University of South Carolina-Columbia prices its education across income levels in a pattern typical of large public research universities. Low-income families pay approximately $12,634 per year in net price, middle-income families see annual costs around $19,859, and higher-income families pay closer to $28,125.
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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) | $31,638 |
| Tuition and Fees | $35,972 |
| Room and Board | $13,534 |
| Books and Supplies | $1,438 |
| Average Financial Aid (Grants and Scholarships) | -$8,827 |
| Average Net Price (What Families Pay) | $22,811 |
| Family Income | Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0–30k | $12,634 |
| $30–48k | $14,953 |
| $48–75k | $19,859 |
| $75–110k | $24,478 |
| $110k+ | $28,125 |
University of South Carolina-Columbia prices its education across income levels in a pattern typical of large public research universities. Low-income families pay approximately $12,634 per year in net price, middle-income families see annual costs around $19,859, and higher-income families pay closer to $28,125. Azimuth ranks University of South Carolina-Columbia #805 for post-graduation affordability among nonprofit four-year institutions. Net prices by income band are medians within those bands; individual aid packages vary, so some families in each band pay more and some less than the figures shown. Need-based aid plays a meaningful role in closing the gap between the published cost of attendance of $31,638 and what families actually pay. The university participates in federal, state, and institutional aid programs, and students apply through the FAFSA. For families weighing the net price illusion — the difference between sticker price and what households actually pay — the income-band figures above are the more relevant starting point than the headline cost of attendance. Median federal student loan debt at graduation is $21,500, and families using Parent PLUS borrow a median of $31,393; private or institutional loans may add further borrowing that falls outside these federal-only figures — see the for how household context shapes PLUS decisions. For a graduate at the institution's median four-year earnings of $67,741, median federal debt of $21,500 projects to a monthly payment of about $243 under standard ten-year repayment. For personalized projections across earnings scenarios — including Parent PLUS planning — use .
How much students borrow and whether debt is manageable given outcomes.
Debt is well below typical first-year earnings — generally considered very manageable.
How cost compares to graduate earnings and value added.
Graduates of University of South Carolina-Columbia earn median earnings of $67,741 four years after enrollment, placing University of South Carolina-Columbia in the 71.7 percentile for median earnings four years after enrollment among nonprofit four-year institutions. That figure runs above the $65,228 median at comparable institutions (same control and size band). Graduates earn about $9,418 less than similar students at comparable institutions, placing the institution in the 22.3 percentile for earnings beyond expectations among nonprofit four-year institutions. Azimuth ranks University of South Carolina-Columbia #631 for return on investment among nonprofit four-year institutions. Business is the dominant program family, accounting for 32% of degree output, followed by Engineering at 6% and Social Sciences at 6%. Finance combines large cohort scale with strong earnings, making it a key contributor to the university's overall return profile. Azimuth ranks Finance #40 among nonprofit four-year institutions for median earnings four years after enrollment, with 608 graduates earning median earnings of $92,578 — 1.1x the national benchmark for the field. The Public Health program graduates 438 students with median earnings of $58,715, and Azimuth ranks it #29 among nonprofit four-year institutions for median earnings four years after enrollment. Biology, General adds further depth, with Azimuth ranking it #165 among nonprofit four-year institutions for median earnings four years after enrollment and 369 graduates earning median earnings of $58,669.
