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Economics at University of South Carolina-Columbia

Columbia, SC · Public · Bachelor's Degree

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

Optimistic

Base Case

Pessimistic

Earnings $48,149/yr (-11% vs median)

AI Risk Very High (56% exposed)

Job Market Very Large (293,500 openings/yr)

ROI 12.7x earnings multiple (4.6x out-of-state)

Ranked #154 of 351 Economics programs Top 50%

How AI Changes the Outlook

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

	Optimistic No Disruption	Base Case Gradual AI	Pessimistic Aggressive AI
10-Year Earnings	$660K	$643K	$569K
Earnings Multiple (In-State)	13.0x	12.7x	11.2x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State)	4.7x	4.6x	4.1x
Probability of Field Employment	66%	60%	41%
DegreeOutlook Score	69	68	65

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 (4.6x ROI)

4-Year Net Price (After Aid)

$98,128

-93% less than sticker · See by income

Median Debt at Graduation

$21,434

5.3 months of Year 1 earnings

Reported Earnings (5 Year)

$68,890

43% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

University of South Carolina-Columbia's Economics program produces graduates earning $48,149/yr — within striking distance of the $53,966 national average for this field.

With a 12.7x return on in-state tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The 14% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Economics career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.

Loan repayment is a non-issue here — $21,434 in median debt clears quickly against $48,149 in annual earnings.

A #154 ranking among 351 Economics programs places University of South Carolina-Columbia in the middle-to-upper range. Solid, not exceptional.

A 43% earnings increase from $48,149 to $68,890 over five years is solid — not a moonshot, but evidence of normal career advancement.

About University of South Carolina-Columbia

University of South Carolina-Columbia's 61% acceptance rate reflects moderate selectivity, serving a student body of 28,113 in Columbia, SC.

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

Top Career Paths

Managers, all other $136,550/yr

Economics teachers, postsecondary $119,980/yr

Economists $115,440/yr

View all 9 career paths with salary ranges and AI risk →

Compare & Explore

Economics 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 68/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Economics at University of South Carolina-Columbia?

At 68/100, University of South Carolina-Columbia's Economics program delivers middling returns. School cost and personal fit become important decision factors.

Should I worry about AI if I study Economics at University of South Carolina-Columbia?

The 56% AI task exposure score is above average. Our model shows this affecting job availability more than salaries — graduates may face stiffer competition for fewer positions.

Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →