Academic Comparison between South Carolina and Vanderbilt

University of South Carolina-Columbia and Vanderbilt University are frequently compared when students or parents prepare college admissions. South Carolina is a four-year, public school located in Columbia, SC and Vanderbilt is a four-year, private (not-for-profit) school located in Nashville, TN.

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.

  • South Carolina is a public and Vanderbilt is a private (not-for-profit) school and both are four-year schools.
  • Vanderbilt has more expensive tuition & fees ($67,498) than South Carolina ($36,298).
  • It is harder to admit to Vanderbilt than South Carolina.
  • Vanderbilt has a higher submitted SAT score (1,270) than South Carolina (1,270).
  • Vanderbilt has higher submitted ACT score (29) than South Carolina (29).
  • South Carolina has more students with 38,532 students while Vanderbilt has 13,575 students.
  • Vanderbilt has a lower number of students per faculty with 8 to 1 while South Carolina's ratio is 19 to 1.
  • South Carolina has more full-time faculties with 1,753 faculties while Vanderbilt has 1,360 full-time faculties.
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Comparison Table with important Academic Factors

University of South Carolina-Columbiavs.Vanderbilt University
Columbia, South CarolinaLocationNashville, Tennessee
Four-year, PublicSchool Typefour-year, Private (not-for-profit)
Doctor's degreeHighest Degree OfferedDoctor's degree
Research University (very high research activity)Carnegie ClassificationResearch University (very high research activity)
In-State$12,688
Out-Of-State$36,298
2025 Tuition & Fees$67,498
80%% Receiving Financial Aid68%
$7,193Average Amount of Financial Aid$58,699
60.15 %Acceptance Rates5.86 %
22.94 %Yield (Enrollment Rates)61.23 %
1,270SAT Score1,540
29ACT Score35
79 %Graduation Rate94 %
15 %Transfer-out Rate-
92 %Retention Rate96 %
38,532Student Population13,575
1,753Number of Faculties1,360
19 to 1Students to Faculty Ratio8 to 1
Distance Learning (Online Classes), ROTC, Study Abroad, Weekend/Evening College, Teacher CertificationSpecial Learning OpportunitiesDistance Learning (Online Classes), ROTC, Study Abroad, Weekend/Evening College, 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
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