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
The University of South Alabama gives you a moderate financial return that depends heavily on your major. At about $15,000 a year in net price and median debt under $25,000, the cost stays reasonable, but the median graduate earning $49,379 after ten years tells you the payoff is average unless you pick the right program.
Engineering is where this school pays off. Electrical engineering and mechanical engineering graduates clear $66,000 to $68,000, and computer science lands close behind. These programs beat the school-wide median by roughly $15,000 to $20,000 a year while carrying similar debt loads, so the return on an engineering degree here is genuinely strong. Chemical engineering is the standout on debt, with graduates borrowing the least of the top five while still earning over $61,000. If you come to South Alabama for engineering or CS, the numbers work in your favor, helped by Mobile's industrial and aerospace employer base.
The risk is that South Alabama's public earnings data only shows engineering and computer science at the top. If you enroll in a non-technical major, you have no listed program data promising strong pay, and the median earnings suggest many graduates land near $49,000. Pair that with a 52.6% graduation rate, and the real danger is borrowing for a degree you don't finish or one that doesn't lift your earnings.
The net price tiers reward lower-income families. If your family earns under $30,000, you pay about $10,000 a year. that jumps to roughly $21,000 once income passes $75,000. Middle and upper-income families absorb the full sticker cost.
This school fits you if you're pursuing engineering or computer science, especially from a lower-income household. If you're set on a non-technical major, weigh the earnings carefully before borrowing.
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.