Finance and Financial Management Services at University of South Carolina-Columbia

University of South Carolina-Columbia's finance program stands out nationally, placing in the 81st percentile for graduate earnings while maintaining reasonable debt levels. With first-year graduates earning $62,231—well above the national median of $53,590—this program delivers strong immediate returns that continue growing to $79,318 by year four, representing solid 28% earnings growth.

Within South Carolina, the program performs respectably at the 60th percentile, though it trails Clemson slightly ($58,876 vs $62,231). The $25,000 median debt matches both the state median and sits in the favorable 35th percentile nationally, creating a debt-to-earnings ratio of just 0.40. This means graduates typically dedicate less than half their first-year salary to debt obligations—a manageable burden that becomes even more comfortable as earnings grow.

For parents evaluating this investment, USC-Columbia's finance program offers excellent value: strong national performance, reasonable costs, and healthy earnings trajectory. The combination of above-average starting salaries and continued growth through year four suggests graduates are securing quality positions with advancement potential. With robust sample size confirming these outcomes, this represents a solid choice for students interested in finance careers.