University of South Carolina

University of South Carolina is located in Columbia, SC, 29208, set within a city environment that shapes the daily student experience. The university is ranked #127 among National Universities by U.S. News & World Report. It offers programs at the bachelor’s degree level, serving students with a range of academic interests and career aspirations.

With an acceptance rate of 60%, University of South Carolina offers a realistic pathway for students who have maintained a consistent academic record throughout high school. Successful applicants typically present SAT scores of 1180-1360 and ACT scores of 26-32. The average high school GPA among enrolled freshmen is 3.7. Applications are due by Dec. 1, so students should plan their materials well in advance.

As a large research university with 30,187 undergraduates, University of South Carolina offers an extensive selection of courses, majors, and extracurricular activities. Students have access to world-class laboratories, libraries, and collaborative spaces. The student-to-faculty ratio is 19:01, meaning professors are accessible for office hours, research mentorship, and one-on-one guidance. Approximately 34% of classes have fewer than 20 students, fostering the kind of seminar-style discussion and hands-on collaboration that deepens real understanding. The institution achieves a four-year graduation rate of 70%, a strong indicator that students receive the support they need to finish on time and move into their careers or further study.

The most popular fields of study at University of South Carolina include Business, Management, Marketing, and Related Support Services (31% of students, median early-career salary: $69,907), Health Professions and Related Programs (12% of students, median early-career salary: $51,777), and Biological and Biomedical Sciences (10% of students, median early-career salary: $60,846). These enrollment patterns reflect the institution's strengths and the career interests of its student body, giving prospective students a clear sense of the academic culture and post-graduation opportunities available here.

Room and board adds approximately $16,376. However, the average net price after financial aid is $21,044, which is the amount most aided students actually pay — often considerably less than the sticker price. Need-based aid averages $17,418 per recipient, demonstrating the institution's commitment to making education financially accessible. For families evaluating the return on a college investment, these figures — combined with University of South Carolina's academic reputation and graduate outcomes — provide a concrete basis for comparison.

Choosing a college is one of the most significant decisions a student and family will make. University of South Carolina combines nationally recognized academic quality, a favorable student-to-faculty ratio, a diverse range of popular programs to create an environment where students can grow intellectually, build professional skills, and form lasting connections. We encourage prospective students to explore the detailed data on this page to determine whether University of South Carolina is the right fit for their academic and personal goals.