Degree Dividend
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Alabama State University vs Talladega College: which has better ROI?

Public, Montgomery AL · vs · Private nonprofit, Talladega AL

The verdict

Neither clears its cost on institution-wide earnings, but Alabama State University comes closer — median earnings $34,502 against a $81,740 total, vs $32,229 at Talladega College. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)

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Head to head
MeasureAlabama State UniversityTalladega College
Net price / yr$20,435$15,560
Total net cost$81,740$62,240
Median earnings, 10 yrs$34,502$32,229
Median debt$31,000$28,500
Payback
20-year net return-$358,900-$384,860

College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.

Which is cheaper, Alabama State University or Talladega College?

Talladega College, at $15,560 a year after aid versus $20,435 — a gap of $4,875 a year, or $19,500 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 Talladega College graduates earn more?

Alabama State University graduates report a median $34,502 ten years after entry, $2,273 more than the $32,229 at Talladega 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 leaves students with less debt, Alabama State University or Talladega College?

Talladega College: its completers carry a median $28,500 in federal loans versus $31,000 at Alabama State University, a difference of $2,500. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.

Which graduates more of its students?

31% of students finish at Talladega College, 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.

Alabama State University vs Talladega College: frequently asked questions

Is Alabama State University or Talladega College a better value?
Alabama State University comes closer, but neither clears its cost on institution-wide earnings — the field you study decides it here more than the school.
Which is cheaper, Alabama State University or Talladega College?
Talladega College: $15,560/yr net price after aid versus $20,435/yr at Alabama State University — a difference of $4,875 a year, or about $19,500 over four years.
Do Alabama State University or Talladega College graduates earn more?
Alabama State University graduates earn a median $34,502 ten years after entry, versus $32,229 at Talladega College — a $2,273 gap. This blends every major, so a specific field can flip it.