University of South Carolina Aiken
About University of South Carolina Aiken
Overview, location, and what makes it stand out
University of South Carolina Aiken is a public university in Aiken, South Carolina. It offers affordable programs in business, nursing, biology, and education in a small-city setting near Augusta, Georgia.
Founded
1961
Location
Aiken, South Carolina
Students
3,695
Institution
Public
Known For
Key Stats
A quick snapshot of what matters most
Acceptance Rate
78.5%
Open admission
Graduation Rate
39.9%
Below national average
In-State Tuition
$10,760
Out-of-state: $21,218
Avg Net Price
$11,641
After financial aid
SAT Average
1120
Out of 1600
Median Earnings
$45,603
10 years after enrollment
Admissions
How competitive is getting in?
Selectivity
Moderate
Most students who apply are accepted
How to Apply
Test Policy
Test Optional
Application Fee
$45
Early
N/A
Deadline
Rolling
University of South Carolina Aiken accepts the majority of applicants at 78.5%. If you meet the basic requirements, this is an accessible option worth considering.
SAT Scores
1120/ 1600
ACT Scores
20/ 36
Academics
How strong is the academic experience?
Student Success
Below Average
39.9% complete their degree within six years
Retention
66.8%
4-Year Grad
24%
6-Year Grad
43%
Teaching Quality
15:1
Student-Faculty Ratio
Full-Time
61%
$/Student
$10.9K
Class Size
Medium
The 24% graduation rate is below average, but 66.8% of freshmen return for year two. Students are staying, even if completion takes longer than four years.
Tuition & Costs
What will you actually pay?
Tuition & Fees
$10,760
In-State
$21,218
Out-of-State
Tuition and mandatory fees only, does not include housing or meals
Room & Board
$9,182
Books & Supplies
$1,250
Total Cost of Attendance
$21,540
After Financial Aid
$11,641
Average Net Price
Average amount students actually pay after grants and scholarships
Net Price (family income <$30K)
$8,987
Receive Grants
39.2%
Take Loans
43.4%
The full cost of attendance is about $21,540/yr for in-state students, including $9,182 for room and board. After aid, most pay around $11,641. Out-of-state tuition jumps to $21,218.
Financial Aid
Who gets aid and what happens after
Financial aid comes in two forms: grants and scholarships (free money you don't repay) and loans (borrowed money you pay back after graduating). Here's how students at University of South Carolina Aiken fund their education.
While in School
39.2%
Get Grants
Free money
43.4%
Take Loans
Must repay
$38,483
Median Family Income
After Graduation
$24,275
Median Debt at Graduation
Total federal loan balance when students graduate
$257/mo
Monthly Payment
0%
LowDefault Rate
Students typically graduate with $24,275 in debt, below the national median. That's a manageable amount for most career paths.
Student Body
Diversity, gender, and enrollment
From gender balance and racial diversity to age and background, here's a look at who attends University of South Carolina Aiken.
Gender
60.9%
Female
39%
Male
Female to Male Ratio
Race & Ethnicity
Enrollment
2,962
Undergraduate Students
Student Profile
733
Graduates
32.7%
First-Gen
21 yrs
Avg Age
17.8%
Age 25+
Women make up the majority at 61% of the student body. 32.7% are first-generation college students, so there's a strong community of students who understand that experience.
Campus Life
What it's like to be a student here
Campus Setting
Suburb: Large
Campus Quick Facts
2,962
Students
public
Institution
Small
Campus Size
Master's
Classification
What This College Offers
Semester calendar
Study Abroad
Yes
AP Credit
Yes
Teacher Cert
Yes
ROTC
Yes
Evening College
No
Online Programs
Yes
Job Placement
Yes
Career Counseling
Yes
Sports & Athletics
How seriously this college takes sport
University of South Carolina Aiken fields 7 varsity teams with 222 student athletes, about 7% of the student body.
Division
NCAA
Division II without football
Conference
Peach Belt
The league its teams compete in
Varsity Sports
7
Biggest: Soccer
Student Athletes
222
7% of the student body
Athletes by Gender
56% / 44%
124
Men
98
Women
5
Men's Teams
5
Women's Teams
Biggest Teams
Every Varsity Team
After Graduation
What can you earn with this degree?
How much do graduates of University of South Carolina Aikenearn, and what do they study? Here's a look at outcomes and popular programs.
Earnings Trajectory
$45,603
Median Earnings · 10 Years After
Popular Programs
Top 6Business Administration, Management and Operations
$45K
143 grads
1yr Earnings
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing
$73K
109 grads
1yr Earnings
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods
$39K
57 grads
1yr Earnings
Psychology, General
$31K
42 grads
1yr Earnings
Biology, General
$32K
38 grads
1yr Earnings
Sports, Kinesiology, and Physical Education/Fitness
$25K
38 grads
1yr Earnings
Graduates earn about $40K six years out, growing to $46K by year ten. Above average, though your choice of major will be the biggest factor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about University of South Carolina Aiken
What is the acceptance rate at University of South Carolina Aiken?▾
How much does University of South Carolina Aiken cost?▾
What is the graduation rate at University of South Carolina Aiken?▾
How much do University of South Carolina Aiken graduates earn?▾
Data sourced from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard Some figures may reflect prior academic years. Our editorial team reviews and updates college profiles to ensure accuracy. If you notice outdated information, please let us know.