University of South Carolina-Sumter
#10 Most Affordable Colleges in South Carolina- Graduation Rate
- 38% D
- Lower completion rate than most colleges
- Earnings (10yr)
- $42,437 C
- Roughly in line with national averages
- Net Price
- $7,712 A-
- 55% less than the typical college
- Acceptance Rate
- 74% C+
- Accessible to most qualified applicants
Bottom line: A C+ overall grade — average outcomes for a U.S. college. 33.0× return on investment — every $1 spent returns $33.0 over 20 years. Ranked #10 in Most Affordable Colleges in South Carolina.
Every $1 spent returns $33.0 over 20 years — debt pays back in ~under a year. Net gain: $987,741.
What The Data Says
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A C+ overall — outcomes above the typical U.S. college.
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Graduation of 38% — 34% below the national average.
-
Every $1 invested returns $33.0 over 20 years — an exceptional return.
About University of South Carolina-Sumter
University of South Carolina-Sumter is profiled below with full outcomes data from federal sources.
Interpretation generated from this school's federal outcomes, research, and mobility data.
Institutional Profile
- Institution Type
- Public Community College
- Carnegie Class
- Associate's College
- Enrollment
- 716
- Setting
- Urban
- Primary Strengths
- Humanities
Why students choose University of South Carolina-Sumter
CollegeRanker Report Card
Graded on outcomes, against every U.S. college.
Each grade is this school's national percentile on a real outcome — earnings, value, mobility, and more.
How we grade →Admissions
Competitive — admits about 74% of applicants. Run your numbers in the admissions predictor below.
Check your odds →Net price + aid
Students pay about $7,712 a year after grants and scholarships — 55% below the typical U.S. college. See net price by family income below.
See cost & aid →Earnings + debt
Graduates earn a median of $42,437 ten years after enrolling — 4% above the typical college, against $9,250 in median debt.
See outcomes →Mobility + social capital
Strong cross-class social capital — an economic-connectedness score of 0.95 (Opportunity Insights).
See mobility →Overview
With an enrollment of 716 students, the University of South Carolina-Sumter creates a close-knit environment that appeals particularly to those looking for a more personalized college experience. The humanities programs here stand out, making it a solid choice for students interested in exploring fields like literature, history, and philosophy. This focus allows students to engage deeply with their studies and develop critical thinking skills that are valuable in many careers.
After graduation, students can expect to earn around $42,437 within a decade of leaving the university. While the graduation rate is relatively low at 38%, many students find pathways to success in their chosen fields. The affordability of attending this school is another significant factor; with a net price of $7,712, it’s accessible for many, especially those who qualify for financial aid.
In terms of financial outcomes, students graduate with a median debt of $9,250, which is manageable for many. Those who thrive here often appreciate the supportive atmosphere and the opportunity to engage closely with faculty and peers. This environment can be especially beneficial for students who might need a bit more guidance as they navigate their educational journey.
Rankings
Can I Get In?
How selective University of South Carolina-Sumter is — and how your numbers stack up.
Tool
Will I Be Accepted?
Enter your credentials to see your chances at this school.
Academics & Admissions
Is It Hard to Get Into University of South Carolina-Sumter? Acceptance Rate & Requirements
Based in Sumter, South Carolina, University of South Carolina-Sumter admits most of the students who apply; the acceptance rate is roughly 74%. The graduation rate is roughly 38%.
- Acceptance Rate
- 74%
- Retention Rate
- 59%
- Full-Time Faculty
- 50%
- Faculty Salary (mo)
- $7,501
- Student–Faculty Ratio
- 16:1
- Diversity Index
- 0.68
- First-Gen Students
- 37%
- Applicants
- 558
- Admitted
- 401
Can I Afford It?
What you'll actually pay after grants and aid — not the sticker price.
Cost & Financial Aid
How Much Does It Cost to Attend University of South Carolina-Sumter? Tuition, Net Price & Aid
Published tuition at University of South Carolina-Sumter is $18,238, but few families pay that. The number to watch is net price, what students actually pay each year after federal grants and institutional scholarships. Here it averages about $7,712. Students from families earning under $30,000 typically pay closer to $5,894 after need-based grants. The median graduate leaves with about $9,250 in federal student loans.
- In-State Tuition
- $7,558
- Out-of-State
- $18,238
- Avg Net Price
- $7,712
- Median Debt
- $9,250
- Pell Grant Rate
- 18%
- Federal Loan Rate
- 10%
What Families Actually Pay
- Family Income $0–$30K
- $5,894
- Family Income $30K–$48K
- $5,582
- Family Income $48K–$75K
- $8,586
- Family Income $110K+
- $12,380
What Happens After?
Earnings, debt, and where graduates actually land.
Graduate Outcomes
Is University of South Carolina-Sumter Worth It? Graduate Earnings & ROI
Ten years out, alumni of University of South Carolina-Sumter report median earnings of $42,437, a figure worth comparing against the cost of attendance before enrolling.
