Reviewed by: Lacey Muenstermann
4 degrees with great return on your investment in North AL right now—salaries 65k+
Reading time: 5 minutes
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When it comes to furthering your education, return on investment is often top of mind.
Luckily, this small-town university just 45 minutes from Huntsville is considered one of the “best buys” in Alabama and Tennessee for its impressive education for some of the lowest costs in the state.
Keep reading to see which affordable programs are giving students great bang for their buck.
Making a strategic personal investment
These students chose Athens State University for the affordability and flexibility. (Athens State University)
You may not think you have the time or money to continue—or even finish—your degree, but there are resources available to help you across the finish line.
With flexible formats and the lowest tuition in the state, Athens State University is built for students of all walks of life. They’re also the oldest higher education institute in Alabama, exclusively serving transfer students looking for their next step.
We got an inside look at which programs are giving students great return on investment including these 4 career paths with an average salary of $65k+.
4 Degrees with in-demand careers
1. Accounting
Accounting is one of the most popular programs in the Athens State College of Business for the field’s reputation for job security, comfortable salary and application to any industry.
Professors with in-industry experiences and networks also make this degree an excellent investment.
“We have been where our students want to go. Our real-world experience adds an extra element to the program, giving students the tools they need to succeed in accounting careers.”
Diann Hammon, Ph.D., CPA, Professor at Athens State University
Plus, Athens State offers development in government contract accounting—very prevalent for Huntsville.
- National average salary*: $79,880
- *National average salaries for all programs are based on the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Salaries may vary by region.
- Advantages of Athens State:
- Curriculum can be tailored to Government Contract Accounting and Forensic Accounting
- Faculty that have all worked in-industry
- Long-standing relationships with local accounting firms
- Professional certifications including Certified Public Accountant (CPA) + Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE)
- Career opportunities:
- Accounting clerk
- Financial manager
- Financial analyst
- Forensic accountant
- Payroll Specialist
- Learn more about the program
- See if your employer is a learning partner to get 10% off tuition + more benefits
2. Nursing
Nursing is in high demand, with expected growth of 6% by 2030 (according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics).
If you’re interested in health care, take advantage of the flexibility and affordability at Athens State. Their RN to BSN Program allows eligible Registered Nurses to finish their BSN, opening doors to higher pay and more opportunities.
- National average salary: $86,070
- Advantage of Athens State:
- 100% online
- Most affordable BSN program in Alabama + Tennessee
- Fast-Track/Joint Enrollment Program
- Career opportunities:
- Registered Nurse
- Compliance Officer
- Health Education Specialist
- Nurse Educator
- Nurse Recruiter
- Learn more about the program
- See if your employer is a learning partner to get 10% off tuition + more benefits
3. STEM Education
My mom is an Athens State Education graduate and current kindergarten teacher in Athens, and I’ve seen firsthand the impact and importance of emphasizing STEM topics in the classroom.
In fact, Alabama is facing a shortage of STEM teachers—with this specialty STEM path, Athens State is leading the way to combat this deficit.
If you’re passionate about inspiring the next generation of engineers, scientists and inventors, then the STEM Education Program is your next move.
- National average salary for Secondary Education: $65,220
- Advantage of Athens State:
- Focuses in Biology, Chemistry and Mathematics
- Automatic financial support for Athens State TEACH students
- Career opportunities:
- Secondary STEM Education
- K-12 STEM Teacher
- STEM Educator
- Museum Educator
- Learn more about these program options
- See if your employer is a learning partner to get 10% off tuition + more benefits
4. NEW Applied Management
If you’ve started your career in any technical field like Automotive Technology or Welding, you can climb the ladder by gaining advanced managerial skills with the new Applied Management degree.
Working adults can receive credit for certifications and prior learning experience and earn their bachelor’s degree in Applied Management.
- Advantage of Athens State:
- Perfect option for adults looking to return to college
- Seamless pathway for those coming from technologies-based programs in community colleges
- Concentrations available to align with individual career goals
- Career opportunities:
- Management in any technical field including:
- Air Conditioning + Refrigeration
- Aerospace/Aviation Technology
- Automotive Technology
- Design Drafting Technology
- Electrical Technology
- Industrial Maintenance
- Machine Tool Technology
- Process Technology
- Robotics
- Welding
- Any area of management
- Management in any technical field including:
- Learn more about the program
- See if your employer is a learning partner to get 10% off tuition + more benefits
Flexible degrees on a beautiful campus
Athens State University’s philosophy is, “It’s how you finish—because earning your degree is only the beginning.”
Let this be your sign to consider investing in yourself and your future—learn more and apply today.
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