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
Earnings Distribution
How Troy University graduates compare to all programs nationally
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
| School | 1 Year | 4 Years | Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| Troy University | $45,195 | $50,533 | +12% |
| New York University | $77,828 | $115,546 | +48% |
| Huntingdon College | $32,446 | $63,213 | +95% |
| Strayer University-Alabama | $55,431 | $59,763 | +8% |
| University of South Alabama | $50,515 | $43,455 | -14% |
Compare to Similar Programs in Alabama
Business/Commerce bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Alabama (10 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $9,792 | $45,195 | $50,533 | $26,500 | 0.59 | |
| $13,920 | $55,431 | $59,763 | $56,517 | 1.02 | |
| $9,676 | $50,515 | $43,455 | $30,980 | 0.61 | |
| $23,920 | $44,785 | โ | $27,660 | 0.62 | |
| $28,650 | $32,446 | $63,213 | $27,000 | 0.83 | |
| National Median | โ | $47,506 | โ | $26,000 | 0.55 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with business/commerce graduates
Sales Managers
Industrial Production Managers
Quality Control Systems Managers
Geothermal Production Managers
Biofuels Production Managers
Biomass Power Plant Managers
Hydroelectric Production Managers
Construction Managers
Administrative Services Managers
Facilities Managers
Security Managers
Chief Executives
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.