Business Administration, Management and Operations at Oakwood University

A business degree costing $31,000 in debt to earn $41,000 in the first year puts Oakwood's program squarely in the middle of Alabama's business education landscape—but the specifics here matter. These figures come from peer institutions across Alabama rather than Oakwood's actual graduates, so they represent what similar business programs typically produce. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.76 suggests manageable repayment if those earnings hold, though it's worth noting that top business programs in the state—Auburn, Alabama, and even Columbia Southern's online model—report graduates earning $48,000 to $58,000 annually, creating a meaningful gap worth understanding.

For families already drawn to Oakwood for its mission and community, this program doesn't present obvious financial red flags compared to what's typical statewide. However, the performance gap between estimated outcomes here and reported results from Alabama's flagship programs raises practical questions about career placement and alumni networks. With 47% of students receiving Pell grants, Oakwood serves many families for whom every thousand dollars of debt and earnings matters significantly. The real value will depend heavily on factors these estimates can't capture: internship quality, recruiting relationships, and post-graduation support that could close or widen that earnings gap with peer schools.