About University of South Carolina-Columbia
Students pay an average net price of $24,532 after aid, though families earning under $30,000 pay just $14,421. Graduates earn a median of $62,177 ten years out, making the typical $21,500 debt load manageable with monthly payments around $228. The 96% employment rate shows employers value Gamecock degrees.
SEC athletics dominate campus culture, especially during football season when the rivalry with Clemson reaches fever pitch. The 18:1 student-faculty ratio means classes can be large at this research university, but 90% of freshmen return for sophomore year. With 58% in-state students and strong regional ties, South Carolina offers the classic big state school experience with serious academic programs and infectious Gamecock pride.
Academics & Faculty
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 18:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 72.1%
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 78.0%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 77.7%
- Retention Rate
- 90.7%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $62,177
- Carnegie Classification
- Doctoral University (R1)
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Master | $132,531 |
| Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Administration. | Doctoral | $114,145 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $95,102 |
| Human Resources Management and Services. | Master | $91,986 |
| International Business. | Master | $90,049 |
| Chemistry. | Doctoral | $83,546 |
| Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering. | Bachelor | $71,854 |
| International Business. | Bachelor | $70,776 |
| Chemical Engineering. | Bachelor | $70,680 |
| Public Health. | Doctoral | $69,338 |
Campus Life
Football Saturdays transform the entire city into a sea of garnet and black. With 562 varsity athletes competing across 18 sports, the Gamecocks draw massive crowds to Williams-Brice Stadium. Students spend 90.74% retention rate suggests most find their groove here. The Five Points district buzzes with student activity on weekends, while the Congaree River offers kayaking and outdoor escapes. Greek life has a presence but doesn't dominate social life. With 28,113 students, you'll find your people whether you're into business networking at the nationally-ranked Moore School or cheering in the student section during SEC matchups.
- Setting
- City-Midsize
- Housing Capacity
- 9,956 beds
- Calendar System
- Semester
- Study Abroad
- Available
Campus Safety (2023)
106 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education
| Offense | On Campus | Residential | Noncampus | Public Property |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stalking | 22 | 7 | 0 | 0 |
| Burglary | 14 | 5 | 1 | 0 |
| Rape | 9 | 8 | 0 | 0 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft | 14 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
| Fondling | 7 | 5 | 0 | 0 |
| Dating Violence | 5 | 3 | 0 | 1 |
| Aggravated Assault | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
| Arson | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Domestic Violence | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 36°–59°F
- July Avg
- 72°–95°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 48.1"
- Annual Snowfall
- 0.2"
Student Demographics
- Men
- 42.1%
- Women
- 57.9%
- White
- 73.4%
- Black
- 9.2%
- Hispanic
- 5.9%
- Asian
- 4.5%
- In-State Students
- 58.6%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 19.0%
Location
- Address
- Columbia, South Carolina 29208
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $62,177
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $62,564
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $43,900
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 66.8%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $228/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $21,500
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the acceptance rate at University of South Carolina-Columbia?
USC-Columbia accepts 64% of applicants, making it moderately selective for a major public research university. The middle 50% of admitted students score between 1180-1380 on the SAT, reflecting the university's draw for solid students across the Southeast.
How much does University of South Carolina-Columbia cost after financial aid?
Students pay an average net price of $24,532 annually after aid. In-state students get a significant break with tuition at just $12,688, while the university keeps costs manageable with median debt of only $21,500 upon graduation.
What is University of South Carolina-Columbia known for academically?
The university houses the highly-ranked Darla Moore School of Business, one of the top business programs in the nation. With a student-faculty ratio of 18:1 and strong research opportunities, USC offers comprehensive academics backed by its status as the state's flagship institution.
What do graduates earn after attending University of South Carolina-Columbia?
Alumni earn a median of $62,177 ten years after graduation with a strong employment rate of 96.2%. The university's SEC athletics, business connections, and alumni network including politicians like Nikki Haley help open career doors across the region.
Where do students live at University of South Carolina-Columbia?
The campus houses 9,956 students in residence halls and apartments, serving about 35% of the 28,113 total enrollment. Located in Columbia, students enjoy a mid-size city setting with the energy of SEC sports and the advantages of living in the state capital.
How competitive are the Gamecocks in SEC athletics?
USC fields 18 varsity sports in the strong Southeastern Conference with 562 total athletes supported by over $13 million in athletic scholarships. The football program generates massive school spirit, especially during the annual rivalry game against Clemson that divides the entire state.
