Health/Medical Preparatory Programs at University of South Alabama

University of South Alabama's health/medical preparatory program sits squarely in the middle of the pack nationally, but edges ahead of other Alabama options—ranking in the 60th percentile statewide. The $32,868 starting salary trails the national median slightly, though it climbs to nearly $41,000 by year four, a respectable 25% jump that suggests graduates are successfully moving into better-positioned healthcare roles or advancing to graduate programs. The debt load of $29,000 is notably lower than most comparable programs nationwide (5th percentile), which translates to a manageable debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.88—meaning graduates owe less than a year's starting salary.

The real question for parents is what comes after this degree. Pre-health programs serve as launching pads rather than endpoints, and South Alabama's track record shows solid progression. Starting at $33,000 isn't glamorous, but combined with below-average debt, graduates have financial flexibility to pursue medical school, PA programs, or other advanced degrees without crushing undergraduate loan burdens. For Alabama families, this represents a sensible in-state option that delivers middle-of-the-road outcomes at a lower financial cost than most alternatives.

If your child is set on healthcare but still exploring specific paths, this program offers a financially conservative way to keep doors open while building prerequisites for professional programs.