University of South Carolina Aiken vs Columbia University in the City of New York

Aiken, SC — New York, NY

Metric
University of South Carolina Aiken
Aiken, SC
Columbia University in the City of New York
New York, NY
Location Aiken, SC New York, NY
Type Public Private Nonprofit
Total Enrollment 2,962 8,973
Acceptance Rate 78.5% 4.0%
SAT Average 1,120 1,553
In-State Tuition $10,760 $71,845
Out-of-State Tuition $21,218 $71,845
Avg Net Price $11,641 $21,590
Median Debt at Graduation $24,275 $21,500
4-Year Graduation Rate 40.0% 95.5%
Retention Rate 66.8% 98.0%
Median Earnings (6 yr) $39,689 $88,535
Median Earnings (10 yr) $45,603 $102,491
Loan Repayment Rate 154600.0% 185800.0%

Values highlighted in green indicate the better metric. Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard.

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University of South Carolina Aiken
Aiken, SC
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Columbia University in the City of New York
New York, NY
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Frequently Asked Questions

How do University of South Carolina Aiken and Columbia University in the City of New York compare?
University of South Carolina Aiken (Aiken, SC) has an acceptance rate of 78.5%, in-state tuition of $10,760, and median 10-year earnings of $45,603. Columbia University in the City of New York (New York, NY) has an acceptance rate of 4.0%, in-state tuition of $71,845, and median 10-year earnings of $102,491.
Which school has higher graduate earnings, University of South Carolina Aiken or Columbia University in the City of New York?
Columbia University in the City of New York graduates earn more at 10 years out, with a median of $102,491 vs $45,603. Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard.
Which school is more affordable, University of South Carolina Aiken or Columbia University in the City of New York?
Based on average net price (after grants and scholarships), University of South Carolina Aiken is the more affordable option at $11,641 per year versus $21,590.
Which school has a better 4-year graduation rate?
Columbia University in the City of New York has the higher 4-year graduation rate: 95.5% vs 40.0%.

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All data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. PlainCollege is not affiliated with any government agency.

Related

Source: U.S. Department of Education — College Scorecard College Scorecard institution outcomes (earnings, completion, debt) · 2025