Academic Comparison between South Carolina and USCA

University of South Carolina-Columbia and University of South Carolina Aiken are frequently compared when students or parents prepare college admissions. Both Schools are four-year, public and located in South Carolina

Comparison at a Glance

The following list compares two colleges briefly in important perspectives. You can compare them with comprehensive information on full comparison page.

  • Both schools are four-year, public schools.
  • South Carolina has more expensive tuition & fees ($36,298) than USCA ($21,218).
  • It is harder to admit to South Carolina than USCA.
  • South Carolina has a higher submitted SAT score (1,270) than USCA (1,120).
  • South Carolina has higher submitted ACT score (29) than USCA (22).
  • South Carolina has more students with 38,532 students while USCA has 4,022 students.
  • USCA has a lower number of students per faculty with 16 to 1 while South Carolina's ratio is 19 to 1.
  • South Carolina has more full-time faculties with 1,753 faculties while USCA has 155 full-time faculties.
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Comparison Table with important Academic Factors

University of South Carolina-Columbiavs.University of South Carolina Aiken
Columbia, South CarolinaLocationAiken, South Carolina
Four-year, PublicSchool Typefour-year, Public
Doctor's degreeHighest Degree OfferedMaster's degree
Research University (very high research activity)Carnegie ClassificationMaster's College and University (smaller programs)
In-State$12,688
Out-Of-State$36,298
2025 Tuition & Fees
In-State$10,760
Out-Of-State$21,218
80%% Receiving Financial Aid71%
$7,193Average Amount of Financial Aid$8,331
60.15 %Acceptance Rates78.54 %
22.94 %Yield (Enrollment Rates)28.22 %
1,270SAT Score1,120
29ACT Score22
79 %Graduation Rate40 %
15 %Transfer-out Rate36 %
92 %Retention Rate67 %
38,532Student Population4,022
1,753Number of Faculties155
19 to 1Students to Faculty Ratio16 to 1
Distance Learning (Online Classes), ROTC, Study Abroad, Weekend/Evening College, Teacher CertificationSpecial Learning OpportunitiesDistance Learning (Online Classes), ROTC, Study Abroad, Teacher Certification
Academic/career counseling service, Employment services, Placement services, On-campus daycareOn Campus Student ServicesAcademic/career counseling service, Employment services, Placement services, On-campus daycare