Average SAT & ACT Scores for University of South Carolina
Test
25th Percentile
75th Percentile
Midpoint
SAT Reading
600
690
645
SAT Math
580
690
635
SAT Total
1180
1380
1280
ACT Composite
26
32
29
Admissions Funnel
Applications Received
46,682
Students Admitted
28,706
Students Enrolled
7,319
Yield Rate
25.5%
University of South Carolina Rankings
Ranking
2025
Year
US News National Universities
#89
2025
University of South Carolina Overview
University of South Carolina-Columbia is a public university in Columbia, SC with 38,804 students. With a 61.5% acceptance rate, most students who meet the requirements are admitted. The most popular majors are Business/Marketing, Health Professions, and Biological Sciences. Graduates earn a median of $62,177 ten years after enrollment.
Is University of South Carolina a Reach, Match, or Safety?
University of South Carolina accepts 61.5% of applicants, making it accessible for most qualified students. If you meet the basic academic requirements, this is likely a Safety school for you.
Your Profile
University of South Carolina Is...
What to Do
Meet academic requirements
Safety
Strong odds — apply with confidence
Slightly below average
Match
Apply — still realistic
University of South Carolina True Cost by Family Income
Sticker price doesn't tell the full story at U South Carolina. Families earning $0-30k pay around $12,634 per year after aid, while those in the $110k+ bracket pay about $28,125. 19% of students receive Pell Grants, indicating U South Carolina enrolls a meaningful share of lower-income students. Median debt at graduation is $21,500, which is reasonable against the $50,621 typical early-career salary.
Family Income
Annual Net Price
4-Year Total
$0-30k
$12,634
$50,536
$30-48k
$14,953
$59,812
$48-75k
$19,859
$79,436
$75-110k
$24,478
$97,912
$110k+
$28,125
$112,500
Cost Breakdown
Room & Board
$12,558
Total Cost of Attendance
$31,638
Popular Majors at University of South Carolina
Percentage of degrees awarded by field.
Business/Marketing
31.9%
Health Professions
10.7%
Biological Sciences
9.8%
Engineering
6.1%
Communication
5.7%
Psychology
5.6%
Social Sciences
5.6%
Parks/Recreation
4.1%
Computer Science
3.6%
Visual/Performing Arts
3.2%
Security/Law Enforcement
3.1%
Education
2.2%
Student Demographics
White
72.1%
Black/African American
9.5%
Hispanic/Latino
5.8%
Asian
4.2%
International
2.9%
How to Get Into University of South Carolina
U South Carolina is a Safety school for most students who meet the basic requirements. Don't let the higher acceptance rate fool you — U South Carolina still offers strong programs and outcomes. Graduates earn $62,177 within 10 years, making it a solid return on investment.
1280
Target SAT Score
29
Target ACT Score
61.5%
Acceptance Rate
46,682
Total Applicants
What University of South Carolina Values Most in Applicants
Admission factor importance from the Common Data Set — what the school officially says matters.
Factor
Importance
Academic Gpa
Very Important
Rigor Of Secondary School Record
Very Important
Class Rank
Considered
Standardized Test Scores
Important
Application Essay
Considered
Recommendation
Considered
Extracurricular Activities
Considered
Talent Ability
Important
Character Personal Qualities
Considered
First Generation
Considered
Alumni Relation
Not Considered
Interview
Not Considered
Work Experience
Not Considered
Volunteer Work
Not Considered
University of South Carolina Application Deadlines & Requirements
Key dates for the University of South Carolina Rolling admission cycle. Mark these on your calendar — missing a deadline means waiting another year.
Deadline
Date
Priority Deadline
Oct 15
Regular Decision
Rolling
Financial Aid (FAFSA/CSS)
Apr 1
Rolling Admissions: University of South Carolina reviews applications as they arrive. Apply early for the best chance at admission and financial aid.
Financial Aid & Student Debt
19.0%
Pell Grant Recipients
Students from low-income families
$21,500
Median Debt at Graduation
Federal loans only
$50,621
Median Earnings (6yr)
6 years after enrollment
Frequently Asked Questions About University of South Carolina
What is U South Carolina's acceptance rate?
U South Carolina has an acceptance rate of 61.5%, making it accessible to most qualified applicants. This rate reflects freshman applicants for the most recent admissions cycle.
What SAT score do I need for U South Carolina?
The middle 50% SAT range at U South Carolina is 1180-1380. For the ACT, the middle 50% range is 26-32. Scoring above the 75th percentile puts you in a strong position, but scores alone don't determine admission.
What are the most popular majors at U South Carolina?
The most popular majors at U South Carolina by degrees awarded are: Business/Marketing (31.9%), Health Professions (10.7%), Biological Sciences (9.8%), Engineering (6.1%), Communication (5.7%). These percentages reflect undergraduate degrees conferred in the most recent reporting year.
How much do U South Carolina graduates earn?
U South Carolina graduates earn a median salary of $62,177 ten years after enrollment, based on federal data. Actual earnings vary significantly by major — STEM and business graduates typically earn more, while arts and education graduates earn less.
Is U South Carolina worth the cost?
With median earnings of $62,177 (10yr post-enrollment) and median debt of $21,500, The earning potential is favorable relative to debt, though ROI depends heavily on your chosen major. Always compare the net price (after aid) to expected earnings in your intended field.
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