verifiedCampus View

University of South Carolina-Columbia

location_onColumbia, SC

PublicCity: MidsizeYellow Ribbon
open_in_newVisit Site
60%
Acceptance Rate
29,820
Total Students
$36k
Sticker Price
79%
Grad Rate
$62k
Median Salary

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Data as of May 2026
🎯Can I Get In?
60%
Moderately Selective
Acceptance Rate
Tests Required
60% accept rateNat'l avg: 66%
SAT Range1180–1360
ACT Range26–32
GPA Avg3.7
payments$65 application fee
groups29,820 students enrolled
schoolPublic · City: Midsize
Your MatchPlus Feature
60% acceptance rate. Compare your scores against admitted students — is this a Match, Reach, or Safety for you?
💰Can I Afford It?
Sticker Price
$35,972
Net Price
Not reported
$21,500Avg Debt
≈ $179/mo for 10 yrs
Avg salary after graduation$62,177/yr
Debt-to-income ratio35% (healthy)
Avg debt below national average ($29,400)
Your Net Price EstimatePlus Feature
Most families overpay for college. See what University of South Carolina-Columbia actually costs for your income level.
💜Why Go Here?
Graduation Rate79%
Nat'l avg: 62%
Retention Rate92%
Nat'l avg: 68%
$62k
Avg Salary
↑ Above $46k avg
18:1
Faculty Ratio
Average
29.8k
Students
Large
schoolPublic · City: Midsize
Your Fit ScorePlus Feature
With a 79% graduation rate, University of South Carolina-Columbia beats most colleges. See if it fits your goals.
🏆How Does It Stack Up?
#127
US News
Top 150
#90
Forbes
Top 100
Deal Score77
Good Value
diversity_120% First-Gen Students
trending_up100% Loan Repayment Rate
account_balance19% Pell Grant Recipients
CD Quality ScoresPlus Feature
See how University of South Carolina-Columbia ranks on value, outcomes, and student satisfaction with our proprietary analysis
Get Plus →
156Days
scheduleApplication Countdown
Early Decision deadline is Nov 1, 2026
You have time to research and prepare thoroughly.
auto_awesomeAt a Glance
Located in Columbia, South Carolina, the University of South Carolina-Columbia offers a vibrant public university experience with a large student body of over 28,000. While details about the campus setting are unknown, the university provides a comprehensive academic environment for a diverse range of students. Academically, USC-Columbia seeks motivated students, as demonstrated by its acceptance rate of 61% and the expectation of competitive SAT (1180-1380) or ACT (26-32) scores. Although the student-to-faculty ratio is not available, the university focuses on preparing students for success after graduation. USC-Columbia presents a potentially strong value proposition, especially for in-state students, with a tuition of $12,688. While out-of-state tuition and average net price are not currently available, graduates can anticipate median earnings of $62,177 ten years after graduation. Despite not being ranked by US News, the university offers a path to future career opportunities. USC-Columbia is likely a good fit for students seeking a large public university experience, located in South Carolina. Individuals who are academically prepared, driven to succeed in their chosen field, and seeking an affordable education may find a suitable learning environment here.
Deal Score
76.98
/ 100
Good Value
Based on cost, earnings, & outcomes
Academics & Admissions
Faculty-Student Ratio
18:1
Test Score Ranges
1270
SAT
/
3.7
GPA
Class Sizes
Medium
based on faculty ratio
Application Deadline
12/01/2025
via Common Application
Cost & Financial Aid
Sticker Price$35,972
Room & Board$13,534
Avg Grad Debt$21,500
Popular Majors
Electrical, Electronics, and Communications Engineering$77k/yr
Chemical Engineering$76k/yr
Computer Engineering$74k/yr
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing$74k/yr
Mechanical Engineering$72k/yr
International Business$71k/yr
boltThe Vibe

"Located in Columbia, South Carolina, the University of South Carolina-Columbia offers a vibrant public university experience with a large student body of over 28,000. While details about the campus setting are unknown, the university provides a comprehensive academic environment for a diverse range of students. Academically, USC-Columbia seeks motivated students, as demonstrated by its acceptance rate of 61% and the expectation of competitive SAT (1180-1380) or ACT (26-32) scores. Although the student-to-faculty ratio is not available, the university focuses on preparing students for success after graduation. USC-Columbia presents a potentially strong value proposition, especially for in-state students, with a tuition of $12,688. While out-of-state tuition and average net price are not currently available, graduates can anticipate median earnings of $62,177 ten years after graduation. Despite not being ranked by US News, the university offers a path to future career opportunities. USC-Columbia is likely a good fit for students seeking a large public university experience, located in South Carolina. Individuals who are academically prepared, driven to succeed in their chosen field, and seeking an affordable education may find a suitable learning environment here."

8
Rigor
8
Career
10
Social
8
Value
Signature StrengthGlobal Impact

University of South Carolina-Columbia
Innovation Engine

A Tier-1 Research Powerhouse driving global discovery. Undergraduate students work alongside world-class faculty to solve humanity's toughest challenges.

attach_money
Funding
Federal + Private
science
Discovery
Research Centers
public
Impact
Patents & Innovations
R1
Carnegie Classification
person_search
Undergrad Research
Available Freshman Year
verifiedCollege Decoded Grades
CD Exclusive
C+
Academics
C
Value
B
Diversity
C+
Outcomes
B
Social
B+
Housing
See your real chances and true cost at University of South Carolina-Columbia