University of South Carolina Aiken
Comprehensive ROI analysis based on tuition costs, graduate earnings, financial aid, and long-term earning potential.
ROI Summary
Total 4-Year Cost
$43,040
In-state tuition x 4
Earnings Premium
$4,689/yr
vs high school diploma avg
Break-Even Point
9.2 years
After graduation
20-Year ROI
118%
Return on investment
ROI Analysis
The University of South Carolina Aiken has a relatively high return on investment. The one-year earnings after graduation are $41,170, which is nearly four times the in-state tuition cost of $10,760. The median debt for students is $24,275, and 45.5% of students receive financial aid.
The debt-to-income ratio is favorable. With a median debt of $24,275 and one-year earnings of $41,170, the debt-to-income ratio is approximately 0.59. This suggests graduates can manage their debt effectively.
Based on the provided data, the break-even timeline is short. Assuming a graduate uses their earnings to pay off their debt, the break-even point is less than one year.
Generated from College Scorecard & IPEDS data
The Numbers
Annual Tuition (In-State)
$10,760
Median Debt at Graduation
$24,275
Median Earnings (5yr)
$39,689
Graduation Rate
41%
Receive Financial Aid
46%
Avg Aid Amount
$0
Program-Level ROI
| Program | 4yr Cost | Median Earnings (5yr) | Est. 20yr ROI |
|---|---|---|---|
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | $43,040 | $50,626 | 626% |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | $43,040 | $67,556 | 1413% |
| Health and Physical Education/Fitness. | $43,040 | $42,282 | 238% |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | $43,040 | $0 | N/A |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. | $43,040 | $38,432 | 59% |
| Biology, General. | $43,040 | $49,333 | 566% |
| Psychology, General. | $43,040 | $38,907 | 82% |
| Communication and Media Studies. | $43,040 | $38,731 | 73% |
| Sociology. | $43,040 | $35,125 | -94% |
| Fine and Studio Arts. | $43,040 | $29,881 | N/A |
| English Language and Literature, General. | $43,040 | $0 | N/A |
| Industrial Engineering. | $43,040 | $0 | N/A |
Peer Comparison
118%
20yr ROI
188%
20yr ROI
103%
20yr ROI
422%
20yr ROI
-37%
20yr ROI
Financial Aid Impact
Before Aid
After Aid (Estimated)
Methodology
ROI calculations are based on data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. The earnings premium is calculated as the difference between median graduate earnings and the national average earnings for high school diploma holders ($35,000).
The 20-year ROI formula: ((Earnings Premium x 20) - Total Cost) / Total Cost x 100. Break-even point: Total Cost / Annual Earnings Premium. All figures use in-state tuition and do not account for inflation, opportunity cost, or financial aid variations.