Est. Earnings (1yr)
$42,529
Est. from AL median (13 programs)
Est. Median Debt
$25,114
Est. from AL median (11 programs)

Analysis

Teacher education programs in Alabama cluster tightly around $42,000-$44,000 in starting earnings, and UAH appears positioned right in that competitive middle. With estimated debt around $25,100—slightly below the national median—graduates from comparable programs face a manageable first-year debt burden at about 59% of initial salary. The four-year earnings figure of $45,685 shows modest but steady growth, typical for teachers working through early salary schedules.

What's worth noting is how little separation exists among Alabama's teaching programs. Whether you're looking at Auburn, Alabama, or UAH, first-year outcomes hover within a $2,000 range. This suggests that program choice for aspiring teachers in the state might hinge more on location, campus culture, or specific certification pathways than on earning differences. The estimated figures here align with both state and national medians, painting a picture of a program that delivers predictable, if unremarkable, returns.

The practical reality: teaching offers income stability rather than dramatic financial upside. At these debt levels, loan payments should remain workable on a teacher's salary, but there's little room for surprises. If your child is committed to education as a career, this program's estimated metrics suggest a standard path into the profession. If they're on the fence about teaching, though, the limited earning growth may become frustrating over time.

Where University of Alabama in Huntsville Stands

Earnings vs. debt across all teacher education and professional development, specific levels and methods bachelors's programs nationally

Earnings Over Time

How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation

School1 Year4 YearsGrowth
University of Alabama in Huntsville$45,685
The University of Alabama$44,025$45,312+3%
Samford University$44,644$44,058-1%
University of North Alabama$42,529$43,330+2%
Auburn University$42,878$43,311+1%

Compare to Similar Programs in Alabama

Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Alabama (24 total in state)

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SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)*Earnings (4yr)Median Debt*Debt/Earnings
University of Alabama in HuntsvilleHuntsville$11,770$42,529*$45,685$25,114*
Samford UniversityBirmingham$38,144$44,644*$44,058$24,250*0.54
The University of AlabamaTuscaloosa$11,900$44,025*$45,312$26,875*0.61
University of Alabama at BirminghamBirmingham$8,832$42,981*$40,010$31,000*0.72
Auburn UniversityAuburn$12,536$42,878*$43,311$22,250*0.52
Troy UniversityTroy$9,792$42,788*$42,054$25,000*0.58
National Median$41,809*$26,000*0.62
* Estimated from similar programs

Career Paths

Occupations commonly associated with teacher education and professional development, specific levels and methods graduates

Education Teachers, Postsecondary

Teach courses pertaining to education, such as counseling, curriculum, guidance, instruction, teacher education, and teaching English as a second language. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.

$83,980/yrJobs growth:

Training and Development Specialists

Design or conduct work-related training and development programs to improve individual skills or organizational performance. May analyze organizational training needs or evaluate training effectiveness.

$65,850/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education

Teach one or more subjects to students at the secondary school level.

$64,580/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Middle School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education

Teach one or more subjects to students at the middle, intermediate, or junior high school level.

$62,970/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Kindergarten Teachers, Except Special Education

Teach academic and social skills to kindergarten students.

$62,310/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Elementary School Teachers, Except Special Education

Teach academic and social skills to students at the elementary school level.

$62,310/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Adult Basic Education, Adult Secondary Education, and English as a Second Language Instructors

Teach or instruct out-of-school youths and adults in basic education, literacy, or English as a Second Language classes, or in classes for earning a high school equivalency credential.

$59,950/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Preschool Teachers, Except Special Education

Instruct preschool-aged students, following curricula or lesson plans, in activities designed to promote social, physical, and intellectual growth.

$37,120/yrJobs growth:Associate's degree

Postsecondary Teachers, All Other

All postsecondary teachers not listed separately.

Self-Enrichment Teachers

Teach or instruct individuals or groups for the primary purpose of self-enrichment or recreation, rather than for an occupational objective, educational attainment, competition, or fitness.

Teachers and Instructors, All Other

All teachers and instructors not listed separately.

Teaching Assistants, Preschool, Elementary, Middle, and Secondary School, Except Special Education

Assist a preschool, elementary, middle, or secondary school teacher with instructional duties. Serve in a position for which a teacher has primary responsibility for the design and implementation of educational programs and services.

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 median of 13 similar programs in AL. Actual outcomes may vary.