University of South Carolina-Columbia
Columbia, South Carolina · Public · 60.2% acceptance rate
ROI Score: 72/100 · Fair Value
University of South Carolina-Columbia scores 72 (Fair Value) on the CampusROI scale — South Carolina's flagship public research university in Columbia with 29,820 enrolled students, in-state tuition of $12,688, and a net price of $22,811. The score reflects an 8.5-year payback period, a 29.8% earnings premium, a 0.49 debt-to-earnings ratio, a 78.8% completion rate, and a 75.9% repayment rate at 3 years. Median 6-year earnings of $43,900 are modest for a flagship, reflecting the weight of large low-earning programs in the graduate mix. USC's Darla Moore School of Business and engineering cluster anchor the high end: Finance (597 grads, $62,231 year-one, $92,578 at year four, grade B) is the largest B-grade program. Management Sciences (217 grads, $68,804 year-one, $98,020 at year four, grade B+) and Registered Nursing (241 grads, $73,872 year-one, grade B+) lead at the top. At the low end, Public Health (435 grads, $31,756 year-one, D) and Research Psychology (405 grads, $29,350 year-one, D) are among the largest low-earning programs. Film/Video Arts (88 grads, grade F), Biochemistry (81 grads, grade F), and English (60 grads, grade F) round out the F-grade programs.
University of South Carolina-Columbia
Quick 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).
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.
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 |
Cost by Income Bracket Explained
Lower-income families (under $30K)
The 0-30000 income bracket pays $12,634 per year at USC and the 30001-48000 bracket pays $14,953. For low-income South Carolina residents, the Palmetto Fellows Scholarship and LIFE Scholarship — both merit-based — can significantly reduce net cost below these figures for qualifying students. At $12,634-$14,953 per year, USC's business and engineering programs produce strong value for low-income students who complete. The 78.8% completion rate is solid. Low-income students in arts, sciences, and public health should weigh near-term earnings carefully against the net price.
Middle-income families ($30K-$110K)
The 48001-75000 bracket pays $19,859 and the 75001-110000 bracket pays $24,478. For middle-income South Carolina families, $20,000-$24,000 per year for a flagship credential is a reasonable proposition for business and engineering students. The 8.5-year payback at median earnings of $43,900 is acceptable; engineering and Moore School graduates outperform the median substantially. Middle-income out-of-state families should be cautious: $35,972 out-of-state tuition against $43,900 median 6-year earnings produces a payback period in the 12-15 year range depending on program, which compares unfavorably against most home-state public options.
Higher-income families ($110K+)
Families above $110,000 pay $28,125 per year at USC — a four-year total near $113,000. For in-state high-income families, this is a mid-range investment for a flagship credential. Finance graduates ($62,231 year-one) and Management Sciences graduates ($68,804 year-one) recover costs substantially faster than the institutional average. Full-pay out-of-state families paying $35,972+ per year face a four-year cost near $144,000 — for that investment, the USC credential must deliver above-average program-level outcomes. Darla Moore business programs and engineering justify the out-of-state premium; most other programs do not.
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.
Program Analysis
Why these programs deliver their earnings outcomes.
Finance and Financial Management
Finance is USC's largest B-grade program at 597 confirmed graduates: $62,231 year-one, $92,578 at year four, grade B on $25,000 median debt. The Darla Moore School of Business places finance graduates in Charlotte, Atlanta, and Northeast financial services markets with competitive outcomes. Year-one earnings of $62,231 are strong for South Carolina's labor market and reflect placement into finance roles beyond the Columbia metro. The four-year trajectory to $92,578 indicates solid advancement. At a $22,811 net price for in-state students, Finance at USC delivers one of the stronger business ROI profiles among Southeastern public flagship universities.
Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods
Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods earns a B+ grade: 217 confirmed graduates, $68,804 year-one, $98,020 at year four, on $22,922 median debt. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.333 makes this one of USC's strongest programs on a cost-adjusted basis. Year-one earnings of $68,804 in a South Carolina context reflect graduates placing into analytics, data science, and quantitative consulting roles in Charlotte, Atlanta, and remote-work positions. The four-year trajectory to $98,020 is among the steepest at USC. This program is a strong choice for quantitatively-oriented students at USC's in-state price.
Research and Experimental Psychology
Research and Experimental Psychology produces 405 confirmed graduates at $29,350 year-one and $51,090 at year four, grade D on $24,250 median debt. Year-one earnings of $29,350 in Columbia, SC — where cost of living is below the national average — are serviceable but leave little margin for a $24,250 debt obligation. The four-year trajectory to $51,090 shows meaningful growth, likely reflecting graduate school pipelines rather than direct employment advancement. Psychology is the second-largest D-grade program at USC and contributes substantially to the institutional median earnings. Students who choose psychology should have a concrete post-baccalaureate plan — clinical, counseling, or doctoral training — before committing at USC's net price.
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 |
USC's 60.2% admission rate is moderately selective. SAT 580-680 Math and 600-680 Reading and ACT 26-32 composite indicate above-average academic preparation. USC's most competitive admissions are into Darla Moore Business School and engineering — direct-admit students face higher academic thresholds than general college admits. Out-of-state students who are not in these competitive programs should weigh the $35,972 out-of-state tuition premium carefully against the program-specific outcomes they will access.
Compared to Similar Schools
Peer institutions matched by type, size, and selectivity.
USC's Scorecard peer schools are College of Charleston, The Citadel, University of Pittsburgh, Florida Atlantic University, and Ohio State. Of these, Ohio State and University of Pittsburgh are the most useful institutional comparisons — all three are large flagship publics with mixed-income student bodies and broad program offerings. USC's ROI of 72 is lower than Ohio State and comparable to Florida Atlantic, reflecting the weight of low-earning programs in the graduate mix despite a strong business school. Among Southeastern flagships — UGA at 88, University of Florida, University of Tennessee — USC's score reflects its position as a middle-tier flagship with strong business programs but diluted by arts and sciences enrollment. In-state students considering USC should compare directly with Clemson for engineering and STEM programs.
| 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 |
Who Thrives Here
USC Columbia admits 60.2% of applicants. SAT mid-ranges are 580-680 Math and 600-680 Reading; ACT composite 26-32. With 29,820 enrolled students and a 19.1% Pell grant rate, USC serves a predominantly upper-middle and high-income student body — notably skewed by heavy out-of-state enrollment from the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic. The institution has a strong business school reputation nationally and an active Greek system. USC's value proposition is clearest for South Carolina in-state students in business, engineering, nursing, and Darla Moore programs. Out-of-state students paying $35,972 in tuition against $43,900 median 6-year earnings should compare carefully against their home-state flagship options before choosing USC.
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.
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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.