At $9,735/yr net price, University of South Carolina-Lancaster graduates earn $39,426/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $5,426/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $9,735 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $38,940 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $39,426/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$5,426/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 7.2 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 29.5% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $9,616 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $6,491/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $6,974/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $11,940/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $13,432/yr |
| $110,001+ | $13,636/yr |
The Risk Factor
29.5% of students at University of South Carolina-Lancaster 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-Lancaster offers a mixed financial picture with strong affordability but concerning completion rates that undermine your return on investment. The low net price of under $10,000 annually makes this one of the most accessible college options in South Carolina, but the 29.5% graduation rate means seven out of ten students leave without completing their programs.
Your earnings potential after graduation sits below the national average for two-year programs, though the minimal debt load of $9,616 keeps monthly payments manageable. The real financial risk lies in the completion statistics - if you don't finish your program, you'll carry debt without the credential needed to boost your earning power.
This school works best financially if you have strong academic preparation and clear career goals that align with their specific programs. Students who struggle with college-level coursework or lack direction face significant risk of dropping out with debt but no degree. The low percentage receiving financial aid suggests many students pay out of pocket, which could indicate either strong family financial support or limited aid availability.
You should consider USC Lancaster if you need an affordable starting point for higher education and plan to transfer to a four-year institution, or if you're pursuing specific technical training offered here. Look elsewhere if you need extensive academic support services or want programs with stronger job placement track records. The combination of low completion rates and modest post-graduation earnings means this investment only pays off if you actually finish your program and have realistic expectations about salary outcomes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is University of South Carolina-Lancaster worth the cost?
With a low net price of $9,735 per year and graduates earning $39,426 annually after 10 years, USC-Lancaster offers reasonable value for the cost. However, the 29.5% graduation rate means most students don't finish, which significantly impacts the return on investment.
What is the job market like for University of South Carolina-Lancaster graduates?
USC-Lancaster graduates earn about $39,426 per year a decade after enrollment, which is below the national average for college graduates. The relatively low earnings reflect the school's focus on associate degrees and regional employment opportunities.
How much debt do University of South Carolina-Lancaster students typically have?
USC-Lancaster students graduate with a median debt of $9,616, which is quite manageable compared to national averages. The low debt load helps offset the modest post-graduation earnings potential.
What are the graduation rates at University of South Carolina-Lancaster?
Only 29.5% of students graduate from USC-Lancaster, which is concerning for ROI. Students considering this school should have strong academic preparation and clear goals to avoid becoming part of the majority who don't complete their degree.