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Columbia , SC
The University of South Carolina (USC) is a public research university located in Columbia, South Carolina. Founded in 1801, USC is the flagship institution of the University of South Carolina System. It is a renowned institution known for its strong academic programs, vibrant campus life, and dedication to research and innovation. The university offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs, including business, humanities, science, engineering, and more.
USC boasts a diverse and inclusive community that fosters intellectual curiosity and personal growth. With over 34,000 students from all 50 states and around 100 countries, students at USC have the opportunity to connect with individuals from various backgrounds and cultures. The university's faculty consists of accomplished scholars and professionals who are committed to providing students with a challenging and engaging educational experience.
Being a research-intensive university, USC is at the forefront of groundbreaking discoveries and advancements. With state-of-the-art facilities and research centers, students have the opportunity to engage in cutting-edge research projects alongside renowned faculty members. The university particularly excels in fields such as nanotechnology, environmental sciences, healthcare, and social sciences.
With its vibrant student life, rigorous academic programs, and commitment to research and innovation, the University of South Carolina offers students a well-rounded and enriching educational experience. Whether students are interested in pursuing their passions, contributing to society through research, or simply enjoying a diverse and inclusive campus community, USC provides the resources and opportunities to help students achieve their goals and make a meaningful impact in their chosen field.
Located in Columbia, SC and set in an urban environment, University of South Carolina-Columbia is a public university. This educational institution operates on a semester-based calendar. It has an acceptance rate of 60%. The freshman retention rate at University of South Carolina-Columbia is 92% and the six-year graduation rate is 79%.
For freshmen, the application deadline for this school is December 1. The transfer application deadline is July 1.
Explore this school's profile to find out all the essential things about University of South Carolina-Columbia.
Quick Facts
30,187
Total Number of Undergraduate Students
19:1
Student to Faculty Ratio
79%
Graduation Rate
Admissions
If you know as much as possible about the institution's criteria for admission, you can make a better judgment about your eligibility and boost your chances of getting accepted. Check out some essential facts about admission at University of South Carolina-Columbia.
According to the newest information reported, this institution uses standardized test scores for admission and it admitted 31,701 in 2025. Looking at entrance difficulty level for all or most incoming freshmen, based on data self-reported by the institution this school is moderately difficult to get into.
Test Scores
29% of first-time, first-year degree-seeking students submitted their SAT scores for admission, and 15% submitted ACT scores, out of the overall number of those who submitted test scores. 17% of the new students submitted SAT composite scores between 1,400 and 1,600, 57% between 1,200 and 1,399, 25% between 1,000 and 1,199, and 1% between 800 and 999. The percent of freshmen who submitted ACT Composite scores in the range between 30-36 was 49, 40 between 24-29 and 11 in the range between 18-23.
The latest reported average GPA of the enrolled students was 3.69. That means that you need a GPA that's above average in order to get into University of South Carolina-Columbia.
Deadlines
The deadline for submitting applications to this school is December 1. If considering applying as a transfer student, note that the application deadline is July 1.
Retention Rate
The freshman retention rate is the percentage of college or university newcomers who return for their sophomore year. Why is that metric important? Because it tells you if the majority of freshmen enjoyed their first year at a school enough to come back.
The freshman retention rate for University of South Carolina-Columbia was 92% in 2025, which is an outstanding retention rate only the most prestigious institutions achieve.
Another important metric to consider is the graduation rate. This rate indicates how many students finish their degrees within a certain timeframe. This academic institution has the six-year graduation rate of 79%, which is considered an above-average graduation rate.
Student Body
It is always challenging to figure out which school is best for you. You can have a better understanding of the school's culture and way of life by finding out more about the student body.
Main Student Body
The overall number of students enrolled at University of South Carolina-Columbia in 2025 was 38,532.
The school reported an out-of-state student body portion of 40% for that year. The total number of undergraduate students enrolled at the school was 30,187, 371 of which were foreign students. 1,414 students were admitted as transfer students.
Student Population Gender Ratio
With a coeducational student body, the school had 14,231 male and 20,662 female full-time students in 2025. There were 738 full-time graduate male and 1,130 full-time graduate female students at this school.
Student Population Diversity
When it comes to improving a sense of inclusion and belonging among students, there is no denying the importance of student diversity. A heterogeneous student body brings together individuals from diverse backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives. Learn more about all the ethnic communities you might encounter at this institution.
This school had 1,287 Asian students and 2,905 Afro-American students in 2025. 2,020 undergrads at this school identified as Hispanic/Latino and 1,308 identified with more than one race. The school also had 19 students who identified as Native Hawaiian or other Pacific Islander, as well as 44 American Indian or Alaska Native students. There were also 304 students whose ethnicity is unknown.
Cost
Before sending an application to any college or university, the financial component should be taken into account. The most recent data reported regarding the expenses for attending this school are detailed below.
Tuition and Fees
Here are some numbers that can help you better understand the estimated tuition price for this university.
Tuition fees for area resident were $12,288, as reported by public county or municipal institutions. For out-of-state students, tuition fees amounted to $36,976. For the students coming from abroad, tuition at this school was $36,976, as well. Full-time students in 2025 needed to pay additional fees in the amount of $400.
| Category | Tuition | Fees | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Out-of-State | $36,976 | $400 | $37,376 |
| In-State | $12,288 | $400 | $12,688 |
Books and Supplies
When you try to estimate the cost of attendance for a college or university, you need to consider the cost of books and supplies you're going to need. The cost of books and supplies for full-time students of this school is estimated at about $1,480.
