Is University of South Carolina-Columbia worth it?

Columbia, SC · public

Verdict

Typical students pay $22,811 a year after aid, graduate with $21,500 in federal debt, and earn $50,621 six years after enrolling — an estimated monthly loan payment of $230, with a debt break-even of about 4.2 years.

Net price / year

$22,811

Admission rate

60%

Graduation rate

Median debt

$21,500

Earnings (6 yr)

$50,621

Earnings (10 yr)

$62,177

Est. monthly loan payment

$230

Loan-to-income ratio

42%

Debt break-even

4.2 years

How University of South Carolina-Columbia compares

MetricUniversity of South Carolina-ColumbiaSouth CarolinaNational
Net price$22,811$15,949$16,642
Median debt$21,500$15,629$12,377
Earnings (6 yr)$50,621$30,487$33,037
Graduation rate

FAQ

How much does it cost to attend University of South Carolina-Columbia?

The federal average net price after grants and scholarships is $22,811 a year. That figure reflects what a typical student actually pays after grants and scholarships, not the sticker price.

How much debt do University of South Carolina-Columbia graduates typically carry?

Students who complete a program at University of South Carolina-Columbia leave with a median federal debt of $21,500, based on the U.S. Department of Education's College Scorecard.

What do University of South Carolina-Columbia graduates earn?

Six years after enrolling, former students report median earnings of $50,621, drawn from federal tax records aggregated by the College Scorecard.

What is the graduation rate at University of South Carolina-Columbia?

Graduation rate data is not currently published for this school.

Is University of South Carolina-Columbia worth the debt?

Based on median debt and 6-year earnings, it would take roughly 4.2 years of 10% income allocation to pay off the typical debt load — compare that against your own expected major and career path before deciding.

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard.