Computer and Information Sciences at University of Alabama in Huntsville

UAH computer science graduates start strong at $75,159—well above the national median and competitive within Alabama's tech landscape. While this ranks 60th percentile statewide (trailing Alabama's Tuscaloosa campus and Athens State), the $22,000 median debt is notably lower than Alabama's typical $27,000, creating a favorable 0.29 debt-to-earnings ratio. That means graduates can theoretically pay off their loans in less than four months of gross earnings.

The main concern is the flat trajectory: earnings essentially plateau at $76,810 by year four. This isn't necessarily alarming for computer science, where initial salaries are already high, but it's worth understanding whether Huntsville's defense/aerospace tech sector (NASA, Boeing, Northrop Grumman) offers different career paths than traditional software engineering. These employers dominate the local market and may have structured pay scales that differ from Silicon Valley or Seattle tech companies.

For in-state students especially, UAH represents solid value—you're getting 83rd percentile national outcomes with below-state-average debt. The Huntsville location is a genuine advantage for tech careers, given the concentration of government contractors and research facilities. Just ensure your child understands the regional job market dynamics, as career advancement might depend on whether they're willing to relocate or commit to the defense/government sector long-term.