Analysis
The debt burden here creates an immediate problem: graduates carry more than $52,000 in loans—double the national median for information science programs and significantly above Alabama's median. While earnings grow from $44,682 to $60,708 over four years, that first-year salary barely covers the debt load, leaving graduates in a tight financial spot early on. The program serves mainly Pell grant students (70%), making this debt particularly concerning for families with limited resources.
Alabama offers better options at comparable price points. The University of South Alabama delivers $56,344 in first-year earnings with lower debt loads, and Strayer's Alabama location produces $71,000 in starting salaries. This program ranks in just the 10th percentile nationally and 40th within Alabama—meaning 60% of Alabama's information science programs produce higher earnings despite having only four programs in the state to compare against.
The strong earnings growth deserves acknowledgment, and graduates who stay in the field eventually reach solid salaries. But the initial debt-to-earnings mismatch creates real hardship for new graduates managing loan payments. Unless there's a compelling reason to choose South University-Montgomery specifically, other Alabama programs offer better financial outcomes in this field.
Where South University-Montgomery Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all information science/studies bachelors's programs nationally
Earnings Distribution
How South University-Montgomery graduates compare to all programs nationally
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
| School | 1 Year | 4 Years | Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| South University-Montgomery | $44,682 | $60,708 | +36% |
| Boston College | $80,731 | $106,214 | +32% |
| Strayer University-Alabama | $71,167 | $78,793 | +11% |
| University of South Alabama | $56,344 | $67,914 | +21% |
| Alabama State University | $30,651 | $44,692 | +46% |
Compare to Similar Programs in Alabama
Information Science/Studies bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Alabama (4 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 South University-MontgomeryMontgomery | $18,238 | $44,682 | $60,708 | $52,173 | 1.17 |
 Strayer University-AlabamaBirmingham | $13,920 | $71,167 | $78,793 | $53,250 | 0.75 |
 University of South AlabamaMobile | $9,676 | $56,344 | $67,914 | $30,550 | 0.54 |
 Alabama State UniversityMontgomery | $11,248 | $30,651 | $44,692 | $31,993 | 1.04 |
| National Median | — | $58,651 | — | $25,750 | 0.44 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with information science/studies graduates
Computer and Information Systems Managers
Computer and Information Research Scientists
Software Developers
Database Architects
Data Warehousing Specialists
Web and Digital Interface Designers
Video Game Designers
Computer Science Teachers, Postsecondary
Computer Occupations, All Other
Web Administrators
Geographic Information Systems Technologists and Technicians
Document Management Specialists
About This Data
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (October 2025 release)
Population: Graduates who received federal financial aid (Title IV grants or loans). At South University-Montgomery, approximately 70% of students receive Pell grants. Students who did not receive federal aid are not included in these figures.
Earnings: Median earnings from IRS W-2 data for graduates who are employed and not enrolled in further education, measured 1 year after completion. Earnings are pre-tax and include wages, salaries, and self-employment income.
Debt: Median cumulative federal loan debt at graduation. Does not include private loans or Parent PLUS loans borrowed on behalf of students.
Sample Size: Based on 88 graduates with reported earnings and 112 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.