At $24,532/yr net price, University of South Carolina-Columbia graduates earn $62,177/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $28,177/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $24,532 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $98,128 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $62,177/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$28,177/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 3.5 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 77.7% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $21,500 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $14,421/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $17,602/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $22,744/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $26,936/yr |
| $110,001+ | $29,493/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. | Master | $132,531 | $44,143 |
| Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Administration. | Doctoral | $114,145 | $113,000 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $95,102 | $41,000 |
| Human Resources Management and Services. | Master | $91,986 | $30,442 |
| International Business. | Master | $90,049 | $41,000 |
| Chemistry. | Doctoral | $83,546 | |
| Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering. | Bachelor | $71,854 | $27,000 |
| International Business. | Bachelor | $70,776 | $25,174 |
| Chemical Engineering. | Bachelor | $70,680 | $26,241 |
| Public Health. | Doctoral | $69,338 |
The Risk Factor
77.7% of students at University of South Carolina-Columbia graduate within 6 years. A significant share of students finish, but roughly 22% do not complete their degree.
Analysis
University of South Carolina-Columbia delivers solid financial returns for most graduates, with median earnings of $62,177 placing it well above the national average for public universities. Your net price of $24,532 creates a manageable debt-to-income ratio that works in your favor.
Nursing stands out as the clear financial winner, generating $132,531 in median earnings with moderate debt of $44,143. Business programs also perform strongly, with management majors earning $95,102 and international business graduates reaching $90,049. These programs leverage Columbia's position as South Carolina's capital and major business hub.
Pharmacy presents a mixed picture. While graduates earn $114,145, they carry crushing debt loads of $113,000 that severely impact net returns. You need to carefully weigh whether the six-figure debt burden justifies the earnings premium.
The school's 77.7% graduation rate creates real financial risk if you don't finish. With nearly one in four students failing to graduate, you could face debt without the degree needed to service it. The strong 90.7% retention rate suggests most academic struggles emerge later in your college career.
South Carolina works best for in-state students pursuing business or healthcare programs who can leverage the strong regional job market. Out-of-state students should think carefully about whether the higher costs justify the outcomes, especially in lower-paying majors.
Only 19% of students receive need-based aid, indicating limited financial support for middle-income families. Merit scholarships exist but competition runs high. Your best cost strategy involves graduating quickly in a high-earning major while taking advantage of in-state tuition rates.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is University of South Carolina-Columbia worth the cost?
USC-Columbia offers decent value with graduates earning $62,177 after 10 years and median debt of $21,500, making payments manageable for most students. The nursing and pharmacy programs provide strong returns, but other majors may struggle to justify the $24,532 annual net price.
What are the highest paying majors at University of South Carolina-Columbia?
Nursing graduates earn $132,531 annually while pharmacy majors make $114,145, making these programs the clear financial winners. Business and international business majors earn around $90,000-95,000, which is solid but not exceptional for the investment required.
How much student debt do University of South Carolina-Columbia graduates have?
The median debt load is $21,500, which is reasonable compared to national averages. With average earnings of $62,177, most graduates can handle their loan payments without major financial stress.
Does University of South Carolina-Columbia have good financial aid?
The net price of $24,532 suggests moderate financial aid effectiveness, though this varies significantly by family income. Students should carefully compare aid packages since the 77% graduation rate indicates some struggle to complete their degrees.