Subject-Area Teaching at University of South Alabama

Mobile, AL · Public · Bachelor's Degree · Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas
43 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
44
Optimistic
43
Base Case
55
Pessimistic
Earnings $26,888/yr (-36% vs median)
AI Risk High (43% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (444,600 openings/yr)
ROI 13.7x earnings multiple (7.1x out-of-state)
Ranked #309 of 348 Teacher Education programs

Program Analysis

This program at the University of South Alabama provides a pathway into teaching, often preparing graduates for K-12 roles within the regional public school systems. The earnings data reflects the realities of the labor market for educators in Alabama, where salaries, particularly for entry-level and early-career teachers, are typically lower than national averages, even when accounting for a lower cost of living. You'll likely find employment within Mobile County Public Schools or surrounding districts, where a strong demand for qualified teachers exists. While the page lists high-paying postsecondary roles, the typical graduate from this specific program often enters elementary, middle, or high school classrooms. The "High AI risk" rating might seem surprising for teaching; it likely refers to curriculum development or standardized assessment aspects, rather than direct classroom instruction, which remains a deeply human-centric profession. To maximize your earning potential, consider specializing in high-demand subjects like math, science, or special education, which often come with salary differentials.

How AI Changes the Outlook

Three scenarios based on how aggressively AI disrupts the career paths available to Subject-Area Teaching graduates.

Optimistic
No Disruption
Base Case
Gradual AI
Pessimistic
Aggressive AI
10-Year Earnings $533K $529K $501K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 13.8x 13.7x 12.9x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 7.1x 7.1x 6.7x
Probability of Field Employment 78% 70% 55%
DegreeOutlook Score 44 43 55

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 (7.1x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$60,568
-56% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$26,000
11.6 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$46,909
74% growth from Year 1

About University of South Alabama

University of South Alabama's 65% acceptance rate reflects moderate selectivity, enrolling 8,540 students in Mobile, AL.

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

Top Career Paths

Health specialties teachers, postsecondary $105,620/yr
Atmospheric, earth, marine, and space sciences teachers, postsecondary $101,390/yr
Forestry and conservation science teachers, postsecondary $100,830/yr
View all 30 career paths with salary ranges and AI risk →

Compare & Explore

Subject-Area Teaching at Other Schools

Other Majors at University of South Alabama

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 43/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Subject-Area Teaching at University of South Alabama?
At 43/100, the financial outlook is modest. Higher-scoring Subject-Area Teaching programs exist, though non-financial factors may justify this choice.
Should I worry about AI if I study Subject-Area Teaching at University of South Alabama?
The 43% 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 Subject-Area Teaching 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.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →