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Information Science at University of South Alabama

Mobile, AL · Public · Bachelor's Degree · Information Science/Studies

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

Optimistic

Base Case

Pessimistic

Earnings $56,344/yr (-5% vs median)

AI Risk Very High (68% exposed)

Job Market Very Large (221,900 openings/yr)

ROI 18.0x earnings multiple (9.4x out-of-state)

Ranked #45 of 129 Information Science/Studies programs Top 50%

How AI Changes the Outlook

Three scenarios based on how aggressively AI disrupts the career paths available to Information Science graduates.

	Optimistic No Disruption	Base Case Gradual AI	Pessimistic Aggressive AI
10-Year Earnings	$716K	$698K	$584K
Earnings Multiple (In-State)	18.5x	18.0x	15.1x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State)	9.6x	9.4x	7.8x
Probability of Field Employment	74%	68%	39%
DegreeOutlook Score	77	76	70

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 (9.4x ROI)

4-Year Net Price (After Aid)

$60,568

-56% less than sticker · See by income

Median Debt at Graduation

$28,000

6.0 months of Year 1 earnings

Reported Earnings (5 Year)

$75,104

33% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

First-year earnings of $56,344 track close to the $59,433 national median for Information Science programs. This is a middle-of-the-road outcome on salary alone.

With a 18.0x return on in-state tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The 18% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Information Science career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.

At $28,000 in median debt against $56,344 in first-year earnings, graduates can expect to clear their loan balance in under six months of full earnings.

A #45 ranking among 129 Information Science programs places University of South Alabama in the middle-to-upper range. Solid, not exceptional.

A 33% earnings increase from $56,344 to $75,104 over five years is solid — not a moonshot, but evidence of normal career advancement.

About University of South Alabama

With a 65% acceptance rate, University of South Alabama is moderately selective, 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 7 career paths with salary ranges and AI risk →

Compare & Explore

Information Science at Other Schools

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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 76/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Information Science at University of South Alabama?

At 76/100, this is a high-performing program. The DegreeOutlook Score combines earnings, AI resilience, and ROI — and this program delivers on all three.

Should I worry about AI if I study Information Science at University of South Alabama?

The 68% 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.

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