Median Earnings (1yr)
$45,195
37th percentile (60th in AL)
Median Debt
$26,500
2% above national median
Debt-to-Earnings
0.59
Manageable
Sample Size
349
Adequate data

Analysis

Troy University's business program offers a solid middle-ground option within Alabama, ranking in the 60th percentile among the state's business programs with starting salaries of $45,195. While this trails the national median by about $2,300, it matches Alabama's state median exactly, suggesting the program delivers fairly typical outcomes for the region. The debt load of $26,500 is reasonable and actually slightly below the state average.

What makes this program particularly appealing is the combination of accessibility and steady career progression. With a 93% admission rate, Troy provides opportunities for students who might not gain entry to more selective programs, yet still delivers respectable earnings growth of 12% by the fourth year. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.59 means graduates can realistically manage their student loans on their starting salary.

For families prioritizing affordability and steady employment prospects over prestige, Troy's business program represents a pragmatic choice. While it won't place your child among the highest earners in Alabama business (programs like Strayer and South Alabama offer significantly higher starting salaries), it provides a reliable path to middle-class employment without excessive debt burden. The robust sample size gives confidence these outcomes are representative of what your child can expect.

Where Troy University Stands

Earnings vs. debt across all business/commerce bachelors's programs nationally

Troy UniversityOther business/commerce programs

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 Troy University graduates compare to all programs nationally

Troy University graduates earn $45k, placing them in the 37th percentile of all business/commerce 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

Business/Commerce bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Alabama (10 total in state)

SchoolEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
Troy University$45,195$50,533$26,5000.59
Strayer University-Alabama$55,431$59,763$56,5171.02
University of South Alabama$50,515$43,455$30,9800.61
Faulkner University$44,785$27,6600.62
Huntingdon College$32,446$63,213$27,0000.83
National Median$47,506$26,0000.55

Other Business/Commerce Programs in Alabama

Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Alabama schools

SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Debt
Strayer University-Alabama
Birmingham
$13,920$55,431$56,517
University of South Alabama
Mobile
$9,676$50,515$30,980
Faulkner University
Montgomery
$23,920$44,785$27,660
Huntingdon College
Montgomery
$28,650$32,446$27,000

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 Troy University, approximately 42% 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.