Student Outcomes
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 38.5%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 38.6%
- Retention Rate
- 61.2%
- Median Earnings (10 years after entry)
- $48,088
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $24,000
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 14:1
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 47.5%
- Estimated Monthly Loan Payment
- $254/mo
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Computational Science. | Bachelor | $67,660 | |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Bachelor | $57,318 | $27,000 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. | Bachelor | $35,060 | $26,187 |
| Biology, General. | Bachelor | $33,993 | $21,750 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Bachelor | $33,459 | $25,250 |
| Hospitality Administration/Management. | Bachelor | $32,772 | $23,641 |
| Social Sciences, General. | Bachelor | $28,433 | $26,000 |
| Psychology, General. | Bachelor | $28,055 | $23,250 |
| Communication and Media Studies. | Bachelor | $27,150 | $24,750 |
| English Language and Literature, General. | Bachelor | $20,530 |
Outcomes Overview
With median debt of $24,000 and earnings of $48,088 ten years out, graduates carry a manageable debt-to-earnings ratio of 50%. Monthly loan payments of $254 represent about 6% of typical graduate income, well below the recommended 10% threshold. The 94.8% employment rate shows strong job placement success. Many Sand Sharks graduates enter education, business, and healthcare fields in the Lowcountry region, where the cost of living remains relatively affordable. However, the 47.48% loan repayment rate suggests some graduates struggle with payments despite decent earnings. The combination of moderate debt loads, solid employment outcomes, and reasonable living costs in coastal South Carolina creates an average return on investment.