South Carolina State University
South Carolina State University — Earnings vs Cost (vs National Average)
Is South Carolina State University Worth It?
At a value score of 17/100, South Carolina State University is a below-average value relative to its cost. Graduates earn $38,262 — 29% below average — while paying $18,097/year. Consider alternatives with better earnings-to-cost ratios.
The investment pays for itself in just 1.9 years — among the fastest payback periods of any college we track.
A 33% graduation rate is a serious red flag — fewer than 3 in 10 students finish. Those who don't graduate may still carry student debt without the higher-earning credential to show for it.
With median debt of $31,000 representing 81% of first-year earnings, loan repayment will be a significant burden for most graduates.
Bottom line: consider whether the specific program you're interested in at South Carolina State University has outcomes that justify the cost — the institution-wide numbers suggest caution.
How South Carolina State University compares to peer public colleges of similar tier in SC
Ranked #117 of 124 on value score. Peers are matched by size, median earnings, SAT, and admission rate — not just geography.
| Rank | College | Value | Net price / yr | Median earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | Chipola College | 100 | $1,133 | $37,378 |
| #2 | South Florida State College | 100 | $3,877 | $39,990 |
| #3 | Brazosport College | 100 | $4,732 | $45,910 |
| #4 | College of the Mainland | 100 | $1,342 | $39,639 |
| #5 | Florida Gateway College | 97 | $5,364 | $37,894 |
| #6 | West Virginia University at Parkersburg | 97 | $1,807 | $35,171 |
| #117 | South Carolina State University | 17 | $18,097 | $38,262 |
Peer group: public colleges within ±60% of South Carolina State University's student body size and within a similar academic tier (SAT ±80, admit rate ±10pp, median earnings ±25%). 4 in SC.
Best Programs at South Carolina State University
The highest-earning program at South Carolina State University is Computer and Information Sciences, General at $31,100/year (4 years after graduation). The lowest is Business Administration, Management and Operations at $19,800/year.
Your major matters more than the school name — a Computer and Information Sciences, General graduate from South Carolina State University earns $31,100, while a Business Administration, Management and Operations graduate earns $19,800. Choose your program carefully — it's the single biggest lever you control.
Return on Investment
Estimated 4-Year Cost
Based on $18,097/yr net price × 4 years
Earnings Premium
vs. national average of $53,787/yr
Payback Period
Time to recoup the total cost through higher earnings
10-Year Net Gain
Median earnings over 10 years minus total cost of attendance
Programs & Earnings by Major
Graduate earnings data by field of study (4 years after graduation):
| Major | Earnings (4yr) | Earnings (1yr) | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Computer and Information Sciences, General | $31,100 | $31,100 | N/A |
| Social Work | $28,600 | $28,600 | $36,750 |
| Biology, General | $24,200 | $24,200 | $32,589 |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections | $23,800 | $23,800 | $31,000 |
| Communication and Media Studies | $21,900 | $21,900 | $31,000 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas | $21,400 | $21,400 | $41,875 |
| Psychology, General | $21,400 | $21,400 | $34,000 |
| Family and Consumer Sciences/Human Sciences, General | $20,200 | $20,200 | $32,875 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations | $19,800 | $19,800 | $34,000 |
Similar Colleges in SC
Quick Facts
- Institution Type
- public
- Location
- Orangeburg, SC
- Student Body
- 2,934 students
- Admission Rate
- 83%
- Graduation Rate
- 33%
- Net Price (Annual)
- $18,097
- Median Earnings (10yr)
- $38,262
- Median Student Debt
- $31,000