University of South Alabama
University of South Alabama — Earnings vs Cost (vs National Average)
University of South Alabama at a Glance
The University of South Alabama (USA) is a public research university in Mobile, Alabama, United States. It was created by the Alabama Legislature in May 1963 and replaced existing extension programs operated in Mobile by the University of Alabama. The first classes were held in June 1964 with an enrollment of 276 students; the first commencement was held in June 1967.
1963
63 years old
$742M
$742.1 million (total for both of USA's endowments 2025)
13,768
8,913 undergrad · 3,598 grad
1,224 acres
Identity
Is University of South Alabama Worth It?
At a value score of 37/100, University of South Alabama is a below-average value relative to its cost. Graduates earn $49,379 — 8% below average — while paying $17,648/year. Consider alternatives with better earnings-to-cost ratios.
The investment pays for itself in just 1.4 years — among the fastest payback periods of any college we track.
A 53% graduation rate is a serious red flag — fewer than 5 in 10 students finish. Those who don't graduate may still carry student debt without the higher-earning credential to show for it.
With median debt of $24,929 representing 50% of first-year earnings, loan repayment will be a significant burden for most graduates.
Bottom line: consider whether the specific program you're interested in at University of South Alabama has outcomes that justify the cost — the institution-wide numbers suggest caution.
How University of South Alabama compares to peer public colleges of similar tier nationally
Ranked #73 of 122 on value score. Peers are matched by size, median earnings, SAT, and admission rate — not just geography.
| Rank | College | Value | Net price / yr | Median earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | Foothill College | 100 | $7,653 | $57,072 |
| #2 | Skyline College | 100 | $1,738 | $55,702 |
| #3 | Indian River State College | 100 | $3,815 | $38,315 |
| #4 | Taft College | 96 | $2,823 | $38,861 |
| #5 | Gulf Coast State College | 90 | $4,709 | $38,359 |
| #6 | Shasta College | 89 | $2,878 | $39,269 |
| #73 | University of South Alabama | 37 | $17,648 | $49,379 |
Peer group: public colleges within ±60% of University of South Alabama's student body size and within a similar academic tier (SAT ±80, admit rate ±10pp, median earnings ±25%).
Best Programs at University of South Alabama
The highest-earning program at University of South Alabama is Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering at $67,200/year (4 years after graduation). The lowest is Parks, Recreation and Leisure Studies at $20,400/year.
Your major matters more than the school name — a Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering graduate from University of South Alabama earns $67,200, while a Parks, Recreation and Leisure Studies graduate earns $20,400. That's more than a 2× difference from the same institution. Choose your program carefully — it's the single biggest lever you control.
Debt also varies by program: Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering graduates carry $28,131 in median debt vs. $25,500 for Parks, Recreation and Leisure Studies.
Return on Investment
Estimated 4-Year Cost
Based on $17,648/yr net price × 4 years
Earnings Premium
vs. national average of $53,787/yr
Payback Period
Time to recoup the total cost through higher earnings
10-Year Net Gain
Median earnings over 10 years minus total cost of attendance
Programs & Earnings by Major
Graduate earnings data by field of study (4 years after graduation):
| Major | Earnings (4yr) | Earnings (1yr) | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering | $67,200 | $67,200 | $28,131 |
| Mechanical Engineering | $58,900 | $58,900 | $25,000 |
| Chemical Engineering | $58,700 | $58,700 | $25,000 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing | $55,500 | $55,500 | $21,500 |
| Civil Engineering | $55,200 | $55,200 | $24,375 |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions | $50,800 | $50,800 | $23,145 |
| Computer and Information Sciences, General | $48,100 | $48,100 | $25,500 |
| Computer Science | $47,800 | $47,800 | $28,687 |
| Information Science/Studies | $42,200 | $42,200 | N/A |
| Finance and Financial Management Services | $35,900 | $35,900 | $21,000 |
| Accounting and Related Services | $35,400 | $35,400 | $29,625 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods | $34,900 | $34,900 | $27,250 |
| Marketing | $34,300 | $34,300 | $25,000 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations | $32,800 | $32,800 | $27,080 |
| Social Work | $30,100 | $30,100 | $33,255 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas | $29,600 | $29,600 | $24,312 |
| Multi-/Interdisciplinary Studies, General | $29,100 | $29,100 | $29,750 |
| History | $29,000 | $29,000 | $29,084 |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections | $27,800 | $27,800 | $27,000 |
| Communication and Media Studies | $27,000 | $27,000 | $24,375 |
| Health/Medical Preparatory Programs | $25,400 | $25,400 | $27,608 |
| Psychology, General | $25,000 | $25,000 | $26,000 |
| Fine and Studio Arts | $22,900 | $22,900 | $31,000 |
| English Language and Literature, General | $21,000 | $21,000 | $27,000 |
| Biology, General | $20,400 | $20,400 | $25,000 |
| Parks, Recreation and Leisure Studies | $20,400 | $20,400 | $25,500 |
Similar Colleges in AL
Quick Facts
- Institution Type
- public
- Location
- Mobile, AL
- Student Body
- 8,879 students
- Admission Rate
- 71%
- Graduation Rate
- 53%
- Net Price (Annual)
- $17,648
- Median Earnings (10yr)
- $49,379
- Median Student Debt
- $24,929