Median Earnings (1yr)
$39,722
25th percentile
40th percentile in Alabama
Median Debt
$55,123
78% above national median

Analysis

South University-Montgomery's health administration program carries one of the highest debt loads you'll find in Alabama—nearly $55,000, which is 44% above the state median and among the worst nationally for this degree. Meanwhile, graduates earn around $40,000, placing this program squarely in the middle of Alabama's offerings but below the national typical. For context, Auburn graduates in the same program earn $5,000 more annually while likely carrying substantially less debt.

The financial math here is particularly tough: graduates owe roughly 16 months of gross income, and earnings barely budge over the first four years. With 70% of students receiving Pell grants, many families here are counting on college to improve financial circumstances, yet this debt burden could delay that goal significantly. The program does serve students who need access to bachelor's degrees in healthcare administration in Montgomery, but the cost structure creates real obstacles.

If your child is set on this field in Alabama, compare carefully against Auburn or UAB, where outcomes appear stronger for similar or lower costs. For students already in Montgomery who need to stay local, understand that this degree will require aggressive debt management—potentially making early loan payments a priority over other financial goals for several years after graduation.

Where South University-Montgomery Stands

Earnings vs. debt across all health and medical administrative services bachelors's programs nationally

Earnings Distribution

How South University-Montgomery graduates compare to all programs nationally

Earnings Over Time

How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation

School1 Year4 YearsGrowth
South University-Montgomery$39,722$40,160+1%
Auburn University$45,291$61,483+36%
University of Alabama at Birmingham$40,285$51,637+28%
Columbia Southern University$51,692$50,101-3%
Herzing University-Birmingham$39,231$45,666+16%

Compare to Similar Programs in Alabama

Health and Medical Administrative Services bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Alabama (11 total in state)

Scroll to see more →

SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
South University-MontgomeryMontgomery$18,238$39,722$40,160$55,1231.39
Columbia Southern UniversityOrange Beach$5,808$51,692$50,101$38,2100.74
Auburn UniversityAuburn$12,536$45,291$61,483$25,7500.57
University of Alabama at BirminghamBirmingham$8,832$40,285$51,637$28,4600.71
Herzing University-BirminghamBirmingham$13,420$39,231$45,666$47,3751.21
National Median—$44,345—$30,9980.70

Career Paths

Occupations commonly associated with health and medical administrative services graduates

Information Security Analysts

Plan, implement, upgrade, or monitor security measures for the protection of computer networks and information. Assess system vulnerabilities for security risks and propose and implement risk mitigation strategies. May ensure appropriate security controls are in place that will safeguard digital files and vital electronic infrastructure. May respond to computer security breaches and viruses.

$124,910/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Medical and Health Services Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate medical and health services in hospitals, clinics, managed care organizations, public health agencies, or similar organizations.

$117,960/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Administrative Services Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate one or more administrative services of an organization, such as records and information management, mail distribution, and other office support services.

$106,880/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Facilities Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate operations and functionalities of facilities and buildings. May include surrounding grounds or multiple facilities of an organization's campus.

$106,880/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Security Managers

Direct an organization's security functions, including physical security and safety of employees and facilities.

$106,880/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Education Administrators, Postsecondary

Plan, direct, or coordinate student instruction, administration, and services, as well as other research and educational activities, at postsecondary institutions, including universities, colleges, and junior and community colleges.

$103,960/yrJobs growth:Master's degree

Computer Programmers

Create, modify, and test the code and scripts that allow computer applications to run. Work from specifications drawn up by software and web developers or other individuals. May develop and write computer programs to store, locate, and retrieve specific documents, data, and information.

$98,670/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:

Compliance Officers

Examine, evaluate, and investigate eligibility for or conformity with laws and regulations governing contract compliance of licenses and permits, and perform other compliance and enforcement inspection and analysis activities not classified elsewhere.

$78,420/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Environmental Compliance Inspectors

Inspect and investigate sources of pollution to protect the public and environment and ensure conformance with Federal, State, and local regulations and ordinances.

$78,420/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Equal Opportunity Representatives and Officers

Monitor and evaluate compliance with equal opportunity laws, guidelines, and policies to ensure that employment practices and contracting arrangements give equal opportunity without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, sex, age, or disability.

$78,420/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Government Property Inspectors and Investigators

Investigate or inspect government property to ensure compliance with contract agreements and government regulations.

$78,420/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree
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 South University-Montgomery, approximately 70% 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 156 graduates with reported earnings and 251 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.