- 6 Years After Entry
- $36,439
- 8 Years
- $41,313
- 10 Years
- $42,437
- Debt-to-Earnings
- 0.22x
- Earning > $25K
- 55%
Earnings Trajectory
Graduation by Timeframe
- 100% (73)
- 30%
- 100% (73)
- 30%
- 100% (73)
- 30%
- 100% (73)
- 30%
How University Compares
Dot right of center = above national average.
Net Price by Family Income
What families actually pay after aid, by income bracket.
College ROI Calculator
Is University of South Carolina-Sumter Worth It?
A data-driven look at the return on your educational investment — using real federal data.
Yes — for most students, University of South Carolina-Sumter delivers a positive return. Over four years, the typical net price is $7,712/year ($30,848 total). Graduates earn $42,437 at ten years, and over a 20-year career we project $1,018,589 in total earnings — a net gain of $987,741 (33.0× your investment). The median debt is $9,250, which takes less than a year to pay back at typical earnings. With a 38% graduation rate, the path to that return is well-tested. This is a exceptional ROI compared to national averages.
- Total Cost (4yr)
- $30,848
- Projected 20yr Earnings
- $1,018,589
- Net Return
- $987,741
- ROI Multiple
- 33.0×
- Cost Per Year
- $7,712
- Median Debt
- $9,250
- Debt Payback
- Less than 1 yr
- Graduation Rate
- 38%
Does It Change Lives?
Mobility, social capital, and innovation — does it move people up?
Institutional Finances
Data: NCES IPEDS
- Endowment
- $5,142,069
- Federal Grants
- $708,363
- Investment Income
- $253
Top Programs
The fields University of South Carolina-Sumter awards the most degrees in, by share of completions. Each links to its degree guide — with salary, growth, and the schools with the strongest outcomes.
- Humanities 100%
Top Careers
Where these majors tend to lead — common career paths for University of South Carolina-Sumter's most popular programs, ranked by median pay with our proprietary scorecard insights.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is It Hard to Get Into University of South Carolina-Sumter? Acceptance Rate & Requirements
Based in Sumter, South Carolina, University of South Carolina-Sumter admits most of the students who apply; the acceptance rate is roughly 74%. The graduation rate is roughly 38%.
How Much Does It Cost to Attend University of South Carolina-Sumter? Tuition, Net Price & Aid
Published tuition at University of South Carolina-Sumter is $18,238, but few families pay that. The number to watch is net price, what students actually pay each year after federal grants and institutional scholarships. Here it averages about $7,712. Students from families earning under $30,000 typically pay closer to $5,894 after need-based grants. The median graduate leaves with about $9,250 in federal student loans.
Is University of South Carolina-Sumter Worth It? Graduate Earnings & ROI
Ten years out, alumni of University of South Carolina-Sumter report median earnings of $42,437, a figure worth comparing against the cost of attendance before enrolling.
How Connected Is University of South Carolina-Sumter? Social Capital & Cross-Class Networks
Social capital, the web of cross-class friendships that researchers link to long-run upward mobility, runs around the national average at University of South Carolina-Sumter. Its economic connectedness score is 0.95, where about 1.0 is the national norm. Its friending bias is low (-0.05), a sign that students from different economic backgrounds actually mix rather than self-segregate. Around 3% of students take part in civic and volunteering activity.
Similar Schools
Schools with similar outcomes, selectivity, and student profiles to University of South Carolina-Sumter.
- University of South Carolina-LancasterLancaster, SC · Close peer27% grad $39,426 earn 83% acceptWhy: similar earnings · similar selectivity · similar size
- Richard Bland CollegeSouth Prince George, VA · Close peer13% grad $41,452 earn 89% acceptWhy: similar earnings · similar size
- SABER CollegeMiami, FL · Close peer70% grad $40,816 earn 80% acceptWhy: similar earnings · similar selectivity · similar size
- University of South Carolina-UnionUnion, SC · Strong match43% grad $33,699 earn 62% acceptWhy: similar grad rate · similar size · similar net price
- University of South Carolina-SalkehatchieAllendale, SC · Strong match25% grad $31,360 earn 76% acceptWhy: similar selectivity · similar size · same state
- Rosedale Technical CollegePittsburgh, PA · Strong match80% grad $47,880 earn 75% acceptWhy: similar selectivity · similar size
Social Capital
Data: Opportunity Insights Social Capital Atlas
How Connected Is University of South Carolina-Sumter? Social Capital & Cross-Class Networks
Social capital, the web of cross-class friendships that researchers link to long-run upward mobility, runs around the national average at University of South Carolina-Sumter. Its economic connectedness score is 0.95, where about 1.0 is the national norm. Its friending bias is low (-0.05), a sign that students from different economic backgrounds actually mix rather than self-segregate. Around 3% of students take part in civic and volunteering activity.
Research Note