Colleges by Location
Colleges by Fields of Study
Colleges by Tuition Range
Colleges by GPA Range
College by SAT Range
Colleges by ACT Score
Graduate Schools by Location
Graduate Schools by Fields of Study
Graduate School by Degree Type
Paying for Graduate School
Online Graduate Programs
Test Preparation
Career Planning
College Planning
Graduate School Planning
Applying to Graduate School
Engineering Careers
- More
University of South Carolina-Columbia
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.
University of South Carolina is a public university located in Columbia, SC and set in an urban environment. This school follows a semester-based calendar. It has an acceptance rate of 61%. The freshman retention rate at University of South Carolina is 91% and the six-year graduation rate is 78%.
For freshmen, the application deadline for this school is December 1. For transfer students, the application deadline is July 1.
To find out more about what University of South Carolina has to offer to its students, read on for the latest data reported by this school.
Quick Facts
28,470
Total Number of Undergraduate Students
61%
Acceptance Rate
18:1
Student to Faculty Ratio
78%
Graduation Rate
Admissions
You need to discover as much as you can about the entrance requirements of the university in order to maximize your chances of being accepted. How difficult is it to get admitted to University of South Carolina and what are the admission requirements?
According to the most recent data, this institution uses standardized test scores for admission and it admitted 28,706 in 2024. As far as admission difficulty is considered, based on data self-reported by the institution this school is moderately difficult to get into.
Test Scores
32% of first-time, first-year degree-seeking students submitted their SAT scores for admission, and 17% submitted ACT scores, out of the total number of those who submitted test scores. 18% of the new students submitted SAT composite scores between 1,400 and 1,600, 55% between 1,200 and 1,399, 26% between 1,000 and 1,199, and 1% between 800 and 999. The percent of freshman students who submitted ACT Composite scores in the range between 30-36 was 47, 42 between 24-29 and 11 in the range between 18-23.
The latest reported average GPA of the enrolled students was 3.7. This implies that you'll probably need a GPA above the average to secure admission.
Deadlines
Be sure to apply to this school by December 1. For transfer students, the application deadline is July 1.
61%
Acceptance Rate
Retention Rate
The freshman retention rate is the percentage of college or university first-year students 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 was 91% in 2024, which is an excellent retention rate only the most prestigious institutions have.
The graduation rate is another indicator to take into account. This rate shows how many students complete their degrees in a certain number of years. The six-year completion rate at this institution is 78%, which is considered an above-average graduation rate.
Student Body
Figuring out which school is the right fit for you is not a task you should take lightly. Having a better insight into a school's student body helps you learn more about its culture and life.
Main Student Body
In 2024, the school had an enrollment of 36,579 students.
The school reported an out-of-state student body portion of 39% for that year. The total number of undergraduate students enrolled at the school was 28,470, 425 of which were foreign students. 1,393 students were admitted as transfer students.
Student Population Gender Ratio
With a coeducational student body, the school had 13,556 male and 19,000 female full-time students in 2024. There were 738 full-time graduate male and 1,130 full-time graduate female students at this school.
Student Population Diversity
Higher Education is dedicated to increasing student diversity and enhancing students' feelings of inclusion and belonging. Diversity promotes critical thinking, challenges preconceived notions, and encourages intellectual growth, so it helps students develop empathy and a broader understanding of the world. Learn more about all the ethnic communities you might encounter at this institution.
In 2024, out of the total number of students enrolled at the institution, the number of Asian students was 1,254, while the number of African American students was 2,588. 1,667 undergraduate students at this school declared as Hispanic/Latino and 1,185 identified with more than one race. The school also had 20 students who declared as Native Hawaiian or other Pacific Islander, as well as 32 American Indian or Alaska Native students. There were also 303 students whose ethnicity is unknown.
Cost
Before you send an application to any college or university, you should take into account the financial component. Here are some data on the expenses that most students at this school have.
Tuition and Fees
Here are some facts that can be useful if you were curious about University of South Carolina estimated tuition price.
