Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods at University of Alabama in Huntsville
Bachelor's Degree
uah.eduAnalysis
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
| School | 1 Year | 4 Years | Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $11,770 | $42,529* | $45,685 | $25,114* | — | |
| $38,144 | $44,644* | $44,058 | $24,250* | 0.54 | |
| $11,900 | $44,025* | $45,312 | $26,875* | 0.61 | |
| $8,832 | $42,981* | $40,010 | $31,000* | 0.72 | |
| $12,536 | $42,878* | $43,311 | $22,250* | 0.52 | |
| $9,792 | $42,788* | $42,054 | $25,000* | 0.58 | |
| National Median | — | $41,809* | — | $26,000* | 0.62 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with teacher education and professional development, specific levels and methods graduates
Education Teachers, Postsecondary
Training and Development Specialists
Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education
Middle School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education
Kindergarten Teachers, Except Special Education
Elementary School Teachers, Except Special Education
Adult Basic Education, Adult Secondary Education, and English as a Second Language Instructors
Preschool Teachers, Except Special Education
Postsecondary Teachers, All Other
Self-Enrichment Teachers
Teachers and Instructors, All Other
Teaching Assistants, Preschool, Elementary, Middle, and Secondary School, Except Special Education
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.