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Computer Science at University of South Alabama

Mobile, AL · Public · Bachelor's Degree

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

Optimistic

Base Case

Pessimistic

Earnings $55,256/yr (-25% vs median)

AI Risk Very High (72% exposed)

Job Market Very Large (295,800 openings/yr)

ROI 21.2x earnings multiple (11.0x out-of-state)

Ranked #129 of 345 Computer Science programs Top 50%

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	$851K	$819K	$644K
Earnings Multiple (In-State)	22.0x	21.2x	16.6x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State)	11.4x	11.0x	8.6x
Probability of Field Employment	80%	73%	40%
DegreeOutlook Score	82	81	73

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)

$38,704

Out-of-state: $74,608 (11.0x ROI)

4-Year Net Price (After Aid)

$60,568

-56% less than sticker · See by income

Median Debt at Graduation

$25,750

5.6 months of Year 1 earnings

Reported Earnings (5 Year)

$84,922

54% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

At $55,256 per year, Computer Science graduates from University of South Alabama earn below the $73,713 national average. Lower costs or geographic factors may offset the earnings gap.

Every dollar of in-state tuition returns an estimated 21.2x in decade earnings — an exceptional ratio that places this among the highest-ROI Computer Science programs nationally.

Some AI exposure exists in Computer Science's typical career paths, with 72% of job tasks potentially affected. The pessimistic scenario still projects solid returns, with a 24% gap from the optimistic case.

The median debt load of $25,750 represents less than half a year of starting salary — among the lightest debt-to-income ratios we track.

At #129 of 345 Computer Science programs, University of South Alabama scores above the median — competitive but not a standout.

Five-year earnings of $84,922 show a 54% jump from the $55,256 starting point — strong upward trajectory suggesting real career acceleration.

About University of South Alabama

University of South Alabama accepts 65% of applicants, balancing access with selectivity, enrolling 8,540 students in Mobile, AL.

See all programs and financial aid at University of South 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 13 career paths with salary ranges and AI risk →

Compare & Explore

Computer Science at Other Schools

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the DegreeOutlook Score for Computer Science at University of South Alabama?

This program scores 81/100 — placing it among the stronger programs for Computer Science nationally. The score reflects above-average earnings, manageable AI risk, and solid financial return.

Will AI replace Computer Science careers?

With 72% of typical job tasks exposed to AI, this is one of the higher-risk fields. Our pessimistic scenario projects $643,895 in decade earnings vs $851,439 in the optimistic case — a meaningful gap.

Can you still earn well with Computer Science from University of South Alabama?

First-year earnings trail the national median, but starting salary isn't the full picture. Regional cost of living, career trajectory, and tuition cost all factor in. Check the five-year earnings data when available.

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