University of South Carolina Aiken
University of South Carolina Aiken — Earnings vs Cost (vs National Average)
University of South Carolina Aiken at a Glance
The University of South Carolina Aiken is a public university in the Aiken, South Carolina area. It is part of the University of South Carolina System and offers undergraduate degree programs as well as master's degrees. Additional graduate courses and degree programs are offered through the University of South Carolina Extended Graduate Campus program. The University of South Carolina Aiken awards baccalaureate degrees in more than 30 major areas of study including the bachelor of science in bu…
1961
65 years old
3,840
3,145 undergrad · 695 grad
251
453 acres
Identity
Is University of South Carolina Aiken Worth It?
At a value score of 39/100, University of South Carolina Aiken is a below-average value relative to its cost. Graduates earn $45,603 — 15% below average — while paying $11,641/year. Consider alternatives with better earnings-to-cost ratios.
The investment pays for itself in just 1 year — among the fastest payback periods of any college we track.
A 40% graduation rate is a serious red flag — fewer than 4 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 $24,275 representing 53% 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 University of South Carolina Aiken has outcomes that justify the cost — the institution-wide numbers suggest caution.
How University of South Carolina Aiken compares to peer public colleges of similar tier in SC
Ranked #70 of 145 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 | Indiana University-Kokomo | 100 | $3,968 | $49,917 |
| #4 | Brazosport College | 100 | $4,732 | $45,910 |
| #5 | College of the Mainland | 100 | $1,342 | $39,639 |
| #6 | Florida Gateway College | 97 | $5,364 | $37,894 |
| #70 | University of South Carolina Aiken | 39 | $11,641 | $45,603 |
Peer group: public colleges within ±60% of University of South Carolina Aiken's student body size and within a similar academic tier (SAT ±80, admit rate ±10pp, median earnings ±25%). 4 in SC.
Best Programs at University of South Carolina Aiken
The highest-earning program at University of South Carolina Aiken is Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing at $60,300/year (4 years after graduation). The lowest is Fine and Studio Arts at $17,100/year.
Your major matters more than the school name — a Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing graduate from University of South Carolina Aiken earns $60,300, while a Fine and Studio Arts graduate earns $17,100. That's more than a 2× difference from the same institution. Choose your program carefully — it's the single biggest lever you control.
Debt also varies by program: Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing graduates carry $27,000 in median debt vs. $27,000 for Fine and Studio Arts.
Return on Investment
Estimated 4-Year Cost
Based on $11,641/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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing | $60,300 | $60,300 | $27,000 |
| Applied Mathematics | $45,500 | $45,500 | N/A |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations | $37,600 | $37,600 | $22,710 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods | $33,400 | $33,400 | $22,262 |
| Biology, General | $30,100 | $30,100 | $27,000 |
| Sociology | $28,400 | $28,400 | $26,000 |
| Communication and Media Studies | $28,300 | $28,300 | $27,000 |
| Health and Physical Education/Fitness | $26,100 | $26,100 | $27,000 |
| Psychology, General | $21,900 | $21,900 | $25,500 |
| Fine and Studio Arts | $17,100 | $17,100 | $27,000 |
Similar Colleges in SC
Quick Facts
- Institution Type
- public
- Location
- Aiken, SC
- Student Body
- 2,962 students
- Admission Rate
- 79%
- Graduation Rate
- 40%
- Net Price (Annual)
- $11,641
- Median Earnings (10yr)
- $45,603
- Median Student Debt
- $24,275