Alabama State University vs H Councill Trenholm State Community College: which has better ROI?
Neither clears its cost on institution-wide earnings, but H Councill Trenholm State Community College comes closer — median earnings $32,183 against a $33,300 total, vs $34,502 at Alabama State University. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)
| Measure | Alabama State University | H Councill Trenholm State Community College |
|---|---|---|
| Net price / yr | $20,435 | $8,325 |
| Total net cost | $81,740 | $33,300 |
| Median earnings, 10 yrs | $34,502 | $32,183 |
| Median debt | $31,000 | — |
| Payback | — | — |
| 20-year net return | -$358,900 | -$356,840 |
College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.
Which is cheaper, Alabama State University or H Councill Trenholm State Community College?
H Councill Trenholm State Community College, at $8,325 a year after aid versus $20,435 — a gap of $12,110 a year, or $48,440 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 H Councill Trenholm State Community College graduates earn more?
Alabama State University graduates report a median $34,502 ten years after entry, $2,319 more than the $32,183 at H Councill Trenholm State Community College. 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 graduates more of its students?
30% of students finish at Alabama State University, against 16% at H Councill Trenholm State Community College. 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.