Admit rate has ranged 61%–69% over the last 5 years, though the latest figure above (60%) falls outside that window. Source: IPEDS via Urban Institute.
Acceptance & SAT from Common Data Set / IPEDS; net price, earnings & graduation from the U.S. Dept. of Education College Scorecard. Figures lag ~1–2 years — verify with the school.
The University of South Carolina-Columbia is a flagship public research university where Southern charm meets academic rigor. With a 60% acceptance rate and a vibrant campus culture anchored by Gamecocks pride, USC offers over 350 degree programs—including 60 nationally ranked—and a balanced student experience where academics and tailgates share equal billing. Its 78% six-year graduation rate and strong career outcomes reflect a university that punches above its weight.
Admission requirements
Test-optional — scores considered if submitted
Required
Grade point average
College-prep program
TOEFL (non-native English)
Considered (not required)
High school transcript
Class rank
Test scores (SAT/ACT)
Source: IPEDS Admissions survey (2022) via Urban Institute. Covers formal factors only — it does not reflect essays, extracurriculars, or other holistic criteria.
More details
Undergrad enrollment
29,820
In-state tuition
$12,688
Out-of-state tuition
$35,972
Campus Vibe
SEC spirit meets research rigor
Notable Program
#1 International Business
Student-Faculty Ratio
18:1
6-Year Graduation Rate
78%
Outcomes & value
Outcomes & value
Median earnings (10 yr)
$62,177
Value (earnings ÷ net price)
2.7×
Median debt at graduation
$21,500
Graduation rate
79%
First-year retention
92%
Reducing loan balance (3 yr)
67%
Pell (lower-income) share
19%
First-gen share (among federal-aid recipients)
20%
Top-earning majors
Median earnings by field of study (highest credential), ~2 years after completion.
Electrical, Electronics, and Communications Engineering$71,854
International Business$70,776
Chemical Engineering$70,680
Mechanical Engineering$66,670
Computer Engineering$63,749
Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods$62,848
Applicants here also applied to
The schools that most often appear alongside South Carolina on applicants’ lists, from our self-reported outcomes corpus.
On-campus criminal offenses classed as violent (murder/non-negligent manslaughter, rape, robbery, aggravated assault) for the most recent reported year. Source: U.S. Dept. of Education Campus Safety and Security (Clery Act). Counts reflect what’s reported to the school, and urban campuses often report more partly due to non-student incidents nearby — read alongside campus size and setting, not as a standalone safety verdict.
Climate
Pleasant days / yr
108
Summer high
89°F
Winter low
41°F
Annual rain
48"
Natural-hazard risk
Relatively Moderate
Pleasant days counts days per year with a mean temperature of 55–75°F, a high at or below 90°F, a low at or above 45°F, and little precipitation — a transparent comfort measure, not a weighting we invented. Computed from Open-Meteo ERA5 daily history (2019–2023). Natural-hazard risk is the county’s composite rating from the FEMA National Risk Index.
Quick answers
What is the acceptance rate at University of South Carolina-Columbia?
University of South Carolina-Columbia's acceptance rate is approximately 60% (Columbia, SC), based on the most recent figures we compiled from public and primary sources.
What SAT score do you need for University of South Carolina-Columbia?
Admitted students at University of South Carolina-Columbia typically score 1180–1360 on the SAT (the middle-50% range). Scores outside this band are still admitted, especially with strong applications.
How much does University of South Carolina-Columbia cost?
At University of South Carolina-Columbia, the average net price (after aid) is about $22,811 per year. Actual cost varies with financial aid and residency.
How many undergraduates attend University of South Carolina-Columbia?
University of South Carolina-Columbia enrolls approximately 29,820 undergraduate students.
Where is University of South Carolina-Columbia located?
University of South Carolina-Columbia is located in Columbia, SC.
