Overview
University of South Carolina-Columbia is a less selective public four-year institution in Columbia, South Carolina. The school accepts 64.1% of applicants and enrolls 28,113 students.
Admission Statistics
- Acceptance Rate
- 64.1%
- Average SAT
- 1,280
- SAT Range (25th–75th)
- 1,180–1,380
- ACT Composite (avg)
- 30
- Total Enrollment
- 28,113
Your Chances by SAT Score
Your score is above the 75th percentile. You are a competitive applicant.
Your score falls within the middle 50% of admitted students.
Your score is below the 25th percentile. Other parts of your application will need to stand out.
Admission Guide
University of South Carolina requires all applicants to complete the South Carolina Application or Common Application, but your path to admission depends heavily on whether you apply to the Honors College, which operates as a separate, more competitive process with its own essays and earlier deadlines. Apply to Honors College by November 15 if you want the best scholarship opportunities and access to priority registration.
Your essays should highlight specific connections to USC's programs rather than generic reasons for choosing the school. Mention the International Business program if you're interested in global careers, since USC consistently ranks among the top programs nationwide and offers study abroad partnerships in over 40 countries. Engineering applicants should reference the new Innovista campus facilities and research opportunities with faculty. Business students can discuss the Moore School's professional development programs and networking events in Charlotte and Atlanta.
Rolling admissions means you'll hear back within four to six weeks of submitting your complete application, but apply by December 1 for the best scholarship consideration. Your transcript matters more than test scores here, so don't retake standardized tests endlessly if your grades show an upward trend.
Campus culture revolves heavily around football Saturdays and Greek life, though you don't need to participate in either to find your place. Students here tend to be social, career-focused, and pride themselves on Southern hospitality. You'll fit well if you want a traditional college experience with strong alumni connections throughout the Southeast. The campus sits directly in downtown Columbia, so you can walk to internships at the State House or local businesses.
Submit your housing application immediately after admission since popular dorms like Honors residence halls fill up quickly. Consider the Capstone Scholars program if you don't get into Honors College, as it provides similar perks with lower admission requirements. Your application stands out when you show genuine interest in specific USC opportunities rather than treating it as a safety school.
What It Costs If You Get In
- Average Net Price
- $24,532/yr
- Tuition (in-state)
- $12,688
- Tuition (out-of-state)
- $34,934
- Students Receiving Aid
- 19%
After You Graduate
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 77.7%
- Median Earnings (10yr)
- $62,177/yr
- Freshman Retention Rate
- 90.7%
Frequently Asked Questions
Does University of South Carolina-Columbia require SAT or ACT scores for admission?
USC Columbia is test-optional for most applicants. Students can choose whether to submit standardized test scores as part of their application.
What is the application deadline for University of South Carolina-Columbia?
The priority application deadline is December 1 for fall admission. USC Columbia uses rolling admissions, so applications submitted after the priority deadline are reviewed on a space-available basis.
Does University of South Carolina-Columbia offer early decision or early action?
USC Columbia offers early action with a November 15 deadline. Early action is non-binding and gives students an admissions decision by mid-January.
How many credit hours do transfer students need to be admitted to University of South Carolina-Columbia?
Transfer applicants need at least 30 transferable credit hours from regionally accredited institutions. Students with fewer than 30 hours must also submit high school transcripts and may need to meet freshman admission requirements.