DEEPCOLLEGES · OPS · v3.3 SCHOOLS·INDEXED 100 SOURCES IPEDS · CDS · SCORECARD LAST·SYNC 2026.04.29
CAMPUS · COLUMBIA, SC · PUBLIC

University of South Carolina

University of South Carolina-Columbia
61.5%
ACCEPT
78.0%
GRAD
01Acceptance 02Tuition 03Transfer 04ROI 05AP Credit 06Majors 07Housing 08International
74
FIT
SAFETY
University of South Carolina is a safety for most applicants.
Score reflects acceptance odds × cost × outcome quality.
ACCEPTANCE
61.5%
of 46,682 applicants
SALARY · 10-YR
$62,177
across all majors
01

University of South Carolina at a Glance

78.0%
Graduation Rate
38,804
Total Enrollment
$21,500
Median Debt
19.0%
Pell Grant Rate

Average SAT & ACT Scores for University of South Carolina

Test25th Percentile75th PercentileMidpoint
SAT Reading600690645
SAT Math580690635
SAT Total118013801280
ACT Composite263229

Admissions Funnel

Applications Received46,682
Students Admitted28,706
Students Enrolled7,319
Yield Rate25.5%

University of South Carolina Rankings

Ranking2025Year
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 NameUniversity of South Carolina-Columbia
LocationColumbia, SC 29208
TypePublic
Websitesc.edu/
Total Enrollment38,804
Undergrad Enrollment29,034
Female Students55.7%

International Students at University of South Carolina: By the Numbers

2.9%
International Undergrads
850
International Undergrad Count
1,192
International Graduate Students
5.3%
International (All Students)

Cost of Attending University of South Carolina as an International Student

International students typically pay out-of-state tuition rates. Here's the full cost picture.

Room & Board$12,558/yr
Estimated 4-Year Total$50,232
Note for public universities: University of South Carolina is a public institution. International students pay out-of-state tuition, which is significantly higher than in-state rates. Financial aid for international students at public universities is limited.

How to Apply to University of South Carolina as an International Student

1
Meet English Proficiency Requirements
Most schools require TOEFL (typically 100+ iBT) or IELTS (7.0+). Some accept Duolingo English Test.
2
Submit Standardized Tests
SAT: 1280+, ACT: 29+
3
Prepare Financial Documentation
You'll need proof of funds to cover tuition and living expenses.
4
Apply for F-1 Student Visa
After admission, University of South Carolina will issue a Form I-20. Use this to apply for an F-1 visa at your nearest U.S. embassy. Start the process 3-4 months before your program begins.

University of South Carolina Student Body Diversity

Diversity breakdown of University of South Carolina's undergraduate student body.

White
72.1%
Black/African American
9.5%
Hispanic/Latino
5.8%
Asian
4.2%
International
2.9%

Career Outcomes for University of South Carolina International Graduates

International students at University of South Carolina can work in the U.S. after graduation through OPT (Optional Practical Training). STEM majors qualify for a 3-year OPT extension.

$62,177
Median Earnings (10yr)
$50,621
Median Salary (6yr)
$21,500
Median Debt
OPT & H-1B Path: After graduating from University of South Carolina, international students get 12 months of OPT work authorization (36 months for STEM fields). Many use this time to secure H-1B visa sponsorship from employers.

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 IncomeAnnual Net Price4-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.

Business/Marketing
31.9%
Health Professions
10.7%
Biological Sciences
9.8%
Engineering
6.1%
Communication
5.7%
Best Majors at University of South Carolina →

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.

FactorImportance
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.

3.75+
50%
3.50–3.74
28%
3.25–3.49
15%
3.00–3.24
6%
2.50–2.99
1%

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.

DeadlineDate
Priority DeadlineOct 15
Regular DecisionRolling
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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More About University of South Carolina

University of South Carolina Acceptance Rate University of South Carolina Tuition & Cost Transfer to University of South Carolina University of South Carolina Salary & ROI University of South Carolina AP Credit Best Majors at University of South Carolina University of South Carolina Housing International at University of South Carolina

Other Colleges in SC

Clemson University
38.0% accept · Clemson

Data source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, IPEDS. University of South Carolina is not affiliated with DeepColleges.