At $12,395/yr net price, University of South Carolina-Salkehatchie graduates earn $31,360/yr within 10 years of enrollment.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $12,395 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $49,580 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $31,360/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | $-2,640/yr |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 21.8% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $11,000 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $9,570/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $11,058/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $13,679/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $15,660/yr |
| $110,001+ | $17,841/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | Bachelor | $19,045 |
The Risk Factor
21.8% of students at University of South Carolina-Salkehatchie 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-Salkehatchie offers minimal financial returns with a median earnings figure of $31,360 that barely justifies the annual net price of $12,395. The 21.8% graduation rate means most students leave without completing their degree, potentially carrying debt without the credential to show for it.
The school's flagship Liberal Arts and Sciences program produces particularly weak outcomes, with graduates earning just $19,045 annually. This salary falls well below the poverty line for a family of four and creates a challenging debt-to-income ratio even with the relatively modest $11,000 median debt load.
Your biggest financial risk here is the low completion rate. With fewer than one in four students graduating, you face substantial odds of paying for college without receiving a degree. The limited program offerings also restrict your ability to pivot if your chosen field proves financially unviable.
This school makes financial sense only if you plan to transfer to a four-year institution after completing your associate degree. Use USC-Salkehatchie as an affordable stepping stone to reduce overall education costs, not as your final destination. The school works best for local students who can live at home and minimize expenses while earning transferable credits.
With only 20.4% of students receiving aid, financial assistance appears limited. Focus on maximizing federal Pell Grant eligibility and completing your degree quickly to minimize total costs. If you cannot transfer to a four-year program with stronger earning potential, consider trade schools or other career training that offers better salary prospects in the regional job market.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is University of South Carolina-Salkehatchie worth the cost?
With graduates earning just $31,360 ten years after enrollment and a graduation rate of only 22%, the financial return is poor. The low net price of $12,395 per year helps, but most students don't complete their programs.
What are the best paying majors at University of South Carolina-Salkehatchie?
The school primarily offers Liberal Arts and General Studies programs, which typically lead to earnings around $19,045. These are among the lowest-paying degree options available.
How much debt do University of South Carolina-Salkehatchie graduates have?
The median debt is relatively low at $11,000, which is manageable compared to many schools. However, with the poor graduation rates and low earning potential, even this modest debt can be difficult to repay.
Should I attend University of South Carolina-Salkehatchie or transfer elsewhere?
Consider this school only as a stepping stone to transfer to a four-year institution. The 22% graduation rate suggests most students either drop out or transfer, and staying for a full program offers limited career prospects.