University of South Carolina-Columbia
About University of South Carolina-Columbia
Overview, location, and what makes it stand out
UofSC is a public flagship research university in Columbia, South Carolina. It is known for its top-ranked international business program, honors college, and programs in exercise science, nursing, and law.
Founded
1801
Location
Columbia, South Carolina
Students
38,165
Institution
Public
Known For
Key Stats
A quick snapshot of what matters most
Acceptance Rate
60.2%
Moderately selective
Graduation Rate
78.8%
Near national average
In-State Tuition
$12,688
Out-of-state: $35,972
Avg Net Price
$22,811
After financial aid
SAT Average
1297
Out of 1600
Median Earnings
$62,177
10 years after enrollment
Admissions
How competitive is getting in?
Selectivity
Selective
60.2 out of 100 applicants get in
How to Apply
Test Policy
Test Optional
Application Fee
$65
Early
Oct 15
Regular
Dec 1
University of South Carolina-Columbia accepts 60.2% of applicants and doesn't require standardized tests. Focus on your grades and personal statement, and you have a solid chance.
SAT Scores
1297/ 1600
ACT Scores
29/ 36
Academics
How strong is the academic experience?
Student Success
Above Average
78.8% complete their degree within six years
Retention
92.2%
4-Year Grad
67%
6-Year Grad
78%
Teaching Quality
18:1
Student-Faculty Ratio
Full-Time
75.1%
$/Student
$14.1K
Class Size
Medium
67% of students graduate on time, and 75.1% of courses are taught by full-time faculty. That personal instruction helps keep students on track.
Tuition & Costs
What will you actually pay?
Tuition & Fees
$12,688
In-State
$35,972
Out-of-State
Tuition and mandatory fees only, does not include housing or meals
Room & Board
$13,534
Books & Supplies
$1,438
Total Cost of Attendance
$31,638
After Financial Aid
$22,811
Average Net Price
Average amount students actually pay after grants and scholarships
Net Price (family income <$30K)
$12,634
Receive Grants
19.1%
Take Loans
41.1%
The full cost of attendance is about $31,638/yr for in-state students, including $13,534 for room and board. After aid, most pay around $22,811. Out-of-state tuition jumps to $35,972.
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-Columbia fund their education.
While in School
19.1%
Get Grants
Free money
41.1%
Take Loans
Must repay
$74,190
Median Family Income
After Graduation
$21,500
Median Debt at Graduation
Total federal loan balance when students graduate
$228/mo
Monthly Payment
0%
LowDefault Rate
Students typically graduate with $21,500 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-Columbia.
Gender
59.2%
Female
41%
Male
Female to Male Ratio
Race & Ethnicity
Enrollment
29,820
Undergraduate Students
Student Profile
8,345
Graduates
19.5%
First-Gen
20 yrs
Avg Age
2.8%
Age 25+
Women make up the majority at 59% of the student body. 19.5% are first-generation college students.
Campus Life
What it's like to be a student here
Campus Setting
City: Midsize
Campus Quick Facts
29,820
Students
public
Institution
Large
Campus Size
R1 Research
Classification
What This College Offers
Semester calendar
Study Abroad
Yes
AP Credit
No
Teacher Cert
Yes
ROTC
Yes
Evening College
Yes
Online Programs
Yes
Job Placement
Yes
Career Counseling
Yes
What Students Say
Pros
- +Columbia is an affordable state capital
- +Gamecock football and Williams-Brice Stadium energy
- +Strong international business and hospitality programs
- +Horseshoe historic campus is beautiful
Cons
- -Columbia summers are brutally hot and humid
- -Greek life dominates social scene
- -Parts of Columbia beyond campus have safety concerns
- -Large university bureaucracy can be slow
Sports & Athletics
How seriously this college takes sport
University of South Carolina-Columbia fields 12 varsity teams with 738 student athletes, about 2% of the student body.
Division
NCAA
Division I-FBS
Conference
Southeastern
The league its teams compete in
Varsity Sports
12
Biggest: Track & Cross Country
Student Athletes
738
2% of the student body
Athletes by Gender
44% / 56%
327
Men
411
Women
8
Men's Teams
10
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-Columbiaearn, and what do they study? Here's a look at outcomes and popular programs.
Earnings Trajectory
$62,177
Median Earnings · 10 Years After
Popular Programs
Top 6Finance and Financial Management Services
$62K
597 grads
1yr Earnings
Public Health
$32K
435 grads
1yr Earnings
Research and Experimental Psychology
$29K
405 grads
1yr Earnings
Biology, General
$28K
390 grads
1yr Earnings
Marketing
$52K
367 grads
1yr Earnings
Sports, Kinesiology, and Physical Education/Fitness
$41K
296 grads
1yr Earnings
Earnings grow steadily here: $51K at six years, $50K at eight, and $62K by ten. Well above average at every stage.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about University of South Carolina-Columbia
What is the acceptance rate at University of South Carolina-Columbia?▾
How much does University of South Carolina-Columbia cost?▾
What is the graduation rate at University of South Carolina-Columbia?▾
How much do University of South Carolina-Columbia 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.