USC Upstate publishes a cost of attendance of $24,565 per year, consisting of $11,583 in in-state tuition, $10,040 for room and board, and $1,600 for books and supplies. Out-of-state students face higher tuition of $22,545.
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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) | $25,124 |
| Tuition and Fees | $23,090 |
| Room and Board | $10,533 |
| Books and Supplies | $1,600 |
| Average Financial Aid (Grants and Scholarships) | -$11,567 |
| Average Net Price (What Families Pay) | $13,557 |
| Family Income | Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0–30k | $11,618 |
| $30–48k | $11,537 |
| $48–75k | $13,394 |
| $75–110k | $17,356 |
| $110k+ | $19,325 |
USC Upstate publishes a cost of attendance of $24,565 per year, consisting of $11,583 in in-state tuition, $10,040 for room and board, and $1,600 for books and supplies. Out-of-state students face higher tuition of $22,545. However, the average student pays significantly less after financial aid, with net price averaging $13,725—a savings of $10,840 from the sticker price.
This net price sits slightly above the peer median of $14,093 by $368, indicating costs comparable to similar institutions. The financial aid savings of $10,840 represents meaningful assistance for families, reducing the published cost by 44%. USC Upstate's cost structure reflects typical public university pricing, with moderate tuition levels and standard room and board charges.
How much students borrow and whether debt is manageable given outcomes.
Debt is well below typical first-year earnings — generally considered very manageable.
USC Upstate graduates carry median debt of $22,310, which aligns closely with the peer median of $21,105 and falls within typical ranges for public institutions. Student debt spans from $7,000 at the 25th percentile to $25,188 at the 75th percentile, indicating variation in borrowing patterns among students.
The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.46 means that graduates' debt represents approximately 46% of their first-year post-graduation income, which falls within manageable ranges. Parent PLUS borrowing averages $13,845 with monthly payments of $182, indicating moderate family borrowing levels.
The combination of reasonable student debt levels and moderate earnings creates sustainable repayment conditions for most graduates. Debt levels below $1,205 compared to peer institutions suggest USC Upstate maintains cost control that helps limit student borrowing needs while delivering comparable educational value.
How cost compares to graduate earnings and value added.
USC Upstate presents a solid educational investment through controlled costs and earnings that exceed expectations for its student demographics. Graduates earn $3,847 beyond expectations at the 70.3rd percentile nationally, indicating the institution adds meaningful value relative to student backgrounds and program mix.
Median earnings of $48,587 combined with debt of $22,310 creates a manageable debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.46. The $1,529 lower median earnings compared to peer institutions is offset by $1,205 lower debt levels, maintaining comparable overall value.
Net price levels slightly above peer medians by $368 remain reasonable given the institution's accessibility and outcomes profile. The combination of earnings uplift, controlled debt, and progressive financial aid structure creates favorable conditions for graduates' long-term financial stability, particularly for students from lower-income backgrounds who benefit most from the institution's access mission.
USC Upstate demonstrates strong commitment to financial access through its aid distribution patterns. The institution serves 45.5% Pell-eligible students, well above the national average for public institutions of this selectivity level.
The substantial gap between the $24,565 sticker price and $13,725 average net price indicates broad-based financial aid availability. Aid concentration toward lower-income students is evident in the progressive net price structure, with the lowest-income families paying less than half of what the highest-income families pay.
The 35.1% first-generation student share complements the Pell data, suggesting that USC Upstate successfully attracts and supports students who might otherwise lack access to higher education. The combination of moderate sticker prices and substantial aid makes USC Upstate accessible to students across economic backgrounds, though lower-income students receive the most significant assistance.
