Business Economics at University of South Carolina-Columbia

Columbia, SC · Public · Bachelor's Degree · Business/Managerial Economics
73 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
74
Optimistic
73
Base Case
70
Pessimistic
Earnings $62,692/yr (18% vs median)
AI Risk Very High (53% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (105,700 openings/yr)
ROI 17.1x earnings multiple (6.2x out-of-state)
Ranked #3 of 81 Business/Managerial Economics programs Top 5%

Program Analysis

The strong performance of UofSC's Business/Managerial Economics program reflects its practical, applied approach to economic theory. Located in a state capital, you'll find pathways into government agencies, regional financial services, and consulting firms that value graduates adept at data-driven decision-making and market analysis. This program is designed to equip you for roles where you can directly impact business strategy, risk assessment, and operational efficiency, leveraging the university's strong alumni network in the Southeast. However, the high AI risk associated with many analytical and forecasting roles emphasizes the evolving nature of these careers. To thrive, actively seek internships that develop your soft skills—communication, negotiation, and complex problem-solving—alongside your quantitative abilities. These human-centric skills will be your greatest asset in an AI-augmented future.

How AI Changes the Outlook

Three scenarios based on how aggressively AI disrupts the career paths available to Business Economics graduates.

Optimistic
No Disruption
Base Case
Gradual AI
Pessimistic
Aggressive AI
10-Year Earnings $924K $869K $740K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 18.2x 17.1x 14.6x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 6.6x 6.2x 5.3x
Probability of Field Employment 66% 58% 42%
DegreeOutlook Score 74 73 70

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 (6.2x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$98,128
-93% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$23,250
4.5 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$101,307
62% growth from Year 1

About University of South Carolina-Columbia

University of South Carolina-Columbia accepts 61% of applicants, balancing access with selectivity, one of the larger campuses at 28,113 students in Columbia, SC.

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

Top Career Paths

Economics teachers, postsecondary $119,980/yr
Economists $115,440/yr
Financial risk specialists $106,000/yr
View all 5 career paths with salary ranges and AI risk →

Compare & Explore

Business Economics at Other Schools

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Explore the Trade Alternative

Not every career requires a four-year degree. Trade programs in related fields can offer competitive salaries with a fraction of the student loan burden.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does University of South Carolina-Columbia's Business Economics program score?
A score of 73/100 indicates strong financial outcomes. University of South Carolina-Columbia's Business Economics graduates fare well on earnings, job market size, and return on investment.
How vulnerable is Business Economics to AI automation?
AI won't 'replace' Business Economics careers outright, but it is likely to reduce the number of job openings. We model 53% task exposure, which compresses field employment probability in our scenarios.
Why does University of South Carolina-Columbia rank so high for Business Economics?
The #3 ranking out of 81 programs is driven by strong financial outcomes — graduates earn well, debt is manageable relative to income, and the job market supports the field.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →