At $15,309/yr net price, University of South Carolina Beaufort graduates earn $48,088/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $14,088/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $15,309 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $61,236 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $48,088/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$14,088/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 4.3 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 38.6% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $24,000 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $11,858/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $12,806/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $15,774/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $18,369/yr |
| $110,001+ | $19,971/yr |
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 |
The Risk Factor
38.6% of students at University of South Carolina Beaufort 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
University of South Carolina Beaufort delivers weak financial returns for most students, with a median 10-year salary of $48,088 that barely justifies the investment when combined with a troubling 38% graduation rate.
Computational Science stands out as the only program with strong earning potential at $67,660, making it your best bet for a solid return. Nursing graduates earn $57,318 with manageable debt levels, positioning this program as the second-best financial choice. However, the remaining popular majors tell a different story. Education majors face particularly poor prospects at $35,060 annually with $26,187 in debt, while Biology and Business graduates earn in the low $30,000s despite similar debt burdens.
The school's biggest financial risk lies in its alarming completion rates. With only 38% of students graduating and a 61% retention rate, you face significant odds of leaving with debt but no degree. This makes USCB especially risky for students who struggle academically or lack strong support systems.
USCB works financially for students pursuing Computational Science or Nursing who can handle the academic demands and complete their degrees. The relatively low net price of $15,309 helps, but only if you actually graduate. Students considering Education, Biology, or Business should look elsewhere for better earning potential.
The school's 40% financial aid rate suggests limited merit scholarship opportunities. Your best cost strategy involves choosing one of the two high-earning majors and ensuring you have the academic preparation to avoid becoming part of the 62% who don't complete their programs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is University of South Carolina Beaufort worth the cost?
USC Beaufort offers mixed value with a low net price of $15,309 but concerning outcomes including a 38.6% graduation rate and median earnings of $48,088 after 10 years. The return depends heavily on your major, with computational science and nursing programs offering significantly better prospects than the overall average.
What are the best paying majors at University of South Carolina Beaufort?
Computational science leads with $67,660 median earnings, followed by nursing at $57,318. Education and biology majors earn around $35,000, while business graduates average $33,459, which is below the national median for college graduates.
How much debt do University of South Carolina Beaufort graduates have?
USC Beaufort graduates carry a median debt of $24,000, which is manageable compared to national averages. However, with relatively low post-graduation earnings in most programs, even this moderate debt load may strain budgets for many graduates.
What is the graduation rate at University of South Carolina Beaufort?
Only 38.6% of students graduate from USC Beaufort, meaning most students who enroll never complete their degree. This low completion rate significantly undermines the school's value proposition and increases the risk of student debt without a degree to show for it.