Degree Dividend
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University of South Carolina Aiken vs Allen University: which has better ROI?

Public, Aiken SC · vs · Private nonprofit, Columbia SC

The verdict

Neither clears its cost on institution-wide earnings, but University of South Carolina Aiken comes closer — median earnings $45,603 against a $46,564 total, vs $30,497 at Allen University. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)

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Head to head
MeasureUniversity of South Carolina AikenAllen University
Net price / yr$11,641$10,972
Total net cost$46,564$43,888
Median earnings, 10 yrs$45,603$30,497
Median debt$24,275$34,290
Payback
20-year net return-$101,704-$401,148

College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.

Which is cheaper, University of South Carolina Aiken or Allen University?

Allen University, at $10,972 a year after aid versus $11,641 — a gap of $669 a year, or $2,676 across the full degree. These are net prices after grants and scholarships, not sticker prices, so they reflect what an aided student pays.

Do University of South Carolina Aiken or Allen University graduates earn more?

University of South Carolina Aiken graduates report a median $45,603 ten years after entry, $15,106 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, University of South Carolina Aiken or Allen University?

University of South Carolina Aiken: its completers carry a median $24,275 in federal loans versus $34,290 at Allen University, a difference of $10,015. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.

Which graduates more of its students?

40% of students finish at University of South Carolina Aiken, 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.

University of South Carolina Aiken vs Allen University: frequently asked questions

Is University of South Carolina Aiken or Allen University a better value?
University of South Carolina Aiken comes closer, but neither clears its cost on institution-wide earnings — the field you study decides it here more than the school.
Which is cheaper, University of South Carolina Aiken or Allen University?
Allen University: $10,972/yr net price after aid versus $11,641/yr at University of South Carolina Aiken — a difference of $669 a year, or about $2,676 over four years.
Do University of South Carolina Aiken or Allen University graduates earn more?
University of South Carolina Aiken graduates earn a median $45,603 ten years after entry, versus $30,497 at Allen University — a $15,106 gap. This blends every major, so a specific field can flip it.