At $11,611/yr net price, University of South Carolina Aiken graduates earn $45,603/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $11,603/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $11,611 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $46,444 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $45,603/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$11,603/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 4 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 40.1% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $24,275 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $7,618/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $10,107/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $12,688/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $16,097/yr |
| $110,001+ | $16,708/yr |
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 |
The Risk Factor
40.1% of students at University of South Carolina Aiken graduate within 6 years. More than half of students finish, but the dropout rate is a real factor in whether this investment pays off.
Analysis
University of South Carolina Aiken delivers mixed financial returns with significant program-dependent outcomes. Your earnings potential varies dramatically based on your major choice, with nursing graduates earning $60,689 annually while biology majors start at $33,993.
Nursing stands out as the clear financial winner at USC Aiken, generating nearly double the median graduate earnings. Applied mathematics also pays well at $50,439, though enrollment numbers remain small. Business administration produces modest returns at $37,748, while education majors face lower starting salaries at $35,559 despite reasonable debt loads.
The school's 40% graduation rate creates substantial financial risk. Nearly 60% of students leave without degrees, often carrying debt with no credential to show for it. The 64% retention rate signals early struggles that compound this risk. Your debt load averages $24,275, manageable if you complete your degree but problematic if you transfer or drop out.
USC Aiken works financially if you pursue nursing or applied mathematics and stay enrolled through graduation. The low net price of $11,611 makes the gamble more reasonable than at expensive private schools. However, students uncertain about their major or academic commitment face significant downside risk given the completion rates.
Financial aid reaches only 37% of students, suggesting limited need-based assistance. Merit opportunities appear modest based on the aid distribution. Your best cost strategy involves choosing a high-earning major upfront and maintaining steady academic progress to avoid the dropout trap that catches most students here.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is University of South Carolina Aiken worth the money?
USC Aiken offers decent value with a low net price of $11,611 per year and moderate debt levels around $24,275. However, the 40% graduation rate is concerning and could impact your ability to see returns on investment.
What are the best paying majors at University of South Carolina Aiken?
Nursing programs lead earnings at USC Aiken with graduates making around $60,689 annually. Applied Mathematics graduates earn about $50,439, while other programs like Business and Education show lower returns in the $35,000-$37,000 range.
How much debt do University of South Carolina Aiken graduates have?
USC Aiken graduates carry a median debt of $24,275, which is manageable compared to national averages. With 10-year earnings of $45,603, most graduates should be able to handle this debt load if they complete their degree.
Does University of South Carolina Aiken have a good return on investment?
USC Aiken's ROI depends heavily on your major and ability to graduate. The low graduation rate of 40% is the biggest risk factor, though nursing and math programs show solid earning potential for those who finish.