University of South Carolina-Sumter: 71.9% Acceptance Rate

71.9%Acceptance

$7,558Tuition

631Students

36%Grad Rate (6-yr)

$42,437Earnings

Public2-yearSAT/ACT Test BlindNJCAAData: 2023-24

About University of South Carolina-Sumter

USC Sumter serves as a stepping stone into the University of South Carolina system for students seeking affordable higher education close to home. This two-year regional campus enrolls 631 students in a small city setting, focusing on associate degrees and transfer programs that prepare students for four-year universities. Nearly 97% of students come from South Carolina, creating a tight-knit community where local connections run deep.

The financial picture tells a compelling story about accessibility. Students pay an average net price of $9,283 after aid, with those from families earning under $30,000 paying just $6,024. Graduates typically leave with $9,250 in debt and monthly loan payments of only $98. Ten years after starting, median earnings reach $42,437, making the investment reasonable for a two-year degree. The low debt burden reflects the school's mission as an affordable entry point to higher education.

USC Sumter competes in nine NJCAA sports with 128 total athletes, providing opportunities often missing at larger community colleges. The 18:1 student-faculty ratio ensures personal attention, though the 36% six-year graduation rate suggests many students transfer before completing their associate degrees. About 54% of students are women, and the campus serves a diverse population with significant representation from Black and Hispanic communities.

Academics & Faculty

USC Sumter serves as a regional two-year campus focused on associate degrees and seamless transfer pathways to four-year universities within the South Carolina system. The 18:1 student-faculty ratio provides more personalized attention than typical community colleges, though the 36% six-year graduation rate reflects the challenges many two-year students face balancing education with work and family obligations. Students can complete general education requirements at lower costs before transferring to USC's main campus or other four-year institutions. The campus emphasizes accessibility and affordability for working adults and traditional students seeking either career-focused associate degrees or the first two years of a bachelor's degree program.

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

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 18:1
Full-Time Faculty: 51.4%
Graduation Rate (6-year): 36.1%
Median Earnings (10 years): $42,437

Campus Life

This small regional campus serves 631 students in Sumter, a city of about 40,000 located 45 miles east of Columbia. With 97% of students from South Carolina, you'll find a tight-knit community where most commute from home rather than living on campus. The 18:1 student-faculty ratio means professors know your name, not just your student ID number.

Sumter's humid subtropical climate brings hot, sticky summers and mild winters where a light jacket usually suffices. Students often gather at the campus commons between classes, and many work part-time jobs in town given the strong local ties. Weekend activities center around Columbia road trips for USC football games or exploring Congaree National Park. The campus operates on a semester system with a practical focus on transfer preparation and workforce development. With only 37% receiving institutional grants, many students appreciate the affordable in-state tuition of $7,558. The 128 student-athletes competing in nine NJCAA sports add school spirit to what feels more like an extended high school than a traditional college campus.

Setting: City-Small
Calendar System: Semester

Campus Safety (2023)

1 total reported incident. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education

Campus safety incidents by location
Offense	On Campus	Residential	Noncampus	Public Property
Burglary	1	0	0	0

Climate & Weather

January Avg: 32°–54°F
July Avg: 69°–90°F
Annual Precipitation: 46.9"
Annual Snowfall: -777.3"

Student Demographics

USC Sumter draws almost entirely from South Carolina, with 97% of students calling the state home. This strong local pull reflects the campus's role as an affordable pathway into the USC system for regional students. The student body is diverse, with nearly half from minority backgrounds, including a substantial Black student population that mirrors the surrounding Sumter community. Women slightly outnumber men, typical for two-year colleges where students often pursue healthcare, education, and business programs. The campus serves as a crucial access point for first-generation college students seeking University of South Carolina credentials close to home.

Men: 46.8%
Women: 53.3%
White: 53.9%
Black: 23.6%
Hispanic: 8.9%
Asian: 2.1%
In-State Students: 96.7%
Pell Grant Recipients: 16.1%

Location

The University of South Carolina-Sumter sits in Sumter, South Carolina, about 45 miles east of Columbia, the state capital. This small city of roughly 40,000 residents serves as a regional center in the heart of South Carolina's Midlands region. Sumter blends small-town charm with military heritage, anchored by Shaw Air Force Base which shapes the local economy and culture. The campus draws 96.67% of its 631 students from within South Carolina, reflecting its role as a local educational option. Rolling farmland and pine forests surround the area, creating a distinctly Southern atmosphere away from major metropolitan centers. Students considering colleges in South Carolina may also compare University of South Carolina-Sumter with similar schools in the region.

Address: Sumter, South Carolina 29150-2498

After College

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

Median Earnings (10 years): $42,437
Median Earnings (5 years): $40,563
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry): $29,900
Loan Repayment Rate: 39.6%
Monthly Loan Payment: $98/mo
Median Debt at Graduation: $9,250

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the acceptance rate at University of South Carolina-Sumter?

USC-Sumter accepts 71.86% of applicants, making it moderately selective for a two-year institution. As a regional campus of the University of South Carolina system, it primarily serves local students with 96.67% coming from in-state.

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

Students pay an average net price of $9,283 after aid, with lower-income families paying as little as $6,024. In-state tuition runs $7,558 while out-of-state students pay $18,238, though very few non-residents attend this regional campus.

What academic programs does University of South Carolina-Sumter offer?

The campus offers associate degrees and transfer programs with a student-faculty ratio of 18:1. With 631 students enrolled, it provides a smaller college environment focused on helping students transfer to four-year institutions or enter the workforce directly.

What are the graduation and employment outcomes at University of South Carolina-Sumter?

The six-year graduation rate stands at 36.10%, which is typical for two-year institutions where many students transfer before completing degrees. Graduates earn a median of $42,437 ten years after enrollment, and the employment rate reaches 89.8%.

Where is University of South Carolina-Sumter located and what is campus life like?

The campus sits in Sumter, South Carolina, a small city setting that serves the local community. With 128 student-athletes competing in 9 NJCAA sports and receiving $69,102 in athletic scholarships, the school maintains an active athletic program despite its modest size.

How manageable is student debt at University of South Carolina-Sumter?

Graduates carry a median debt of just $9,250, among the lowest debt loads you'll find at any college. Monthly loan payments average only $98, making this an affordable stepping stone for students planning to transfer or enter careers requiring associate degrees.