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University of South Carolina-Upstate logo

University of South Carolina-Upstate

Spartanburg, SC·Public·4,008 students
Last updated: March 22, 2026

A good fit for families looking for lower cost and students who prefer a mid-size campus. no major red flags in the data. a public school with 4,008 students.

70%
Accept
4,008
Students
$13,725
Net Price
42%
Grad Rate
$41,300
Earnings
10 yr
$15,000
Debt

About This School

University of South Carolina-Upstate is a public institution located in Spartanburg, South Carolina with approximately 4,008 undergraduate students enrolled. University of South Carolina-Upstate has an open or accessible admissions process, with an acceptance rate of 70%. The average net price after financial aid is $13,725 per year. The graduation rate is 42%, and the typical graduate earns $41,300 within 10 years of enrollment.

The University of South Carolina Upstate is a public university in Spartanburg, South Carolina, United States. It has a Spartanburg postal address. Founded in 1967 and formerly known as University of South Carolina Spartanburg, the institution changed its name in the summer of 2004. It offers bachelor's, master's and doctoral degrees for students in the Upstate and surrounding areas. It is part of the University of South Carolina System and home to approximately 5,200 students and 340 full-time faculty. It is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.

The numbers tell a mixed story here: at $13,725/year net price and only $15,000 median debt at graduation, the affordability is genuinely strong for a regional public university. However, the 42% graduation rate is a real concern — nearly 6 in 10 students don't finish, which suggests fit, support, or life circumstances are getting in the way for a significant portion of the student body. Worth considering if you're cost-conscious and have a clear plan to stay on track, but go in with eyes open about the completion challenges.

Founded
1967
Setting
Midsize suburb

Popular Programs

Health Professions28%
Business & Marketing11%
Education10%
Biological Sciences8%
Psychology7%
Computer Science5%
Social Sciences3%
Communications3%

Percentage of degrees awarded. Source: College Scorecard.

Notable Alumni

Torrey Craig

Source: Wikidata. Used for context only.

Admissions

SAT Scores

Average Composite1082
Reading 75th %ile610
Math 75th %ile560

ACT Scores

Midpoint Composite21

Cost & Financial Aid

In-State Tuition
$11,583
Out-of-State Tuition
$22,545
Avg Net Price
$13,725
after aid

Financial Aid

Students receiving Pell Grants45%
Median debt at graduation$15,000

Full Cost

After Graduation

Graduation Rate
42%
within 6 years
Retention Rate
69%
freshmen returning
Earnings (10 yr)
$41,300
after enrollment
Median Debt
$15,000
at graduation

Will This School Pay Off?

Median Debt
$15,000
at graduation
Earnings (6 yr)
$36,400
after enrollment
Earnings (10 yr)
$41,300
after enrollment
Earnings-to-Debt Ratio: 2.8x

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

White47%
Black34%
Hispanic/Latino9%
Asian3%

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (4,008 undergraduates).

Contact & Location

Address

University of South Carolina-Upstate

800 University Way

Spartanburg, SC 29303-4999

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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