Head-to-head · 2026
University of South Carolina-Union vs University of South Carolina-Upstate
Compare average net price ($8,065 at University of South Carolina-Union; $13,557 at University of South Carolina-Upstate), ROI score (10.45 vs 8.96), ten-year median earnings ($33,699 vs $48,587), and admissions selectivity (62.2% acceptance at University of South Carolina-Union; 67.3% at University of South Carolina-Upstate) 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-Union | University of South Carolina-Upstate |
|---|---|---|
| ROI score | 10.45 ✓ | 8.96 |
| Avg net price | $8,065 ✓ | $13,557 |
| Median earnings (10y) | $33,699 | $48,587 ✓ |
| Acceptance rate | 62.2% ✓ | 67.3% |
| Graduation rate | 47.6% ✓ | 43% |
| Median debt | $11,000 ✓ | $22,310 |
| Enrollment | 270 | 4,038 |
| Ownership | Public | Public |
| Avg SAT | — | 1099 |
| Metric advantages | 5 | 1 |
Value readout
Where each school has the edge
University of South Carolina-Upstate costs $5,492 more per year than University of South Carolina-Union ($13,557 vs $8,065). University of South Carolina-Upstate graduates report $14,888 higher median earnings after ten years ($48,587 vs $33,699). On EduGradify's model that puts University of South Carolina-Union ahead on projected ROI (10.45 vs 8.96, 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-Union is accessible at 62.2% acceptance versus 67.3% (accessible) at University of South Carolina-Upstate.
Frequently asked
University of South Carolina-Union vs University of South Carolina-Upstate, answered
5 of the most common questions, with real numbers from federal data.
Is University of South Carolina-Union or University of South Carolina-Upstate the better value?
University of South Carolina-Union has the higher EduGradify ROI score (10.45 vs 8.96), 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 $13,557 at University of South Carolina-Upstate. The annual difference of $5,492 adds up to about $21,968 over four years.
Which school reports higher earnings?
University of South Carolina-Upstate reports higher median earnings ten years after entry: $48,587 vs $33,699 at University of South Carolina-Union. The annual gap in the federal data is $14,888.
Which school is harder to get into?
University of South Carolina-Union is more selective at 62.2% 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. University of South Carolina-Union reports a B value grade; University of South Carolina-Upstate reports B.