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
USC Aiken gives you a moderate financial return with real gaps between programs. The median graduate earns $45,603 ten years out against $24,275 in debt, a manageable ratio only if you finish. That "if" is the problem: a 40% graduation rate and 64% retention mean many students borrow and leave without a degree, carrying debt with no credential to pay it back.
Nursing is the clear payoff here. It earns nearly $61,000 while holding debt to about $23,700, and it feeds directly into Aiken's regional hospital and healthcare demand. Applied Mathematics comes in second at just over $50,000. If either fits you, the math works.
The rest is weaker. Biology graduates earn under $34,000 yet carry the highest debt of any listed program at nearly $26,000 , the worst pairing on this page, and a bachelor's in biology often needs graduate school before it pays. Teacher Education and Business Administration both land in the mid-$30,000s, enough to service the debt but not much more.
For families under $30k, the net price drops to $7,618, which keeps borrowing low if you graduate on time. Above $110k you pay $16,708, and at that price the sub-$34,000 programs stop making sense.
Go to USC Aiken if you are set on nursing or math and plan to finish. The completion odds are your biggest risk , pick a low-earning major here and stall out, and you inherit debt with nothing to show. If you are undecided or leaning toward biology without a graduate plan, the numbers point you elsewhere.
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.