South Carolina State University provides one of the most affordable pathways to higher education in the state, with particularly strong support for first-generation and low-income students.
While earnings outcomes are modest, graduates do achieve meaningful gains compared with similar students at peer institutions, reflecting the university's ability to add value within its resource constraints.
South Carolina State University serves as an important access point for higher education in South Carolina, particularly for students from underrepresented backgrounds. Nearly 69% of students receive Pell Grants and about 36% are first-generation college students, reflecting the university's mission to provide educational opportunities to those who might not otherwise have them. While SCSU faces challenges with completion rates and early-career earnings outcomes, it maintains a commitment to affordability with net prices well below many peer institutions.
The university operates in what researchers classify as the "Under-Resourced Institutions" category, meaning it provides broad access but faces resource constraints that affect student outcomes. Graduates earn a median of $38,262 ten years after enrollment, which places the institution in the bottom tier nationally for earnings outcomes. However, the university does demonstrate some ability to add value beyond what might be expected given its student population, with graduates earning about $9,222 more than similar students at comparable institutions.
For families prioritizing affordability and access over immediate financial returns, SCSU offers a pathway to higher education at net prices ranging from about $17,089 for low-income students to $25,130 for higher-income families. The university's role in South Carolina's educational landscape centers on providing opportunities for students who may face barriers elsewhere, though prospective students should understand the trade-offs involved in earnings potential and completion rates.
South Carolina State University's program portfolio reflects its mission of serving community needs and providing accessible career pathways. Biology stands out as both the largest program by total impact and the field with the strongest aggregate return, graduating about 50 students annually who earn a median of $25,194 ten years out. This program likely serves students preparing for healthcare careers, graduate school, or research positions, though the earnings suggest many graduates may be in entry-level positions or pursuing additional education.
Family and Consumer Sciences represents the university's second-largest program with 39 graduates earning about $22,192, reflecting SCSU's strength in preparing students for careers in social services, education, and community support roles. Corrections Administration offers the highest individual earnings at roughly $26,353 for its 30 graduates, indicating opportunities in criminal justice and public safety fields that may offer more immediate career stability.
These programs illustrate SCSU's focus on fields that serve essential community functions rather than high-earning technical or business disciplines. While the earnings outcomes are modest compared to programs at other institutions, they reflect career paths that prioritize public service and community impact. Students interested in these fields should consider the intrinsic rewards and job security that often accompany such careers, even when monetary compensation is more limited. The university's program mix suggests it serves students who are drawn to helping professions and community-oriented careers rather than those primarily focused on maximizing earnings potential.
South Carolina State University graduates face modest earnings outcomes that require realistic expectations about financial returns. Ten years after enrollment, graduates earn a median of $38,262, placing the university in the bottom 5% nationally for long-term earnings. However, there is some positive news in the data: graduates earn approximately $9,222 more than similar students at comparable institutions, suggesting the university does add meaningful value beyond what might be expected given its student population and resources.
The university's strongest programs in terms of aggregate return include Biology, which graduates about 50 students annually with median earnings around $25,194, and Family and Consumer Sciences, the largest program with 39 graduates earning about $22,192. Corrections Administration offers the highest individual earnings at roughly $26,353 for its 30 graduates. These programs reflect SCSU's focus on fields that serve community needs, though earnings in these areas tend to be more modest than in high-demand technical fields.
While the financial outcomes may appear challenging compared to other institutions, it's important to consider that many SCSU graduates enter fields focused on public service and community impact rather than maximum earnings potential. The university's value proposition centers more on providing educational access and opportunity than on delivering high immediate financial returns, which prospective students and families should factor into their decision-making process.
South Carolina State University stands out for its commitment to affordability across all income levels. Low-income students pay a net price of about $17,089 annually, which is well below the national average for public institutions. Middle-income families see costs around $19,611 per year, while even higher-income students pay a relatively modest $25,130. This pricing structure makes SCSU one of the more affordable options in South Carolina's public university system.
The university's approach to financial aid helps keep costs manageable for most families, though students do typically need to borrow to cover expenses. Federal student loan debt averages about $31,000 for graduates, which is substantial relative to the earnings outcomes but reflects the reality that many students require significant financial assistance to complete their degrees. Parent PLUS borrowing averages $24,000, indicating that families often need to contribute through loans to make college financially feasible.
What makes SCSU's affordability story complex is the relationship between low costs and modest earnings outcomes. While the university keeps upfront expenses reasonable, graduates' median earnings of $38,262 mean that loan repayment can be challenging. The institution reports a 0% federal loan default rate, which suggests that most borrowers are managing their obligations, though this may reflect the use of income-driven repayment plans and forbearance options rather than comfortable repayment from strong earnings.
South Carolina State University Hub Overview
Executive summary with admissions, cost, outcomes, and program analysis
