Mechanical Engineering at University of South Alabama

University of South Alabama's mechanical engineering graduates start below the pack—earning $67,175 in their first year compared to the state median of nearly $74,000. That places this program in the 40th percentile among Alabama's seven mechanical engineering programs, trailing schools like Auburn and Alabama by roughly $7,000 annually. The gap narrows by year four as earnings climb to $83,325, showing solid 24% growth, but that initial earnings disadvantage matters when you're making loan payments from day one.

The debt load of $26,500 is right at the state average and translates to a manageable 0.39 ratio against first-year earnings—about five months of salary. That's reasonable for an engineering degree, and the moderate sample size suggests these numbers reflect a consistent pattern rather than a few outliers.

The practical question is whether saving on potential tuition differences justifies starting $7,000 behind graduates from Alabama's flagship programs. For students committed to staying in the Mobile area or those prioritizing lower total costs, this program delivers an engineering credential that pays off over time. But families with flexibility should compare total cost of attendance: if the price difference between South Alabama and Auburn or Alabama is minimal after financial aid, those schools' stronger initial placement makes them worth serious consideration.