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 is a hard school to justify on the numbers. Ten years after enrolling, median earnings sit at $31,360 , barely above what a full-time minimum-wage job pays and below the earnings of many workers who never went to college at all. Whatever you spend here has to clear a low bar, and even that is not guaranteed.
The bigger problem is finishing. Fewer than one in four of you graduate. Most who enroll leave without a credential, and if you leave without a degree you still owe whatever you borrowed while getting nothing to show employers for it. The $11,000 median debt looks modest, but debt against a non-completion is the worst outcome this school produces, and it happens to most students here.
As a two-year public college, Salkehatchie works best if you use it as a cheap transfer step toward a four-year USC campus, not as a final stop. The associate degree alone does not move earnings much in this rural Allendale region, where the local job market is thin. If you plan to transfer, complete, and finish a bachelor's elsewhere, the low sticker price can pay off. If you plan to stop after two years, the return is weak.
The net price tiers reward lower-income families most: if your household earns under $30k you pay roughly $9,570, while families over $110k pay closer to $17,841. That gap makes the school most affordable for the students it primarily serves.
Look elsewhere if you need a program that leads directly to a well-paid job at graduation. Consider Salkehatchie only if you are certain you will transfer and finish a four-year degree, and can do so without borrowing much.
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.