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University of South Carolina-Columbia

Columbia, South Carolina — Columbia-Campus, 29208

Annual Tuition $12,688
Enrollment 28,113
Acceptance Rate 61.5%
Median Salary $62,177

University of South Carolina-Columbia is a leading Public institution located in Columbia, South Carolina. Established to provide high-quality education, University of South Carolina-Columbia offers a range of programs and is recognized for its commitment to student success and academic excellence in the United States region.

University of South Carolina-Columbia Quick Facts
Federal Aid Approval 12/1/1965
Location Columbia, South Carolina
Type Public
Total Enrollment 28,113 students
Median Salary $62,177

University of South Carolina-Columbia — Institution Overview

Institution Name University of South Carolina-Columbia
Location Columbia, South Carolina
Official Website https://www.sc.edu/
Address Columbia-Campus
Columbia, SC 29208
Institution Type Public
Total Students 28,113

University of South Carolina-Columbia Admissions Process

Acceptance Rate 61.5% Moderately Open
Avg. SAT Score 1,297 out of 1600
ACT Midpoint 29 out of 36

SAT Score Breakdown

Section Average 25th %ile 75th %ile
Math 580 690
Evidence-Based Reading 600 690
ACT Math 27 midpoint
ACT English 29 midpoint

University of South Carolina-Columbia Tuition Fees and Costs

In-State Tuition $12,688
Out-of-State Tuition $34,934
Pell Grant Rate 19%
Median Debt (Completers) $21,500

The Real Cost

Average net price after aid, grouped by household income.

Net price after aid

University of South Carolina-Columbia cost by family income

These are the average out-of-pocket costs after grants and scholarships, based on U.S. Department of Education reporting.

Family income $0 - $30,000 $14,421/yr
Family income $30,001 - $48,000 $17,602/yr
Family income $48,001 - $75,000 $22,744/yr
Family income $75,001 - $110,000 $26,936/yr

Low-income families under $30k pay an average of $14,421 per year. This band often benefits most from Pell Grants and institutional aid.

Calculate your personal aid

Opens the official Federal Student Aid Estimator.

Admission Chance

Compare your SAT or ACT score with the middle 50% of enrolled students.

61.5% acceptance rate

Is University of South Carolina-Columbia hard to get into?

SAT score range

1,180 - 1,380

25th to 75th percentile of enrolled students

Math580 - 690
Reading600 - 690

ACT score range

26 - 32

25th to 75th percentile of enrolled students

Check your admission chances

Enter your score to see whether this school is a reach, target, or safety option.

Major Spotlight

Top programs by early-career earnings from this institution.

Top 3 by early salary

Based on median earnings two years after graduation from University of South Carolina-Columbia, using U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard data.

1

Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. salary after University of South Carolina-Columbia

Master's Degree
High earning
2yr salary $132,531 median/yr
Median debt Not published program debt data
Salary/debt Salary-led debt data unavailable
1yr: $105,149 4yr: $139,887
2

Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Administration. salary after University of South Carolina-Columbia

First Professional Degree
High earning
2yr salary $114,145 median/yr
Median debt Not published program debt data
Salary/debt Salary-led debt data unavailable
1yr: $101,440 4yr: $125,398
3

Business Administration, Management and Operations. salary after University of South Carolina-Columbia

Master's Degree
High earning
2yr salary $95,102 median/yr
Median debt Not published program debt data
Salary/debt Salary-led debt data unavailable
1yr: $118,109 4yr: $124,913

Salary data reflects U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard reporting.

University of South Carolina-Columbia Acceptance Rate and Enrollment Statistics

61.5% Moderately Open

Acceptance rate based on 2026 U.S. Department of Education data.

Total Students 28,113
Undergrad 20,004
Retention Rate 90.7% full-time
Full-Time Students 96.9%

Courses and Academic Programs at University of South Carolina-Columbia

10 programs
Program Name
Degree
Graduates
Finance and Financial Management Services.
Bachelor's
Graduates 1,089
Public Health.
Bachelor's
Graduates 892
Marketing.
Bachelor's
Graduates 709
Research and Experimental Psychology.
Bachelor's
Graduates 646
Business Administration, Management and Operations.
Bachelor's
Graduates 562
Biology, General.
Bachelor's
Graduates 558
Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication.
Bachelor's
Graduates 520
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing.
Bachelor's
Graduates 494
Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods.
Bachelor's
Graduates 464
Health and Physical Education/Fitness.
Bachelor's
Graduates 461
Showing top 10 of 217 programs by graduates

