Computer and Information Sciences at Jacksonville State University

Jacksonville State's computer science program starts reasonably well, with first-year graduates earning $62,795—right at the national median. But here's the problem: within four years, those earnings drop to $57,607. Meanwhile, Alabama's median for this degree is $67,315, and the state's top programs consistently deliver $70,000+ throughout graduates' careers. This puts JSU in the bottom half of Alabama options, lagging about $10,000 behind the state median and nearly $25,000 behind what Alabama or Auburn graduates earn.

The debt picture is manageable at $23,578, giving graduates a reasonable 0.38 debt-to-earnings ratio in year one. That's lower than both state and national debt levels for computer science. However, as earnings slide, that initial advantage matters less. The real concern is why salaries decline rather than grow—this could indicate graduates taking jobs outside tech or in lower-growth positions. In computer science, where earnings typically climb steadily, this pattern suggests either the local job market isn't absorbing these graduates into traditional tech roles or the program isn't positioning them for career progression.

For families considering this program: the debt is reasonable, but you're likely paying for a degree that underperforms the state market. If your child has the profile to get into Alabama, Auburn, or UAH, the earnings premium—$15,000 to $25,000 annually—quickly justifies any tuition difference. JSU might work if it's significantly cheaper out-of-pocket, but examine carefully where graduates actually end up working.