University of South Carolina-Union
- Graduation Rate
- 43% D+
- Lower completion rate than most colleges
- Earnings (10yr)
- $33,699 D+
- Below average for college graduates
- Net Price
- $8,065 B+
- 53% less than the typical college
- Acceptance Rate
- 62% B
- Accessible to most qualified applicants
Bottom line: A C overall grade — average outcomes for a U.S. college. 20.6× return on investment — every $1 spent returns $20.6 over 20 years.
Every $1 spent returns $20.6 over 20 years — debt pays back in ~under a year. Net gain: $631,863.
What The Data Says
-
A C overall — outcomes trail most U.S. colleges on measured metrics.
-
Graduation of 43% — 25% below the national average.
-
Every $1 invested returns $20.6 over 20 years — an exceptional return.
About University of South Carolina-Union
University of South Carolina-Union 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
- 270
- Setting
- Town
- Primary Strengths
- Humanities
Why students choose University of South Carolina-Union
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 62% of applicants. Run your numbers in the admissions predictor below.
Check your odds →Net price + aid
Students pay about $8,065 a year after grants and scholarships — 53% below the typical U.S. college. See net price by family income below.
See cost & aid →Earnings + debt
Graduates earn a median of $33,699 ten years after enrolling — 17% below the typical college, against $11,000 in median debt.
See outcomes →Mobility + social capital
Mobility and social-capital data are limited for this school — see what's reported below.
See mobility →Overview
The University of South Carolina-Union is a small public institution that caters to students seeking an intimate learning environment. With an enrollment of just 270, it’s a place where you can build close relationships with peers and faculty alike. Students often dive into humanities programs here, nurturing critical thinking and communication skills that are essential in many careers. The acceptance rate of 62% means that while it is accessible, it’s still selective enough to foster a motivated student body.
Looking at life after graduation, the average earnings for alumni ten years post-graduation sit at about $33,699. This number reflects the potential for a comfortable living, especially considering the lower cost of living in South Carolina. While we don’t have specifics on mobility, the affordability of education here is notable; it’s a good option for those who want to minimize student debt while still gaining a valuable education.
The financial picture for students is encouraging. After aid, the net price of attendance is around $8,065, which is quite manageable compared to many other institutions. With a median debt of $11,000, graduates typically leave with a reasonable financial burden. Those who thrive here tend to be self-motivated individuals who appreciate a close-knit community and the chance to explore their passions in the humanities.
Rankings
Can I Get In?
How selective University of South Carolina-Union 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-Union? Acceptance Rate & Requirements
Based in Union, South Carolina, University of South Carolina-Union offers a realistic path to admission, with roughly 62% of applicants receiving an offer. The graduation rate is roughly 43%.
- Acceptance Rate
- 62%
- Retention Rate
- 64%
- Full-Time Faculty
- 30%
- Faculty Salary (mo)
- $7,408
- Student–Faculty Ratio
- 15:1
- Diversity Index
- 0.46
- First-Gen Students
- 35%
- Applicants
- 236
- Admitted
- 189
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-Union? Tuition, Net Price & Aid
Published tuition at University of South Carolina-Union 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 $8,065. Students from families earning under $30,000 typically pay closer to $7,340 after need-based grants. The median graduate leaves with about $11,000 in federal student loans.
- In-State Tuition
- $7,558
- Out-of-State
- $18,238
- Avg Net Price
- $8,065
- Median Debt
- $11,000
- Pell Grant Rate
- 10%
- Federal Loan Rate
- 6%
What Families Actually Pay
- Family Income $0–$30K
- $7,340
- Family Income $30K–$48K
- $5,918
- Family Income $48K–$75K
- $7,482
- Family Income $110K+
- $12,638
What Happens After?
Earnings, debt, and where graduates actually land.
Graduate Outcomes
Is University of South Carolina-Union Worth It? Graduate Earnings & ROI
Ten years out, alumni of University of South Carolina-Union report median earnings of $33,699, a figure worth comparing against the cost of attendance before enrolling.
- 6 Years After Entry
- $34,202
- 8 Years
- $34,663
- 10 Years
- $33,699
- Debt-to-Earnings
- 0.33x
- Earning > $25K
- 39%
Earnings Trajectory
Graduation by Timeframe
- 100% (55)
- 31%
- 100% (55)
- 31%
- 100% (55)
- 31%
- 100% (55)
- 31%
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-Union 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-Union delivers a positive return. Over four years, the typical net price is $8,065/year ($32,260 total). Graduates earn $33,699 at ten years, and over a 20-year career we project $664,123 in total earnings — a net gain of $631,863 (20.6× your investment). The median debt is $11,000, which takes less than a year to pay back at typical earnings. With a 43% graduation rate, the path to that return is well-tested. This is a exceptional ROI compared to national averages.
- Total Cost (4yr)
- $32,260
- Projected 20yr Earnings
- $664,123
- Net Return
- $631,863
- ROI Multiple
- 20.6×
- Cost Per Year
- $8,065
- Median Debt
- $11,000
- Debt Payback
- Less than 1 yr
- Graduation Rate
- 43%
Does It Change Lives?
Mobility, social capital, and innovation — does it move people up?
Institutional Finances
Data: NCES IPEDS
- Endowment
- $1,542,872
- Federal Grants
- $49,636
Top Programs
The fields University of South Carolina-Union 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-Union'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-Union? Acceptance Rate & Requirements
Based in Union, South Carolina, University of South Carolina-Union offers a realistic path to admission, with roughly 62% of applicants receiving an offer. The graduation rate is roughly 43%.
How Much Does It Cost to Attend University of South Carolina-Union? Tuition, Net Price & Aid
Published tuition at University of South Carolina-Union 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 $8,065. Students from families earning under $30,000 typically pay closer to $7,340 after need-based grants. The median graduate leaves with about $11,000 in federal student loans.
Is University of South Carolina-Union Worth It? Graduate Earnings & ROI
Ten years out, alumni of University of South Carolina-Union report median earnings of $33,699, a figure worth comparing against the cost of attendance before enrolling.
Similar Schools
Schools with similar outcomes, selectivity, and student profiles to University of South Carolina-Union.
- University of South Carolina-SalkehatchieAllendale, SC · Close peer25% grad $31,360 earn 76% acceptWhy: similar earnings · similar size · same state
- Louisburg CollegeLouisburg, NC · Strong match29% grad $34,818 earn 56% acceptWhy: similar earnings · similar selectivity · similar size
- University of South Carolina-SumterSumter, SC · Strong match38% grad $42,437 earn 74% acceptWhy: similar grad rate · similar size · similar net price
- University of South Carolina-LancasterLancaster, SC · Strong match27% grad $39,426 earn 83% acceptWhy: similar size · same state
- New Mexico Military InstituteRoswell, NM · Strong match41% grad $57,410 earn 53% acceptWhy: similar selectivity · similar grad rate · similar size
- Instituto Tecnologico de Puerto Rico-Recinto de GuayamaGuayama, PR · Strong match68% grad $26,293 earn 79% acceptWhy: similar size
