Earnings Over Time

How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation

Earnings trajectories vary significantly. Some programs show strong early returns that plateau; others start lower but accelerate. Consider where you want to be at year 4, not just year 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)

SchoolEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
University of West Alabama$44,018
Samford University$44,644$44,058$24,2500.54
The University of Alabama$44,025$45,312$26,8750.61
University of Alabama at Birmingham$42,981$40,010$31,0000.72
Auburn University$42,878$43,311$22,2500.52
Troy University$42,788$42,054$25,0000.58
National Median$41,809$26,0000.62

Other Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods Programs in Alabama

Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Alabama schools

SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Debt
Samford University
Birmingham
$38,144$44,644$24,250
The University of Alabama
Tuscaloosa
$11,900$44,025$26,875
University of Alabama at Birmingham
Birmingham
$8,832$42,981$31,000
Auburn University
Auburn
$12,536$42,878$22,250
Troy University
Troy
$9,792$42,788$25,000

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 West Alabama, approximately 54% 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.