At $18,268/yr net price, South Carolina State University graduates earn $38,262/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $4,262/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $18,268 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $73,072 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $38,262/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$4,262/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 17.1 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 29.4% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $31,000 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $17,089/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $17,509/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $19,611/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $24,555/yr |
| $110,001+ | $25,130/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Educational Administration and Supervision. | Doctoral | $74,576 | |
| Communication Disorders Sciences and Services. | Master | $52,107 | $56,000 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. | Master | $44,189 | |
| Student Counseling and Personnel Services. | Master | $41,464 | $59,950 |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Bachelor | $36,141 | |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. | Bachelor | $34,420 | |
| Computer and Information Sciences, General. | Bachelor | $32,925 | $31,000 |
| Marketing. | Bachelor | $32,569 | |
| Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions. | Master | $32,213 | $41,000 |
| English Language and Literature, General. | Bachelor | $30,409 |
The Risk Factor
29.4% of students at South Carolina State University graduate within 6 years. Fewer than half of students complete their degree. If you don't graduate, the financial investment may not pay off.
Analysis
South Carolina State University delivers poor financial returns for most students, with median earnings of just $38,262 ten years after graduation against $31,000 in typical debt. The 29% graduation rate means seven out of ten students never complete their degree, often while still carrying loan debt.
Educational Administration stands out as the only program with strong earnings at $74,576, but you need graduate school to access these roles. Communication Disorders pays decently at $52,107 but saddles graduates with $56,000 in debt, creating a challenging debt-to-income ratio. Teaching programs offer modest returns around $44,000, reasonable given South Carolina's education job market. Accounting graduates earn just $36,141, well below national averages for the field.
The biggest financial risk here is the graduation rate. If you struggle academically or lack strong support systems, you face high odds of leaving with debt but no degree. The 59% retention rate after freshman year signals many students realize quickly this isn't their path.
This school makes financial sense if you're committed to education or speech pathology careers and have strong academic preparation. The low net price of $18,268 helps, especially with 68% of students receiving aid. However, if you're undecided on major or considering business, engineering, or healthcare fields, you'll find better earning potential elsewhere.
Focus on graduating within four years to minimize debt accumulation. The school's rural location limits internship and job networking opportunities compared to urban campuses, making your degree completion timeline critical for financial success.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is South Carolina State University worth the cost?
South Carolina State University's ROI is challenging, with graduates earning $38,262 ten years after enrollment while carrying $31,000 in median debt. The 29% graduation rate significantly limits your chances of completing a degree and seeing any return on investment.
What are the best paying majors at South Carolina State University?
Educational Administration leads South Carolina State University's earnings at $74,576, followed by Communication Disorders at $52,107. Most other programs, including accounting at $36,141, produce earnings below the national average for college graduates.
How much debt do South Carolina State University graduates have?
South Carolina State University graduates carry $31,000 in median debt, which is problematic given the $38,262 average earnings after 10 years. This debt-to-income ratio makes loan repayment difficult for many graduates.
What is the graduation rate at South Carolina State University?
Only 29% of students graduate from South Carolina State University within six years. This low completion rate means most students leave with debt but no degree, making the financial risk particularly high.