Analysis
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.
Where University of South Alabama Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all health/medical preparatory programs bachelors's programs nationally
Earnings Distribution
How University of South Alabama graduates compare to all programs nationally
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
| School | 1 Year | 4 Years | Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of South Alabama | $32,868 | $40,947 | +25% |
| MCPHS University | $30,439 | $73,755 | +142% |
| Drexel University | $33,835 | $70,001 | +107% |
| University of Dayton | $20,263 | $61,398 | +203% |
| Oregon State University | $33,642 | $59,456 | +77% |
Compare to Similar Programs Nationally
Health/Medical Preparatory Programs bachelors's programs at top institutions nationally
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 University of South AlabamaMobile | $9,676 | $32,868 | $40,947 | $28,995 | 0.88 |
 Mount Saint Mary's UniversityLos Angeles | $48,132 | $93,238 | — | $27,000 | 0.29 |
 Nevada State UniversityHenderson | $6,368 | $85,007 | — | — | — |
 Central Methodist University-College of Liberal Arts and SciencesFayette | $27,140 | $68,648 | — | $23,625 | 0.34 |
 Wingate UniversityWingate | $40,196 | $53,681 | — | $23,751 | 0.44 |
 Coppin State UniversityBaltimore | $7,001 | $43,930 | — | $31,000 | 0.71 |
| National Median | — | $33,642 | — | $25,000 | 0.74 |
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 South Alabama, approximately 37% 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.
Sample Size: Based on 123 graduates with reported earnings and 193 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.