University of Alabama in Huntsville demonstrates well above average return on educational investment, ranking at the 85.9th percentile nationally. Graduates earn $5,921 beyond expectations relative to similar students, placing UAH at the 76.8th percentile for value-added performance. Median earnings of $61,767 exceed the peer median by $11,651, representing a 23.2% earnings premium that justifies higher educational costs. With median debt of $20,705 compared to peer median of $21,105, students achieve superior earnings outcomes while borrowing similar amounts to comparable institutions. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.34 indicates manageable repayment burden, as graduates earn nearly three dollars for every dollar borrowed. The return on investment ranks at the 86th percentile nationally, reflecting well above average outcomes for the educational investment required.
University of Alabama in Huntsville graduates demonstrate modest but positive earnings growth trajectory over the post-graduation period. Median earnings increase from $55,610 six years after enrollment to $61,771 at eight years and $61,767 at ten years, representing 11.1% growth from the six-year mark to the ten-year point. These outcomes reflect data from a ten-year cohort of 1,796 graduates, providing solid confidence in the reported figures. Graduates earn $5,921 beyond expectations compared to similar students nationally, placing UAH at the 76.8th percentile for this value-added measure. Low-income graduates earn $47,000, ranking above average nationally and demonstrating the institution's effectiveness in supporting students from diverse economic backgrounds. The earnings distribution spans from $37,446 at the 25th percentile to $91,119 at the 75th percentile, with the 2.4:1 ratio reflecting differences in program choice and career paths. Approximately 28.0% of graduates continue to graduate or professional study, indicating balanced preparation for both workforce entry and advanced education pursuits.
Latest FE earnings field: 10-year
Lower quartile, 10-year field
Upper quartile, 10-year field
Earnings distribution reveals significant variation reflecting UAH's diverse program portfolio. The 25th to 75th percentile range spans from $37,446 to $91,119, creating a 2.4:1 ratio that demonstrates substantial outcome differences by field of study. Low-income graduates earn $47,000, indicating reasonable mobility outcomes for students from disadvantaged backgrounds. The earnings spread reflects program diversity from moderate-earning fields like Psychology ($27,247) to high-earning Engineering disciplines exceeding $80,000.
Earnings outcomes at University of Alabama in Huntsville reveal significant variation driven primarily by the institution's strong engineering and technical program portfolio. The gap between the 25th percentile ($37,446) and 75th percentile ($91,119) represents substantial career outcome differences, with technical graduates typically achieving higher earnings. Electrical and Electronics Engineering graduates earn $85,408, while Mechanical Engineering graduates earn $83,433, demonstrating the premium associated with engineering disciplines. Business and healthcare programs show more moderate outcomes, with Business Administration graduates earning $55,070 and Adult Health Nursing graduates earning $57,022. The 11.1% growth rate from six to ten years suggests steady career progression rather than rapid advancement, typical of technical fields where experience builds expertise over time.
Financial justification for the investment.
Earnings distribution reveals significant variation reflecting UAH's diverse program portfolio. The 25th to 75th percentile range spans from $37,446 to $91,119, creating a 2.4:1 ratio that demonstrates substantial outcome differences by field of study. Low-income graduates earn $47,000, indicating reasonable mobility outcomes for students from disadvantaged backgrounds. The earnings spread reflects program diversity from moderate-earning fields like Psychology ($27,247) to high-earning Engineering disciplines exceeding $80,000.
Approximately 28.0% of UAH graduates continue to graduate or professional study, reflecting the university's role in preparing students for both immediate workforce entry and advanced education. This rate suggests balanced career pathways, with most graduates entering careers directly while a significant minority pursue additional degrees, particularly relevant for programs like Biology that often require graduate training for career advancement.
Program mix and student pathways explain much of the earnings story.
University of Alabama in Huntsville's strongest earnings outcomes center on engineering and specialized technical programs that leverage regional aerospace and technology industry connections. Electrical and Electronics Engineering leads with $85,408 median earnings, followed closely by Mechanical Engineering at $83,433, both reflecting premium market demand for technical skills. Information Resources Management delivers exceptional $75,743 earnings with strong #12 national ranking, demonstrating UAH's effectiveness in business technology preparation. Aerospace Engineering produces $70,383 earnings while ranking #42 nationally, benefiting from proximity to NASA facilities. These top-performing programs drive overall institutional return performance, while programs like Adult Health Nursing ($57,022) and Business Administration ($55,070) provide solid middle-tier outcomes. The concentration of high-earning programs in engineering fields reflects UAH's institutional strength and regional economic alignment, supporting the institution's overall return index ranking at the 85.9th percentile nationally.
See which programs drive the strongest earnings and career trajectories
