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) | $25,476 |
| Tuition and Fees | $19,092 |
| Room and Board | $11,366 |
| Books and Supplies | $864 |
| Average Financial Aid (Grants and Scholarships) | -$7,828 |
| Average Net Price (What Families Pay) | $17,648 |
| Family Income | Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0–30k | $12,657 |
| $30–48k | $13,265 |
| $48–75k | $16,277 |
| $75–110k | $23,252 |
| $110k+ | $25,322 |
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 well below typical first-year earnings — generally considered very manageable.
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.
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.
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.