According to the reports from public county and municipal institutions, tuition fees were $12,288 for area residents. Tuition fees were $35,904 for students coming from a different state. If you are an international student at University of South Carolina, you should know that the 2024 tuition amounted to $35,904, as well. Full-time students in 2024 were mandated to pay additional fees in the amount of $400.
| Tuition | Fees | Total | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Out-of-State | $35,904 | $400 | $36,304 |
| In-State | $12,288 | $400 | $12,688 |
Books and Supplies
Another important financial factor to consider is the approximate price of books and supplies for a college or university. Most students have to set aside about $1,438 for books and supplies during their time at University of South Carolina.
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 schools typically charge for accommodation and meals?
In 2024, the price of room and board at University of South Carolina was $15,708 per academic year. The cost of a dorm room only at this school in 2024 was $10,336 for one academic year.
| Tuition | $ 12,288 |
| Room and Board | $ 15,708 |
| Book and Supplies | $ 1,438 |
| Total Expense | $ 29,434 |
Financial Aid
Grants, loans, scholarships, work-study programs: these are all different types of financial support for students. If you wish to find out more about need-based and non-need-based aid at University of South Carolina, here are some recent data you should consider.
According to the most recent data, 3,407 freshmen were awarded financial aid. The average amount of financial aid given to students was $16,079.
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.
9,813 students were granted some form of need-based financial aid. The total number of students (including freshmen) who were determined to have financial need came to be 11,931. The amount of federal need-based scholarships/grants awarded to the students at this institution added up to $29,067,653, and state $39,528,092.
$4,871
Average Amount of Aid Received
Non-Need Based
Non-need-based financial aid is any type of financial aid provided to a student who does not meet the criteria for 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.
Institutional non-need-based scholarships or grants were given to 3,669 students overall (including freshmen) at University of South Carolina in 2024. Institutional help in the form of non-need-based scholarships or grants was given to 1,213 full-time freshmen. Federal non-need-based scholarships and grants totaled $29,067,653 for students at this institution, while state aid came to $495,504. The total amount of non-need-based institutional scholarships/grants was $23,422,902. 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
18:1
Student to Faculty Ratio
The student-to-faculty ratio can tell you a lot about the teaching resources a school provides for its students.
According to the most recent data, the student-faculty ratio at University of South Carolina was 18:1: that means 18 students per one teacher. The total number of faculty teaching at the institution is 2,500. This number included 1,190 men and 1,310 women. The fact that female faculty members outnumber the male ones at this school speaks volumes for gender equality at University of South Carolina.
Student Population Diversity Graph
Campus Life
Not everything at University of South Carolina is about learning and grades: campus life is an essential part of your educational experience. Check out some details about students' life at University of South Carolina.
Its campus spans 444 acres.
Student Organizations
Student organizations are run by students of an institution, and its membership usually consists only of current students and/or alumni.
There are 500 student organizations and groups with open membership at this school. This number includes sororities and fraternities. Those who have a talent for music can join the University of South Carolina band or chorus. There is a drama club you can join if acting is something that interests you. For individuals with an interest in media and communication, University of South Carolina publishes its own newspaper and has its own radio station.
Student Services
At University of South Carolina, there are many amenities required for a comfortable and safe life on campus.
There are phone and alarm devices that can be accessed 24/7 for emergency situations. There are electronically operated dormitory entrances. There is a security patrol that operates 24 hours a day. 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.
All in all, campus life at University of South Carolina 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.
Career Counselling
At University of South Carolina, 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. The school has 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
Finding out some information about the expected post-graduation salary can help you decide if a particular school suits your career objectives.
Students who find employment within six months of graduating can expect an average base annual starting salary of 53,504 USD.
$53,504
Average Starting Salary After 6 Months of Graduation
FAQ
-
University of South Carolina is located in Columbia, SC.
-
This school uses standardized test scores for admission.
-
The most recent reported acceptance rate for University of South Carolina is 61%.
-
The most recent reported freshman retention rate for University of South Carolina is 91%.
Contact Information
University of South Carolina-Columbia,
1244 Blossom Street
Columbia, SC
29208
803 777-7000
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.
Find the best schools for you.
Need help with choosing grad school? We got you.
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.