University of South Carolina-Columbia vs Florida Atlantic University
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, Florida Atlantic University comes out ahead: 75/100 to 72/100, a 3-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, Florida Atlantic University runs $8,752 a year against $22,811 at University of South Carolina-Columbia - $14,059 more a year, or about $56,236 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 $56,746 at Florida Atlantic University. The cost earns itself back in 8.5 years at University of South Carolina-Columbia and 8 years at Florida Atlantic University.
Finally, the debt you'd carry out. Graduates leave Florida Atlantic University owing a median $17,236 versus $21,500 at University of South Carolina-Columbia. Their debt-to-earnings ratios are 0.49 and 0.44 - 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 | University of South Carol... | Florida Atlantic Universi... |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | ||
| In-State Tuition | $12,688 | $4,879 |
| Out-of-State Tuition | $35,972 | $17,324 |
| Net Price (avg) | $22,811 | $8,752 |
| Total 4-Year Cost | $91,244 | $35,008 |
| Outcomes | ||
| Median Earnings (6yr) | $43,900 | $38,800 |
| Median Earnings (10yr) | $62,177 | $56,746 |
| Graduation Rate | 78.8% | 62.6% |
| Payback Period | 8.5 yr | 8 yr |
| Debt | ||
| Median Debt | $21,500 | $17,236 |
| Monthly Payment | $228 | $183 |
| Debt-to-Earnings | 0.49 | 0.44 |
| 3yr Repayment Rate | 75.9% | 63.8% |
| 5yr Repayment Rate | 74.5% | 61.7% |
| Admissions | ||
| Acceptance Rate | 60.2% | 66.1% |
| Enrollment | 29,820 | 23,757 |
| SAT Range | 1180-1360 | 1040-1200 |
Net Price by Family Income
Average annual net price after grants and scholarships, by household income bracket.
| Family Income | University of South ... | Florida Atlantic Uni... |
|---|---|---|
| $0-$30,000 | $12,634 | $3,022 |
| $30,001-$48,000 | $14,953 | $4,135 |
| $48,001-$75,000 | $19,859 | $8,106 |
| $75,001-$110,000 | $24,478 | $14,440 |
| $110,001+ | $28,125 | $16,854 |
Earnings by Major - Head to Head
Median earnings for majors offered at both schools. Green highlights the higher figure.
| Major | University of South ... | Florida Atlantic Uni... |
|---|---|---|
| Computer Engineering | $109,116 | $90,664 |
| International Business | $107,205 | $50,230 |
| Electrical Engineering | $100,042 | $93,561 |
| Finance and Financial Management | $92,578 | $70,078 |
| Registered Nursing | $80,768 | $91,953 |
| Mechanical Engineering | $91,296 | $89,583 |
| Computer and Information Sciences | $84,720 | $89,476 |
| Accounting | $86,507 | $77,465 |
| Civil Engineering | $84,148 | $84,778 |
| Marketing | $81,945 | $62,906 |
| Economics | $77,536 | $74,056 |
| Mathematics | $62,278 | $71,453 |
| Business Administration, Management, and Operations | $70,527 | $62,058 |
| Kinesiology and Exercise Science | $67,705 | $50,395 |
| International Relations | $65,464 | $53,872 |
ROI Sub-Score Breakdown
| Component | University of South ... | Florida Atlantic Uni... |
|---|---|---|
| Earnings Premium (30%) | 66 | 94 |
| Payback Period (25%) | 72 | 75 |
| Debt / Earnings (20%) | 75 | 82 |
| Completion Rate (15%) | 88 | 64 |
| Repayment Rate (10%) | 57 | 24 |
| Overall ROI Score | 72 | 75 |
The Verdict
It's close. Florida Atlantic University edges out University of South Carolina-Columbia by 3 points (75 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.
University of South Carolina-Columbia
Fair Value - Full profile and breakdown
Florida Atlantic University
Strong 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.