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Computer Engineering at University of South Alabama

Mobile, AL · Public · Bachelor's Degree
66 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
67
Optimistic
66
Base Case
60
Pessimistic
Earnings $59,626/yr (-24% vs median)
AI Risk Very High (71% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (167,700 openings/yr)
ROI 16.4x earnings multiple (8.5x out-of-state)
Ranked #155 of 174 Computer Engineering programs

How AI Changes the Outlook

Three scenarios based on how aggressively AI disrupts the career paths available to Computer Engineering graduates.

Optimistic
No Disruption		 Base Case
Gradual AI		 Pessimistic
Aggressive AI
10-Year Earnings $652K $634K $548K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 16.9x 16.4x 14.2x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 8.7x 8.5x 7.3x
Probability of Field Employment 84% 74% 43%
DegreeOutlook Score 67 66 60

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 (8.5x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$60,568
-56% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$25,000
5.0 months of Year 1 earnings

Program Analysis

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.

About University of South Alabama

A 65% admission rate makes University of South Alabama accessible to a wide range of qualified students, enrolling 8,540 students in Mobile, AL.

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

Top Career Paths

Architectural and engineering managers $167,740/yr
Computer hardware engineers $155,020/yr
Database architects $135,980/yr
View all 7 career paths with salary ranges and AI risk →

Compare & Explore

Compare this program → View all 174 schools offering Computer Engineering →

Computer Engineering at Other Schools

University of Washington-Seattle Campus ($141,588) University of Washington-Bothell Campus ($141,588) University of Virginia-Main Campus ($118,232) California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo ($111,560) Duke University ($111,145) Santa Clara University ($103,804) University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign ($103,123) Columbia University in the City of New York ($102,083)

Other Majors at University of South Alabama

Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering ($81,499) Chemical Engineering ($71,116) Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing ($69,447) Mechanical Engineering ($67,175) Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions ($59,611) Civil Engineering ($59,547) Information Science/Studies ($56,344) Computer Science ($55,256)

Explore the Trade Alternative

Compare Computer Engineering trade programs on TradeSchoolWorth →

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