Career Opportunities and Alumni Network at University of South Carolina-Columbia

Median Salary (10 yrs after entry) $62,177 U.S. Dept. of Education
Median (6 yrs) $50,621
Graduation Rate 77.8% 4-year (150%)
4-Year Graduation Rate
Graduate Earnings Timeline — University of South Carolina-Columbia
Timeframe After Entry Median Earnings
6 Years After Entry $50,621
10 Years After Entry $62,177
Is University of South Carolina-Columbia Worth It? — ROI Analysis 2026
Average Net Price $24,532
Median Career Earnings (10 yrs) $62,177
3-Year Loan Repayment Rate 751700%

Campus Life and Student Facilities at University of South Carolina-Columbia

Total Students 28,113
Undergrad 20,004
Graduate 8,109
Retention Rate 90.7% full-time

Gender Breakdown

57.9%
42.1%
Women Men

Enrollment Type

Full-time 96.9%
Full-time Part-time

Diversity & Ethnicity

White
73.4%
Black
9.2%
Hispanic
5.9%
Asian
4.5%
Two or More Races
4.2%
International
1.5%
Unknown / Unreported
1.1%
American Indian / Alaska Native
0.1%
Native Hawaiian / Pacific Islander
0.1%

Campus Demographics

🎂
Avg. Age at Entry 20
🎓
First-Generation 19.5%
💰
Receive Pell Grant 42.7%
🎖️
Veterans 0.2%
💍
Married Students 2.3%
📅
Students Age 25+ 2.8%
🔄
Retention (Part-time) 85.7%

Student Economic Background

Median Household Income $62,188
Average Family Income $94,373
Median Family Income $74,190

Faculty Profile

Faculty Gender

52.5%
47.5%
Women Men
Student-Faculty Ratio 18:1 students per faculty member

Scholarships and Grants at University of South Carolina-Columbia

University of South Carolina-Columbia participates in federal financial aid programs. The data below is sourced from the U.S. Department of Education and reflects the most recently available award year. Students should contact the financial aid office directly for current scholarship opportunities, institutional grants, and merit-based awards.

Pell Grant Rate 19% of students
Federal Loan Rate 41.7% of students
Avg Net Price $24,532 after aid
Median Debt $21,500 completers

Average Net Price by Family Income

Income Bracket Net Price / Year

Student Debt Overview

Median Debt — Completers $21,500
Cumulative Debt — 25th Percentile $8,750
Cumulative Debt — 75th Percentile $27,000

Financial aid availability, grant amounts, and scholarship criteria change each award year. Contact University of South Carolina-Columbia's financial aid office or visit the official website for current deadlines and eligibility requirements.

University of South Carolina-Columbia Rankings and Accreditation

Institution Type Public
Geographic Region United States
Title IV Federal Aid Approval 12/1/1965
4-Year Graduation Rate 77.8%
Median Graduate Salary $62,177
Data Source U.S. Department of Education — College Scorecard & IPEDS (2026)

Institutional accreditation status is maintained by regional and national accrediting bodies recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. Federal Title IV approval (above) confirms University of South Carolina-Columbia meets eligibility requirements for federal student aid programs including Pell Grants, Direct Loans, and work-study.

Housing and Campus Location for University of South Carolina-Columbia

Frequently Asked Questions about University of South Carolina-Columbia

What is the acceptance rate at University of South Carolina-Columbia?

University of South Carolina-Columbia has an acceptance rate of 61.5%, making it an accessible institution with moderate admissions standards.

How much is tuition at University of South Carolina-Columbia?

Tuition at University of South Carolina-Columbia is $12,688 per year. Net price and financial aid options may reduce this cost significantly depending on individual circumstances.

What is the average salary for graduates of University of South Carolina-Columbia?

Graduates of University of South Carolina-Columbia earn a median salary of $62,177 per year, based on 2026 U.S. Department of Education earnings data.

Where is University of South Carolina-Columbia located?

University of South Carolina-Columbia is located at Columbia-Campus, Columbia, South Carolina 29208. The campus is situated in the United States region of the United States.

Contact Facts

Data sourced from 2026 US Dept. of Ed

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