Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing at South University-Montgomery
Bachelor's Degree
Analysis
South University-Montgomery's nursing program delivers strong early career earnings that significantly outperform both state and national benchmarks, but comes with notably higher debt than typical nursing programs. Graduates earn a median $77,635 in their first year—ranking in the 60th percentile among Alabama nursing programs and 61st percentile nationally. This places them ahead of major state universities like Alabama ($73,000) and Auburn Montgomery ($69,625), and well above the Alabama median of $67,120.
However, the program's debt burden is concerning. At $41,815, graduates carry substantially more debt than the national median of $27,000 and Alabama's median of $25,750. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.54 is manageable but higher than ideal for nursing, where lower debt loads are common. More troubling is the minimal earnings growth—just 1% from year one to year four—suggesting graduates may hit an early plateau rather than building on their strong starting salaries.
Despite the debt concerns, this program offers a clear value proposition: immediate access to well-paying nursing careers that exceed state and national averages. With 70% of students receiving Pell grants, the program serves a population that benefits from these strong early earnings. The higher debt is a trade-off worth considering, especially given the program's track record of placing graduates in higher-paying positions than most Alabama competitors.
Where South University-Montgomery Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all registered nursing, nursing administration, nursing research and clinical nursing bachelors's programs nationally
Programs in the upper-left quadrant (high earnings, low debt) offer the best value. Programs in the lower-right quadrant warrant careful consideration.
Earnings Distribution
How South University-Montgomery graduates compare to all programs nationally
South University-Montgomery graduates earn $78k, placing them in the 61th percentile of all registered nursing, nursing administration, nursing research and clinical nursing bachelors programs nationally.
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
Earnings trajectories vary significantly. Some programs show strong early returns that plateau; others start lower but accelerate. Consider where you want to be at year 4, not just year 1.
Compare to Similar Programs in Alabama
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Alabama (15 total in state)
| School | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| South University-Montgomery | $77,635 | $78,626 | $41,815 | 0.54 |
| Tuskegee University | $78,874 | $73,569 | $31,000 | 0.39 |
| The University of Alabama | $73,000 | $65,351 | $25,006 | 0.34 |
| Auburn University at Montgomery | $69,625 | $65,957 | $26,375 | 0.38 |
| University of South Alabama | $69,447 | $61,022 | $26,000 | 0.37 |
| Jacksonville State University | $68,896 | $65,891 | $21,500 | 0.31 |
| National Median | $74,888 | — | $27,000 | 0.36 |
Other Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing Programs in Alabama
Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Alabama schools
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tuskegee University Tuskegee | $23,440 | $78,874 | $31,000 |
| The University of Alabama Tuscaloosa | $11,900 | $73,000 | $25,006 |
| Auburn University at Montgomery Montgomery | $9,436 | $69,625 | $26,375 |
| University of South Alabama Mobile | $9,676 | $69,447 | $26,000 |
| Jacksonville State University Jacksonville | $12,426 | $68,896 | $21,500 |
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 1002 graduates with reported earnings and 1234 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.