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University of South Carolina Beaufort

Bluffton, SC·Public·1,958 students
Last updated: March 22, 2026

A good fit for students who want small classes and close faculty access and in-state South Carolina residents. graduation rate is below 40%; freshman retention is below 65%. a public school with 1,958 students.

69%
Accept
1,958
Students
$15,309
Net Price
39%
Grad Rate
$40,400
Earnings
10 yr
$13,750
Debt

About This School

University of South Carolina Beaufort is a public institution located in Bluffton, South Carolina with approximately 1,958 undergraduate students enrolled. University of South Carolina Beaufort has an open or accessible admissions process, with an acceptance rate of 69%. The average net price after financial aid is $15,309 per year. The graduation rate is 39%, and the typical graduate earns $40,400 within 10 years of enrollment.

The University of South Carolina Beaufort is a public college with three campuses in the Lowcountry region of South Carolina. It is part of the University of South Carolina System, enrolls about 2,000 students, and offers over 50 areas of study. The main campus is in Bluffton. The institution's campus in Beaufort houses the school's honor programs and the Department of Visual Arts & Design. The campus location on Hilton Head Island is home to the institution's program for hospitality management.

The numbers tell a mixed story here: the $15,309 average net price and modest $13,750 median debt are genuinely affordable, and the Lowcountry campuses — including a dedicated hospitality program on Hilton Head Island — offer some real niche appeal. However, a 39% graduation rate and 61% freshman retention rate are hard to ignore, suggesting that most students who start here don't finish, which is a serious concern worth asking the school directly about. Worth considering if you're cost-conscious and have a clear plan and support system in place, but go in with eyes open.

Founded
1959
Setting
Fringe town

Popular Programs

Business & Marketing23%
Health Professions19%
Psychology14%
Biological Sciences10%
Social Sciences9%
Communications5%
Education4%
Computer Science3%

Percentage of degrees awarded. Source: College Scorecard.

Notable Alumni

Robert Barnwell RhettRobert Woodward Barnwell

Source: Wikidata. Used for context only.

Admissions

SAT Scores

Average CompositeN/A

ACT Scores

Midpoint CompositeN/A

Cost & Financial Aid

In-State Tuition
$10,730
Out-of-State Tuition
$21,776
Avg Net Price
$15,309
after aid

Financial Aid

Students receiving Pell Grants40%
Median debt at graduation$13,750

Full Cost

After Graduation

Graduation Rate
39%
within 6 years
Retention Rate
61%
freshmen returning
Earnings (10 yr)
$40,400
after enrollment
Median Debt
$13,750
at graduation

Will This School Pay Off?

Median Debt
$13,750
at graduation
Earnings (6 yr)
$33,800
after enrollment
Earnings (10 yr)
$40,400
after enrollment
Earnings-to-Debt Ratio: 2.9x

Solid return. Earnings outpace debt, though major choice matters.

Earnings data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. These are means across all graduates, not specific to any major.

Student Body

White59%
Black20%
Hispanic/Latino11%
Asian1%

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (1,958 undergraduates).

Contact & Location

Address

University of South Carolina Beaufort

1 University Boulevard

Bluffton, SC 29909

View on Google Maps →

Other Schools in South Carolina

Browse all South Carolina schools →

Sources & Methodology

Data

Primary data source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Accessed via automated sync. Latest values may come from different reporting years depending on the metric.

Contextual Enrichment

School overview from Wikipedia. Used for context only, not as a primary data source for admissions, cost, or outcomes claims.

Important Caveats
  • Earnings figures are institution-level averages, not major-specific.
  • Some metrics are based on Title IV financial aid recipients only.
  • Some values may be privacy-suppressed or rolled up by the Department of Education.
  • Contact the school directly for current admissions requirements and costs.
Trademarks

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