At $15,142/yr net price, University of South Alabama graduates earn $49,379/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $15,379/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $15,142 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $60,568 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $49,379/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$15,379/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 3.9 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 52.6% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $24,929 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $10,148/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $11,633/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $15,456/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $21,143/yr |
| $110,001+ | $21,878/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Doctoral | $115,711 | $71,336 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Certificate | $109,763 | |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Master | $102,706 | $97,225 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Master | $96,954 | $51,673 |
| Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions. | Doctoral | $72,214 | $77,490 |
| Computer and Information Sciences, General. | Master | $71,015 | |
| Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions. | Master | $70,232 | $62,988 |
| Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering. | Bachelor | $68,219 | $22,500 |
| Mechanical Engineering. | Bachelor | $66,240 | $24,000 |
| Communication Disorders Sciences and Services. | Doctoral | $65,821 | $80,320 |
The Risk Factor
52.6% of students at University of South Alabama graduate within 6 years. More than half of students finish, but the dropout rate is a real factor in whether this investment pays off.
Analysis
University of South Alabama delivers strong returns for healthcare students but weaker outcomes for most other majors. The school's nursing programs consistently produce graduates earning $96,000 to $115,000 annually, making them clear financial winners despite higher debt loads reaching $71,000 for some nursing tracks.
Your choice of major matters enormously here. Allied health and rehabilitation programs also pay well, with graduates earning $72,000 to $102,000, though debt can climb near $100,000 for diagnostic professions. Outside healthcare, the median earnings of $49,000 suggest more modest returns given the $15,000 annual net price.
The 52% graduation rate poses your biggest financial risk. Nearly half of students leave without a degree but often with debt. The 76% retention rate means you'll likely return for sophomore year, but your odds of finishing decline significantly after that.
You're a good financial fit if you're pursuing nursing or allied health and can handle the academic demands. The Mobile job market supports these healthcare careers well. Avoid this school if you're undecided on major or interested in fields outside health sciences, where returns don't justify the cost and completion risk.
With only 37% receiving aid, merit scholarships appear limited. Focus on in-state residency if applicable, and consider starting at a community college for prerequisites if you're unsure about your major or study habits. The completion risk makes this a poor choice for students who struggled academically in high school.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is University of South Alabama worth the cost?
University of South Alabama offers decent value for in-state students with a net price of $15,142 annually and median debt of $24,929. However, the 10-year earnings of $49,379 are below national averages, making it a moderate investment that works best for students pursuing high-paying programs like nursing.
What are the highest paying majors at University of South Alabama?
Nursing programs at University of South Alabama lead earnings with graduates making $96,000-$115,000 annually. Allied health and rehabilitation programs also perform well, with salaries around $72,000-$103,000, making these the strongest ROI choices at the school.
How much debt do University of South Alabama graduates have?
University of South Alabama graduates leave with a median debt of $24,929, which is manageable compared to national averages. The relatively low net price of $15,142 per year helps keep borrowing reasonable for most students.
Does University of South Alabama have good job prospects after graduation?
University of South Alabama's overall graduate earnings of $49,379 after 10 years are below average, but this varies significantly by major. Nursing and healthcare graduates see strong job prospects and higher salaries, while other programs may struggle with lower earning potential.