Analysis
Business/Managerial Economics programs across Alabama show reasonable consistency, with The University of Alabama's graduates earning $55,550 in their first year. Jacksonville State's estimated outcomes track closely with both state and national patterns—peer programs nationally suggest first-year earnings around $53,200, while the estimated debt of $21,125 sits below the national median of $22,250. With a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.40, graduates from comparable programs typically recover their educational investment within reasonable timeframes.
The caveat here matters: these figures come from similar programs elsewhere, not Jacksonville State's actual graduates. That means you're making a decision based on what typically happens in Business/Managerial Economics programs nationally, not what specifically happens to JSU graduates in this major. The good news is that this field shows relatively stable outcomes across institutions—business economics is less prone to wild variation than some specialized fields.
For a family considering this program, the numbers suggest manageable risk if your child is genuinely interested in the analytical side of business. The estimated debt load represents less than half of first-year earnings from comparable programs, and Jacksonville State's 43% Pell grant population indicates they're accustomed to working with students who need financial aid. Just understand you're betting on national patterns holding true locally, not banking on proven outcomes from this specific campus.
Where Jacksonville State University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all business/managerial economics bachelors's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in Alabama
Business/Managerial Economics bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Alabama (9 total in state)
Scroll to see more →
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $12,426 | $53,219* | — | $21,125* | — | |
| $11,900 | $55,550* | $85,603 | $21,675* | 0.39 | |
| National Median | — | $53,219* | — | $22,250* | 0.42 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with business/managerial economics graduates
Economists
Environmental Economists
Financial Risk Specialists
Management Analysts
Economics Teachers, Postsecondary
Survey Researchers
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 Jacksonville State University, 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 national median of 81 similar programs. Actual outcomes may vary.