University of South Carolina
University of South Carolina at a Glance
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.
| Full Name | University of South Carolina-Columbia |
| Location | Columbia, SC 29208 |
| Type | Public |
| Website | sc.edu/ |
| Total Enrollment | 38,804 |
| Undergrad Enrollment | 29,034 |
| Female Students | 55.7% |
University of South Carolina Housing & Dorms: Cost Breakdown
Should You Live On or Off Campus at University of South Carolina?
University of South Carolina has 9,956 on-campus beds for 29,034 undergrads — that's enough for about 34% of the undergraduate population. On-campus housing is competitive. Plan to explore off-campus options early.
On-Campus
- Walk to classes — no commute
- Meal plan included (99 meals/week)
- Built-in community and social life
- Utilities, wifi, and furniture included
Off-Campus
- Potentially cheaper (varies by city)
- More privacy and independence
- Cook your own meals — save on food
- Need to budget for utilities and transport
University of South Carolina Campus & Location
University of South Carolina is located in Columbia, SC — classified as City: Midsize. The urban setting offers good access to restaurants, jobs, and cultural activities near campus.
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
The most popular fields of study, ranked by the number of degrees awarded.
Student Demographics
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.
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 |
GPA Profile of Admitted Students at University of South Carolina
High school GPA distribution of enrolled freshmen, from the Common Data Set.
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 |
Financial Aid & Student Debt
Frequently Asked Questions About University of South Carolina
More About University of South Carolina
Other Colleges in SC
Data source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, IPEDS. University of South Carolina is not affiliated with DeepColleges.