Alabama is a solid U.S. Flagship. Don’t let rankings fool you.
It’s like most other U.S. schools. There are likely cheaper here but also less known. It’s very well known.
The W&L thing, is in many ways, is pushing a narrative - that some agree with. I don’t. The new LinkedIn rankings rated them very high. The controversy stems from the name and association with the past. The school seems beloved by anyone who has kids there.
For safety - I don’t know. Rochester, Case Western, etc - maybe more. Not for me to say. Maybe it’s MIT.
But you do have budget constraints. You can’t stay in the U.S. but Bama, as an example, shows (last year, 63% employed and 31% continuing their education) - that’s with an 80% response rate. They show a $77K average salary - but that’s all engineering majors. CS likely higher. This was spring 2024. No, it’s not MIT but it’s a solid school.
But as you noted - beggars can’t be choosers - but it’s a combo of a great name and for you possible affordability.
So you can diss it or you can add to your list - your choice.
Best of luck.