Head-to-head · 2026
Lurleen B Wallace Community College vs University of South Alabama
Compare average net price ($2,792 at Lurleen B Wallace Community College; $17,648 at University of South Alabama), ROI score (28.93 vs 6.99), ten-year median earnings ($32,307 vs $49,379), and admissions context (Open / not reported at Lurleen B Wallace Community College; 71% at University of South Alabama) using federal College Scorecard data. The metric count is evenly split at 2-2. Lurleen B Wallace Community College leads on ROI, but the cost and earnings signals are split enough that this is not a one-metric decision.
Face to face
Metric-by-metric comparison
9 metrics, side by side. A colored cell marks a metric-level advantage. Green = lower-is-better, violet = higher-is-better.
| Metric | Lurleen B Wallace Community College | University of South Alabama |
|---|---|---|
| ROI score | 28.93 ✓ | 6.99 |
| Avg net price | $2,792 ✓ | $17,648 |
| Median earnings (10y) | $32,307 | $49,379 ✓ |
| Acceptance rate | Open / not reported | 71% |
| Graduation rate | 41% | 52.7% ✓ |
| Median debt | — | $24,929 |
| Enrollment | 1,097 | 8,879 |
| Ownership | Public | Public |
| Avg SAT | — | 1147 |
| Metric advantages | 2 | 2 |
Value readout
Where each school has the edge
University of South Alabama costs $14,856 more per year than Lurleen B Wallace Community College ($17,648 vs $2,792). University of South Alabama graduates report $17,072 higher median earnings after ten years ($49,379 vs $32,307). On EduGradify's model that puts Lurleen B Wallace Community College ahead on projected ROI (28.93 vs 6.99, exceptional investment).
The more affordable option (Lurleen B Wallace Community College) also posts the better return, making it the lower-risk pick on cost alone. On admissions, University of South Alabama reports 71% acceptance; Lurleen B Wallace Community College does not report a standard acceptance rate in the current federal data.
Frequently asked
Lurleen B Wallace Community College vs University of South Alabama, answered
4 of the most common questions, with real numbers from federal data.
Is Lurleen B Wallace Community College or University of South Alabama the better value?
Lurleen B Wallace Community College has the higher EduGradify ROI score (28.93 vs 6.99), meaning its ten-year earnings go further against its net price.
Which school costs less after aid?
Lurleen B Wallace Community College is cheaper — average net price $2,792 per year vs $17,648 at University of South Alabama. The annual difference of $14,856 adds up to about $59,424 over four years.
Which school reports higher earnings?
University of South Alabama reports higher median earnings ten years after entry: $49,379 vs $32,307 at Lurleen B Wallace Community College. The annual gap in the federal data is $17,072.
What should I compare beyond ROI?
Use the ROI score as a value screen, then compare aid letters, program fit, graduation rate, location, campus size, and debt. Lurleen B Wallace Community College reports a A+ value grade; University of South Alabama reports C.