Overview of the University of South Carolina at Columbia (USC)

The University of South Carolina is a public research institution situated in the state capital of Columbia. The institution has a large selection of 324 undergraduate and graduate degree programs for students to select from. A robust student/faculty ratio backs students, and professors take a personalized approach to the teaching and learning process. Outside of the classroom, students will find plenty of opportunities to engage with the campus community via the university’s many clubs and organizations.

Enrollment

• Total Enrollment: 34,795 (26,733 undergraduates)
• Gender Breakdown: 47 percent male/53 percent female
• 96 percent full-time

Cost of Attendance Information

• Tuition and Fees: $12,688 (in-state); $33,928 (out-of-state)
• Books: $1,085
• Room and Board: $10,670
• Other Expenses: $4,386
• Total Cost: $28,829 (in-state); $50,069 (out-of-state)

Financial Aid Information

• Percentage of New Students Receiving Aid: 91 percent
• Percentage of New Students Receiving Types of Aid
  • Grants: 84 percent
  • Loans: 49 percent

• Average Amount of Aid
  • Grants: $6,499
  • Loans: $6,776

Academic Programs Offered

• Most Popular Majors: Finance and Financial Management Services; Public Health; Physiology, Pathology and Related Sciences; Biology, General; and Business Administration, Management and Operations

Retention and Graduation

•  First-Year Student Retention (full-time students): 88 percent
• Transfer-Out Rate: 17 percent
• 4-Year Graduation Rate: 62 percent
• 6-Year Graduation Rate: 76 percent

NCAA Athletic Programs

• Men’s Sports: Baseball, Basketball, Football, Golf, Soccer, Swimming and Diving, Tennis, Track and Field
• Women’s Sports: Basketball, Cross Country, Equestrian, Golf, Soccer, Softball, Swimming and Diving, Tennis, Track and Field, Volleyball, Beach Volleyball

Overview of the University of South Carolina at Columbia (USC) Admissions

The University of South Carolina, which accepts approximately two-thirds of applicants, has a moderately selective admissions procedure. Students whose SAT/ACT scores and GPA are within the institution’s requirements have a good chance of being admitted. Applicants must complete an online application and send test scores from either the SAT or ACT and high school transcripts. Students with unique talents and accomplishments can still receive strong consideration even if their GPAs are outside of the admissions offices mean range. After applying, students will receive a message from an admissions counselor about the application process’s next steps.

Admissions Data                        

Throughout the 2018-19 admissions phase, the University of South Carolina had an acceptance rate of 63%. For every 100 students who submitted applications, 63 students gained admission, making UofSC’s admissions procedure moderately competitive.

SAT Requirements and Scores

Throughout the 2018-19 admissions phase, 50% of students provided SAT scores. This admissions data reveals that most of the University of South Carolina’s students fall within the top 35% nationally on the SAT. 50% of admitted students scored between 600 and 670 on the evidence-based reading and writing part, while 25% scored under 600 and 25% scored over 670. 50% of students scored between 590 and 690 on the math part, while 25% scored under 590, and 25% scored over 690. Applicants with a cumulative SAT score of 1360 or higher will have a competitive advantage at the University of South Carolina.

ACT Requirements and Scores

Throughout the 2018-19 admissions phase, 49% of students provided ACT scores. This admissions data reveals that most of the University of South Carolina’s students fall within the top 22% nationally on the ACT. The mean 50% of admitted students to UofSC received a cumulative ACT score between 25 and 30, while 25% scored over 30, and 25% scored under 25.

GPA

In 2019, the mean 50% of the incoming freshman class had high school GPAs between 3.78 to 4.50. 25% had a GPA of over 4.50, and 25% had a GPA of under 3.78.  Successful applicants have A and B grades primarily.

Safety Net Schools: Easy to Gain Admission

If past admission data predicts that you would be a competitive candidate for the University of South Carolina, then it should be easy for you to gain admissions to the schools below. If the University of South Carolina is currently out of your reach, then you are sure to be a competitive candidate for the schools below.

Auburn University, Seton Hall University, University of Alabama, Quinnipiac University, Ohio University, University of North Texas, University of Texas at Arlington

Same Tier: Just As Hard to Gain Admission

If you’re a competitive candidate for the University of South Carolina, you should have an equal chance of gaining admissions at these schools.

University of Massachusetts Amherst, Drexel University, University of California, Davis, Syracuse University, United States Military Academy, Penn State University Park, University of Cincinnati

Reach Institutions: Gaining Admissions Will be More of a Challenge

These schools are more challenging to gain admission into than the University of South Carolina. If you improve your GPA and SAT/ACT scores, then you’ll be a competitive candidate for these schools.

University of California, Santa Barbara, University of Texas at Austin, University of Texas at Dallas, University of Washington, Stony Brook University, California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo, University of Connecticut  

Applying to the University of South Carolina

Application Deadline: December 1

Undergraduate Admissions Website:

https://www.sc.edu/apply/apply_for_undergraduate_admission/index.php

Undergraduate Application Link(s):

https://www.sc.edu/about/offices_and_divisions/undergraduate_admissions/apply_now/freshman_application.php

Graduate Admissions Website:

https://www.sc.edu/apply/apply_to_graduate_school/index.php

Graduate Application Link(s):

https://www.sc.edu/study/colleges_schools/graduate_school/apply/index.php?page=apply