About University of South Carolina Beaufort
This full university in South Carolina's Lowcountry draws 1,958 students who want a close-knit academic experience near coastal communities. The 80% acceptance rate reflects the school's welcoming approach to students seeking quality education without cutthroat competition. USCB emphasizes hands-on learning and community engagement, fitting its town-fringe setting in Bluffton. The 14:1 student-faculty ratio ensures professors know their students personally. This Sand Sharks campus has grown from its 1959 founding into a regional center for students who value accessibility and personal attention.
The financial picture shows mixed results for prospective students. Average net price sits at $15,309, making it relatively affordable for a four-year degree. However, graduates earn a median of $48,088 ten years after leaving, while carrying typical debt loads of $24,000. The monthly loan payment of $254 represents a manageable burden for most graduates. Students from lower-income families pay just $11,858 net price, while 40% receive Pell Grants.
Student success metrics reveal challenges that prospective students should consider carefully. The 39% four-year graduation rate and 61% retention rate suggest many students struggle to complete their degrees on schedule. However, the 95% employment rate shows that graduates who do finish find work readily in the regional economy.
The financial picture shows mixed results for prospective students. Average net price sits at $15,309, making it relatively affordable for a four-year degree. However, graduates earn a median of $48,088 ten years after leaving, while carrying typical debt loads of $24,000. The monthly loan payment of $254 represents a manageable burden for most graduates. Students from lower-income families pay just $11,858 net price, while 40% receive Pell Grants.
Student success metrics reveal challenges that prospective students should consider carefully. The 39% four-year graduation rate and 61% retention rate suggest many students struggle to complete their degrees on schedule. However, the 95% employment rate shows that graduates who do finish find work readily in the regional economy.
Academics & Faculty
The University of South Carolina Beaufort operates as a public full university with a 14:1 student-faculty ratio that enables close mentoring relationships. The school has built a reputation for strong programs in education, business, and hospitality management, reflecting the coastal region's tourism economy. With 1,958 students, classes remain small and professors know their students personally. However, the 38.6% six-year graduation rate suggests many students face challenges completing their degrees. The university emphasizes practical, career-focused education rather than research, preparing graduates for immediate employment in the Lowcountry job market. Students benefit from internships and partnerships with local businesses and resorts.
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 14:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 57.9%
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 38.5%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 38.6%
- Retention Rate
- 61.2%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $48,088
- Carnegie Classification
- Baccalaureate College
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Computational Science. | Bachelor | $67,660 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Bachelor | $57,318 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. | Bachelor | $35,060 |
| Biology, General. | Bachelor | $33,993 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Bachelor | $33,459 |
| Hospitality Administration/Management. | Bachelor | $32,772 |
| Social Sciences, General. | Bachelor | $28,433 |
| Psychology, General. | Bachelor | $28,055 |
| Communication and Media Studies. | Bachelor | $27,150 |
| English Language and Literature, General. | Bachelor | $20,530 |
Campus Life
Campus life centers around the Lowcountry setting where Spanish moss drapes over walkways and the Atlantic coast sits just minutes away. With housing capacity for 1,066 students and total enrollment of 1,958, roughly half the student body lives on campus. The Bluffton location puts you 45 minutes from Savannah and an hour from Charleston, offering weekend escape options beyond the small-town atmosphere.
Expect year-round warmth where winter coats gather dust and sunscreen stays essential. The 67.47% female student body creates a social active that skews toward close-knit communities rather than massive parties. Sand Sharks athletics draw modest crowds with 182 total athletes competing across 13 varsity sports in NCAA Division II. The 61.19% retention rate suggests students either love the intimate coastal setting or struggle with the adjustment. Weekend activities often involve the nearby beaches, Hilton Head Island day trips, or exploring historic Bluffton's arts scene. The 14:1 student-faculty ratio means professors know your name, but the 38.52% four-year graduation rate indicates academic success requires serious commitment.
