Location: Montgomery, AL•In-State Tuition: $18,238
Median Earnings (1yr)
$34,789
25th percentile
Median Debt
$56,262
116% above national median
D/E Ratio: 1.62 ElevatedSample: 84 graduates

Analysis

South University-Montgomery's Public Health program carries exceptionally high debt—$56,262 compared to the $26,000 national median and $25,000 state median for this degree. That's more than double what students typically borrow for a public health bachelor's, placing this program in the 5th percentile nationally for debt burden. With first-year earnings of $34,789, graduates face a 1.62 debt-to-earnings ratio, meaning they owe 19 months of their gross salary. While the program performs at the 60th percentile among Alabama's four public health programs, that's a modest distinction when the earnings are already below the national median.

The financial math is straightforward: borrowing $56,000 to earn $35,000 creates years of repayment pressure that could delay other life goals. With 70% of students receiving Pell grants, many families here are counting on this degree to provide economic mobility, but the debt load undermines that goal. The University of Alabama offers comparable earnings ($35,698) likely at a much lower cost for in-state students.

Unless your family can significantly reduce this debt through scholarships or has the resources to help with loan payments, the burden here outweighs the credential's earning power. Public health graduates typically need to be strategic about career advancement, and starting with this much debt makes that climb considerably steeper.

Where South University-Montgomery Stands

Earnings vs. debt across all public health bachelors's programs nationally

South University-MontgomeryOther public health programs

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

Earnings Distribution

How South University-Montgomery graduates compare to all programs nationally

South University-Montgomery earns $35k — 25th percentile among public health bachelors programs.

Compare to Similar Programs in Alabama

Public Health bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Alabama (4 total in state)

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SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
South University-MontgomeryMontgomery$18,238$34,789—$56,2621.62
The University of AlabamaTuscaloosa$11,900$35,698—$25,0000.70
University of Alabama at BirminghamBirmingham$8,832$32,187$41,267$25,0000.78
National Median—$37,548—$26,0000.69

Career Paths

Occupations commonly associated with public health graduates

Physicists

Conduct research into physical phenomena, develop theories on the basis of observation and experiments, and devise methods to apply physical laws and theories.

$166,290/yrJobs growth:Doctoral or professional 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

Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists

Conduct research dealing with the understanding of human diseases and the improvement of human health. Engage in clinical investigation, research and development, or other related activities.

$100,590/yrJobs growth:Doctoral or professional degree

Genetic Counselors

Assess individual or family risk for a variety of inherited conditions, such as genetic disorders and birth defects. Provide information to other healthcare providers or to individuals and families concerned with the risk of inherited conditions. Advise individuals and families to support informed decisionmaking and coping methods for those at risk. May help conduct research related to genetic conditions or genetic counseling.

$98,910/yrJobs growth:Master's degree

Epidemiologists

Investigate and describe the determinants and distribution of disease, disability, or health outcomes. May develop the means for prevention and control.

$83,980/yrJobs growth:Master's degree

Physics Teachers, Postsecondary

Teach courses pertaining to the laws of matter and energy. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.

$83,980/yrJobs growth:

Health Specialties Teachers, Postsecondary

Teach courses in health specialties, in fields such as dentistry, laboratory technology, medicine, pharmacy, public health, therapy, and veterinary medicine.

$83,980/yrJobs growth:

Environmental Scientists and Specialists, Including Health

Conduct research or perform investigation for the purpose of identifying, abating, or eliminating sources of pollutants or hazards that affect either the environment or public health. Using knowledge of various scientific disciplines, may collect, synthesize, study, report, and recommend action based on data derived from measurements or observations of air, food, soil, water, and other sources.

$80,060/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Climate Change Policy Analysts

Research and analyze policy developments related to climate change. Make climate-related recommendations for actions such as legislation, awareness campaigns, or fundraising approaches.

$80,060/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Environmental Restoration Planners

Collaborate with field and biology staff to oversee the implementation of restoration projects and to develop new products. Process and synthesize complex scientific data into practical strategies for restoration, monitoring or management.

$80,060/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Industrial Ecologists

Apply principles and processes of natural ecosystems to develop models for efficient industrial systems. Use knowledge from the physical and social sciences to maximize effective use of natural resources in the production and use of goods and services. Examine societal issues and their relationship with both technical systems and the environment.

$80,060/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Occupational Health and Safety Specialists

Review, evaluate, and analyze work environments and design programs and procedures to control, eliminate, and prevent disease or injury caused by chemical, physical, and biological agents or ergonomic factors. May conduct inspections and enforce adherence to laws and regulations governing the health and safety of individuals. May be employed in the public or private sector.

$78,900/yrJobs growth:
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 84 graduates with reported earnings and 142 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.