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's financial return is weak, and the numbers make that clear. Ten years after enrolling, the median graduate earns $38,262 while carrying $31,000 in debt. That debt-to-income gap is the core problem here, and it's made worse by a 29% graduation rate. If you take on loans and leave without a degree, you get the debt with none of the earnings.
The program picture is flat. Accounting tops the list at $36,141, computer science pays $32,925, and English trails at $30,409. None of these clear $37,000. Even your best-paying major here pays less than the school's overall median, which tells you the higher earners are pulling from graduate credentials, not undergrad programs. There is no bachelor's field on this list that pays enough to comfortably service $31,000 in loans.
The biggest risk is completion. With a 58% retention rate, roughly four in ten first-year students don't return, and most who start never finish. Borrow the median amount, drop out, and you're stuck repaying loans on a wage no degree helped you earn.
The net price tiers hold a warning for higher-income families. If your household earns over $110,000, you'll pay about $25,130 a year, versus roughly $17,089 if you earn under $30,000. The aid narrows the gap for lower-income families but doesn't erase it, and even $17,000 a year is steep for a $38,262 payoff.
This school fits you if you're committed to finishing, can keep borrowing low, and are targeting accounting or computer science with a clear job lined up in South Carolina. If you'd need to borrow the full median debt, or you're unsure about finishing, look at schools with stronger graduation rates and higher program earnings before you commit.
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.