University of Montevallo
University of Montevallo — Earnings vs Cost (vs National Average)
University of Montevallo at a Glance
The University of Montevallo is a public university in Montevallo, Alabama. Founded on October 12, 1896, the university is Alabama's only public liberal arts college and a member of the Council of Public Liberal Arts Colleges. The University of Montevallo Historic District was established on campus in 1979. The school is located in a rural area in central Alabama.
1896
130 years old
2,600
160 acres
Identity
Is University of Montevallo Worth It?
At a value score of 31/100, University of Montevallo is a below-average value relative to its cost. Graduates earn $42,957 — 20% below average — while paying $17,683/year. Consider alternatives with better earnings-to-cost ratios.
The investment pays for itself in just 1.6 years — among the fastest payback periods of any college we track.
A 52% graduation rate is a serious red flag — fewer than 5 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 $24,000 representing 56% 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 University of Montevallo has outcomes that justify the cost — the institution-wide numbers suggest caution.
How University of Montevallo compares to peer public colleges of similar tier nationally
Ranked #64 of 99 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 | Chipola College | 100 | $1,133 | $37,378 |
| #2 | South Florida State College | 100 | $3,877 | $39,990 |
| #3 | Brazosport College | 100 | $4,732 | $45,910 |
| #4 | College of the Mainland | 100 | $1,342 | $39,639 |
| #5 | Florida Gateway College | 97 | $5,364 | $37,894 |
| #6 | West Virginia University at Parkersburg | 97 | $1,807 | $35,171 |
| #64 | University of Montevallo | 31 | $17,683 | $42,957 |
Peer group: public colleges within ±60% of University of Montevallo's student body size and within a similar academic tier (SAT ±80, admit rate ±10pp, median earnings ±25%).
Best Programs at University of Montevallo
The highest-earning program at University of Montevallo is Accounting and Related Services at $41,300/year (4 years after graduation). The lowest is English Language and Literature, General at $19,800/year.
Your major matters more than the school name — a Accounting and Related Services graduate from University of Montevallo earns $41,300, while a English Language and Literature, General 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: Accounting and Related Services graduates carry $27,000 in median debt vs. $24,750 for English Language and Literature, General.
Return on Investment
Estimated 4-Year Cost
Based on $17,683/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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Accounting and Related Services | $41,300 | $41,300 | $27,000 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods | $34,900 | $34,900 | $26,000 |
| Social Work | $30,100 | $30,100 | $25,000 |
| Health and Physical Education/Fitness | $29,300 | $29,300 | $22,912 |
| Psychology, General | $23,800 | $23,800 | $24,108 |
| Fine and Studio Arts | $21,600 | $21,600 | $26,300 |
| Radio, Television, and Digital Communication | $21,000 | $21,000 | $26,500 |
| English Language and Literature, General | $19,800 | $19,800 | $24,750 |
Similar Colleges in AL
Quick Facts
- Institution Type
- public
- Location
- Montevallo, AL
- Student Body
- 2,151 students
- Admission Rate
- 54%
- Graduation Rate
- 52%
- Net Price (Annual)
- $17,683
- Median Earnings (10yr)
- $42,957
- Median Student Debt
- $24,000