Liberal Arts & Humanities 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 & Humanities 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 & Humanities 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 & Humanities 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 & Humanities 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 & Humanities 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 & Humanities at University of South Carolina-Columbia?
At 26/100, the financial outlook is modest. Higher-scoring Liberal Arts & Humanities 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 →