Finance and Financial Management Services at University of North Alabama

At just above $43,500 in first-year earnings, University of North Alabama's finance graduates earn about $10,000 less than the national median—landing this program in the 5th percentile nationally. Within Alabama, the picture looks somewhat better at the 40th percentile, though graduates still trail peers at Auburn, Alabama, and even UAB by $7,000 to $12,000 annually. The modest debt load of $22,250 keeps this program from being a terrible deal, with graduates owing roughly half their first-year salary. Earnings do climb to over $50,000 by year four, showing decent growth of 16%.

The fundamental question is whether a finance degree that starts this far below market value can catch up. UNA's 96% admission rate suggests it serves students who might not have access to more selective programs, and the reasonable debt level won't leave graduates trapped. However, finance is a credentials-sensitive field where your school's reputation often determines your first job opportunities. Starting $7,000 behind even the Alabama median means fewer doors open initially.

For families prioritizing minimal debt over earning potential, this works. But students serious about competitive finance careers should understand they're playing on hard mode from day one, potentially locked out of corporate finance roles that recruit from higher-ranked programs. If staying in Alabama and accepting entry-level positions is the plan, the manageable debt makes this viable—just don't expect it to compete with flagship programs.