Head-to-head · 2026
University of South Carolina Aiken vs University of South Carolina-Union
Compare average net price ($11,641 at University of South Carolina Aiken; $8,065 at University of South Carolina-Union), ROI score (9.79 vs 10.45), ten-year median earnings ($45,603 vs $33,699), and admissions selectivity (78.5% acceptance at University of South Carolina Aiken; 62.2% at University of South Carolina-Union) using federal College Scorecard data. University of South Carolina-Union has a 5-1 metric-level edge. University of South Carolina-Union 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 | University of South Carolina Aiken | University of South Carolina-Union |
|---|---|---|
| ROI score | 9.79 | 10.45 ✓ |
| Avg net price | $11,641 | $8,065 ✓ |
| Median earnings (10y) | $45,603 ✓ | $33,699 |
| Acceptance rate | 78.5% | 62.2% ✓ |
| Graduation rate | 39.9% | 47.6% ✓ |
| Median debt | $24,275 | $11,000 ✓ |
| Enrollment | 2,962 | 270 |
| Ownership | Public | Public |
| Avg SAT | 1120 | — |
| Metric advantages | 1 | 5 |
Value readout
Where each school has the edge
University of South Carolina Aiken costs $3,576 more per year than University of South Carolina-Union ($11,641 vs $8,065). University of South Carolina Aiken graduates report $11,904 higher median earnings after ten years ($45,603 vs $33,699). On EduGradify's model that puts University of South Carolina-Union ahead on projected ROI (10.45 vs 9.79, exceptional investment).
The more affordable option (University of South Carolina-Union) also posts the better return, making it the lower-risk pick on cost alone. On admissions, University of South Carolina Aiken is accessible at 78.5% acceptance versus 62.2% (accessible) at University of South Carolina-Union.
Frequently asked
University of South Carolina Aiken vs University of South Carolina-Union, answered
5 of the most common questions, with real numbers from federal data.
Is University of South Carolina Aiken or University of South Carolina-Union the better value?
University of South Carolina-Union has the higher EduGradify ROI score (10.45 vs 9.79), meaning its ten-year earnings go further against its net price.
Which school costs less after aid?
University of South Carolina-Union is cheaper — average net price $8,065 per year vs $11,641 at University of South Carolina Aiken. The annual difference of $3,576 adds up to about $14,304 over four years.
Which school reports higher earnings?
University of South Carolina Aiken reports higher median earnings ten years after entry: $45,603 vs $33,699 at University of South Carolina-Union. The annual gap in the federal data is $11,904.
Which school is harder to get into?
University of South Carolina-Union is more selective at 62.2% acceptance vs 78.5% at University of South Carolina Aiken.
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. University of South Carolina Aiken reports a B value grade; University of South Carolina-Union reports B.