Business Administration, Management and Operations at Herzing University-Birmingham
Associate's Degree
Analysis
At nearly $39,000 in debt for an associate's degree that leads to $30,536 in first-year earnings, Herzing University-Birmingham's business management program carries significant financial risk. This debt load is higher than 95% of similar programs nationally, while earnings fall in just the 25th percentile among Alabama business programs—meaning three-quarters of comparable in-state options deliver better outcomes. The state's median for this degree is $40,178, a full $10,000 more than Herzing graduates earn initially.
The earnings trajectory shows some recovery, climbing 22% to $37,295 by year four, but this still leaves graduates well below what peers at other Alabama schools earn from day one. With a debt-to-earnings ratio of 1.27, graduates face debt exceeding their entire first year's salary—a burden that makes financial independence difficult in those crucial early years. For a student body where 64% receive Pell grants, this debt burden is particularly concerning.
Alabama families have notably better alternatives for business associate's degrees. When debt is this high relative to earnings potential, and both metrics lag far behind state averages, the financial math doesn't work in students' favor. This program appears to saddle graduates with above-average debt for below-average outcomes in the Alabama market.
Where Herzing University-Birmingham Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all business administration, management and operations associates'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 Herzing University-Birmingham graduates compare to all programs nationally
Herzing University-Birmingham graduates earn $31k, placing them in the 33th percentile of all business administration, management and operations associates 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
Business Administration, Management and Operations associates's programs at peer institutions in Alabama (21 total in state)
| School | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Herzing University-Birmingham | $30,536 | $37,295 | $38,807 | 1.27 |
| Columbia Southern University | $49,820 | $48,154 | $21,764 | 0.44 |
| National Median | $33,977 | — | $13,980 | 0.41 |
Other Business Administration, Management and Operations Programs in Alabama
Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Alabama schools
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Columbia Southern University Orange Beach | $5,808 | $49,820 | $21,764 |
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 Herzing University-Birmingham, 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 40 graduates with reported earnings and 61 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.