Liberal Arts and Sciences at University of South Carolina-Columbia

Columbia, SC · Public · Bachelor's Degree · Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities
26 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
26
Optimistic
26
Base Case
32
Pessimistic
Earnings $33,245/yr (-11% vs median)
AI Risk Low (0% exposed)
Job Market Medium (13,500 openings/yr)
ROI 9.2x earnings multiple (3.3x out-of-state)
Ranked #327 of 424 Liberal Arts and Sciences programs

How AI Changes the Outlook

Three scenarios based on how aggressively AI disrupts the career paths available to Liberal Arts and Sciences graduates.

Optimistic
No Disruption
Base Case
Gradual AI
Pessimistic
Aggressive AI
10-Year Earnings $467K $467K $442K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 9.2x 9.2x 8.7x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 3.3x 3.3x 3.2x
Probability of Field Employment 45% 45% 45%
DegreeOutlook Score 26 26 32

10-Year Earnings Projection

*Year 1 uses actual reported earnings. Scenarios diverge as AI impact compounds over time.

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$50,752
Out-of-state: $139,736 (3.3x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$98,128
-93% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$19,500
7.0 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$41,776
26% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

First-year earnings of $33,245 track close to the $37,172 national median for Liberal Arts and Sciences programs. This is a middle-of-the-road outcome on salary alone.

A 9.2x earnings multiple over ten years puts this program in solid financial territory. Tuition is well-justified by projected earnings.

The 5% spread between best and worst-case AI scenarios signals strong resilience. Most career paths mapped to Liberal Arts and Sciences involve work that current AI cannot replicate.

At $19,500 against $33,245/yr in earnings, the debt burden is moderate. Most graduates should manage repayment without extended financial strain.

A #327 ranking among 424 Liberal Arts and Sciences programs places University of South Carolina-Columbia in the lower half. Price, proximity, and personal fit become the stronger arguments.

A 26% earnings increase from $33,245 to $41,776 over five years is solid — not a moonshot, but evidence of normal career advancement.

About University of South Carolina-Columbia

With a 61% acceptance rate, University of South Carolina-Columbia is moderately selective, with 28,113 students enrolled in Columbia, SC.

See all programs and financial aid at University of South Carolina-Columbia →

Top Career Paths

Postsecondary teachers, all other $78,490/yr
View all 1 career paths with salary ranges and AI risk →

Compare & Explore

Liberal Arts and Sciences at Other Schools

Other Majors at University of South Carolina-Columbia

Consider the Trade Route?

Trade programs often mean less time in school, lower student debt, and hands-on career paths that tend to be more resilient to AI disruption.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 26/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Liberal Arts and Sciences at University of South Carolina-Columbia?
At 26/100, the financial outlook is modest. Higher-scoring Liberal Arts and Sciences programs exist, though non-financial factors may justify this choice.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →