University of South Alabama's published cost of attendance reaches $22,070 annually, including $18,652 in out-of-state tuition, $8,830 for room and board, and $2,020 for books and supplies. In-state students pay $9,676 in tuition, creating significant savings for Alabama residents.
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Net prices are averages and may vary. Based on federal data for first-time, full-time students receiving aid.
| Cost Category | Amount |
|---|---|
| Total Cost of Attendance (Sticker Price) | $22,070 |
| Tuition and Fees | $18,652 |
| Room and Board | $8,830 |
| Books and Supplies | $2,020 |
| Average Financial Aid (Grants and Scholarships) | -$6,928 |
| Average Net Price (What Families Pay) | $15,142 |
| Family Income | Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0–30k | $10,148 |
| $30–48k | $11,633 |
| $48–75k | $15,456 |
| $75–110k | $21,143 |
| $110k+ | $21,878 |
University of South Alabama's published cost of attendance reaches $22,070 annually, including $18,652 in out-of-state tuition, $8,830 for room and board, and $2,020 for books and supplies. In-state students pay $9,676 in tuition, creating significant savings for Alabama residents. However, the average student pays just $15,142 after financial aid, representing $6,928 in aid savings from the sticker price.
This net price falls $1,049 below the peer median of $14,093, indicating more affordable costs than similar public institutions. The university's financial aid effectiveness reduces the published price by approximately 31%, making higher education more accessible for students across income levels. Net prices vary substantially by family income, ranging from $10,148 for the lowest-income students to $21,878 for the highest-income families.
How much students borrow and whether debt is manageable given outcomes.
Debt is moderate relative to earnings. Manageable for most graduates, but higher-debt borrowers should plan carefully.
University of South Alabama graduates carry median debt of $24,929, which falls $3,824 below the peer median of $21,105, indicating more favorable borrowing patterns than similar institutions. Student debt ranges from $6,125 at the 25th percentile to $27,250 at the 75th percentile, showing most graduates avoid excessive borrowing levels.
The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.50 indicates manageable debt relative to post-graduation income, with annual debt service representing approximately half of one year's median earnings. Parent PLUS borrowing averages $21,172 with monthly payments of $279, requiring families to carefully evaluate borrowing capacity relative to income levels.
How cost compares to graduate earnings and value added.
University of South Alabama delivers solid return on educational investment through earnings that exceed expectations by $1,669 annually, ranking at the 62.4th percentile nationally for this value-added measure. While median earnings of $49,379 rank modestly below average nationally, the university's debt levels remain $3,824 below peer institutions, creating favorable debt-to-earnings ratios of 0.50.
The combination of controlled borrowing and above-expected earnings indicates University of South Alabama maximizes student outcomes relative to educational investment costs. Graduates benefit from earnings growth of 19.5% between the six-year and ten-year marks, suggesting career trajectories that improve over time.
The university's engineering programs, particularly Electrical and Electronics Engineering ($91,966 median earnings), and health sciences programs like Adult Health Nursing ($61,022 median earnings) drive strong outcomes that justify educational investment. For students prioritizing return on investment, University of South Alabama offers particular value through accessible admission, controlled costs, and program-specific outcomes that exceed national benchmarks in key fields.
University of South Alabama demonstrates strong commitment to affordability through financial aid policies that reduce average costs by $6,928 annually. The university's 37.1% Pell share significantly exceeds many institutions with similar selectivity, indicating aid policies effectively support lower-income enrollment.
Net prices for the lowest income tier ($10,148) represent less than half the published cost of attendance, while even middle-income families ($48,000-$75,000) pay $15,456, which remains below many comparable institutions. The aid structure concentrates benefits where students need them most, with the steepest price reductions for families earning under $48,000 annually.
This approach aligns with University of South Alabama's mission as an Opportunity Builder institution, where accessible pricing supports diverse student enrollment. The $1,049 advantage over peer median net prices indicates the university maintains competitive affordability within its institutional category, creating value for students across income backgrounds while particularly supporting first-generation and lower-income student success through reduced financial barriers.
The university's debt performance ranks at the 36th percentile nationally, indicating modestly below-average debt levels that support post-graduation financial stability. Combined with earnings that exceed expectations by $1,669 annually, University of South Alabama's debt profile creates favorable conditions for graduates to manage educational investments while building long-term financial security.
