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
USC Upstate gives you a modest but real financial return, with the outcome hinging almost entirely on your major. The median graduate earns just under $49,000 ten years out against about $22,000 in debt, so the debt load stays manageable if you finish. The bigger risk is finishing at all: fewer than half of students graduate, and roughly a third don't return after their first year. Every calculation here assumes you get the degree, and at this school that's a real gamble.
The engineering-related and nursing programs are where the money is, both clearing $57,000. Nursing is the strongest bet because it pairs that pay with the lowest debt on the list, $18,000, and feeds directly into Spartanburg and Greenville-area hospitals. Computer sciences pays less and carries the heaviest debt at $27,500, a weaker trade than nursing. Business and teacher education sit at the bottom. Teacher education graduates earn under $33,000 while borrowing nearly $25,000, meaning you'd take on more debt than a nurse for a starting salary $24,000 lower. If teaching is your plan, borrow as little as possible.
The net price is where this school earns its keep for lower-income families. If your family makes under $30,000, you pay about $11,000 a year. if it's over $110,000, you pay closer to $20,000. That's a gentle slope, so USC Upstate stays affordable across incomes but rewards need most.
This is a good financial fit for you if you're a South Carolina resident aiming at nursing or engineering and confident you'll finish. Look elsewhere if you want a business or education degree and can find a cheaper path, or if the low completion odds worry you given the debt you'd carry with nothing to show for a partial run.
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.