admission Rate
- 98%
- Graduation Rate
- 30%
- Net Price (Annual)
- $20,435
- Median Earnings (10yr)
- $34,502
- Median Student Debt
- $31,000