Computer Science at University of South Alabama

University of South Alabama's computer science graduates start below the national average but see impressive momentum, with earnings jumping 33% to reach $73,682 by year four. That trajectory matters more than the initial $55,256, which matches Alabama's median for CS programs—placing this program squarely in the middle of the state's tech education landscape (60th percentile). The relatively modest debt load of $26,750 means graduates owe less than half their starting salary, a manageable ratio that becomes even more favorable as earnings climb.

The national comparison tells only part of the story here. While South Alabama ranks in just the 17th percentile nationally, that's largely because computer science programs in major tech hubs command higher starting salaries. Within Alabama's market, this program performs competitively, and the debt burden sits below the national median. For students planning to work in the Gulf Coast region or elsewhere in the Southeast, these numbers reflect realistic local salary expectations rather than a program weakness.

For Alabama families, particularly those attracted by South Alabama's 65% admission rate and accessible price point, this represents solid preparation for tech careers without the debt trap that plagues many CS programs. The key is that earnings growth—graduates nearly reach the national median by year four while carrying reasonable debt. That's a workable foundation for a technical career, even if it won't match what graduates earn leaving Stanford or Georgia Tech.