Allen University vs University of South Carolina-Union: which has better ROI?
Neither clears its cost on institution-wide earnings, but University of South Carolina-Union comes closer — median earnings $33,699 against a $16,130 total, vs $30,497 at Allen University. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)
| Measure | Allen University | University of South Carolina-Union |
|---|---|---|
| Net price / yr | $10,972 | $8,065 |
| Total net cost | $43,888 | $16,130 |
| Median earnings, 10 yrs | $30,497 | $33,699 |
| Median debt | $34,290 | $11,000 |
| Payback | — | — |
| 20-year net return | -$401,148 | -$309,350 |
College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.
Which is cheaper, Allen University or University of South Carolina-Union?
University of South Carolina-Union, at $8,065 a year after aid versus $10,972 — a gap of $2,907 a year, or $27,758 across the full degree. These are net prices after grants and scholarships, not sticker prices, so they reflect what an aided student pays.
Do Allen University or University of South Carolina-Union graduates earn more?
University of South Carolina-Union graduates report a median $33,699 ten years after entry, $3,202 more than the $30,497 at Allen University. Both are institution-wide medians from federal tax records, so a high-paying major at the lower school can beat the average at the higher one.
Which leaves students with less debt, Allen University or University of South Carolina-Union?
University of South Carolina-Union: its completers carry a median $11,000 in federal loans versus $34,290 at Allen University, a difference of $23,290. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.
Which graduates more of its students?
48% of students finish at University of South Carolina-Union, against 13% at Allen University. Completion matters to the ROI arithmetic because a degree that is never finished still carries its cost and its debt, but earns none of the graduate premium above the $48,360 high-school baseline.