Marketing at Alabama A & M University
Bachelor's Degree
Analysis
The small sample size here demands caution, but the available numbers tell a troubling story. Marketing graduates from Alabama A&M earn $25,945 their first year—less than half the national median of $44,728 and 36% below even Alabama's state median of $40,225. Among Alabama's 16 marketing programs, this ranks in just the 10th percentile. Meanwhile, graduates carry $29,000 in debt, above both state and national averages, creating a debt load that exceeds their first-year earnings.
To put this in perspective: The University of Alabama's marketing graduates start at $48,879, nearly double what Alabama A&M graduates earn, despite Alabama A&M graduates carrying more debt. Even accounting for Alabama A&M's mission serving students from lower-income backgrounds (64% receive Pell grants), these outcomes suggest graduates may struggle with loan repayment while earning below-poverty-level wages.
With fewer than 30 graduates in this cohort, these figures could shift dramatically year-to-year and may not represent the typical outcome. However, given the significant earnings gap compared to every other marketing program in the state and the debt burden involved, families should look closely at alternative pathways—whether that's a different major at Alabama A&M with stronger outcomes, or a marketing program at another Alabama school where graduates earn substantially more.
Where Alabama A & M University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all marketing bachelors's programs nationally
Programs in the upper-left quadrant (high earnings, low debt) offer the best value. Programs in the lower-right quadrant warrant careful consideration.
Earnings Distribution
How Alabama A & M University graduates compare to all programs nationally
Alabama A & M University graduates earn $26k, placing them in the 5th percentile of all marketing bachelors programs nationally.
Compare to Similar Programs in Alabama
Marketing bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Alabama (16 total in state)
| School | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama A & M University | $25,945 | — | $29,000 | 1.12 |
| The University of Alabama | $48,879 | $65,054 | $23,071 | 0.47 |
| Samford University | $47,565 | $47,133 | $18,000 | 0.38 |
| Auburn University | $45,460 | $56,959 | $20,500 | 0.45 |
| University of North Alabama | $40,470 | $52,250 | $21,500 | 0.53 |
| University of Alabama in Huntsville | $40,225 | — | $23,000 | 0.57 |
| National Median | $44,728 | — | $24,267 | 0.54 |
Other Marketing Programs in Alabama
Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Alabama schools
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| The University of Alabama Tuscaloosa | $11,900 | $48,879 | $23,071 |
| Samford University Birmingham | $38,144 | $47,565 | $18,000 |
| Auburn University Auburn | $12,536 | $45,460 | $20,500 |
| University of North Alabama Florence | $11,990 | $40,470 | $21,500 |
| University of Alabama in Huntsville Huntsville | $11,770 | $40,225 | $23,000 |
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.
Sample Size: Based on 20 graduates with reported earnings and 19 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.