Head-to-head · 2026
University of South Carolina-Lancaster vs University of South Carolina-Upstate
Compare average net price ($9,801 at University of South Carolina-Lancaster; $13,557 at University of South Carolina-Upstate), ROI score (10.06 vs 8.96), ten-year median earnings ($39,426 vs $48,587), and admissions selectivity (83.4% acceptance at University of South Carolina-Lancaster; 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-Lancaster 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-Lancaster | University of South Carolina-Upstate |
|---|---|---|
| ROI score | 10.06 ✓ | 8.96 |
| Avg net price | $9,801 ✓ | $13,557 |
| Median earnings (10y) | $39,426 | $48,587 ✓ |
| Acceptance rate | 83.4% | 67.3% ✓ |
| Graduation rate | 24.7% | 43% ✓ |
| Median debt | $9,616 ✓ | $22,310 |
| Enrollment | 668 | 4,038 |
| Ownership | Public | Public |
| Avg SAT | — | 1099 |
| Metric advantages | 3 | 3 |
Value readout
Where each school has the edge
University of South Carolina-Upstate costs $3,756 more per year than University of South Carolina-Lancaster ($13,557 vs $9,801). University of South Carolina-Upstate graduates report $9,161 higher median earnings after ten years ($48,587 vs $39,426). On EduGradify's model that puts University of South Carolina-Lancaster ahead on projected ROI (10.06 vs 8.96, exceptional investment).
The more affordable option (University of South Carolina-Lancaster) 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 67.3% (accessible) at University of South Carolina-Upstate.
Frequently asked
University of South Carolina-Lancaster vs University of South Carolina-Upstate, answered
5 of the most common questions, with real numbers from federal data.
Is University of South Carolina-Lancaster or University of South Carolina-Upstate the better value?
University of South Carolina-Lancaster has the higher EduGradify ROI score (10.06 vs 8.96), meaning its ten-year earnings go further against its net price.
Which school costs less after aid?
University of South Carolina-Lancaster is cheaper — average net price $9,801 per year vs $13,557 at University of South Carolina-Upstate. The annual difference of $3,756 adds up to about $15,024 over four years.
Which school reports higher earnings?
University of South Carolina-Upstate reports higher median earnings ten years after entry: $48,587 vs $39,426 at University of South Carolina-Lancaster. The annual gap in the federal data is $9,161.
Which school is harder to get into?
University of South Carolina-Upstate is more selective at 67.3% 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-Upstate reports B.