Boarding
Before you apply to a college or university, you should, among other things, think about the price of a dorm room and cafeteria meals. What do colleges and universities typically charge for room and board?
At University of South Carolina-Columbia, the 2025 annual cost of room and board (on campus) was $16,376. If you only needed a dorm room, you had to pay $10,798 for the 2025 academic year.
| Expense Category | Amount |
|---|---|
| Tuition | $ 12,288 |
| Room and Board | $ 16,376 |
| Book and Supplies | $ 1,480 |
| Total Expense | $ 30,144 |
Financial Aid
Financial support for students comes in different forms: grants, loans, scholarships, or work-study programs. Check out some recent data to get the information about need-based and non-need-based aid students could get at University of South Carolina-Columbia.
The most recent figures show that financial help was given to 3,538 freshmen. The average financial aid package awarded to students came to $17,023.
Need-based
Financial aid that a student can receive if they are determined to have financial need and meet other eligibility requirements is known as need-based aid.
There were 10,362 students who acquired need-based financial aid of any kind. The overall number of students (including freshmen) who were determined to have financial need was found to be 12,359. The amount of federal need-based scholarships/grants awarded to the students at this institution added up to $40,518,031, and state $45,850,119.
$4,821
Average Amount of Aid Received
Non-Need Based
Any financial aid given to a student who does not meet the requirements for need-based aid is considered non-need-based aid. Most students get non-need-based financial aid as Direct Unsubsidized Stafford Loans, Graduate PLUS Loans, Parent PLUS Loans, and the TEACH Grant.
3,255 students, including freshmen, were awarded institutional non-need-based financial aid at this institution in 2025. Institutional grants or scholarships that are not based on financial need were given to 1,062 full-time freshman. The total dollar amount of federal non-need-based scholarships/grants awarded to the studens at this school was $40,518,031 while the state aid is $2,562,074. The total amount of non-need-based institutional scholarships/grants was $23,014,880. This includes endowment, alumni, other institutional awards, and also external funds awarded by the institution, but doesn't include athletic aid and tuition waivers.
Majors
Faculty
19:1
Student to Faculty Ratio
The student-to-faculty or student-to-professor ratio is the number of students compared to the number of professors at a school.
In 2025, this ratio at University of South Carolina-Columbia was 19:1. That means that there were 19 times more students than teachers at this school. The total number of faculty teaching at the institution is 2,403. This number included 1,145 men and 1,258 women. The fact that female faculty members outnumber the male ones at this school is telling of the importance gender equality has at University of South Carolina-Columbia.
Student Population Diversity Graph
Campus Life
It is not all about learning and grades at University of South Carolina-Columbia: campus life is a crucial component of your educational experience. Find out some details about social life at University of South Carolina-Columbia.
Its campus spans 444 acres.
Student Organizations
A student organization is run by students at a university or a college institution, whose membership typically consists only of current students and/or alumni.
The number of student organizations and groups with open membership at this school is 500. That includes sororities and fraternities. Students interested in music can join the University of South Carolina-Columbia band or chorus. There is a drama club you can join if acting is something that interests you. You have a talent for media and communication? University of South Carolina-Columbia publishes its own newspaper and has its own radio station.
Student Services
At University of South Carolina-Columbia, there are many amenities that make life on campus comfortable and safe.
There are 24-hour emergency phone and alarm devices. There are electronically operated dormitory entrances. There is a round-the-clock security patrol. The transport/escort service operates during late hours.
This school has a health clinic with personal/psychological counseling. In addition, other services like Veteran's Affairs and Women's Center are available to the students of University of South Carolina-Columbia.
All in all, campus life at University of South Carolina-Columbia is rich and vibrant and provides all you need for a comfortable stay.
Career Services
Having career services at a college or university can mean a great deal for your career planning, so find out what you can expect at University of South Carolina-Columbia.
Career Counselling
At University of South Carolina-Columbia, there is both group career counseling for all students and individual career counseling for all students. There are a library, a job bank, and job fairs. Job interviews are also available to students through the career center. The career center offers resume preparation and resume referral to employers. There is campus employer recruitment for all the students. This school offers alumni networking opportunities, which could be highly beneficial for your future career. Individual job placement is available to all students at this school.
Job Placement
Being aware of the projected salary upon finishing your studies can be important in determining if a specific school is in line with your career ambitions.
The average base annual starting salary of the students who were employed within six months of graduation at this school is 53,504 USD.
$53,504
Average Starting Salary After 6 Months of Graduation
FAQ
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University of South Carolina-Columbia is located in Columbia, SC.
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This school uses standardized test scores for admission.
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The most recent data indicate that the acceptance rate for University of South Carolina-Columbia is 60%.
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The most recent reported freshman retention rate for University of South Carolina-Columbia is 92%.
Contact Information
University of South Carolina-Columbia
1244 Blossom Street
Columbia , SC
29208
803 777-0169
Data Source: IPEDS and Peterson's Databases © 2023 Peterson's LLC All rights reserved. Portions of this content were co-written with OpenAI's GPT-3.5 model.
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Data Source: IPEDS and Peterson's Databases © 2023 Peterson's LLC All rights reserved.
Portions of this content were co-written with OpenAI's GPT-3.5 model.
