At $11,125/yr net price, University of South Carolina-Union graduates earn $33,699/yr within 10 years of enrollment.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $11,125 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $44,500 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $33,699/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | $-301/yr |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 37.5% |
| 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 | $7,131/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $9,654/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $11,714/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $14,597/yr |
| $110,001+ | $15,813/yr |
The Risk Factor
37.5% of students at University of South Carolina-Union 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-Union delivers solid ROI for a two-year college, with graduates earning $33,699 annually and typical debt loads of just $11,000. Your break-even point comes quickly given the low borrowing required.
The 37.5% graduation rate presents the biggest financial risk at USC-Union. More than six out of ten students leave without completing their programs, often carrying debt with no credential to show for it. If you struggle with academic consistency or lack clear career direction, this risk becomes personal.
Healthcare and technical programs typically offer the strongest earnings potential at regional campuses like USC-Union, connecting directly to Union County's manufacturing base and nearby medical facilities. Liberal arts transfers work financially only if you complete your bachelor's degree elsewhere, as the associate degree alone limits earning power.
Financial aid reaches just 11.2% of students, suggesting most families pay out of pocket or this reflects the school's low sticker price making aid unnecessary. The modest costs make USC-Union accessible without heavy borrowing, but also means limited scholarship opportunities exist.
USC-Union works best financially if you live locally and can minimize housing costs while completing a career-focused associate degree. The school makes less sense if you need extensive support services to succeed academically, given the graduation rate concerns. You should have backup education plans ready, as the odds favor not finishing your program here.
For Union County residents seeking affordable workforce training or a stepping stone to a four-year degree, the low costs create reasonable ROI despite modest earnings outcomes. Students from other regions should compare carefully against community colleges closer to home.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is University of South Carolina-Union worth the cost compared to other colleges?
With a net price of $11,125 and 10-year earnings of $33,699, USC-Union offers below-average financial returns. The low graduation rate of 37.5% means many students don't finish, which significantly impacts career prospects.
What is the job market like for University of South Carolina-Union graduates?
USC-Union graduates earn about $33,699 ten years after enrollment, which is lower than most four-year college graduates nationally. The school's 37.5% graduation rate suggests many students struggle to complete their programs and access better job opportunities.
How much student debt do University of South Carolina-Union graduates typically have?
The median debt load is relatively manageable at $11,000, which is lower than many colleges. However, this debt level becomes problematic when paired with the low average earnings of $33,699 for graduates.
What are the biggest financial risks of attending University of South Carolina-Union?
The primary risk is the 37.5% graduation rate, meaning nearly two-thirds of students don't finish their degree. Students who don't graduate often face limited career options while still carrying educational debt.