Head-to-head · 2026
Erskine College vs University of South Carolina-Upstate
Compare average net price ($16,525 at Erskine College; $13,557 at University of South Carolina-Upstate), ROI score (8.09 vs 8.96), ten-year median earnings ($53,459 vs $48,587), and admissions selectivity (62.7% acceptance at Erskine College; 67.3% at University of South Carolina-Upstate) using federal College Scorecard data. The metric count is evenly split at 3-3. University of South Carolina-Upstate 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 | Erskine College | University of South Carolina-Upstate |
|---|---|---|
| ROI score | 8.09 | 8.96 ✓ |
| Avg net price | $16,525 | $13,557 ✓ |
| Median earnings (10y) | $53,459 ✓ | $48,587 |
| Acceptance rate | 62.7% ✓ | 67.3% |
| Graduation rate | 45.2% ✓ | 43% |
| Median debt | $27,000 | $22,310 ✓ |
| Enrollment | 766 | 4,038 |
| Ownership | Private Non-Profit | Public |
| Avg SAT | — | 1099 |
| Metric advantages | 3 | 3 |
Value readout
Where each school has the edge
Erskine College costs $2,968 more per year than University of South Carolina-Upstate ($16,525 vs $13,557). Erskine College graduates report $4,872 higher median earnings after ten years ($53,459 vs $48,587). On EduGradify's model that puts University of South Carolina-Upstate ahead on projected ROI (8.96 vs 8.09, exceptional investment).
The more affordable option (University of South Carolina-Upstate) also posts the better return, making it the lower-risk pick on cost alone. On admissions, Erskine College is accessible at 62.7% acceptance versus 67.3% (accessible) at University of South Carolina-Upstate.
Frequently asked
Erskine College vs University of South Carolina-Upstate, answered
5 of the most common questions, with real numbers from federal data.
Is Erskine College or University of South Carolina-Upstate the better value?
University of South Carolina-Upstate has the higher EduGradify ROI score (8.96 vs 8.09), meaning its ten-year earnings go further against its net price.
Which school costs less after aid?
University of South Carolina-Upstate is cheaper — average net price $13,557 per year vs $16,525 at Erskine College. The annual difference of $2,968 adds up to about $11,872 over four years.
Which school reports higher earnings?
Erskine College reports higher median earnings ten years after entry: $53,459 vs $48,587 at University of South Carolina-Upstate. The annual gap in the federal data is $4,872.
Which school is harder to get into?
Erskine College is more selective at 62.7% acceptance vs 67.3% at University of South Carolina-Upstate.
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. Erskine College reports a B value grade; University of South Carolina-Upstate reports B.