Ohio State University-Main Campus vs University of South Carolina-Columbia
Torn between these two? Here's how they stack up on what actually matters - what you'll pay, what graduates earn, and which one gives you the better return - all on U.S. Department of Education data.
Data: 2024-25 College Scorecard release
ROI Score Comparison
The Financial Comparison
On the numbers, Ohio State University-Main Campus comes out ahead: 77/100 to 72/100, a 5-point edge over University of South Carolina-Columbia. That gap comes from real differences in what each one costs, what its graduates earn, and the debt they leave with.
Start with what you'd actually pay. After aid, Ohio State University-Main Campus runs $17,339 a year against $22,811 at University of South Carolina-Columbia - $5,472 more a year, or about $21,888 across four years.
Then look at what that buys. Ten years after enrollment, University of South Carolina-Columbia graduates earn a median $62,177 against $60,409 at Ohio State University-Main Campus. The cost earns itself back in 8.2 years at Ohio State University-Main Campus and 8.5 years at University of South Carolina-Columbia.
Finally, the debt you'd carry out. Graduates leave Ohio State University-Main Campus owing a median $19,976 versus $21,500 at University of South Carolina-Columbia. Their debt-to-earnings ratios are 0.48 and 0.49 - and the rule of thumb is to keep that under 1.0, meaning debt no bigger than a first year's pay.
Head-to-Head Numbers
| Metric | Ohio State University-Mai... | University of South Carol... |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | ||
| In-State Tuition | $13,244 | $12,688 |
| Out-of-State Tuition | $40,022 | $35,972 |
| Net Price (avg) | $17,339 | $22,811 |
| Total 4-Year Cost | $69,356 | $91,244 |
| Outcomes | ||
| Median Earnings (6yr) | $41,500 | $43,900 |
| Median Earnings (10yr) | $60,409 | $62,177 |
| Graduation Rate | 87.7% | 78.8% |
| Payback Period | 8.2 yr | 8.5 yr |
| Debt | ||
| Median Debt | $19,976 | $21,500 |
| Monthly Payment | $212 | $228 |
| Debt-to-Earnings | 0.48 | 0.49 |
| 3yr Repayment Rate | 74.7% | 75.9% |
| 5yr Repayment Rate | 68.0% | 74.5% |
| Admissions | ||
| Acceptance Rate | 60.6% | 60.2% |
| Enrollment | 45,638 | 29,820 |
| SAT Range | 1310-1480 | 1180-1360 |
Net Price by Family Income
Average annual net price after grants and scholarships, by household income bracket.
| Family Income | Ohio State Universit... | University of South ... |
|---|---|---|
| $0-$30,000 | $4,885 | $12,634 |
| $30,001-$48,000 | $5,751 | $14,953 |
| $48,001-$75,000 | $9,807 | $19,859 |
| $75,001-$110,000 | $20,461 | $24,478 |
| $110,001+ | $27,359 | $28,125 |
Earnings by Major - Head to Head
Median earnings for majors offered at both schools. Green highlights the higher figure.
| Major | Ohio State Universit... | University of South ... |
|---|---|---|
| Computer Engineering | $123,731 | $109,116 |
| Computer and Information Sciences | $118,833 | $84,720 |
| Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods | $111,500 | $98,020 |
| International Business | $81,473 | $107,205 |
| Electrical Engineering | $99,400 | $100,042 |
| Chemical Engineering | $98,851 | $98,244 |
| Finance and Financial Management | $97,986 | $92,578 |
| Biomedical Engineering | $90,065 | $97,927 |
| Business Information Systems | $96,843 | $94,547 |
| Mechanical Engineering | $96,418 | $91,296 |
| Real Estate | $91,213 | $84,558 |
| Accounting | $90,850 | $86,507 |
| Business Administration, Management, and Operations | $85,586 | $70,527 |
| Civil Engineering | $85,202 | $84,148 |
| Marketing | $81,119 | $81,945 |
ROI Sub-Score Breakdown
| Component | Ohio State Universit... | University of South ... |
|---|---|---|
| Earnings Premium (30%) | 78 | 66 |
| Payback Period (25%) | 74 | 72 |
| Debt / Earnings (20%) | 77 | 75 |
| Completion Rate (15%) | 95 | 88 |
| Repayment Rate (10%) | 54 | 57 |
| Overall ROI Score | 77 | 72 |
The Verdict
It's close. Ohio State University-Main Campus edges out University of South Carolina-Columbia by 5 points (77 vs 72), but that's slim enough that your major and your own aid offers will decide this more than the ROI score does. Run your actual numbers in the calculator below before you call it.
Want to personalize these numbers?
The ROI calculator lets you plug in your financial aid, intended major, and living situation for a tailored comparison.
Ohio State University-Main Campus
Strong Value - Full profile and breakdown
University of South Carolina-Columbia
Fair Value - Full profile and breakdown
Data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, as of 2024-2025. Earnings are measured 6 and 10 years after enrollment. Net prices reflect average aid for first-time, full-time students.See full methodology.