Analysis
A debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.63 suggests a manageable financial picture for this education degree, though both figures come from peer programs rather than UAH's actual graduate outcomes. Similar education bachelor's programs nationally produce first-year earnings around $38,660, while comparable institutions report typical debt loads near $24,333. For a teaching credential—where salaries follow predictable public school scales—these estimates align with what you'd expect for Alabama educators starting their careers.
The financial picture looks reasonable on paper: carrying about seven months' salary in debt is well within the range that education professionals can handle on teacher pay. However, with only three schools in Alabama offering education bachelor's degrees and none with publicly reported data, there's limited ability to gauge how UAH's program specifically positions graduates. The school's solid SAT average (1321) and moderate Pell enrollment (23%) suggest a reasonably selective student body, which often correlates with stronger career services and alumni networks—factors that matter when securing those first teaching positions.
The key consideration here is that starting teacher salaries in Alabama hover in the mid-to-upper $30,000s depending on district and certification area, making these estimates plausible but not confirmable for UAH graduates specifically. If your child is committed to teaching and plans to stay in-state where certification transfers cleanly, the projected debt burden shouldn't create undue hardship. The uncertainty lies in whether UAH's particular program opens doors to better-paying districts or specialized roles that might exceed these baseline figures.
Where University of Alabama in Huntsville Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all education bachelors's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs Nationally
Education bachelors's programs at top institutions nationally
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $11,770 | $38,660* | — | $24,333* | — | |
| $8,886 | $68,730* | — | $26,556* | 0.39 | |
| $12,186 | $60,288* | — | —* | — | |
| $11,728 | $57,410* | — | $13,250* | 0.23 | |
| $19,568 | $56,397* | $40,429 | —* | — | |
| $44,850 | $55,579* | $54,660 | $27,000* | 0.49 | |
| National Median | — | $38,660* | — | $26,522* | 0.69 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with education graduates
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 University of Alabama in Huntsville, approximately 23% 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.
Estimated Earnings: Actual earnings data is not available for this program (typically due to privacy thresholds when fewer than 30 graduates reported earnings). The estimate shown is based on the national median of 66 similar programs. Actual outcomes may vary.