Spartanburg, SC · Private University
Is University of South Carolina-Upstate Worth It?
ROI analysis based on real earnings and cost data
Key Numbers
10-Year Earnings
$48,587
median, 10 years after enrollment
In-State Tuition
$11,583
per year
Out-of-State Tuition
$22,545
per year
Total 4-Year Cost
$90,180
tuition only (4 years)
ROI Ratio
2.15x
earnings ÷ annual tuition
Payback Period
6.6 yrs
years to recoup total cost
Graduation Rate
42.4%
6-year graduation rate
Median Debt
$22,310
at graduation
Avg Net Price
$13,725
after aid & scholarships
Earnings vs. Annual Cost
10-year median earnings compared to annual tuition
University of South Carolina-Upstate graduates earn $3,587 more than the national median of workers with any education level.
What You'd Actually Pay
Average net price after grants and scholarships, by family income
Source: IPEDS net price data. Actual costs vary based on individual financial circumstances.
Highest-Earning Majors
Top programs at University of South Carolina-Upstate ranked by graduate earnings
505 graduates
17 graduates
84 graduates
232 graduates
19 graduates
Earnings shown are 4-year post-graduation medians where available, otherwise 1-year medians.
ROI by Major at University of South Carolina-Upstate
All available majors ranked by graduate earnings. Your major matters as much as your school.
Your major matters more than your school
At University of South Carolina-Upstate, the gap between the highest-earning major (Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing: $67,071) and the lowest (English Language and Literature, General: $30,150) is $36,921/yr, bigger than the difference between many schools.
| Major | Earnings | ROI |
|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical NursingBest ROI | $67,071 | 3.0x |
| Information Science/Studies | $66,316 | 2.9x |
| Computer and Information Sciences, General | $56,132 | 2.5x |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations | $50,434 | 2.2x |
| Physiology, Pathology and Related Sciences | $44,814 | 2.0x |
| Political Science and Government | $44,353 | 2.0x |
| Biology, General | $43,815 | 1.9x |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections | $43,381 | 1.9x |
| Special Education and Teaching(1yr data) | $40,322 | 1.8x |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas(1yr data) | $39,511 | 1.8x |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities | $38,742 | 1.7x |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods | $37,223 | 1.6x |
| Psychology, General | $34,695 | 1.5x |
| Communication and Media Studies | $33,221 | 1.5x |
| Fine and Studio Arts | $32,081 | 1.4x |
| English Language and Literature, GeneralLowest(1yr data) | $30,150 | 1.3x |
Earnings are 4-year post-graduation medians where available, otherwise 5-year or 1-year. ROI = earnings ÷ annual tuition.
The Bottom Line
University of South Carolina-Upstate stands out as a strong financial investment among U.S. colleges. Graduates earn $48,587 10 years after starting, $3,587 above the national median of $45,000. Graduates typically break even on their investment within 6.6 years, a reasonable timeline.
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Earnings data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Tuition data from IPEDS. ROI calculations are for informational purposes only and reflect median outcomes.