South Carolina Academic Snapshot
Admission Selectiveness:
- Admission Rate: 60.15%. Moderately selective, indicating a less competitive admission process.
- SAT Average: 1270. Above average SAT scores, indicating competitive applicants.
Tuition Overview:
- In-State Tuition: $12,688
- Out-of-State Tuition: $36,298
- In-state tuition is affordable, while out-of-state tuition is higher, as is typical for public institutions.
Student Population at South Carolina:
- Total Enrollment: 38,532, including 3,519 online students
- 30,187 Undergraduate, 8,345 Graduate
- Gender Distribution: 40.1% men, 59.9% women.
- This is a very large institution, likely offering a vast array of programs, research opportunities, and extracurricular activities.
Graduation & Retention Rate
- Graduation Rate: 79%. High graduation rate, indicating strong student support and academic success.
- Transfer-Out Rate: 15%. Some students transfer out, which is common in higher education.
- First-Year Retention Rate: 92%. Excellent retention, indicating students are satisfied and supported.
Programs & Degrees Offered
- Programs Offered: 324 academic programs available.
- Online Programs: 26 programs available fully online.
- Graduate Programs: 187 graduate-level programs offered.
- Special Programs: Law School, Medical School, Health Professions.
- Degrees Awarded: Certificate, Associate's, Bachelor's, Master's, Doctor's.
South Carolina Overview
University of South Carolina-Columbia (South Carolina) is a four-year, public school located in Columbia, SC. It is classified as Research University with very high research activity by Carnegie Classification, also known as R1 University. You can compare their tuition and admission statistics at R1 University comparison page.
The South Carolina's tuition & fees is $12,688 for South Carolina residents and $36,298 for out-of-state students for the academic year 2024-2025. 80% of the enrolled undergraduates have received grants or scholarships, with an average aid amount of $7,193.
The school has a total enrollment of 38,532 and the students to faculty ratio is 19 to 1 (5.26%).
South Carolina's acceptance rate is 60.15% and the yield (enrollment rate) is 22.94%. The median SAT score is 1270 and the ACT score is 29.
South Carolina ranked 169th in National Universities and 4th in South Carolina Colleges rankings. University of South Carolina-Columbia is accredited by Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges.
2025 Tuition & Fees and 2026 Estimation
For undergraduate programs, the 2025 tuition & fees of University of South Carolina-Columbia is $12,688 for in-state students and $36,298 for out-of-state students. For graduate programs, its 2025 tuition & fees is $14,134 for in-state students and $30,160 for out-of-state students.
The estimated 2026 tuition & fees for prospective students is $12,688 for South Carolina residents and $37,706 for out-of-state students based on the current year tuition changes from last year. The estimated 2026 graduate school tuition & fees is $14,503 for South Carolina residents and $30,160 for out-of-state students.
| In-State | Out-of-State |
|---|
| Undergraduate | $12,688 | $36,298 |
|---|
| Graduate | $14,134 | $30,160 |
|---|
| In-State | Out-of-State |
|---|
| Undergraduate | $12,688 | $37,706 |
|---|
| Graduate | $14,503 | $30,160 |
|---|
The estimation for 2025-2026 tuition costs is based on the cost change rates of last year.
Learning Opportunities and Campus Services
University of South Carolina-Columbia offers online classes (distance learning opportunities) for both undergraduate and graduate programs. It has ROTC programs and offers teacher certification programs designed to prepare students to meet the requirements for certification as teachers.
Special Learning Opportunities at South Carolina
| Learning Opportunities |
|---|
| ROTC | Army, NAVY, Air Force |
|---|
| Weekend/Evening College | Yes |
|---|
| Teacher Certification | Yes |
|---|
| Study Abroad | Yes |
|---|
| On-Campus Services |
|---|
| Academic/career counseling service | Yes |
|---|
| Employment services for students | Yes |
|---|
| Placement services for completers | Yes |
|---|
| On-campus day care for students' children | Yes |
|---|
University of South Carolina-Columbia Directory Information
Tools for analyzing and comparing South Carolina