Analysis
A bachelor's in business from Auburn Montgomery appears positioned in the middle tier of Alabama programs, with comparable programs in the state typically producing first-year earnings around $45,000. That's slightly below the national benchmark of $47,500, though earnings track upward to over $50,000 by the fourth year out. The estimated debt load of roughly $23,600 creates a manageable debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.52—meaning graduates would owe about half of what they'd make in their first year.
What works in this program's favor is the relatively modest borrowing combined with steady earnings growth. While some Alabama business programs like Strayer place graduates into higher-paying first jobs, those differences narrow over time, and Auburn Montgomery's lower estimated debt means graduates start with less financial drag. The school serves a substantial population of Pell-eligible students (43%), suggesting many families here need that manageable debt picture.
The challenge is that these figures come from peer programs rather than Auburn Montgomery's own outcomes, so there's inherent uncertainty about how this specific program performs. Still, the fundamentals—middling debt against solid middle-class earnings in a state where business degrees cluster in this range—suggest a workable value proposition for students planning to stay in Alabama's job market. Parents should verify current job placement support and alumni networks, since those relationships often matter as much as the degree itself in business fields.
Where Auburn University at Montgomery Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all business/commerce bachelors's programs nationally
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
| School | 1 Year | 4 Years | Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| Auburn University at Montgomery | — | $50,405 | — |
| Huntingdon College | $32,446 | $63,213 | +95% |
| Strayer University-Alabama | $55,431 | $59,763 | +8% |
| Troy University | $45,195 | $50,533 | +12% |
| University of South Alabama | $50,515 | $43,455 | -14% |
Compare to Similar Programs in Alabama
Business/Commerce bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Alabama (10 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $9,436 | $45,195* | $50,405 | $23,624* | — | |
| $13,920 | $55,431* | $59,763 | $56,517* | 1.02 | |
| $9,676 | $50,515* | $43,455 | $30,980* | 0.61 | |
| $9,792 | $45,195* | $50,533 | $26,500* | 0.59 | |
| $23,920 | $44,785* | — | $27,660* | 0.62 | |
| $28,650 | $32,446* | $63,213 | $27,000* | 0.83 | |
| National Median | — | $47,506* | — | $26,000* | 0.55 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with business/commerce graduates
Sales Managers
Industrial Production Managers
Quality Control Systems Managers
Geothermal Production Managers
Biofuels Production Managers
Biomass Power Plant Managers
Hydroelectric Production Managers
Construction Managers
Administrative Services Managers
Facilities Managers
Security Managers
Chief Executives
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 Auburn University at Montgomery, approximately 43% 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 median of 5 similar programs in AL. Actual outcomes may vary.