Head-to-head · 2026
University of South Carolina-Lancaster vs University of South Carolina-Sumter
Compare average net price ($9,801 at University of South Carolina-Lancaster; $7,712 at University of South Carolina-Sumter), ROI score (10.06 vs 13.76), ten-year median earnings ($39,426 vs $42,437), and admissions selectivity (83.4% acceptance at University of South Carolina-Lancaster; 74.1% at University of South Carolina-Sumter) using federal College Scorecard data. University of South Carolina-Sumter has a 6-0 metric-level edge. University of South Carolina-Sumter has the stronger ROI signal here, though the final choice should still account for aid, major and campus fit.
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-Lancaster | University of South Carolina-Sumter |
|---|---|---|
| ROI score | 10.06 | 13.76 ✓ |
| Avg net price | $9,801 | $7,712 ✓ |
| Median earnings (10y) | $39,426 | $42,437 ✓ |
| Acceptance rate | 83.4% | 74.1% ✓ |
| Graduation rate | 24.7% | 39.2% ✓ |
| Median debt | $9,616 | $9,250 ✓ |
| Enrollment | 668 | 716 |
| Ownership | Public | Public |
| Avg SAT | — | — |
| Metric advantages | 0 | 6 |
Value readout
Where each school has the edge
University of South Carolina-Lancaster costs $2,089 more per year than University of South Carolina-Sumter ($9,801 vs $7,712). University of South Carolina-Sumter graduates report $3,011 higher median earnings after ten years ($42,437 vs $39,426). On EduGradify's model that puts University of South Carolina-Sumter ahead on projected ROI (13.76 vs 10.06, exceptional investment).
The more affordable option (University of South Carolina-Sumter) also posts the better return, making it the lower-risk pick on cost alone. On admissions, University of South Carolina-Lancaster is accessible at 83.4% acceptance versus 74.1% (accessible) at University of South Carolina-Sumter.
Frequently asked
University of South Carolina-Lancaster vs University of South Carolina-Sumter, answered
5 of the most common questions, with real numbers from federal data.
Is University of South Carolina-Lancaster or University of South Carolina-Sumter the better value?
University of South Carolina-Sumter has the higher EduGradify ROI score (13.76 vs 10.06), meaning its ten-year earnings go further against its net price.
Which school costs less after aid?
University of South Carolina-Sumter is cheaper — average net price $7,712 per year vs $9,801 at University of South Carolina-Lancaster. The annual difference of $2,089 adds up to about $8,356 over four years.
Which school reports higher earnings?
University of South Carolina-Sumter reports higher median earnings ten years after entry: $42,437 vs $39,426 at University of South Carolina-Lancaster. The annual gap in the federal data is $3,011.
Which school is harder to get into?
University of South Carolina-Sumter is more selective at 74.1% acceptance vs 83.4% at University of South Carolina-Lancaster.
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-Lancaster reports a B value grade; University of South Carolina-Sumter reports A.