Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing at University of Alabama at Birmingham

UAB's nursing program falls significantly short of what you'd expect from a major university, ranking in just the 5th percentile nationally for graduate earnings. At $65,173 one year out, graduates earn nearly $10,000 less than the national median of $74,888 for nursing programs. Even within Alabama, where nursing salaries tend to be lower, UAB barely reaches the middle of the pack at the 40th percentile—trailing behind Alabama's top nursing programs by substantial margins.

The modest debt load of $21,911 provides some consolation, creating a manageable debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.34. However, this advantage diminishes when you consider that graduates show minimal earning growth over four years, gaining just 2% by year four. This stagnation is particularly concerning in nursing, where experience typically commands higher wages.

For an anxious parent, the numbers suggest UAB's nursing program underperforms its potential. While the debt burden won't crush your child financially, the earning power lags behind what they could achieve at other Alabama nursing programs, let alone national competitors. If your child has been accepted elsewhere—particularly at Tuskegee or South University-Montgomery—those options would likely provide better financial returns on your investment.