At $13,725/yr net price, University of South Carolina-Upstate graduates earn $48,587/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $14,587/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $13,725 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $54,900 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $48,587/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$14,587/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 3.8 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 42.4% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $22,310 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $11,021/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $12,164/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $13,876/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $17,711/yr |
| $110,001+ | $20,030/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engineering-Related Fields. | Bachelor | $59,124 | |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Bachelor | $57,512 | $18,000 |
| Computer and Information Sciences, General. | Bachelor | $45,500 | $27,500 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Bachelor | $37,088 | $22,325 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. | Bachelor | $32,888 | $24,812 |
| Health and Physical Education/Fitness. | Bachelor | $32,772 | |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas. | Bachelor | $32,711 | $26,000 |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections. | Bachelor | $32,439 | $23,655 |
| History. | Bachelor | $32,284 | |
| Sociology. | Bachelor | $31,423 | $27,000 |
The Risk Factor
42.4% of students at University of South Carolina-Upstate graduate within 6 years. More than half of students finish, but the dropout rate is a real factor in whether this investment pays off.
Analysis
University of South Carolina-Upstate delivers mixed financial returns that depend heavily on your major choice. The low net price of $13,725 annually helps offset concerns about the 42% graduation rate, but you need to pick your program carefully to see meaningful earnings growth.
Engineering-Related Fields and Nursing stand out as clear winners, with graduates earning $59,124 and $57,512 respectively. Nursing graduates carry just $18,000 in debt, making it the strongest ROI program at USC-Upstate. Computer Science graduates earn $45,500 but carry $27,500 in debt, creating a less favorable but still workable return.
Business Administration and Teacher Education programs present financial challenges. Business graduates earn just $37,088 with $22,325 in debt, while education majors face the worst outcome at $32,888 earnings with nearly $25,000 in debt. These programs will likely require years to break even on your investment.
The school's 69% retention rate signals academic struggles that could extend your time to graduation and increase total costs. Only 45% of students receive financial aid, suggesting limited scholarship opportunities compared to other regional universities.
USC-Upstate works financially for students committed to nursing or engineering who can handle the academic challenges and graduate on time. The low sticker price makes it accessible for South Carolina residents seeking these high-demand fields. You should look elsewhere if you want business or education degrees, as the earning potential does not justify even this modest cost. Students unsure about their major face significant risk given the low graduation rates and poor outcomes in several programs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is University of South Carolina-Upstate worth the cost?
USC Upstate offers decent value with a low net price of $13,725 per year and moderate debt levels around $22,310. However, the 42% graduation rate is concerning and could limit your return on investment if you don't complete your degree.
What are the highest paying majors at University of South Carolina-Upstate?
Engineering fields lead with $59,124 average earnings, followed by nursing at $57,512. Business and education majors earn significantly less at $37,088 and $32,888 respectively, which may not justify the investment depending on your career goals.
How much debt do University of South Carolina-Upstate graduates have?
The median debt is $22,310, which is manageable compared to many schools. With average earnings of $48,587 ten years after graduation, most graduates should be able to handle this debt load.
Does University of South Carolina-Upstate have a good return on investment?
The ROI varies significantly by major, with engineering and nursing providing solid returns. The low graduation rate of 42% is the biggest risk factor that could undermine your investment if you don't finish your degree.