Optometry

First professional degree · University of Alabama at Birmingham · Birmingham, AL

CIP 51.17

$97,611Median earnings 1 year after graduating

$145,890Median earnings 4 years after

$120,051Median earnings 5 years after

$164,956Median federal debt

40Graduates per year

How this program compares

Graduates of the first professional degree program in Optometry at University of Alabama at Birmingham earn a median of $97,611 one year after completing the program. Nationally, first professional degree graduates in this field earn a median of $131,525 four years after graduating (middle half: $100,524–$158,455). Median debt is $164,956, about 169% of first-year earnings – more than a full year of pay.

Other programs at University of Alabama at Birmingham

Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical NursingDoctoral degree$125,952
Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment ProfessionsMaster's degree$105,760
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical NursingMaster's degree$103,147
Health and Medical Administrative ServicesMaster's degree$98,824
Engineering, GeneralMaster's degree$94,656
Business Administration, Management and OperationsMaster's degree$87,219
Systems Science and TheoryMaster's degree$82,344
Management Information Systems and ServicesMaster's degree$79,989
Rehabilitation and Therapeutic ProfessionsDoctoral degree$76,964
Computer/Information Technology Administration and ManagementMaster's degree$76,770
Electrical, Electronics, and Communications EngineeringBachelor's degree$76,151
Educational Administration and SupervisionMaster's degree$69,736
Computer and Information Sciences, GeneralBachelor's degree$69,633
Materials EngineeringBachelor's degree$69,498
Rehabilitation and Therapeutic ProfessionsMaster's degree$67,458
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical NursingBachelor's degree$65,173
Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research and Allied ProfessionsMaster's degree$62,780
Civil EngineeringBachelor's degree$62,283
Accounting and Related ServicesMaster's degree$61,553
Educational Assessment, Evaluation, and ResearchMaster's degree$58,223

Frequently asked questions

How much do Optometry graduates from University of Alabama at Birmingham make?

The median salary is $97,611 one year after graduation and $120,051 after five years.

How much student debt do graduates have?

Graduates who borrowed federal loans owe a median of $164,956.

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, June 2026 release (Field of Study data). Earnings are for graduates who received federal financial aid.