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Computer Science at The University of Alabama

Tuscaloosa, AL · Public · Bachelor's Degree · Computer and Information Sciences, General

DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition

Optimistic

Base Case

Pessimistic

Earnings $83,651/yr (34% vs median)

AI Risk Very High (69% exposed)

Job Market Very Large (338,800 openings/yr)

ROI 19.1x earnings multiple (6.8x out-of-state)

Ranked #20 of 443 Computer and Information Sciences, General programs Top 5%

How AI Changes the Outlook

Three scenarios based on how aggressively AI disrupts the career paths available to Computer Science graduates.

	Optimistic No Disruption	Base Case Gradual AI	Pessimistic Aggressive AI
10-Year Earnings	$946K	$909K	$703K
Earnings Multiple (In-State)	19.9x	19.1x	14.8x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State)	7.1x	6.8x	5.3x
Probability of Field Employment	80%	74%	42%
DegreeOutlook Score	89	88	81

10-Year Earnings Projection

*Year 1 uses actual reported earnings. Scenarios diverge as AI impact compounds over time.

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)

$47,600

Out-of-state: $132,800 (6.8x ROI)

4-Year Net Price (After Aid)

$88,600

-86% less than sticker · See by income

Median Debt at Graduation

$21,992

3.2 months of Year 1 earnings

Reported Earnings (5 Year)

$102,009

22% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

At $83,651 per year, Computer Science graduates from The University of Alabama significantly outpace the $62,617 national average for this major, reflecting strong employer demand for this program's graduates.

With a 19.1x return on in-state tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The 26% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Computer Science career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.

The median debt load of $21,992 represents less than half a year of starting salary — among the lightest debt-to-income ratios we track.

The University of Alabama ranks #20 among 443 Computer Science programs, placing it in the top 5% nationally by our financial outcomes measure.

A 22% earnings increase from $83,651 to $102,009 over five years is solid — not a moonshot, but evidence of normal career advancement.

About The University of Alabama

With 76% of applicants admitted, The University of Alabama prioritizes broad access, serving a student body of 32,323 in Tuscaloosa, AL.

See all programs and financial aid at The University of Alabama →

Top Career Paths

Computer and information systems managers $171,200/yr

Computer and information research scientists $140,910/yr

Database architects $135,980/yr

View all 14 career paths with salary ranges and AI risk →

Compare & Explore

Computer Science at Other Schools

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Explore the Trade Alternative

Not every career requires a four-year degree. Trade programs in related fields can offer competitive salaries with a fraction of the student loan burden.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 88/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Computer Science at The University of Alabama?

At 88/100, this is a high-performing program. The DegreeOutlook Score combines earnings, AI resilience, and ROI — and this program delivers on all three.

Should I worry about AI if I study Computer Science at The University of Alabama?

The 69% AI task exposure score is above average. Our model shows this affecting job availability more than salaries — graduates may face stiffer competition for fewer positions.

Is The University of Alabama one of the best schools for Computer Science?

Among 443 Computer Science programs, The University of Alabama's #20 position reflects consistently above-average results across earnings, ROI, and employment probability.

Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →