Tuskegee University
Tuskegee University — Earnings vs Cost (vs National Average)
Is Tuskegee University Worth It?
At a value score of 20/100, Tuskegee University is a below-average value relative to its cost. Graduates earn $49,641 — 8% below average — while paying $35,013/year. Consider alternatives with better earnings-to-cost ratios.
With a 2.8-year payback period, most graduates recoup their total cost of attendance relatively quickly.
A 56% graduation rate is a serious red flag — fewer than 6 in 10 students finish. Those who don't graduate may still carry student debt without the higher-earning credential to show for it.
With median debt of $27,000 representing 54% 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 Tuskegee University has outcomes that justify the cost — the institution-wide numbers suggest caution.
How Tuskegee University compares to peer private nonprofit colleges of similar tier nationally
Ranked #28 of 39 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 | Bob Jones University | 45 | $16,641 | $44,354 |
| #2 | St. Francis College | 43 | $18,129 | $58,099 |
| #3 | Alma College | 42 | $20,694 | $54,742 |
| #4 | Brigham Young University-Hawaii | 42 | $16,774 | $52,064 |
| #5 | Walla Walla University | 41 | $23,329 | $61,885 |
| #6 | Ohio Wesleyan University | 40 | $20,897 | $55,624 |
| #28 | Tuskegee University | 20 | $35,013 | $49,641 |
Peer group: private nonprofit colleges within ±60% of Tuskegee University's student body size and within a similar academic tier (SAT ±80, admit rate ±10pp, median earnings ±25%). 1 in AL.
Best Programs at Tuskegee University
The highest-earning program at Tuskegee University is Chemical Engineering at $67,200/year (4 years after graduation). The lowest is Animal Sciences at $19,800/year.
Your major matters more than the school name — a Chemical Engineering graduate from Tuskegee University earns $67,200, while a Animal Sciences graduate earns $19,800. That's more than a 2× difference from the same institution. Choose your program carefully — it's the single biggest lever you control.
Debt also varies by program: Chemical Engineering graduates carry $31,875 in median debt vs. $34,995 for Animal Sciences.
Return on Investment
Estimated 4-Year Cost
Based on $35,013/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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chemical Engineering | $67,200 | $67,200 | $31,875 |
| Mechanical Engineering | $65,300 | $65,300 | $31,287 |
| Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering | $64,600 | $64,600 | $36,000 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing | $58,100 | $58,100 | $35,750 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations | $50,100 | $50,100 | $27,750 |
| Aerospace, Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering | $48,000 | $48,000 | $30,750 |
| General Sales, Merchandising and Related Marketing Operations | $42,700 | $42,700 | $27,250 |
| Biology, General | $27,300 | $27,300 | $31,000 |
| Psychology, General | $21,700 | $21,700 | $35,891 |
| Animal Sciences | $19,800 | $19,800 | $34,995 |
Similar Colleges in AL
Quick Facts
- Institution Type
- private
- Location
- Tuskegee, AL
- Student Body
- 2,630 students
- Admission Rate
- 49%
- Graduation Rate
- 56%
- Net Price (Annual)
- $35,013
- Median Earnings (10yr)
- $49,641
- Median Student Debt
- $27,000