University of South Carolina Aiken ROI Analysis
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
above high school diploma avg
Break-Even Point
9.2 years
After graduation
20-Year ROI
118%
Return on investment
ROI Analysis
One year after graduation, University of South Carolina Aiken alumni earn a median of $41,170. The median debt for graduates is $24,275. The in-state tuition cost is $10,760 per year. 45.5% of students receive financial aid.
Five years after graduation, the median earnings are $39,689. Ten years after graduation, the median earnings increase to $45,603. The university has a 41.3% graduation rate and a 64.4% retention rate.
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
N/A
Program-Level ROI
| Program | Median Earnings (5yr) | Est. 20yr ROI |
|---|---|---|
| Business Administration, Management and Operations | $50,626 | 626% |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing | $67,556 | 1413% |
| Health and Physical Education/Fitness | $42,282 | 238% |
| Biology, General | $49,333 | 566% |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods | $38,432 | 59% |
| Psychology, General | $38,907 | 82% |
| Communication and Media Studies | $38,731 | 73% |
| Sociology | $35,125 | -94% |
| Fine and Studio Arts | $29,881 | N/A |
| Industrial Engineering | $0 | N/A |
| English Language and Literature, General | $0 | N/A |
| Applied Mathematics | $63,256 | 1213% |
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)
Frequently Asked Questions
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.