Alabama State University vs Auburn University at Montgomery: which has better ROI?
Neither clears its cost on institution-wide earnings, but Auburn University at Montgomery comes closer — median earnings $44,391 against a $52,896 total, vs $34,502 at Alabama State University. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)
| Measure | Alabama State University | Auburn University at Montgomery |
|---|---|---|
| Net price / yr | $20,435 | $13,224 |
| Total net cost | $81,740 | $52,896 |
| Median earnings, 10 yrs | $34,502 | $44,391 |
| Median debt | $31,000 | $25,000 |
| Payback | — | — |
| 20-year net return | -$358,900 | -$132,276 |
College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.
Which is cheaper, Alabama State University or Auburn University at Montgomery?
Auburn University at Montgomery, at $13,224 a year after aid versus $20,435 — a gap of $7,211 a year, or $28,844 across the full degree. These are net prices after grants and scholarships, not sticker prices, so they reflect what an aided student pays.
Do Alabama State University or Auburn University at Montgomery graduates earn more?
Auburn University at Montgomery graduates report a median $44,391 ten years after entry, $9,889 more than the $34,502 at Alabama State University. Both are institution-wide medians from federal tax records, so a high-paying major at the lower school can beat the average at the higher one.
Which leaves students with less debt, Alabama State University or Auburn University at Montgomery?
Auburn University at Montgomery: its completers carry a median $25,000 in federal loans versus $31,000 at Alabama State University, a difference of $6,000. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.
Which graduates more of its students?
33% of students finish at Auburn University at Montgomery, against 30% at Alabama State University. Completion matters to the ROI arithmetic because a degree that is never finished still carries its cost and its debt, but earns none of the graduate premium above the $48,360 high-school baseline.