Location: Jacksonville, AL•In-State Tuition: $12,426•Out-of-State Tuition: $22,716•Admission Rate: 76%•Avg SAT: 1055
Median Earnings (1yr)Small sample
$39,457
5th percentile
25th percentile in Alabama
Median DebtReported
$14,875
36% below national median
D/E Ratio: 0.38 ManageableSample: 26 graduates Limited data

Based on U.S. Department of Education data (October 2025 release).

Analysis

Jacksonville State's finance program shows concerning performance even by Alabama standards. The $39,457 starting salary trails the state median by over $11,000 and ranks in just the 25th percentile among Alabama's finance programs—meaning three-quarters of finance students at other Alabama schools earn more. Compare this to nearby Auburn ($55,875) or University of Alabama ($55,580), where finance graduates earn roughly $16,000 more right out of the gate. While the program keeps debt manageable at $14,875, that silver lining doesn't offset earning 26% below the state median for the same degree.

The earnings do grow 18% to $46,653 by year four, but graduates still lag significantly behind peers who started at higher-paying programs. At the national level, this program ranks in just the 5th percentile—meaning 95% of finance programs nationwide produce better-earning graduates. For a field like finance where starting salary often determines your career trajectory, this gap matters considerably.

The data comes from a small sample, so individual outcomes could vary. However, unless your child has compelling reasons to attend JSU specifically—scholarships, family circumstances, or a particular faculty connection—the numbers suggest looking at Alabama's stronger finance programs first. The manageable debt is genuinely positive, but earning $11,000 less annually than Alabama peers compounds quickly over a career.

Where Jacksonville State University Stands

Earnings vs. debt across all finance and financial management services bachelors's programs nationally

Jacksonville State UniversityOther finance and financial management services programs

Dashed lines show national medians. Upper-left = best value.

Earnings Distribution

How Jacksonville State University graduates compare to all programs nationally

Jacksonville State University earns $39k — 5th percentile among finance and financial management services bachelors programs.

Earnings Over Time

How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation

School1 Year4 YearsGrowth
Jacksonville State University$39,457$46,653+18%
The University of Alabama$55,580$72,138+30%
Auburn University$55,875$71,821+29%
Samford University$53,059$70,946+34%
University of Alabama at Birmingham$50,939$62,664+23%

Compare to Similar Programs in Alabama

Finance and Financial Management Services bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Alabama (16 total in state)

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SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
Jacksonville State UniversityJacksonville$12,426$39,457$46,653$14,8750.38
University of Alabama in HuntsvilleHuntsville$11,770$56,584———
Auburn UniversityAuburn$12,536$55,875$71,821$20,5000.37
The University of AlabamaTuscaloosa$11,900$55,580$72,138$25,0000.45
Samford UniversityBirmingham$38,144$53,059$70,946$19,0000.36
University of Alabama at BirminghamBirmingham$8,832$50,939$62,664$22,5000.44
National Median—$53,590—$23,3320.44

Career Paths

Occupations commonly associated with finance and financial management services graduates

Financial Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate accounting, investing, banking, insurance, securities, and other financial activities of a branch, office, or department of an establishment.

$161,700/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Treasurers and Controllers

Direct financial activities, such as planning, procurement, and investments for all or part of an organization.

$161,700/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Investment Fund Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate investment strategy or operations for a large pool of liquid assets supplied by institutional investors or individual investors.

$161,700/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Chief Executives

Determine and formulate policies and provide overall direction of companies or private and public sector organizations within guidelines set up by a board of directors or similar governing body. Plan, direct, or coordinate operational activities at the highest level of management with the help of subordinate executives and staff managers.

$105,350/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Chief Sustainability Officers

Communicate and coordinate with management, shareholders, customers, and employees to address sustainability issues. Enact or oversee a corporate sustainability strategy.

$105,350/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

General and Operations Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate the operations of public or private sector organizations, overseeing multiple departments or locations. Duties and responsibilities include formulating policies, managing daily operations, and planning the use of materials and human resources, but are too diverse and general in nature to be classified in any one functional area of management or administration, such as personnel, purchasing, or administrative services. Usually manage through subordinate supervisors. Excludes First-Line Supervisors.

$105,350/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Personal Financial Advisors

Advise clients on financial plans using knowledge of tax and investment strategies, securities, insurance, pension plans, and real estate. Duties include assessing clients' assets, liabilities, cash flow, insurance coverage, tax status, and financial objectives. May also buy and sell financial assets for clients.

$102,140/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Financial and Investment Analysts

Conduct quantitative analyses of information involving investment programs or financial data of public or private institutions, including valuation of businesses.

$101,910/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Financial Risk Specialists

Analyze and measure exposure to credit and market risk threatening the assets, earning capacity, or economic state of an organization. May make recommendations to limit risk.

$101,910/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Budget Analysts

Examine budget estimates for completeness, accuracy, and conformance with procedures and regulations. Analyze budgeting and accounting reports.

$87,930/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Business Teachers, Postsecondary

Teach courses in business administration and management, such as accounting, finance, human resources, labor and industrial relations, marketing, and operations research. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.

$83,980/yrJobs growth:

Insurance Underwriters

Review individual applications for insurance to evaluate degree of risk involved and determine acceptance of applications.

$79,880/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

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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.

Sample Size: Based on 26 graduates with reported earnings and 24 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.