Business Administration, Management and Operations at University of Montevallo

Based on similar business programs in Alabama, first-year earnings around $40,700 suggest this degree lands graduates near the state median but roughly $5,000 below the national benchmark of $45,700. That gap matters when you're carrying an estimated $26,625 in debt—about three months' salary to start your career, which translates to manageable monthly payments if employment comes quickly.

The challenge is that Alabama's business landscape shows significant stratification. Programs at Auburn and the University of Alabama produce graduates earning $48,000-$57,000 in their first year, while others cluster around Montevallo's estimated range. Without actual outcomes data for this specific program, it's difficult to know whether Montevallo's graduates trend toward the median or lag behind competitors. The 0.65 debt-to-earnings ratio suggests reasonable borrowing relative to income, but only if that $40,700 figure holds true.

For families weighing this investment, the key question is whether Montevallo's alumni network and regional placement justify choosing this program over alternatives with documented stronger earnings. With 39% of students receiving Pell grants, the university serves many families for whom even moderate debt carries real risk. If your student has admission options at Auburn or Alabama—where actual data shows substantially higher earnings—those programs offer more certainty. If Montevallo is the realistic choice, keeping total borrowing below that $26,625 estimate becomes critical.