Compare 5 Acting. programs in Alabama. Average earnings: $24,424.
The highest-earning Acting program isn't at the most prestigious school. With a $14K earnings gap across 5 programs, the data confirms: program-level factors drive outcomes more than institutional brand.
Alabama State University's Acting program leads with graduates earning $33,076, well above the $24,424 state average. The University of Alabama follows at $27,525, while University of Montevallo rounds out the top three at $21,392—demonstrating how program outcomes vary independent of overall school reputation.
High earnings don't guarantee affordability. Alabama State leads in earnings but graduates face a 40.5% payment burden on student loans alone—classified as 'High burden.' When parent loans are included, family debt burden reaches 80.5%, making careful financial planning essential despite the program's strong earning outcomes.
Highest program earnings: $33,076
Strong outcomes with 95.6% acceptance
40.5% payment burden | High burden - payment over 25% of discretionary
80.5% family burden | High burden - payment over 25% of discretionary
| Rank | School | Program Earnings | Cohort Size | Student Debt | Student GPS | Parent Debt | Parent GPS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | Alabama State UniversityPublic | $33,076 | 16 | $31,000 | High | $26,622 | High |
| #2 | $27,525 | 43 | $22,750 | High | $48,666 | High | |
| #3 | University Of MontevalloPublic | $21,392 | 22 | $24,000 | High | $23,233 | High |
| #4 | Auburn UniversityPublic | $20,899 | 19 | $21,000 | High | $43,605 | High |
| #5 | $19,227 | 24 | $22,300 | High | $20,498 | High |
Our program rankings answer: "Which schools have the best outcomes for graduates of this specific major?"
Unlike traditional rankings that measure overall school quality, these rankings focus on program-level outcomes. A school that's #200 overall might have a top-10 nursing program — and that matters if you're studying nursing.
Data based on 2024-2025 Dept of Education reporting standards. Learn about our methodology →
