Troy University works well for Alabama students seeking an affordable public education with predictable costs and broad access. It's particularly suited for students who prioritize low net prices and manageable debt over maximum earnings potential. The university serves many first-generation and Pell-eligible students effectively, making it a solid choice for families focused on degree completion at a reasonable cost rather than premium long-term financial outcomes.
Troy University provides Alabama families with one of the state's most affordable pathways to higher education, particularly benefiting low-income and first-generation students.
The university combines broad access with predictable costs and manageable debt levels, creating sustainable opportunities for degree completion and career preparation.
Troy University ranks among Alabama's public universities as an accessible option that emphasizes affordability over premium earnings outcomes. Located in Troy, Alabama, this large public university serves a diverse student body where 42% receive Pell Grants and nearly 39% are first-generation college students, reflecting its commitment to broad educational access.
The university delivers predictable, moderate financial outcomes with graduates earning a median of $42,062 ten years after enrollment. While earnings fall below what similar students achieve at peer institutions, Troy maintains strong affordability metrics with net prices well below national averages across all income levels. Low-income students pay approximately $12,718 annually, while middle-income families see costs around $15,109.
As an "Under-Resourced Institution" in mobility terms, Troy provides meaningful access to higher education for Alabama students who might otherwise face barriers to college attendance. The university combines broad admission practices with reasonable completion rates and manageable debt levels, creating a pathway to degree attainment that prioritizes accessibility and affordability over maximum earnings potential.
Troy University's program portfolio reflects practical career preparation with particular strength in business and healthcare fields. Business Administration leads both in scale and aggregate return, graduating 315 students annually who earn around $43,674 in early career positions. This combination of high enrollment and solid earnings makes business Troy's economic engine, providing reliable pathways into Alabama's professional job market.
Healthcare programs deliver the university's strongest individual earnings outcomes. Adult Health Nursing graduates earn approximately $54,382, demonstrating Troy's ability to prepare students for well-compensated healthcare roles that remain in high demand across Alabama and the Southeast. Psychology represents significant enrollment with 261 graduates, though earnings around $27,812 reflect the field's more modest early-career compensation patterns.
The university's program mix balances professional preparation with foundational liberal arts education. While Biology shows lower earnings at roughly $21,660, these programs often serve as stepping stones to graduate school or provide essential preparation for students entering education, research, or healthcare fields. Troy's strength lies in offering practical, career-focused programs that align with regional employment opportunities and provide accessible pathways to professional careers for Alabama students.
Troy University graduates achieve moderate long-term earnings that reflect the institution's focus on accessibility over premium financial outcomes. Ten years after enrollment, graduates earn a median of $42,062, which places the university in the lower quartile nationally for earnings performance. Graduates typically earn about $4,917 less than similar students at comparable institutions, indicating that Troy's value proposition centers more on affordability and access than on maximizing post-graduation income.
Program-level outcomes vary significantly across Troy's academic offerings. Business Administration stands out as both the largest program with 315 graduates and the highest aggregate return generator, with graduates earning around $43,674 in their early careers. Adult Health Nursing delivers the strongest individual earnings at approximately $54,382, demonstrating Troy's capacity to prepare students for well-compensated healthcare roles. Psychology represents the second-largest program with 261 graduates earning about $27,812, while Biology shows more modest outcomes at roughly $21,660.
The university's program mix reflects a practical orientation toward professional preparation and career readiness. Business and healthcare programs tend to deliver the most reliable financial returns, while liberal arts and science programs provide foundational education at more moderate earnings levels. For students prioritizing degree completion and career entry over maximum earnings potential, Troy's outcomes align well with realistic expectations for a regional public university serving Alabama's diverse student population.
Troy University excels in affordability, offering some of Alabama's most accessible net prices across all income levels. Low-income students pay approximately $12,718 annually, well below national averages for public universities, while middle-income families see predictable costs around $15,109. Even high-income families benefit from reasonable pricing at about $14,278, creating consistent affordability that helps families plan effectively over four years.
The university's debt structure supports its accessibility mission while remaining manageable for most graduates. Typical students leave with about $25,000 in federal loan debt, a moderate level that aligns with Troy's earnings outcomes and regional cost of living. Parent PLUS borrowing averages $13,000, reflecting families' ability to limit additional debt while still accessing higher education. With a 0% federal loan default rate, Troy demonstrates that its graduates can successfully manage their debt obligations despite more modest earnings levels.
Troy's affordability strength lies in providing predictable, transparent pricing that allows Alabama families to pursue higher education without excessive financial risk. The combination of low net prices, moderate debt levels, and successful repayment patterns creates a sustainable model for students who prioritize degree attainment and career preparation over maximum earnings potential.
Troy University Hub Overview
Executive summary with admissions, cost, outcomes, and program analysis