Admissions
USC-Columbia maintains a moderately selective admissions process with a 60.2% acceptance rate, admitting 31,701 of 52,703 applicants for the most recent cycle. The middle 50% of admitted students boast an unweighted GPA of 3.69, with SAT scores ranging from 1150–1360 and ACT scores between 26–32. Notably, the university is test-optional through 2026, allowing applicants to forgo standardized testing. The rate—the percentage of admitted students who enroll—stands at 22.9%, suggesting many admitted students view USC as a safety or match school. Transfer admissions are competitive but feasible, with requirements varying by program.
Earnings = median of students working ~10 years after entry; debt = median of graduates. Value divides 10-yr earnings by one year’s net price — read it as earnings per dollar of annual cost, not a full lifetime ROI; it favors lower-cost schools. Source: U.S. Dept. of Education College Scorecard. Figures lag ~2 years and reflect all students, not your intended major.
Computer and Information Sciences, General$62,620
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing$60,405
Source: U.S. Dept. of Education College Scorecard (field-of-study earnings). Figures cover graduates who received federal aid and lag ~2 years; not all programs report data.
USC offers 350+ degree programs across bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral levels, with 60 nationally ranked programs—including top-tier business, engineering, and honors colleges. The 18:1 student-faculty ratio (per BigFuture) ensures a mix of lecture halls and intimate seminars, with 34% of classes under 20 students. The curriculum emphasizes research, with the university designated as a Carnegie R1 institution for highest research activity. Balanced students thrive here: nursing majors rub shoulders with honors college peers at football games, and the academic culture blends Southern hospitality with intellectual curiosity. The Princeton Review notes USC’s 200-year tradition of academic excellence, particularly in international business (ranked #1 for 25+ years).
Gamecocks spirit is the heartbeat of campus, where school pride manifests in SEC football tailgates, garnet-and-black attire, and a lively Greek scene (20% participation). Beyond athletics, students enjoy:
Cultural perks: Free concerts, art exhibits, and "movie nights taken seriously" (per the official student Instagram)
Outdoor access: Proximity to rivers and parks for kayaking or hiking
Southern traditions: From shrimp-and-grits dining-hall meals to porch swings on the historic Horseshoe
The Instagram account @uofscstudents showcases a tight-knit but diverse community, where international students (6% of enrollment) share grits recipes with locals. Niche reviewers rave about the beautiful campus—Spanish moss drapes over brick walkways—and the balance between work and play.
USC delivers strong ROI for a public university, with a 78% six-year graduation rate (69% in four years)—5th highest in South Carolina. Career outcomes include:
Top employers: BlueCross BlueShield, Boeing, and school districts statewide
Notable alumni network: 209,000+ graduates with LinkedIn profiles tracked quarterly
Pell Grant recipient success: Near-parity in graduation rates vs. non-Pell peers
The Career Center highlights high placement rates in healthcare, engineering, and education, with many graduates leveraging USC’s strong regional reputation. The 150% normal-time completion rate (federal metric) underscores accessibility for non-traditional students.
For 2024-25, in-state tuition is $12,688, while out-of-state students pay $33,928—below SEC peers like Georgia or Florida. Financial aid bridges the gap:
Net price calculator: Estimates post-aid costs (families report ~85% accuracy)
Merit scholarships: Automatic consideration for awards like the Top Scholar ($15,000/year)
Need-based aid: 45% of undergraduates receive grants
Pro tip: Complete the FAFSA early—USC’s priority deadline is December 1. The financial aid office emphasizes transparency, breaking down direct (tuition) vs. indirect (books, travel) costs upfront.
USC-Columbia is the quintessential Southern flagship—a research powerhouse where students cheer "Go Cocks!" between labs and lectures. Its #1-ranked international business program attracts globetrotters, while the Honors College offers Ivy-caliber rigor with SEC spirit. Unlike stuffy elites, USC embraces authentic Southern warmth: professors host BBQ office hours, and the campus feels like a botanical garden with a football problem. For students seeking top-tier academics without pretension, it’s a gem.
University of South Carolina-Columbia logo · sourceVisit Campus | University of South Carolina · sourceExplore Columbia | University of South Carolina · sourceUniversity of South Carolina, Campus Village: Columbia, SC | WDG Architecture. Planning. Interiors. · source
