Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering at Alabama A & M University

Alabama A&M's electrical engineering program lands near the middle of the pack in Alabama but significantly below the national median—earning about $5,500 less than typical programs nationwide in the first year. While ranking 40th percentile statewide might sound mediocre, it's worth noting you're graduating into one of the highest-paying entry-level fields available, with $72,000 right out of school. The debt load of $35,000 is actually above the Alabama median but still results in a manageable debt-to-earnings ratio under 0.5, meaning graduates can realistically pay off loans within a few years if they prioritize it.

The concerning trend here is the minimal earnings growth—just 5% over four years when many engineering careers see steeper trajectories. Your child will be competing for the same positions as graduates from UAH and Alabama who are earning $6,000-9,000 more annually, which compounds over a career. However, with 64% of students receiving Pell grants, this program clearly serves as an access point to engineering careers for students who might not otherwise have that opportunity.

If your child has admission offers from UAH or Alabama's main campus, the earnings data suggests those are stronger bets. But if Alabama A&M is the most realistic path to an engineering degree—whether due to finances, admissions, or fit—it still delivers a viable career launching point with reasonable debt.