University of South Carolina-Columbia vs Clemson University: which has better ROI?
Clemson University has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $89,012 in 3.8 years versus 6.6 years at University of South Carolina-Columbia, on median earnings of $71,513 vs $62,177 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)
| Measure | University of South Carolina-Columbia | Clemson University |
|---|---|---|
| Net price / yr | $22,811 | $22,253 |
| Total net cost | $91,244 | $89,012 |
| Median earnings, 10 yrs | $62,177 | $71,513 |
| Median debt | $21,500 | $21,500 |
| Payback | 6.6 yrs | 3.8 yrs |
| 20-year net return | $185,096 | $374,048 |
College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.
Which is cheaper, University of South Carolina-Columbia or Clemson University?
Clemson University, at $22,253 a year after aid versus $22,811 — a gap of $558 a year, or $2,232 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-Columbia or Clemson University graduates earn more?
Clemson University graduates report a median $71,513 ten years after entry, $9,336 more than the $62,177 at University of South Carolina-Columbia. 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-Columbia or Clemson University?
Completers at both borrow a median $21,500, so neither school has the debt advantage. That figure covers federal loans of students who finished — borrowers who leave early are not counted, and private loans sit outside it.
Which graduates more of its students?
87% of students finish at Clemson University, against 79% at University of South Carolina-Columbia. 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.