University of South Carolina-Columbia vs Furman University: which has better ROI?
Furman University has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $121,232 in 6 years versus 6.6 years at University of South Carolina-Columbia, on median earnings of $68,635 vs $62,177 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)
| Measure | University of South Carolina-Columbia | Furman University |
|---|---|---|
| Net price / yr | $22,811 | $30,308 |
| Total net cost | $91,244 | $121,232 |
| Median earnings, 10 yrs | $62,177 | $68,635 |
| Median debt | $21,500 | $23,250 |
| Payback | 6.6 yrs | 6 yrs |
| 20-year net return | $185,096 | $284,268 |
College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.
Which is cheaper, University of South Carolina-Columbia or Furman University?
University of South Carolina-Columbia, at $22,811 a year after aid versus $30,308 — a gap of $7,497 a year, or $29,988 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 Furman University graduates earn more?
Furman University graduates report a median $68,635 ten years after entry, $6,458 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 Furman University?
University of South Carolina-Columbia: its completers carry a median $21,500 in federal loans versus $23,250 at Furman University, a difference of $1,750. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.
Which graduates more of its students?
79% of students finish at University of South Carolina-Columbia, against 79% at Furman 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.