University of South Carolina-Columbia
A good fit for students who want a large campus community and in-state South Carolina residents. no major red flags in the data. strong 79% graduation rate.
About This School
University of South Carolina-Columbia is a public institution located in Columbia, South Carolina with approximately 29,820 undergraduate students enrolled. University of South Carolina-Columbia has an open or accessible admissions process, with an acceptance rate of 60%. The average net price after financial aid is $22,811 per year. The graduation rate is 79%, and the typical graduate earns $53,900 within 10 years of enrollment.
The University of South Carolina is a public research university in Columbia, South Carolina, United States. Founded in 1801 as South Carolina College, it is the flagship of the University of South Carolina System and the largest university in the state by enrollment. Its main campus is on over 359 acres (145 ha) in downtown Columbia, close to the South Carolina State House. The university is classified among "R1: Doctoral Universities with Highest Research Activity". It houses the largest collection of Robert Burns and Scottish literature materials outside Scotland and the world's largest Ernest Hemingway collection.
This is a strong option for students who want a large, research-active public university experience at a relatively manageable cost — median debt at graduation is just $18,500, which is well below average. The 91% freshman retention rate signals that students generally feel good about their choice once they arrive, and a 78% graduation rate is solid for a school this size. That said, median earnings of $53,900 a decade out are decent but not exceptional, so think carefully about your major's career trajectory before committing.
Popular Programs
Percentage of degrees awarded. Source: College Scorecard.
Notable Alumni
Source: Wikidata. Used for context only.
Admissions
SAT Scores
ACT Scores
What This School Looks For
From the school's most recent Common Data Set (2024-25). What the admissions office actually weighs:
Early vs. Regular Decision
Cost & Financial Aid
Net Price by Family Income
Average annual cost after grants/scholarships, by household income. Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard.
Financial Aid
Full Cost
After Graduation
Earnings 6 Years After Enrollment, by Gender
Gap: 15% less for female graduates. National avg ~16%.
Will This School Pay Off?
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
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (29,820 undergraduates).
In the Classroom & On Campus
Class size distribution
Source: University of South Carolina-Columbia Common Data Set (2024-25).
Contact & Location
Official Links
Other Schools in South Carolina
Clemson University
Clemson, SC · Public
College of Charleston
Charleston, SC · Public
Trident Technical College
Charleston, SC · Public
Coastal Carolina University
Conway, SC · Public
Greenville Technical College
Greenville, SC · Public
Midlands Technical College
West Columbia, SC · Public
Sources & Methodology
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.
School overview from Wikipedia. Used for context only, not as a primary data source for admissions, cost, or outcomes claims.
- 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.
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