Outcomes-based program rankings.
Program outcomes at USC Upstate vary significantly by field of study, with health programs leading earnings while education and liberal arts programs serve different career pathways. The rankings below evaluate programs based on graduate earnings, debt levels, and return on investment—not prestige or reputation.
Analyzing 19 programs with available earnings data.
These highlights surface programs that stand out across earnings, national ranking, and enrollment size at USC Upstate.
$26K median earnings
This bar shows the range of median earnings across all majors at this school.
The tables below compare programs in each category by earnings, rank, debt, and cohort size.
These sections represent the complete set of ranked undergraduate programs at University Of South Carolina-Upstate.
Technology programs include Artificial Intelligence, graduating 59 students with earnings of $56,132 and ranking #177 nationally. Despite strong earning potential, the program shows a modest value score of 12.4, reflecting the competitive technology employment landscape.
This field offers solid prospects for students with strong technical aptitude seeking emerging technology careers.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engineering Design.Small sample | — | $74,244★ |
Program rankings reflect post-graduation employment outcomes rather than academic reputation, explaining why institutions can excel in specific fields while performing differently in others. Earnings data comes from federal College Scorecard records tracking graduates who received federal financial aid, with cohort size requirements ensuring statistical reliability. Value scores incorporate both earnings and debt levels to assess overall return on investment. Rankings are calculated within specific program categories, so a program ranked #103 nationally competed against all similar nursing programs nationwide, not all college majors. These outcomes reflect labor market realities and career preparation effectiveness, with some programs designed primarily for graduate school preparation showing lower initial earnings but strong advanced degree pathways.
Median earnings 10 years post-enrollment
Debt burden relative to earnings
Institutional contribution to outcomes
recent graduates
| — |
| 5 |
| Information Science/Studies.Small sample | #44 | $66,316 | — | 10 |
| Artificial Intelligence. | #187 | $56,132 | — | 59 |
Business programs provide solid mid-career earning potential, with Business Administration graduating 179 students at $50,434 median earnings. Ranking #182 nationally and #1 in South Carolina, the program offers reasonable value with a score of 46.6 despite moderate debt levels.
This pathway suits students seeking versatile business skills with broad career applications, though earnings lag behind specialized health programs while maintaining accessibility and regional employment connections.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Business Administration and Management, General. | #179 | $50,434 | $14,650 | 179 |
Health programs at USC Upstate demonstrate exceptional performance, led by Adult Health Nursing which ranks #103 nationally and #1 in South Carolina. With 319 graduates earning a median of $67,071, nursing represents the university's largest and highest-earning program with a strong value score of 62.8.
This program stands out as the institutional flagship, combining substantial enrollment with excellent employment outcomes and manageable debt levels, making it ideal for students seeking stable healthcare careers with strong earning potential.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Adult Health Nurse/Nursing. | #111 | $67,071 | $11,915 | 319 |
Science programs show varied outcomes, with Biology graduating 36 students earning $28,960 and Aerospace Physiology producing 55 graduates at $25,580. Both programs rank in specialized niches but show lower earnings, reflecting the need for advanced degrees in scientific fields.
These programs serve students planning graduate study in health professions, research, or specialized scientific careers where bachelor's degrees represent initial preparation.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Biology, General. | #367 | $28,960★ | — | 36 |
| Aerospace Physiology and Medicine. | #31 | $25,580 | — | 55 |
Psychology programs graduate 74 students earning $34,695, ranking #318 nationally and #2 in South Carolina. With lower earnings and moderate debt of $15,134, this program serves students planning graduate study or social service careers where advanced degrees are typically required.
The field requires careful consideration of career pathways and potential additional education costs.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| American Government and Politics (United States).Small sample | #262 | $44,353★ | — | 12 |
| Psychology, General. | #328 | $34,695 | $15,134 | 74 |
| Applied/Public Sociology.Small sample | #271 | $34,687 | — | 14 |
Communication and Media Studies graduates 67 students earning $33,221, ranking #238 nationally and #1 in South Carolina. Higher debt levels of $21,013 combined with modest earnings create value challenges, resulting in a low value score of 7.1.
This program is best suited for students passionate about media careers who understand the importance of internships and networking for employment success.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Communication and Media Studies, Other. | #248 | $33,221 | $21,013 | 67 |
Liberal arts programs include General Studies (92 graduates, $38,742 earnings) and Art History (22 graduates, $32,081 earnings), offering flexible pathways for diverse career interests. General Studies ranks #102 nationally and #1 in South Carolina with a solid value score of 44.2, providing broad-based education for students exploring multiple interests or preparing for graduate study in various fields.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| American History (United States).Small sample | — | $42,065★ | — | 9 |
| General Studies. | #107 | $38,742 | $11,614 | 92 |
| Art History, Criticism and Conservation. | #202 | $32,081 | — | 22 |
| English Language and Literature, General.Small sample | #318 | $25,194 | — | 16 |
Education programs serve students pursuing teaching and adult education careers, with Adult and Continuing Education graduating 122 students earning $37,223. While earnings are modest compared to other fields, the program ranks #141 nationally and #1 in South Carolina, reflecting USC Upstate's regional leadership in educator preparation.
This path is best suited for students prioritizing public service and educational impact over maximum earnings potential.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Adult and Continuing Education and Teaching. | #151 | $37,223★ | $12,206 | 122 |
| Agricultural Teacher Education.Small sample | #165 | $32,711 | — | 16 |
| Education/Teaching of Individuals Who are Developmentally Delayed.Small sample | #100 | $29,685 | — | 17 |
Criminal justice programs focus on corrections and law enforcement careers, with Corrections Administration graduating 88 students earning $43,381. The program ranks #127 nationally and #2 in South Carolina, though higher debt levels of $18,184 create moderate value concerns.
This field suits students committed to public safety careers who can balance moderate earnings with meaningful community service.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Corrections Administration. | #128 | $43,381 | $18,184 | 88 |
Resources, cohort size, and graduation rates
Trajectory from early to mid-career
Why rankings may differ by program: A university's nursing program and business program can have entirely different outcome profiles. Our methodology surfaces these differences so you can evaluate programs — not just institutions.
