University of South Carolina-Columbia
Columbia, South Carolina · Public · 60.2% acceptance rate
ROI Score: 72/100 · Fair Value
University of South Carolina-Columbia
Fair ValueQuick Numbers
| In-state tuition + fees | $12,688/yr |
| Out-of-state tuition + fees | $35,972/yr |
| Average net price | $22,811/yr |
| Total 4-year cost (net) | $91,244 |
| Median earnings (10yr post-entry) | $62,177 |
| Median earnings (6yr post-entry) | $43,900 |
| Median debt at graduation | $21,500 |
| Estimated monthly loan payment | $228 |
| Estimated payback period | 8.5 years |
| 6-year graduation rate | 78.8% |
| Undergraduate enrollment | 29,820 |
Data as of 2024-2025. Source: College Scorecard API (U.S. Department of Education).
Net Price by Family Income
What families actually pay after grants and scholarships, by income bracket.
| Family Income | Avg Net Price/Year |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $12,634 |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $14,953 |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $19,859 |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $24,478 |
| $110,001+ | $28,125 |
Earnings by Major
Top 10 most popular majors at University of South Carolina-Columbia with available earnings data.
| Major | Median Earnings | Grade |
|---|---|---|
| Finance and Financial Management | $92,578 | B |
| Public Health | $58,715 | D |
| Research and Experimental Psychology | $51,090 | D |
| Biology | $58,669 | D |
| Marketing | $81,945 | C+ |
| Kinesiology and Exercise Science | $67,705 | C |
| Business Administration, Management, and Operations | $70,527 | C+ |
| Registered Nursing | $80,768 | B+ |
| Computer and Information Sciences | $84,720 | B |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections | $50,847 | C |
Earnings reflect median 4-year post-completion (or 1-year where 4-year unavailable). Grades based on debt-to-earnings ratio.
The Full Financial Picture
The sticker price at University of South Carolina-Columbia is $12,688/year ($35,972/year out-of-state). But sticker price isn't what most students pay. After grants, scholarships, and financial aid, the average student pays a net price of $22,811/year, or roughly $91,244 over four years.
That net price varies significantly by family income. The lowest-income families (under $30,000/year) pay an average of $12,634/year, while families earning over $110,000 pay $28,125/year.
The median graduate leaves with $21,500 in federal loan debt, translating to an estimated monthly payment of $228 on a standard 10-year repayment plan. Against median earnings of $62,177 ten years out, the debt-to-earnings ratio is 0.49 - well within manageable territory.
How Graduates Do
Earnings
Loan Repayment
| Metric | This School | Nat'l Avg |
|---|---|---|
| 1-year repayment | 69.7% | 52.0% |
| 3-year repayment | 75.9% | 62.0% |
| 5-year repayment | 74.5% | 68.0% |
| 7-year repayment | 76.2% | 72.0% |
Completion Rate
Admissions Snapshot
| Acceptance rate | 60.2% |
| SAT Math (25th-75th) | 580-680 |
| SAT Reading (25th-75th) | 600-680 |
| ACT Composite (25th-75th) | 26-32 |
| Enrollment | 29,820 |
| Pell Grant recipients | 19.1% |
| Avg faculty salary (monthly) | $12,414 |
Compared to Similar Schools
Peer institutions matched by type, size, and selectivity.
| School | ROI | Net Price | 10yr Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of South Carolina-Columbia (this school) | 72 | $22,811 | $62,177 |
| Citadel Military College of South Carolina | 85 | $20,723 | $72,085 |
| Ohio State University-Main Campus | 77 | $17,339 | $60,409 |
| Florida Atlantic University | 75 | $8,752 | $56,746 |
| University of Pittsburgh-Pittsburgh Campus | 70 | $30,434 | $66,125 |
| College of Charleston | 57 | $18,960 | $56,416 |
The Verdict: A Reasonable Bet - With Caveats
University of South Carolina-Columbia offers fair financial value, though the ROI depends heavily on individual circumstances. The net cost of $22,811 per year leads to $91,244 over four years, while graduates earn a median of $62,177 a decade out. The payback period of 8.5 years is about average - not bad, but not a standout either.
The data highlights several strengths: a 78.8% graduation rate, manageable debt relative to earnings.
Median debt of $21,500 against $62,177 in earnings is reasonable, though major choice matters significantly. Students in higher-earning programs will see better returns.
Rankings & Links
Guides & Tools
Data: College Scorecard API (U.S. Department of Education)
Vintage: 2024-2025 · Last updated: 2026-03-25
Earnings reflect median outcomes for all federal financial aid recipients. Individual results vary by major, effort, and career path.