Public Institution

University of South Carolina-Columbia — Columbia, South Carolina

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Annual Tuition $12,688

Estimated Out-of-Pocket

Acceptance 61.5%

Moderately Open

Enrollment 28,113

Active Students

Avg. Salary $62,177

After 10 Years

Institutional Profile

Location Columbia, South Carolina

Institution type Public

Accreditation Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

Founded 12/1/1965

Academic Mission & Environment

"University of South Carolina-Columbia stands as a pillar of higher education in Columbia, providing a robust academic foundation for 28,113 students. The institution is recognized for its dedication to career-ready outcomes and community impact."

Campus Setting Urban Campus

Student Focus High Employment ROI

What programs does South Carolina-Columbia offer?

Discover the most popular degrees and fields of study at University of South Carolina-Columbia. These programs represent the institution's primary areas of academic focus and professional preparation.

Business & Marketing

26.8%

Enrollment Share

Health Professions

11.9%

Enrollment Share

Biological Sciences

10.8%

Enrollment Share

Engineering

6.8%

Enrollment Share

Communications

6.4%

Enrollment Share

Psychology

5.8%

Enrollment Share

Institutional Choice

Best Business & Marketing College

Positioned as a premier hub for future executives...

Strategic Profile Audited

Institutional Choice

Best Health Professions College

Ranked as a top destination for healthcare education...

Strategic Profile Audited

Institutional Choice

Best Biological Sciences College

The Biological Sciences program at University of South Carolina-Columbia provides a comprehensive education...

Strategic Profile Audited

Institutional Choice

Best Engineering College

The Engineering curriculum focuses on innovation and real-world problem solving...

Strategic Profile Audited

Institutional Choice

Best Communications College

The Communications program at University of South Carolina-Columbia provides a comprehensive education...

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Institutional Choice

Best Psychology College

Our Psychology program offers deep insights into human behavior...

Strategic Profile Audited

What is the acceptance rate at South Carolina-Columbia?

Admissions & Selectivity Dashboard — 2026

Acceptance 61.5%

Difficulty Low

University of South Carolina-Columbia maintains an acceptance rate of 61.5%, reflecting its status as a moderately open institution. The admissions process evaluates academic potential alongside standardized testing trends to ensure a balanced student body.

Test Requirement SAT/ACT scores are considered but not required.

Student Body Composition

Men Enrollment 42.1%

Women Enrollment 57.9%

Test Score Ranges (25th - 75th Percentile)

SAT

ACT

SAT Reading 600 - 690

SAT Mathematics 580 - 690

ACT English 25 - 34

ACT Mathematics 24 - 29

Expert Insight

Competitive scores often fall within or exceed these typical 50% benchmarks for admitted students.

How much does South Carolina-Columbia cost in 2026?

In-State Tuition $12,688

Out-of-State Tuition $34,934

Financial Support Snapshot

Pell Grant Rate 19%

Median Student Debt $21,500

ROI Insight

With a tuition of only $12,688, graduates see a median starting salary of $62,177, making it one of the most affordable pathways in South Carolina.

What salary can South Carolina-Columbia graduates expect?

Avg. Early Career Salary $62,177

10 years after entry

Graduation Rate 77.8%

Investment Analysis & ROI

Average Net Price $24,532

Median Salary (6yr) $50,621

Earnings-to-Debt Ratio Above Average

Career Stability Index High

What is student life like at South Carolina-Columbia in Columbia?

28,113 Students

Gender Comparison

42.1% Men

57.9% Women

Male Enrollment Female Enrollment

Retention & Enrollment

90.7%

Retention First-year

Full-time Enrollment

Diversity & Ethnicity

American Indian

0.1%

Pacific Islander

0.1%

Asian

4.5%

Black

9.2%

White

73.4%

Unknown

1.1%

Hispanic

5.9%

Two or More Races

4.2%

International

1.5%

Campus Demographics

🎂

Avg. Age at Entry 20

🎓

First-Generation 19.5%

💰

Receive Pell Grant 42.7%

🎖️

Veterans 0.2%

💍

Married Students 2.3%

🔄

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

Premium Campus Location

Explore the Columbia Campus Environment

Located at Columbia-Campus, University of South Carolina-Columbia offers a strategic urban setting that connects students with the economic and cultural heart of South Carolina. Use our verified map utility to plan your visit or explore nearby professional hubs.

