Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods at University of South Carolina-Columbia

This post-baccalaureate certificate produces graduates earning nearly $95,000 within a year while incurring just $20,900 in debt—a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.22 that ranks among the best outcomes for any credential nationally. That's roughly 2.5 months of earnings to cover the entire debt load. USC-Columbia has built a certificate program that delivers immediate financial returns, landing in the 95th percentile for earnings nationally among similar programs. The fact that this program outperforms 95% of comparable programs across the country while keeping debt in the bottom 5th percentile nationwide is exceptional.

The state percentile (60th) appears lower simply because South Carolina has only one program in this category—USC-Columbia is both the median and the entire market. This makes the national comparison far more meaningful, and those rankings tell a compelling story about value. For students with a bachelor's degree looking to pivot into quantitative business roles or deepen their analytical toolkit, this certificate offers a remarkably efficient path. The combination of strong immediate earnings and minimal debt means graduates can pursue opportunities without financial constraint.

For parents evaluating post-bachelor's options, this represents the kind of targeted credential that makes financial sense: quick completion, manageable cost, and earnings that justify the investment from day one. The risk here is notably low compared to most graduate education.