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Liberal Arts and Sciences at University of South Carolina-Upstate

Spartanburg, SC · Public · Bachelor's Degree · Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities

DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition

Optimistic

Base Case

Pessimistic

Earnings $36,241/yr (-3% vs median)

AI Risk Low (0% exposed)

Job Market Medium (13,500 openings/yr)

ROI 10.2x earnings multiple (5.2x out-of-state)

Ranked #276 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	$472K	$472K	$448K
Earnings Multiple (In-State)	10.2x	10.2x	9.7x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State)	5.2x	5.2x	5.0x
Probability of Field Employment	45%	45%	45%
DegreeOutlook Score	31	30	35

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)

$46,332

Out-of-state: $90,180 (5.2x ROI)

4-Year Net Price (After Aid)

$54,900

-18% less than sticker · See by income

Median Debt at Graduation

$24,450

8.1 months of Year 1 earnings

Reported Earnings (5 Year)

$43,441

20% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

Graduates earn $36,241/yr, roughly in line with the $37,172 national median for Liberal Arts and Sciences. The value proposition here depends on cost, not earnings.

With a 10.2x return on in-state tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

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 $24,450 against $36,241/yr in earnings, the debt burden is moderate. Most graduates should manage repayment without extended financial strain.

A #276 ranking among 424 Liberal Arts and Sciences programs places University of South Carolina-Upstate in the lower half. Price, proximity, and personal fit become the stronger arguments.

The limited growth from $36,241 to $43,441 over five years suggests earnings in this field plateau relatively early in one's career.

About University of South Carolina-Upstate

A 70% admission rate makes University of South Carolina-Upstate accessible to a wide range of qualified students, with a smaller student body of 4,008 in Spartanburg, SC. Pell Grant recipients make up 45% of the student body — a marker of economic diversity.

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

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-Upstate

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 30/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Liberal Arts and Sciences at University of South Carolina-Upstate?

At 30/100, 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 →