USC Aiken continues to establish stronger bonds with businesses and industries to develop new programs that respond to their needs and bring more expertise to our existing academic programs. In addition to the programs and opportunities at the university, our campus has a major economic impact on the community.

USC Aiken has an annual operating budget of approximately $60 million (FY 2015). Employment at the campus includes 320 permanent employees. Students receive more than $30 million each year in federal, state, and private aid funds.

In addition to that, the University of South Carolina Aiken and its alumni drive the state’s economy by pumping more than $350.7 million into the state’s economy every year (Darla Moore School of Business Economic Study, 2021). The breakdown of that figure is as follows:

• $90 million for alumni impact (This represents the increased demand for goods and services that result from higher household incomes due to wage increases associated with the attainment of college degrees.) 
• $115.4 million for spillover effects (The number resulting when a larger percentage of the population has a degree. An educated populace leads to knowledge transfer, which results in increased productivity, which translates into higher wages.) 
• $76 million in expenditure effects (The non-state-funded expenditures made by USC Aiken and its impact on other businesses.) 
• JOBS: 2,849 (The number of jobs in South Carolina directly and indirectly supported by UofSC Aiken.)

Some of USC Aiken's programs and initiatives include:

• The USC Aiken Convocation Center, which is the largest gathering place in Aiken County, accommodates the University's graduation ceremonies and other major events, as well as concerts and family shows for the community.

• The Ruth Patrick Science Education Center, a cooperative effort with local industry, brings science and math educational programs to K-12 students and their teachers each year. Since its opening, more than 925,000 people have participated in RPSEC programs.

• The Wellness Center, a 25,000-square-foot facility, provides fitness programs, including a senior exercise program and a cardiac rehabilitation program offered as a joint venture with Aiken Regional Medical Center.

• The Etherredge Center for the Fine and Performing Arts provides cultural programming and reaches out specifically to children through children's symphony programs and an active children's theater.

• The Center for Lifelong Learning offers classes and events tailored to the needs and interests of mature adults in the community who are committed to learning for a lifetime. Programs in these courses include opportunities for professional development, personal enrichment, online learning, and travel.