Computer Engineeringat University of South Alabama
Graduates earn $59,626/yr in their first year — about 24.0% below the national Computer Engineering average. Base-case 10-year earnings $634K; scenarios range from $548K to $652K depending on AI disruption.
What this degree looks like at University of South Alabama
First-year earnings of $59,626 place University of South Alabama below the $78,694 national median for Computer Engineering — worth weighing against tuition and cost of living.
With a 16.4x return on in-state tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.
The 16% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Computer Engineering career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.
With first-year pay of $59,626 far exceeding the $25,000 median debt, the payback timeline is measured in months, not years.
A #155 ranking among 174 Computer Engineering programs places University of South Alabama in the lower half. Price, proximity, and personal fit become the stronger arguments.
Three scenarios, ten years out
Each scenario is a different assumption about how AI reshapes the career paths this major feeds into. Earnings projections stack the full 10-year cumulative trajectory; scores use the same 0–100 metric as the hero, recomputed under that scenario's assumptions.
10 year projection
Year-by-year earnings under each scenario. Base case reflects BLS growth patterns applied to University of South Alabama's starting earnings; optimistic and pessimistic adjust for AI's effect on each career path this major feeds into.
Common career destinations for this program's graduates, weighted by the school's specific occupation mix. Salary is BLS national median; AI risk is per-role task-exposure research.
Peer schools offering Computer Engineering
How University of South Alabama stacks up against other schools offering this major.
Other top programs at University of South Alabama
Other highest-scoring programs offered at University of South Alabama, ranked by DegreeOutlook Score.
Consider the trade route
Not sure a 4-year degree is the right path? Trade programs in Computer Engineering offer shorter timelines, lower debt, and strong AI resilience for hands-on careers.
Compare Computer Engineering trade programs on TradeSchoolOutlook →Frequently asked about Computer Engineering at University of South Alabama
What does a 66/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Computer Engineering at University of South Alabama?
At 66/100, the score looks reasonable — but Computer Engineering is a high-scoring field overall. Compared to peers, this program's earnings and ROI fall below the median.
Should I worry about AI if I study Computer Engineering at University of South Alabama?
The 71% 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 University of South Alabama a good choice for Computer Engineering despite lower starting pay?
Starting salary is one data point. If University of South Alabama's tuition is significantly below average, the ROI calculation can still work — lower earnings paired with lower costs can be a reasonable trade.