University of South Carolina-Columbia
Comprehensive ROI analysis based on tuition costs, graduate earnings, financial aid, and long-term earning potential.
ROI Summary
Total 4-Year Cost
$50,752
In-state tuition x 4
Earnings Premium
$15,621/yr
vs high school diploma avg
Break-Even Point
3.2 years
After graduation
20-Year ROI
516%
Return on investment
ROI Analysis
One year after graduation, University of South Carolina-Columbia graduates earn a median of $44,890. Five years after graduation, earnings increase to $50,621, and after ten years, earnings reach $62,177. The median debt for graduates is $21,500.
The annual in-state tuition cost is $12,688. With a median debt of $21,500, and a one-year post-graduation income of $44,890, the debt-to-income ratio is approximately 0.48.
Generated from College Scorecard & IPEDS data
The Numbers
Annual Tuition (In-State)
$12,688
Median Debt at Graduation
$21,500
Median Earnings (5yr)
$50,621
Graduation Rate
78%
Receive Financial Aid
42%
Avg Aid Amount
$0
Program-Level ROI
| Program | 4yr Cost | Median Earnings (5yr) | Est. 20yr ROI |
|---|---|---|---|
| Finance and Financial Management Services. | $50,752 | $79,318 | 1646% |
| Public Health. | $50,752 | $43,924 | 252% |
| Marketing. | $50,752 | $62,400 | 980% |
| Research and Experimental Psychology. | $50,752 | $39,456 | 76% |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | $50,752 | $57,877 | 802% |
| Biology, General. | $50,752 | $45,891 | 329% |
| Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods. | $50,752 | $80,943 | 1710% |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | $50,752 | $139,887 | 4033% |
| Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication. | $50,752 | $54,570 | 671% |
| Health and Physical Education/Fitness. | $50,752 | $55,909 | 724% |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | $50,752 | $66,230 | 1131% |
| Physiology, Pathology and Related Sciences. | $50,752 | $53,389 | 625% |
Peer Comparison
516%
20yr ROI
387%
20yr ROI
769%
20yr ROI
400%
20yr ROI
861%
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.