Analysis
A debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.40 suggests manageable finances—peer programs nationally show graduates earning roughly $60,000 in their first year while carrying debt under $24,000. That's a reasonable starting point for a technical bachelor's degree, particularly at an HBCU serving a predominantly Pell-eligible student body. The financial picture here depends heavily on whether similar programs actually translate into stable manufacturing or production management roles, which can vary significantly by region and industry connections.
The challenge is that with only two schools offering this bachelor's-level program in Alabama and no local data to compare, you're operating on national averages that may not reflect Alabama A&M's specific outcomes. Industrial production is a field where employer relationships and internship pipelines matter enormously—some programs lead directly to plant management tracks at major manufacturers, while others struggle with placement. The national benchmarks suggest the field supports decent entry-level salaries, but without knowing this program's actual job placement rates or which employers recruit from campus, that $60,000 figure is more hypothesis than evidence.
Before committing, contact the department directly and ask for specifics: Where do recent graduates work? What companies recruit on campus? Are internships guaranteed or optional? The estimated numbers suggest this could be solid preparation for manufacturing careers, but you need concrete evidence that Alabama A&M's version of this program actually delivers those connections.
Where Alabama A & M University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all industrial production technologies/technicians bachelors's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs Nationally
Industrial Production Technologies/Technicians bachelors's programs at top institutions nationally
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $10,024 | $59,823* | — | $23,874* | — | |
| $4,656 | $85,411* | — | —* | — | |
| $8,690 | $84,746* | $80,134 | $37,672* | 0.44 | |
| $11,075 | $78,938* | — | $18,250* | 0.23 | |
| $13,630 | $78,820* | $81,758 | $24,250* | 0.31 | |
| $9,992 | $78,215* | — | $20,500* | 0.26 | |
| National Median | — | $59,822* | — | $24,250* | 0.41 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with industrial production technologies/technicians graduates
Electrical and Electronic Engineering Technologists and Technicians
Industrial Engineering Technologists and Technicians
Nanotechnology Engineering Technologists and Technicians
Semiconductor Processing Technicians
Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers
Engineering Technologists and Technicians, Except Drafters, All Other
Non-Destructive Testing Specialists
Photonics Technicians
About This Data
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (October 2025 release)
Population: Graduates who received federal financial aid (Title IV grants or loans). At Alabama A & M University, approximately 64% of students receive Pell grants. Students who did not receive federal aid are not included in these figures.
Earnings: Median earnings from IRS W-2 data for graduates who are employed and not enrolled in further education, measured 1 year after completion. Earnings are pre-tax and include wages, salaries, and self-employment income.
Debt: Median cumulative federal loan debt at graduation. Does not include private loans or Parent PLUS loans borrowed on behalf of students.
Estimated Earnings: Actual earnings data is not available for this program (typically due to privacy thresholds when fewer than 30 graduates reported earnings). The estimate shown is based on the national median of 48 similar programs. Actual outcomes may vary.