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University of South Carolina Aiken

Aiken, SC·Public·2,805 students
Last updated: March 22, 2026

A good fit for students who want accessible admissions and families looking for lower cost. freshman retention is below 65%. a public school with 2,805 students.

80%
Accept
2,805
Students
$11,611
Net Price
40%
Grad Rate
$40,800
Earnings
10 yr
$13,000
Debt

About This School

University of South Carolina Aiken is a public institution located in Aiken, South Carolina with approximately 2,805 undergraduate students enrolled. University of South Carolina Aiken has an open or accessible admissions process, with an acceptance rate of 80%. The average net price after financial aid is $11,611 per year. The graduation rate is 40%, and the typical graduate earns $40,800 within 10 years of enrollment.

The University of South Carolina Aiken is a public university in the Aiken, South Carolina area. It is part of the University of South Carolina System and offers undergraduate degree programs as well as master's degrees. Additional graduate courses and degree programs are offered through the University of South Carolina Extended Graduate Campus program. The University of South Carolina Aiken awards baccalaureate degrees in more than 30 major areas of study including the bachelor of science in business administration online through Palmetto College.

The numbers tell a mixed story here: at just $11,611/year net cost and $13,000 in median debt, this is one of the more affordable public university options you'll find, and the USC system name carries real regional value. However, the 40% graduation rate and 64% freshman retention rate are genuine red flags — most students who start here don't finish, which is worth taking seriously before enrolling. Worth considering if you're budget-conscious and have a clear plan to stay on track, but come in with your eyes open about the completion challenges.

Founded
1961
Setting
Large suburb

Popular Programs

Business & Marketing25%
Health Professions19%
Education11%
Psychology7%
Communications7%
Biological Sciences7%
Social Sciences4%
Computer Science4%

Percentage of degrees awarded. Source: College Scorecard.

Admissions

SAT Scores

Average Composite1063
Reading 75th %ile620
Math 75th %ile580

ACT Scores

Midpoint Composite20

Cost & Financial Aid

In-State Tuition
$10,760
Out-of-State Tuition
$21,218
Avg Net Price
$11,611
after aid

Financial Aid

Students receiving Pell Grants37%
Median debt at graduation$13,000

Full Cost

After Graduation

Graduation Rate
40%
within 6 years
Retention Rate
64%
freshmen returning
Earnings (10 yr)
$40,800
after enrollment
Median Debt
$13,000
at graduation

Will This School Pay Off?

Median Debt
$13,000
at graduation
Earnings (6 yr)
$34,200
after enrollment
Earnings (10 yr)
$40,800
after enrollment
Earnings-to-Debt Ratio: 3.1x

Strong return. Graduates earn well above their debt load.

Earnings data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. These are means across all graduates, not specific to any major.

Student Body

White60%
Black22%
Hispanic/Latino8%
Asian1%

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (2,805 undergraduates).

Contact & Location

Address

University of South Carolina Aiken

471 University Pkwy

Aiken, SC 29801

View on Google Maps →

Other Schools in South Carolina

Browse all South Carolina schools →

Sources & Methodology

Data

Primary data source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Accessed via automated sync. Latest values may come from different reporting years depending on the metric.

Contextual Enrichment

School overview from Wikipedia. Used for context only, not as a primary data source for admissions, cost, or outcomes claims.

Important Caveats
  • Earnings figures are institution-level averages, not major-specific.
  • Some metrics are based on Title IV financial aid recipients only.
  • Some values may be privacy-suppressed or rolled up by the Department of Education.
  • Contact the school directly for current admissions requirements and costs.
Trademarks

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