Computer and Information Sciences at University of Alabama at Birmingham
Bachelor's Degree
Analysis
UAB's Computer Science program lands graduates solidly above national averages but falls short of top-tier Alabama programs. First-year earnings of $69,633 beat the national median by 14%, though they trail Alabama's flagship in Tuscaloosa by about $14,000. The real strength shows up by year four: earnings jump 25% to nearly $87,000, suggesting graduates are landing at companies with clear advancement paths rather than stalling in help desk roles.
The debt picture looks reasonable at $24,000—below both state and national medians for CS programs. At 0.34 times first-year earnings, you're looking at manageable payments that won't force your child into financial gymnastics. For perspective, this is roughly the same debt load as Athens State (which produces higher earners) but with better outcomes than many Alabama programs charging similar amounts.
The 60th state percentile ranking matters here: UAB sits comfortably in the upper half among Alabama programs but isn't competing with the flagship universities. If your child can get into Alabama-Huntsville or Auburn, those might edge ahead. But UAB delivers solid tech employment outcomes at an 88% admission rate, making it a viable option for students who need a more accessible entry point into computer science without sacrificing earning potential.
Where University of Alabama at Birmingham Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all computer and information sciences bachelors's programs nationally
Programs in the upper-left quadrant (high earnings, low debt) offer the best value. Programs in the lower-right quadrant warrant careful consideration.
Earnings Distribution
How University of Alabama at Birmingham graduates compare to all programs nationally
University of Alabama at Birmingham graduates earn $70k, placing them in the 71th percentile of all computer and information sciences bachelors programs nationally.
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
Earnings trajectories vary significantly. Some programs show strong early returns that plateau; others start lower but accelerate. Consider where you want to be at year 4, not just year 1.
Compare to Similar Programs in Alabama
Computer and Information Sciences bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Alabama (22 total in state)
| School | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| University of Alabama at Birmingham | $69,633 | $86,934 | $24,000 | 0.34 |
| The University of Alabama | $83,651 | $88,504 | $22,000 | 0.26 |
| Athens State University | $78,435 | $84,779 | $31,060 | 0.40 |
| University of Alabama in Huntsville | $75,159 | $76,810 | $22,000 | 0.29 |
| Auburn University | $72,440 | $87,874 | $25,000 | 0.35 |
| University of North Alabama | $68,996 | — | $27,000 | 0.39 |
| National Median | $61,322 | — | $25,000 | 0.41 |
Other Computer and Information Sciences Programs in Alabama
Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Alabama schools
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| The University of Alabama Tuscaloosa | $11,900 | $83,651 | $22,000 |
| Athens State University Athens | — | $78,435 | $31,060 |
| University of Alabama in Huntsville Huntsville | $11,770 | $75,159 | $22,000 |
| Auburn University Auburn | $12,536 | $72,440 | $25,000 |
| University of North Alabama Florence | $11,990 | $68,996 | $27,000 |
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 University of Alabama at Birmingham, approximately 33% 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 55 graduates with reported earnings and 52 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.