Expect year-round warmth where winter coats gather dust and sunscreen stays essential. The 67.47% female student body creates a social active that skews toward close-knit communities rather than massive parties. Sand Sharks athletics draw modest crowds with 182 total athletes competing across 13 varsity sports in NCAA Division II. The 61.19% retention rate suggests students either love the intimate coastal setting or struggle with the adjustment. Weekend activities often involve the nearby beaches, Hilton Head Island day trips, or exploring historic Bluffton's arts scene. The 14:1 student-faculty ratio means professors know your name, but the 38.52% four-year graduation rate indicates academic success requires serious commitment.
- Setting
- Town-Fringe
- Housing Capacity
- 1,066 beds
- Calendar System
- Semester
- Study Abroad
- Available
- Founded
- 1959
Campus Safety (2023)
14 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education
| Offense | On Campus | Residential | Noncampus | Public Property |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dating Violence | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Fondling | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Stalking | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Rape | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 41°–60°F
- July Avg
- 74°–91°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 50.9"
- Annual Snowfall
- 0.0"
Student Demographics
The Sand Sharks attract a predominantly female student body that reflects the school's strength in education, nursing, and social work programs. With over 80% of students coming from South Carolina, USCB serves as a regional institution deeply connected to the Lowcountry community. The campus draws a diverse mix of students, with significant African American and Hispanic populations that mirror the area's demographics. Nearly half of all students receive Pell Grants, positioning USCB as an accessible pathway to higher education for working-class families throughout the southeastern coastal region.
- Men
- 32.5%
- Women
- 67.5%
- White
- 59.1%
- Black
- 20.2%
- Hispanic
- 11.4%
- Asian
- 0.9%
- In-State Students
- 83.0%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 40.3%
Location
Bluffton, South Carolina sits in the heart of the Lowcountry, just 20 miles from Savannah, Georgia. The town blends small-town charm with rapid growth as part of the Hilton Head Island area. Students enjoy easy access to beaches, salt marshes, and historic plantations that define this coastal region. With 82.96% of students coming from in-state, most are familiar with South Carolina's unique Gullah culture and Spanish moss-draped landscapes. The campus serves a town-fringe setting where suburban development meets preserved wetlands. Bluffton's proximity to resort destinations like Hilton Head creates internship opportunities in hospitality and tourism. Students considering colleges in South Carolina may also compare University of South Carolina Beaufort with similar schools in the region.
- Address
- Bluffton, South Carolina 29909
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $48,088
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $49,631
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $33,800
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 47.5%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $254/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $24,000
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the acceptance rate at University of South Carolina Beaufort?
University of South Carolina Beaufort accepts 80% of applicants, making it accessible to most students who apply. The school draws heavily from South Carolina with 83% of students coming from in-state.
How much does University of South Carolina Beaufort cost after financial aid?
Students pay an average net price of $15,309 after aid, with lower-income families paying as little as $11,858. About 40% of students receive Pell Grants, reflecting the school's commitment to serving working-class families in the Lowcountry.
What is the student-faculty ratio at University of South Carolina Beaufort?
The student-faculty ratio is 14:1, allowing for smaller class sizes at this regional campus. With only 1,958 total students, USCB offers a more intimate college experience than larger state universities.
What are the graduation rates at University of South Carolina Beaufort?
The six-year graduation rate is 39%, which reflects the school's role as a regional access point for first-generation and non-traditional students. Many graduates stay in the area, with median earnings reaching $48,088 ten years after graduation.
Where is University of South Carolina Beaufort's campus located?
The main campus sits in Bluffton, a growing town on the edge of the popular Hilton Head area. Housing capacity of 1,066 means about half the student body can live on campus in this scenic Lowcountry setting.
Does University of South Carolina Beaufort have a strong athletic program?
The Sand Sharks compete in NCAA Division II with 13 varsity sports and 182 total athletes. The athletic program receives $721,038 in scholarship funding and competes in the Peach Belt Conference against other regional universities.
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