Mobile, AL · Private University
Is University of South Alabama Worth It?
ROI analysis based on real earnings and cost data
Key Numbers
10-Year Earnings
$49,379
median, 10 years after enrollment
In-State Tuition
$9,676
per year
Out-of-State Tuition
$18,652
per year
Total 4-Year Cost
$74,608
tuition only (4 years)
ROI Ratio
2.65x
earnings ÷ annual tuition
Payback Period
5.2 yrs
years to recoup total cost
Graduation Rate
52.6%
6-year graduation rate
Median Debt
$24,929
at graduation
Avg Net Price
$15,142
after aid & scholarships
Earnings vs. Annual Cost
10-year median earnings compared to annual tuition
University of South Alabama graduates earn $4,379 more than the national median of workers with any education level.
What You'd Actually Pay
Average net price after grants and scholarships, by family income
Source: IPEDS net price data. Actual costs vary based on individual financial circumstances.
Highest-Earning Majors
Top programs at University of South Alabama ranked by graduate earnings
35 graduates
28 graduates
73 graduates
58 graduates
38 graduates
Earnings shown are 4-year post-graduation medians where available, otherwise 1-year medians.
ROI by Major at University of South Alabama
All available majors ranked by graduate earnings. Your major matters as much as your school.
Your major matters more than your school
At University of South Alabama, the gap between the highest-earning major (Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering: $91,966) and the lowest (Hospitality Administration/Management: $28,310) is $63,656/yr, bigger than the difference between many schools.
| Major | Earnings | ROI |
|---|---|---|
| Electrical, Electronics and Communications EngineeringBest ROI | $91,966 | 4.9x |
| Chemical Engineering | $88,406 | 4.7x |
| Mechanical Engineering | $83,325 | 4.5x |
| Civil Engineering | $74,622 | 4.0x |
| Computer Science | $73,682 | 4.0x |
| Computer and Information Sciences, General | $71,922 | 3.9x |
| Information Science/Studies | $67,914 | 3.6x |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing | $61,022 | 3.3x |
| Computer Engineering(1yr data) | $59,626 | 3.2x |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions | $57,116 | 3.1x |
| Finance and Financial Management Services | $54,038 | 2.9x |
| Accounting and Related Services | $48,118 | 2.6x |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations | $48,070 | 2.6x |
| Statistics | $45,091 | 2.4x |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas | $43,745 | 2.4x |
| Business/Commerce, General | $43,455 | 2.3x |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods | $41,899 | 2.3x |
| Marketing | $41,879 | 2.3x |
| Multi-/Interdisciplinary Studies, General | $41,326 | 2.2x |
| Health/Medical Preparatory Programs | $40,947 | 2.2x |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections | $40,801 | 2.2x |
| Social Work | $40,006 | 2.1x |
| History | $39,918 | 2.1x |
| Parks, Recreation and Leisure Studies | $39,133 | 2.1x |
| Biology, General | $38,811 | 2.1x |
| Communication and Media Studies | $38,521 | 2.1x |
| Music | $37,262 | 2.0x |
| English Language and Literature, General | $36,791 | 2.0x |
| Psychology, General | $34,807 | 1.9x |
| Fine and Studio Arts | $31,418 | 1.7x |
| Hospitality Administration/ManagementLowest(1yr data) | $28,310 | 1.5x |
Earnings are 4-year post-graduation medians where available, otherwise 5-year or 1-year. ROI = earnings ÷ annual tuition.
The Bottom Line
University of South Alabama stands out as a strong financial investment among U.S. colleges. Graduates earn $49,379 10 years after starting, $4,379 above the national median of $45,000. The investment pays for itself in roughly 5.2 years, faster than most colleges.
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Earnings data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Tuition data from IPEDS. ROI calculations are for informational purposes only and reflect median outcomes.