Students at the University of Alabama in Huntsville achieve earnings that significantly exceed expectations, with graduates earning nearly $6,000 more than similar students at comparable institutions.
The university's focus on engineering, nursing, and technical fields creates clear pathways to well-paying careers in Alabama's growing technology and aerospace sectors.
The University of Alabama in Huntsville delivers strong long-term value for students focused on technical and professional careers. As a mid-sized public research university, UAH combines the focused attention of a smaller institution with the resources and employer connections of a major university. The university particularly excels in engineering, nursing, and applied sciences, fields that drive much of its strong earnings performance.
Graduates earn a median of $61,767 ten years after enrollment, placing UAH in the 75th percentile nationally for long-term earnings. What makes these outcomes especially impressive is that UAH graduates earn about $5,921 more than similar students at comparable institutions, reflecting the university's ability to add meaningful value beyond what students might achieve elsewhere. This earnings advantage stems largely from UAH's strength in high-demand technical fields and its location in Huntsville's thriving aerospace and technology corridor.
As a "Selective Achievers" institution, UAH maintains higher admission standards while still delivering strong outcomes for the students it enrolls. The university serves about 23% Pell Grant recipients and 31% first-generation students, providing solid opportunities for upward mobility while maintaining the academic focus that drives its strong employment outcomes. For students seeking a technically-oriented education with clear career pathways, UAH offers an compelling combination of academic rigor, industry connections, and long-term financial success.
The University of Alabama in Huntsville's program portfolio reflects its mission as a technical research university, with engineering and nursing forming the core of its academic strength. Adult Health Nursing stands out as both the largest program and highest aggregate return major, graduating 242 students who earn a median of $50,554 ten years out. This combination of scale and solid earnings makes nursing a key economic driver for the university and provides abundant opportunities for students interested in healthcare careers.
Engineering programs deliver some of UAH's strongest financial outcomes. Mechanical Engineering, the largest engineering program with 122 graduates, produces median earnings of $63,997, while Electrical and Electronics Engineering graduates 51 students earning $62,012. These programs benefit directly from Huntsville's aerospace and defense industry presence, with companies like NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center, Boeing, and numerous contractors providing internships, research opportunities, and career pathways.
The university's focused approach creates clear advantages for students in technical fields. Rather than spreading resources across hundreds of programs, UAH concentrates on areas where it can achieve excellence and strong employer connections. Even programs like Biology, while showing more modest early earnings at $25,967, often serve as preparation for graduate school or professional programs. This strategic focus means students benefit from specialized facilities, industry partnerships, and alumni networks that translate directly into career opportunities in Alabama's growing technology sector.
The University of Alabama in Huntsville delivers strong long-term financial outcomes for graduates. Ten years after enrollment, students earn a median of $61,767, placing the university in the 75th percentile nationally for earnings. Perhaps more importantly, UAH graduates earn about $5,921 more than similar students at comparable institutions, demonstrating the university's ability to provide meaningful earnings beyond expectations. This advantage reflects both the strength of UAH's academic programs and its strategic location in Huntsville's technology and aerospace hub.
The university's strongest returns come from its engineering and nursing programs, which form the core of its academic mission. Adult Health Nursing, the largest program with 242 graduates, combines high enrollment with solid earnings of $50,554 ten years out, creating substantial aggregate value. Mechanical Engineering graduates 122 students annually with median earnings of $63,997, while Electrical and Electronics Engineering produces 51 graduates earning $62,012. These technical programs benefit from strong employer demand and UAH's deep connections to local aerospace, defense, and technology companies.
The university's focused program mix creates clear pathways to well-paying careers. Engineering and nursing dominate the degree portfolio, both fields known for strong early-career placement and steady salary growth. Even programs like Biology, while showing more modest early earnings at $25,967, often serve as stepping stones to graduate school or professional programs. UAH's concentrated approach means students benefit from specialized facilities, industry partnerships, and alumni networks that translate directly into career opportunities.
Affordability at the University of Alabama in Huntsville varies significantly by family income, with the strongest value proposition for low-income students. Families earning under $30,000 annually pay about $16,521 in net price, a reasonable level for a public research university with strong outcomes. Middle-income families see costs rise to around $21,187, while higher-income families pay approximately $21,937, reflecting a relatively compressed pricing structure that keeps costs predictable across income levels.
Debt levels at UAH are manageable relative to the earnings graduates achieve. Typical students leave with about $20,705 in federal student loan debt, while families who choose Parent PLUS loans borrow an average of $17,010. With median graduate earnings of $61,767 ten years out, most borrowers can handle standard repayment comfortably. The university's 0% federal loan default rate indicates that graduates generally manage their debt obligations successfully, though this metric reflects broader economic conditions rather than individual repayment experiences.
What makes UAH particularly sustainable financially is the combination of moderate debt levels and strong earnings in high-demand fields. Engineering and nursing graduates, who represent a large share of the student body, typically see steady salary progression that makes loan repayment straightforward. The university's focus on technical fields means most students enter careers with clear advancement pathways and reliable income growth, providing confidence that educational investments will pay off over time.
University Of Alabama In Huntsville Hub Overview
Executive summary with admissions, cost, outcomes, and program analysis