Campus Setting Urban / Metropolitan

Access High Connectivity

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How does University of South Carolina-Columbia compare?

Direct Comparison South Carolina-Columbia vs Allen University →

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Direct Comparison South Carolina-Columbia vs Columbia International University →

Direct Comparison South Carolina-Columbia vs Kenneth Shuler School of Cosmetology and Nails-Columbia →

Common Questions about University of South Carolina-Columbia

Is University of South Carolina-Columbia a good college in Columbia, South Carolina?

South Carolina-Columbia is a recognized institution in Columbia with an enrollment of 28,113 students. This profile shows published tuition, admissions, and earnings data so you can compare it with other schools in South Carolina.

Is University of South Carolina-Columbia worth attending in 2026?

That depends on your budget, program fit, and career goals. Use the average net price of $0 and median graduate earnings of $62,177 on this page as a starting point for comparison.

How much does University of South Carolina-Columbia cost for South Carolina residents in 2026?

For the 2026 academic year, in-state tuition at South Carolina-Columbia is approximately $12,688. In addition, out-of-state tuition is $34,934. Financial aid and Pell Grants significantly reduce this cost for most local residents.

What is the real cost of University of South Carolina-Columbia after financial aid and FAFSA?

The real cost of attending South Carolina-Columbia for most students is its average net price of $0. Approximately 42.7% of students receive Pell Grants and FAFSA-based aid to offset costs.

Is University of South Carolina-Columbia good for Business & Marketing and Health Professions programs?

South Carolina-Columbia reports program activity in Business & Marketing and Health Professions. Review the school profile and official academic pages to confirm current majors, concentrations, and outcomes for the track you want.

What career can I get after attending University of South Carolina-Columbia?

Graduates of South Carolina-Columbia often transition into high-demand roles in fields like Business & Marketing. With a median salary of $62,177, the college provides a clear pathway to professional advancement.

What are the admission requirements for University of South Carolina-Columbia?

Admission requirements can vary by program and application cycle. Use the acceptance-rate and test-policy data on this page as a starting point, then confirm current requirements on South Carolina-Columbia's official admissions website.

Does University of South Carolina-Columbia require SAT or ACT scores for admission?

Standardized-test requirements can change by year and by program. Check the test-policy details on this page, then confirm the latest SAT or ACT guidance on South Carolina-Columbia's official admissions portal before applying.

What salary can University of South Carolina-Columbia graduates expect after 10 years?

Graduates of South Carolina-Columbia earn a median salary of $62,177 after 10 years. This demonstrates long-term professional stability and growth.

Is University of South Carolina-Columbia a good investment compared to other SC colleges?

Compare South Carolina-Columbia's average net price of $0, tuition levels, and median earnings against other colleges in South Carolina to judge value for your goals.

Where is University of South Carolina-Columbia located and what is the campus like?

South Carolina-Columbia is located at Columbia-Campus in Columbia, SC. The campus provides a dynamic environment serving a diverse student body of 28,113 learners.

Who typically attends University of South Carolina-Columbia in Columbia, SC?

The student body at South Carolina-Columbia is diverse and career-focused. Approximately 19.5% are first-generation students, reflecting a community of motivated, real-world learners.

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2026 Rankings: South Carolina

Explore top-tier academic pathways across the state

Compare University of South Carolina-Columbia with other leading institutions in South Carolina across various professional disciplines. Our verified data audits provide transparency on career ROI and academic quality.

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Business Administration