University of South Carolina-Columbia ROI Analysis
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
above high school diploma avg
Break-Even Point
3.2 years
After graduation
20-Year ROI
516%
Return on investment
ROI Analysis
The University of South Carolina-Columbia has a strong return on investment. One year after graduation, the median earnings are $44,890, which is more than three times the in-state tuition cost of $12,688. Five years after graduation, earnings increase to $50,621, and ten years after, they reach $62,177. The median debt for graduates is $21,500, with 41.7% of students receiving financial aid.
The debt-to-income ratio is favorable. With a median debt of $21,500 and earnings of $44,890 one year after graduation, the debt-to-income ratio is approximately 0.48. This suggests graduates can manage their debt effectively.
The break-even timeline is relatively short. Considering the tuition cost and the increase in earnings, graduates likely break even on their investment within a few years of graduation.
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
N/A
Program-Level ROI
| Program | Median Earnings (5yr) | Est. 20yr ROI |
|---|---|---|
| Finance and Financial Management Services | $79,318 | 1646% |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing | $139,887 | 4033% |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations | $124,913 | 3443% |
| Public Health | $84,004 | 1831% |
| Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods | $80,943 | 1710% |
| Marketing | $62,400 | 980% |
| Biology, General | $69,826 | 1272% |
| Research and Experimental Psychology | $39,456 | 76% |
| Health and Physical Education/Fitness | $55,909 | 724% |
| Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication | $54,570 | 671% |
| Social Work | $48,412 | 429% |
| Physiology, Pathology and Related Sciences | $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)
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.