Head-to-head · 2026
University of South Carolina Aiken vs University of South Carolina-Upstate
Compare average net price ($11,641 at University of South Carolina Aiken; $13,557 at University of South Carolina-Upstate), ROI score (9.79 vs 8.96), ten-year median earnings ($45,603 vs $48,587), and admissions selectivity (78.5% acceptance at University of South Carolina Aiken; 67.3% at University of South Carolina-Upstate) using federal College Scorecard data. University of South Carolina-Upstate has a narrow 4-3 metric-level edge. University of South Carolina Aiken 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-Upstate |
|---|---|---|
| ROI score | 9.79 ✓ | 8.96 |
| Avg net price | $11,641 ✓ | $13,557 |
| Median earnings (10y) | $45,603 | $48,587 ✓ |
| Acceptance rate | 78.5% | 67.3% ✓ |
| Graduation rate | 39.9% | 43% ✓ |
| Median debt | $24,275 | $22,310 ✓ |
| Enrollment | 2,962 | 4,038 |
| Ownership | Public | Public |
| Avg SAT | 1120 ✓ | 1099 |
| Metric advantages | 3 | 4 |
Value readout
Where each school has the edge
University of South Carolina-Upstate costs $1,916 more per year than University of South Carolina Aiken ($13,557 vs $11,641). University of South Carolina-Upstate graduates report $2,984 higher median earnings after ten years ($48,587 vs $45,603). On EduGradify's model that puts University of South Carolina Aiken ahead on projected ROI (9.79 vs 8.96, exceptional investment).
The more affordable option (University of South Carolina Aiken) 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 67.3% (accessible) at University of South Carolina-Upstate.
Frequently asked
University of South Carolina Aiken vs University of South Carolina-Upstate, answered
5 of the most common questions, with real numbers from federal data.
Is University of South Carolina Aiken or University of South Carolina-Upstate the better value?
University of South Carolina Aiken has the higher EduGradify ROI score (9.79 vs 8.96), meaning its ten-year earnings go further against its net price.
Which school costs less after aid?
University of South Carolina Aiken is cheaper — average net price $11,641 per year vs $13,557 at University of South Carolina-Upstate. The annual difference of $1,916 adds up to about $7,664 over four years.
Which school reports higher earnings?
University of South Carolina-Upstate reports higher median earnings ten years after entry: $48,587 vs $45,603 at University of South Carolina Aiken. The annual gap in the federal data is $2,984.
Which school is harder to get into?
University of South Carolina-Upstate is more selective at 67.3% 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-Upstate reports B.