University of South Carolina-Upstate ROI Analysis
Comprehensive ROI analysis based on tuition costs, graduate earnings, financial aid, and long-term earning potential.
ROI Summary
Total 4-Year Cost
$46,332
In-state tuition x 4
Earnings Premium
$8,339/yr
above high school diploma avg
Break-Even Point
5.6 years
After graduation
20-Year ROI
260%
Return on investment
ROI Analysis
The University of South Carolina-Upstate has an acceptance rate of 69.6% and a graduation rate of 42.8%. The average in-state tuition is $11,583. One year after graduation, alumni earn $43,015, increasing to $43,339 after five years, and $48,587 after ten years. The median debt for graduates is $22,310, and 53.1% of students receive financial aid.
Based on the provided data, the debt-to-income ratio is favorable. The median debt of $22,310 is less than the one-year earnings of $43,015. The break-even timeline, which is the time it takes for earnings to surpass the tuition cost, is less than one year.
Generated from College Scorecard & IPEDS data
The Numbers
Annual Tuition (In-State)
$11,583
Median Debt at Graduation
$22,310
Median Earnings (5yr)
$43,339
Graduation Rate
43%
Receive Financial Aid
53%
Avg Aid Amount
N/A
Program-Level ROI
| Program | Median Earnings (5yr) | Est. 20yr ROI |
|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing | $67,071 | 1284% |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations | $50,434 | 566% |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods | $37,223 | -4% |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities | $38,742 | 62% |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections | $43,381 | 262% |
| Psychology, General | $34,695 | N/A |
| Communication and Media Studies | $33,221 | N/A |
| Computer and Information Sciences, General | $56,132 | 812% |
| Physiology, Pathology and Related Sciences | $0 | N/A |
| Biology, General | $0 | N/A |
| Fine and Studio Arts | $32,081 | N/A |
| Special Education and Teaching | $0 | N/A |
Peer Comparison
260%
20yr ROI
270%
20yr ROI
374%
20yr ROI
302%
20yr ROI
396%
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.