Location: Columbia, SC•In-State Tuition: $12,688•Out-of-State Tuition: $34,934•Admission Rate: 61%•Avg SAT: 1297
2026 ROI Award Winner
#11 Graduate Programs#10 in South Carolina
Median Earnings (1yr)
$94,883
95th percentile
Median Debt
$20,900
At national median
D/E Ratio: 0.22 ManageableSample: 50 graduates

Analysis

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.

Where University of South Carolina-Columbia Stands

Earnings vs. debt across all management sciences and quantitative methods postbacc-cert's programs nationally

University of South Carolina-ColumbiaOther management sciences and quantitative methods programs

Dashed lines show national medians. Upper-left = best value.

Earnings Distribution

How University of South Carolina-Columbia graduates compare to all programs nationally

University of South Carolina-Columbia earns $95k — 95th percentile among management sciences and quantitative methods postbacc-cert programs.

Compare to Similar Programs Nationally

Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods postbacc-cert's programs at top institutions nationally

Scroll to see more →

SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
University of South Carolina-ColumbiaColumbia$12,688$94,883—$20,9000.22
National Median—$94,883—$20,9000.22

Career Paths

Occupations commonly associated with management sciences and quantitative methods graduates

Actuaries

Analyze statistical data, such as mortality, accident, sickness, disability, and retirement rates and construct probability tables to forecast risk and liability for payment of future benefits. May ascertain insurance rates required and cash reserves necessary to ensure payment of future benefits.

$125,770/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Data Scientists

Develop and implement a set of techniques or analytics applications to transform raw data into meaningful information using data-oriented programming languages and visualization software. Apply data mining, data modeling, natural language processing, and machine learning to extract and analyze information from large structured and unstructured datasets. Visualize, interpret, and report data findings. May create dynamic data reports.

$112,590/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Business Intelligence Analysts

Produce financial and market intelligence by querying data repositories and generating periodic reports. Devise methods for identifying data patterns and trends in available information sources.

$112,590/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Clinical Data Managers

Apply knowledge of health care and database management to analyze clinical data, and to identify and report trends.

$112,590/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Chief Executives

Determine and formulate policies and provide overall direction of companies or private and public sector organizations within guidelines set up by a board of directors or similar governing body. Plan, direct, or coordinate operational activities at the highest level of management with the help of subordinate executives and staff managers.

$105,350/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Chief Sustainability Officers

Communicate and coordinate with management, shareholders, customers, and employees to address sustainability issues. Enact or oversee a corporate sustainability strategy.

$105,350/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

General and Operations Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate the operations of public or private sector organizations, overseeing multiple departments or locations. Duties and responsibilities include formulating policies, managing daily operations, and planning the use of materials and human resources, but are too diverse and general in nature to be classified in any one functional area of management or administration, such as personnel, purchasing, or administrative services. Usually manage through subordinate supervisors. Excludes First-Line Supervisors.

$105,350/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Statisticians

Develop or apply mathematical or statistical theory and methods to collect, organize, interpret, and summarize numerical data to provide usable information. May specialize in fields such as biostatistics, agricultural statistics, business statistics, or economic statistics. Includes mathematical and survey statisticians.

$104,350/yrJobs growth:Master's degree

Biostatisticians

Develop and apply biostatistical theory and methods to the study of life sciences.

$104,350/yrJobs growth:Master's degree

Financial Risk Specialists

Analyze and measure exposure to credit and market risk threatening the assets, earning capacity, or economic state of an organization. May make recommendations to limit risk.

$101,910/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Management Analysts

Conduct organizational studies and evaluations, design systems and procedures, conduct work simplification and measurement studies, and prepare operations and procedures manuals to assist management in operating more efficiently and effectively. Includes program analysts and management consultants.

$101,190/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Operations Research Analysts

Formulate and apply mathematical modeling and other optimizing methods to develop and interpret information that assists management with decisionmaking, policy formulation, or other managerial functions. May collect and analyze data and develop decision support software, services, or products. May develop and supply optimal time, cost, or logistics networks for program evaluation, review, or implementation.

$91,290/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree
About This Data

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (October 2025 release)

Population: Graduates who received federal financial aid (Title IV grants or loans). At University of South Carolina-Columbia, approximately 19% of students receive Pell grants. Students who did not receive federal aid are not included in these figures.

Earnings: Median earnings from IRS W-2 data for graduates who are employed and not enrolled in further education, measured 1 year after completion. Earnings are pre-tax and include wages, salaries, and self-employment income.

Debt: Median cumulative federal loan debt at graduation. Does not include private loans or Parent PLUS loans borrowed on behalf of students.