USC Columbia's published cost of attendance reaches $32,840 per year, including $12,688 in in-state tuition, $34,934 for out-of-state students, $12,558 for room and board, and $1,226 for books and supplies. However, the average student pays just $24,532 after financial aid, representing savings of $8,308 from the sticker price.
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Net prices are averages and may vary. Based on federal data for first-time, full-time students receiving aid.
| Cost Category | Amount |
|---|---|
| Total Cost of Attendance (Sticker Price) | $32,840 |
| Tuition and Fees | $34,934 |
| Room and Board | $12,558 |
| Books and Supplies | $1,226 |
| Average Financial Aid (Grants and Scholarships) | -$8,308 |
| Average Net Price (What Families Pay) | $24,532 |
| Family Income | Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0–30k | $14,421 |
| $30–48k | $17,602 |
| $48–75k | $22,744 |
| $75–110k | $26,936 |
| $110k+ | $29,493 |
USC Columbia's published cost of attendance reaches $32,840 per year, including $12,688 in in-state tuition, $34,934 for out-of-state students, $12,558 for room and board, and $1,226 for books and supplies. However, the average student pays just $24,532 after financial aid, representing savings of $8,308 from the sticker price. This net price falls $8,942 above the peer median of $15,590, indicating higher than typical costs for students attending similar institutions.
The substantial gap between published prices and actual costs reflects USC Columbia's financial aid programs, though the university remains more expensive than peer institutions even after aid. Out-of-state students face significantly higher tuition costs that may not be fully offset by financial aid, making cost evaluation particularly important for non-resident applicants. The net price positioning suggests that families should carefully evaluate total costs and available aid before committing, as USC Columbia operates at the higher end of the cost spectrum for public research universities.
How much students borrow and whether debt is manageable given outcomes.
Debt is well below typical first-year earnings — generally considered very manageable.
USC Columbia graduates carry median debt loads of $21,500, slightly above the peer median of $20,000 but remaining within manageable ranges. Debt levels span from $8,750 at the 25th percentile to $27,000 at the 75th percentile, indicating variation based on family financial circumstances and aid packages.
The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.35 suggests that graduates can manage their borrowing relative to post-graduation income levels. At the 58th percentile nationally, USC Columbia's debt levels rank as above average but not excessive compared to similar institutions.
Parent PLUS loans average $27,000 with monthly payments of approximately $356, representing additional family borrowing beyond student debt. The debt profile reflects moderate borrowing patterns that align with USC Columbia's cost structure, with most students requiring some level of borrowing to finance their education.
How cost compares to graduate earnings and value added.
USC Columbia represents a mixed investment proposition that combines solid long-term earnings with higher than typical costs and below-expected value-added performance. Graduates earn $62,177 ten years after enrollment, ranking well above average at the 76th percentile nationally and $1,634 more than the peer median.
However, these earnings fall $21,590 below expectations based on student academic preparation, indicating that graduates may not achieve the premium outcomes that their credentials might suggest at other institutions. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.35 remains manageable, allowing graduates to service their borrowing while building financial stability.
Net costs exceed peer institutions by $8,942, making USC Columbia more expensive than alternatives with similar student profiles. The return on investment ranks around the national average at the 52nd percentile, reflecting the tension between solid absolute earnings and elevated costs.
USC Columbia's financial aid approach reflects its position as a selective public institution serving diverse economic backgrounds. With 19.0% Pell-eligible enrollment, the university serves fewer low-income students than typical public institutions but maintains aid programs that make attendance feasible for qualified students from disadvantaged backgrounds.
The $8,308 average financial aid savings indicates meaningful institutional investment in affordability, though the net price remains elevated compared to peer institutions. Lower-income families benefit from net prices as low as $14,421, making USC Columbia accessible despite higher sticker prices.
Middle-income families may find less generous aid packages, with costs rising substantially for those earning above $48,000 annually. The aid structure supports the university's selective admission standards by ensuring that qualified students from diverse economic backgrounds can afford attendance, though families should carefully evaluate their expected costs based on income levels.
