Health and Medical Administrative Services at South University-Montgomery

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.