Students at the University of South Carolina-Upstate benefit from affordable net prices and strong access opportunities, particularly valuable for first-generation college students and Pell Grant recipients.
The university provides a practical pathway to higher education with manageable costs and earnings that exceed expectations for graduates.
The University of South Carolina-Upstate serves as a regional public university that prioritizes access and affordability for South Carolina students. Located in Spartanburg, USC Upstate enrolls a substantial share of first-generation college students (35%) and Pell Grant recipients (45%), reflecting its mission to serve students who might not otherwise have access to higher education. The university maintains reasonable net prices across income levels and keeps debt burdens manageable for most graduates.
While USC Upstate's overall earnings outcomes place it around the 41st percentile nationally, the institution demonstrates particular strength in specific programs like nursing, which produces the largest number of graduates and delivers strong financial returns. The university's six-year graduation rate of 42% reflects the challenges many regional institutions face in supporting students to completion, but those who do graduate typically see solid career outcomes in fields aligned with regional economic needs.
As a medium-sized public institution, USC Upstate offers the personal attention of a smaller campus while maintaining the resources and program breadth of the University of South Carolina system. For students seeking an accessible entry point into higher education with reasonable costs and targeted program strengths, particularly in health sciences and business, the university provides a practical pathway to degree completion and career advancement.
The University of South Carolina-Upstate's program portfolio centers around practical, career-focused fields that serve regional workforce needs. Nursing stands out as both the largest and most successful program, graduating 319 students annually with strong median earnings of $57,512 that reflect the robust demand for healthcare professionals throughout South Carolina. This program represents the university's flagship offering, combining substantial enrollment with excellent financial outcomes for graduates.
Business Administration serves as the university's second-largest program with 179 graduates, though earnings of $37,088 are more modest, reflecting the competitive nature of general business fields. Emerging programs like Artificial Intelligence show promise with 59 graduates earning $45,500, suggesting USC Upstate is adapting its offerings to include technology-focused fields that align with evolving job market demands.
The concentration of strong outcomes in nursing and health sciences reflects both USC Upstate's programmatic expertise and the regional economy's needs. Students considering USC Upstate should carefully evaluate program choice, as outcomes vary significantly across fields. The university's strength lies particularly in health sciences, where graduates see substantially higher earnings and strong job placement rates that justify the educational investment.
Graduates of the University of South Carolina-Upstate earn a median of $48,587 ten years after enrollment, placing the institution around the 41st percentile nationally for long-term earnings. While overall earnings are moderate, the university shows some positive momentum with graduates earning about $3,847 more than similar students at comparable institutions, indicating the education provides meaningful value beyond expectations. Six-year earnings of $43,339 demonstrate steady progression as graduates establish their careers.
The university's strongest financial outcomes come from its nursing program, which graduates 319 students annually with median earnings of $57,512 ten years out. This program represents USC Upstate's largest and most successful academic offering, combining high enrollment with strong pay that reflects the robust demand for healthcare professionals in South Carolina. Business Administration, the second-largest program with 179 graduates, produces more modest earnings around $37,088, while newer programs like Artificial Intelligence show promise with 59 graduates earning $45,500 early in their careers.
Program choice significantly impacts outcomes at USC Upstate. Students in health sciences, particularly nursing, see substantially higher earnings than those in other fields, while some programs produce more modest financial returns. The concentration of successful outcomes in nursing reflects both the university's programmatic strengths and the strong regional job market for healthcare professionals in the Spartanburg area and broader South Carolina region.
The University of South Carolina-Upstate maintains strong affordability across income levels, with net prices that rank in the 68th percentile nationally for value. Low-income students pay approximately $11,021 annually, while middle-income families see costs around $13,876 per year, both well below typical public university levels. Even higher-income families pay a reasonable $20,030 annually, making USC Upstate accessible across the economic spectrum.
Debt levels remain manageable for most graduates, with typical federal student loan debt of $22,310 and Parent PLUS borrowing averaging $13,845. These amounts are reasonable given the university's moderate tuition structure and the earnings potential of graduates, particularly those in nursing and other health sciences programs. The university maintains a 0% federal loan default rate, indicating that graduates are generally able to manage their debt obligations successfully after graduation.
The combination of reasonable net prices and manageable debt loads makes USC Upstate particularly attractive for families seeking predictable college costs. The university's pricing structure allows students to complete their degrees without taking on excessive debt, while the range of financial aid helps ensure that cost doesn't become a barrier to degree completion for students from various economic backgrounds.
University Of South Carolina-Upstate Hub Overview
Executive summary with admissions, cost, outcomes, and program analysis
