University of South Carolina Aiken: 75.6% Acceptance Rate

75.6%Acceptance

$10,760Tuition

2,805Students

40%Grad Rate (6-yr)

$45,603Earnings

Public4-yearSAT/ACT Test OptionalNCAA Division IIStudy AbroadData: 2023-24

About University of South Carolina Aiken

USC Aiken draws 2,805 students to its suburban campus in South Carolina's horse country. This regional full university has built its reputation on strong business and education programs that serve the Central Savannah River Area. The school accepts about 76% of applicants with an average SAT score of 1065. Students benefit from a 15:1 student-faculty ratio that allows for more personal attention than larger state universities.

The financial picture shows mixed results for families. Students pay an average net price of $11,611 after aid, making it accessible for many South Carolina families. However, graduates face challenges with a median debt load of $24,275 and monthly loan payments of $257. The median earnings of $45,603 ten years after graduation provide a reasonable return on investment, though the 52% loan repayment rate suggests some graduates struggle with debt.

Campus life revolves around a close-knit community where women outnumber men nearly two to one. The Pacers compete in NCAA Division II with 10 varsity sports and 192 total athletes. Students should know that retention and graduation rates lag behind state averages, with only 64% returning for their second year and 40% graduating within six years.

Academics & Faculty

USC Aiken operates as a regional full university with a 15:1 student-faculty ratio that provides solid access to professors. The school built its reputation around business and education programs that serve the Central Savannah River Area's workforce needs. Students can choose from undergraduate and graduate options designed for regional employment. The 41% four-year graduation rate reflects the school's role as a practical choice for students balancing academics with work or family commitments. Many programs connect directly to local industries and school districts. The university emphasizes hands-on learning and internships that prepare graduates for immediate employment in the region's business and education sectors.

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 15:1
Full-Time Faculty: 58.8%
Graduation Rate (4-year): 41.3%
Graduation Rate (6-year): 40.1%
Retention Rate: 64.4%
Median Earnings (10 years): $45,603
Carnegie Classification: Master's University (Small)

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
Program	Level	Median Earnings
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing.	Bachelor	$60,689
Applied Mathematics.	Bachelor	$50,439
Business Administration, Management and Operations.	Bachelor	$37,748
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods.	Bachelor	$35,559
Biology, General.	Bachelor	$33,993
Communication and Media Studies.	Bachelor	$30,650
Sociology.	Bachelor	$29,995
Health and Physical Education/Fitness.	Bachelor	$26,121
Psychology, General.	Bachelor	$24,035
Fine and Studio Arts.	Bachelor	$17,551

View all 33 programs →

Campus Life

USC Aiken sits in South Carolina's horse country, about 20 miles from Augusta, Georgia, where students often head for shopping and nightlife. The campus houses 986 students, meaning roughly 35% of the 2,805 enrollment lives on campus. Most students commute from the surrounding region, with 87.64% coming from in-state.

The subtropical climate means you'll need sunscreen more than winter coats, though light jackets work for the mild winters. The 15:1 student-faculty ratio creates smaller classes where professors know your name. Women make up 63.35% of students, creating a campus culture focused on collaborative learning rather than competitive academics.

Weekends often center around the 10 NCAA Division II sports teams, especially when the Pacers compete in Peach Belt Conference games. Students also take advantage of Aiken's equestrian culture and outdoor recreation opportunities. The regional setting means campus life feels close-knit, while Augusta provides bigger city amenities when you need them. Greek life and student organizations fill the social calendar for residential students.

Setting: Suburb-Large
Housing Capacity: 986 beds
Calendar System: Semester
Study Abroad: Available
Founded: 1961

Campus Safety (2023)

5 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education

Campus safety incidents by location
Offense	On Campus	Residential	Noncampus	Public Property
Stalking	2	1	0	0
Dating Violence	1	1	0	0

Climate & Weather

January Avg: 32°–54°F
July Avg: 71°–92°F
Annual Precipitation: 51.2"
Annual Snowfall: 0.5"

Student Demographics

USC Aiken draws a predominantly local student body, with nearly nine in ten students from South Carolina. Women outnumber men nearly two to one, reflecting the university's strength in education and business programs that traditionally attract female students. The campus serves a economically diverse population, with more than a third qualifying for Pell Grants. Students come from across the racial spectrum, though white and Black students form the largest groups. This mix creates a regional university that mirrors the demographics of the Central Savannah River Area it serves.

Men: 36.7%
Women: 63.4%
White: 59.8%
Black: 22.3%
Hispanic: 8.4%
Asian: 1.3%
In-State Students: 87.6%
Pell Grant Recipients: 36.9%

Location

University of South Carolina Aiken sits in Aiken, South Carolina, roughly 150 miles from Atlanta and 20 miles from Augusta, Georgia. The campus serves the Central Savannah River Area, a region known for its equestrian culture and historic downtown district. Aiken blends small-town charm with proximity to larger metropolitan areas. The city has deep roots in thoroughbred horse training and hosts the Masters Golf Tournament nearby in Augusta each spring. With 87.64% of students coming from in-state, the university draws heavily from South Carolina residents seeking affordable education close to home. Students considering colleges in South Carolina may also compare University of South Carolina Aiken with similar schools in the region.

Address: Aiken, South Carolina 29801

After College

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Median Earnings (10 years): $45,603
Median Earnings (5 years): $50,627
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry): $34,200
Loan Repayment Rate: 51.8%
Monthly Loan Payment: $257/mo
Median Debt at Graduation: $24,275

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the acceptance rate at University of South Carolina Aiken?

USC Aiken accepts 75.62% of applicants, making it accessible to most qualified students. The middle 50% of admitted students score between 950 and 1180 on the SAT, reflecting the university's role as a regional comprehensive institution serving the Central Savannah River Area.

How much does University of South Carolina Aiken cost after financial aid?

The average net price is $11,611, making USC Aiken quite affordable for a four-year public university. Students from families earning under $30,000 pay only $7,618 on average, while in-state tuition starts at $10,760 before aid.

What are the strongest academic programs at University of South Carolina Aiken?

USC Aiken is known for its strong business and education programs that serve regional workforce needs. With a 15:1 student-faculty ratio, the university provides personalized attention across its comprehensive curriculum at this 2,805-student campus.

What do graduates of University of South Carolina Aiken typically earn?

Alumni earn a median salary of $45,603 ten years after graduation, with an employment rate of 95.4%. However, only 40.10% of students graduate within six years, reflecting challenges common among regional universities serving diverse student populations.

Where do University of South Carolina Aiken students come from?

The student body is 87.64% in-state residents, creating a strong South Carolina community feel. Women make up 63.35% of enrollment, while the campus is 59.75% white and 22.32% Black, reflecting the demographics of the greater Aiken area.

Does University of South Carolina Aiken have strong athletics?

The Pacers compete in NCAA Division II as part of the Peach Belt Conference with 10 varsity sports. The athletic program supports 192 student-athletes with $1,577,789 in scholarships, providing competitive opportunities at the regional level.