Median Earnings (1yr)
$26,504
13th percentile (40th in AL)
Median Debt
$25,500
At national median
Debt-to-Earnings
0.96
Manageable
Sample Size
24
Limited data

Analysis

Alabama A&M's psychology program shows an earnings trajectory that initially trails peers but catches up significantly over time. While first-year earnings of $26,504 rank in just the 13th percentile nationally, by year four graduates reach $41,597—a 57% increase that surpasses both the national and Alabama medians. This upward climb is noteworthy, though the small sample size (under 30 graduates) means individual career paths heavily influence these figures.

The debt picture is manageable relative to earnings potential. At $25,500, graduates carry median debt for psychology programs nationwide, resulting in a debt-to-earnings ratio under 1.0. That's the good news. The challenge is the starting salary: $26,504 makes those first few years of repayment tight, even though earnings improve substantially by year four. Within Alabama, this program ranks at the 40th percentile—middle of the pack—with top performers like Athens State producing graduates earning $8,000 more initially.

For families considering this program, the key question is whether their child can weather lower starting salaries with the university's strong support systems (64% of students receive Pell grants, suggesting robust financial aid). The earnings growth is real and substantial, but it requires patience. If your child has other in-state options with stronger initial placement, they're worth comparing closely.

Where Alabama A & M University Stands

Earnings vs. debt across all psychology bachelors's programs nationally

Alabama A & M UniversityOther psychology programs

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 $27k, placing them in the 13th percentile of all psychology bachelors programs nationally.

Earnings Over Time

How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation

Earnings trajectories vary significantly. Some programs show strong early returns that plateau; others start lower but accelerate. Consider where you want to be at year 4, not just year 1.

Compare to Similar Programs in Alabama

Psychology bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Alabama (24 total in state)

SchoolEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
Alabama A & M University$26,504$41,597$25,5000.96
Athens State University$34,324$32,271$27,0000.79
Troy University$31,479$35,956$31,2070.99
Auburn University at Montgomery$30,538$40,311$26,8000.88
University of Alabama at Birmingham$30,132$37,691$27,0000.90
The University of Alabama$29,245$39,261$25,0000.85
National Median$31,482—$25,5000.81

Other Psychology Programs in Alabama

Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Alabama schools

SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Debt
Athens State University
Athens
—$34,324$27,000
Troy University
Troy
$9,792$31,479$31,207
Auburn University at Montgomery
Montgomery
$9,436$30,538$26,800
University of Alabama at Birmingham
Birmingham
$8,832$30,132$27,000
The University of Alabama
Tuscaloosa
$11,900$29,245$25,000

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 24 graduates with reported earnings and 37 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.