College Costs in Union, SC 2026
Compare tuition, housing, and financial aid across 1 colleges in Union, South Carolina. Use our free calculator to estimate your total cost.
Avg Public Tuition
$12,100
per year
Avg Private Tuition
$28,000
per year
Avg Rent Near Campus
$690
per month
Colleges & Universities
1
institutions
Union Overview
Population
7,645
Student Population
1,553 (20.3%)
Cost of Living Index
88.7 (avg: 100)
Walk Score
35/100
Transit Score
20/100
Unemployment Rate
3.7%
College Cost Calculator for Union
Cost Inputs
Total Cost (4 Years, Public In-State)
$100,436
Total After Financial Aid
$100,436
Annual Cost
$25,109
Annual After Aid
$25,109
Cost Breakdown (4 Years)
If Financed (10-Year Loan at 6.5%)
| Loan Amount | $100,436 |
| Monthly Payment | $1,140 |
| Total Interest | $36,416 |
| Total Loan Cost | $136,852 |
Universities in Union
| University | Type | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| Union State University | Public | $12,412 |
| Union Community College | Community | $5,446 |
Union has 1 total colleges and universities. Tuition figures are approximate annual in-state rates for the 2025-2026 academic year.
Cost of Living in Union vs. National Average
| Category | Union | National Avg | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Tuition (In-State) | $12,100 | $10,940 | +$1,160 |
| Monthly Rent Near Campus | $690 | $1,050 | -$360 |
| Cost of Living Index | 88.7 | 100 | -11.299999999999997 |
Union's cost of living is below the national average. This makes it a more affordable city for students compared to many other college towns.
Student Life in Union
Walk Score
Car-Dependent
Transit Score
Minimal Transit
Student Population
1,553 students
Union has a total population of 7,645, with approximately 1,553 college students (20.3% of the population). As a major college town, Union offers a vibrant campus atmosphere with student-friendly businesses, affordable dining options, and active social scene.
Post-Graduation Outlook in Union
$30,737
Starting Salary
3.7%
Unemployment Rate
47%
Graduation Rate
~0 yrs
ROI Payback Period
Return on Investment Analysis
Graduates from colleges in Union earn a median starting salary of $30,737, which is -$4,263 more per year than the average high school graduate salary of $35,000. At a 4-year public university cost of $100,436 (including room and board), it would take approximately 0 years of the salary premium to recoup the investment. With average financial aid of $11,187 per student per year, the net cost and payback period can be significantly reduced.
Other Cities in South Carolina
Charleston
9 colleges · Avg tuition $13,659
Columbia
11 colleges · Avg tuition $12,688
Greenville
4 colleges · Avg tuition $9,362
Conway
2 colleges · Avg tuition $12,140
Clemson
3 colleges · Avg tuition $15,558
North Charleston
5 colleges · Avg tuition $12,100
Mount Pleasant
4 colleges · Avg tuition $12,100
Rock Hill
3 colleges · Avg tuition $12,100
Summerville
3 colleges · Avg tuition $12,100
Goose Creek
3 colleges · Avg tuition $12,100
Sumter
2 colleges · Avg tuition $12,100
Hilton Head Island
2 colleges · Avg tuition $12,100
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