Student Outcomes
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 41.3%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 40.1%
- Retention Rate
- 64.4%
- Median Earnings (10 years after entry)
- $45,603
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $24,275
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 15:1
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 51.8%
- Estimated Monthly Loan Payment
- $257/mo
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Bachelor | $60,689 | $23,667 |
| Applied Mathematics. | Bachelor | $50,439 | |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Bachelor | $37,748 | $23,828 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. | Bachelor | $35,559 | $22,500 |
| Biology, General. | Bachelor | $33,993 | $25,874 |
| Communication and Media Studies. | Bachelor | $30,650 | $25,802 |
| Sociology. | Bachelor | $29,995 | $26,882 |
| Health and Physical Education/Fitness. | Bachelor | $26,121 | $27,500 |
| Psychology, General. | Bachelor | $24,035 | $26,000 |
| Fine and Studio Arts. | Bachelor | $17,551 | $20,552 |
Outcomes Overview
USC Aiken graduates earn a median of $45,603 ten years after graduation, creating a debt-to-income ratio of 54% based on the typical $24,275 in student loans. Monthly loan payments of $257 consume about 6.8% of gross income for median earners. The university's strong business and education programs typically funnel graduates into regional teaching positions, healthcare administration, and corporate roles throughout the Central Savannah River Area. With 95.4% of graduates finding employment and relatively modest debt loads compared to many four-year institutions, the financial outlook remains manageable. However, the 40% six-year graduation rate indicates many students struggle to complete their degrees efficiently. Overall, USC Aiken offers an average return on investment for students who graduate on time.