Business/Commerce at Faulkner University

Faulkner's business program sits squarely in the middle of Alabama's options, matching the state median debt of $27,660 while producing earnings slightly below the state median at $44,785. That places graduates in the 40th percentile among Alabama business programs—not alarming, but worth noting that several in-state alternatives deliver stronger outcomes. University of South Alabama and Troy University, both public institutions, show notably higher earnings with similar or lower debt loads.

The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.62 is reasonable, meaning graduates earn roughly $1.60 for every dollar borrowed. With nearly half of students receiving Pell grants, this accessibility matters. However, first-year earnings trail the national median by about $2,700, and you're paying private school debt levels for outcomes that don't quite match what state flagships deliver. The 100+ graduate sample size makes these numbers reliable.

For families prioritizing a private Christian education, Faulkner delivers manageable debt. But from a pure return-on-investment standpoint, your child would likely be better served by the public alternatives in Alabama. The earnings gap between Faulkner and University of South Alabama—nearly $6,000 annually—compounds quickly over a career and could easily justify the different campus experience.