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University of South Carolina-Columbia finance graduates earn $55,190 annually while paying just $12,688 in-state tuition, creating an strong return on investment in a state where automotive giants like BMW and Volvo drive demand for financial analysts. The earnings gap between top and bottom performers spans nearly $18,000, with USC-Columbia and College of Charleston leading at $55,190 and $52,941 respectively. Francis Marion University offers the lowest net cost at $13,451, though graduates earn $37,208. South Carolina's growing manufacturing sector and Charleston's expanding port operations create steady demand for corporate finance professionals across the Palmetto State.
10
Programs
$13,451 – $28,984
Net Price Range
$46,542
Avg. Program Earnings
66.7%
Avg. Graduation Rate

10 Finance and Financial Management Services Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price Program Earnings In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $13,451 $37,208 $11,160 42.7% 82.9%
2 $13,742 $37,856 $11,640 50.8% 78.6%
3 $19,518 $52,941 $12,978 65.0% 75.7%
4 $24,532 $55,190 $12,688 77.7% 64.1%
5 $22,112 $48,326 $15,554 87.9% 43.0%
6 $28,984 $47,729 $54,100 80.8% 60.2%
7 $28,183 $33,580 71.0% 45.4%
8 $21,955 $31,030 48.6% 86.8%
9 $17,529 $23,400 69.6%
10 $21,002 $12,570 72.8% 98.6%

Frequently Asked Questions

What explains the $18,000 earnings difference between top and bottom finance programs?

USC-Columbia graduates earn $55,190 compared to $37,208 at Francis Marion University, reflecting factors like alumni networks, program reputation, and geographic job markets. College of Charleston graduates also command strong salaries at $52,941, benefiting from Charleston's financial services sector.

How do graduation rates correlate with program costs in South Carolina finance programs?

Clemson University leads with an 87.9% graduation rate despite charging $22,112 net cost, while Francis Marion's 42.7% rate accompanies its $13,451 price tag. Higher-cost programs generally show better completion rates, with USC-Columbia at 77.7% and College of Charleston at 65%.

Is the LIFE Scholarship worth considering for finance students?

The $5,000 LIFE Scholarship significantly reduces costs at public universities, bringing USC-Columbia's in-state tuition to just $7,688 after the award. This makes flagship programs more competitive with lower-cost options like Francis Marion University.

Where do South Carolina finance graduates typically find employment opportunities?

Major employers include BMW's financial operations in Spartanburg, Boeing's Charleston facility, and the state's growing banking sector in Columbia and Charleston. The automotive and aerospace industries create demand for financial analysts, corporate finance specialists, and treasury professionals.

Net price reflects the average cost after grants and scholarships for first-time, full-time students. See our methodology for details.