Head-to-head · 2026
Aiken Technical College vs University of South Carolina-Upstate
Compare average net price ($4,807 at Aiken Technical College; $13,557 at University of South Carolina-Upstate), ROI score (20.40 vs 8.96), ten-year median earnings ($39,225 vs $48,587), and admissions context (Open / not reported at Aiken Technical College; 67.3% at University of South Carolina-Upstate) using federal College Scorecard data. Aiken Technical College has a narrow 3-2 metric-level edge. Aiken Technical College leads on ROI, but the cost and earnings signals are split enough that this is not a one-metric decision.
Face to face
Metric-by-metric comparison
9 metrics, side by side. A colored cell marks a metric-level advantage. Green = lower-is-better, violet = higher-is-better.
| Metric | Aiken Technical College | University of South Carolina-Upstate |
|---|---|---|
| ROI score | 20.40 ✓ | 8.96 |
| Avg net price | $4,807 ✓ | $13,557 |
| Median earnings (10y) | $39,225 | $48,587 ✓ |
| Acceptance rate | Open / not reported | 67.3% |
| Graduation rate | 33.5% | 43% ✓ |
| Median debt | $12,250 ✓ | $22,310 |
| Enrollment | 1,925 | 4,038 |
| Ownership | Public | Public |
| Avg SAT | — | 1099 |
| Metric advantages | 3 | 2 |
Value readout
Where each school has the edge
University of South Carolina-Upstate costs $8,750 more per year than Aiken Technical College ($13,557 vs $4,807). University of South Carolina-Upstate graduates report $9,362 higher median earnings after ten years ($48,587 vs $39,225). On EduGradify's model that puts Aiken Technical College ahead on projected ROI (20.40 vs 8.96, exceptional investment).
The more affordable option (Aiken Technical College) also posts the better return, making it the lower-risk pick on cost alone. On admissions, University of South Carolina-Upstate reports 67.3% acceptance; Aiken Technical College does not report a standard acceptance rate in the current federal data.
Frequently asked
Aiken Technical College vs University of South Carolina-Upstate, answered
4 of the most common questions, with real numbers from federal data.
Is Aiken Technical College or University of South Carolina-Upstate the better value?
Aiken Technical College has the higher EduGradify ROI score (20.40 vs 8.96), meaning its ten-year earnings go further against its net price.
Which school costs less after aid?
Aiken Technical College is cheaper — average net price $4,807 per year vs $13,557 at University of South Carolina-Upstate. The annual difference of $8,750 adds up to about $35,000 over four years.
Which school reports higher earnings?
University of South Carolina-Upstate reports higher median earnings ten years after entry: $48,587 vs $39,225 at Aiken Technical College. The annual gap in the federal data is $9,362.
What should I compare beyond ROI?
Use the ROI score as a value screen, then compare aid letters, program fit, graduation rate, location, campus size, and debt. Aiken Technical College reports a A+ value grade; University of South Carolina-Upstate reports B.