University of South Carolina-Union: 80.1% Acceptance Rate

80.1%Acceptance

$7,558Tuition

267Students

38%Grad Rate (6-yr)

$33,699Earnings

Public2-yearSAT/ACT Test BlindNJCAAData: 2023-24

About University of South Carolina-Union

This small regional campus serves 267 students in Union, a town about an hour southeast of Spartanburg. USC Union functions as a two-year feeder school for the larger USC system, helping students complete core requirements before transferring. The campus maintains the intimate feel of a community college while offering the resources of a major state university. With an 80% acceptance rate, USC Union provides accessible higher education to students who might not qualify for the main campus immediately.

Students pay an average net price of $11,125 after financial aid, with in-state residents facing $7,558 in tuition. Low-income families pay just $7,131 net price, making this one of the more affordable options in South Carolina. Graduates earn a median of $33,699 ten years after enrollment, though many transfer before completing their degree here. Students graduate with a manageable $11,000 in median debt and monthly loan payments of $117.

The Bantams compete in four NJCAA sports with 111 total athletes receiving $563,055 in athletic scholarships. Men slightly outnumber women at 55% of enrollment. Nearly 94% of students come from South Carolina, creating a tight-knit community atmosphere. The 17:1 student-faculty ratio ensures personalized attention in this transfer-focused environment.

Academics & Faculty

The University of South Carolina-Union serves as a regional campus offering two-year programs that prepare students for transfer or immediate workforce entry. With 267 students and a 17:1 student-faculty ratio, classes stay small enough for professors to know individual students. The 37.50% six-year graduation rate reflects the challenges many community college students face balancing work and family responsibilities. USC-Union functions as a stepping stone, providing affordable access to University of South Carolina coursework without the Columbia campus price tag. Students typically pursue general education requirements, business fundamentals, or career-focused certificates. The campus emphasizes practical skills training that connects directly to local job markets in the Union area.

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

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 17:1
Full-Time Faculty: 26.3%
Graduation Rate (6-year): 37.5%
Median Earnings (10 years): $33,699

Campus Life

USC Union sits in a small South Carolina town about 50 miles southeast of Charlotte. With just 267 students, this regional campus creates an intimate environment where the 17:1 student-faculty ratio means professors know your name. The mild Southern climate requires light jackets in winter but plenty of sunscreen for hot, humid summers.

Nearly 94% of students come from in-state, giving the campus a tight-knit South Carolina feel. As a commuter campus with no residence halls, students drive home after classes or gather in the student center. The Bantams compete in four NJCAA sports with 111 total athletes, creating school spirit despite the small size. Basketball games and baseball provide weekend entertainment when students aren't working part-time jobs.

Many students use USC Union as an affordable stepping stone to complete general education requirements before transferring to the main Columbia campus. The $11,000 median debt keeps student loans manageable while 53% receive institutional grants averaging $7,587. Weekend social life centers around nearby Lake Monticello and trips to Charlotte for bigger city amenities.

Setting: Town-Distant
Calendar System: Semester

Campus Safety (2023)

No reported Clery Act crimes in 2023.

Climate & Weather

January Avg: 27°–53°F
July Avg: 67°–91°F
Annual Precipitation: 112.7"
Annual Snowfall: 5.9"

Student Demographics

USC Union draws students primarily from South Carolina and the surrounding region, with nearly all coming from in-state. The student body leans slightly male, reflecting the school's strong technical and workforce programs that appeal to men seeking career training. About one in six students is Black, mirroring the demographics of Union County and the broader Upstate region. The campus serves as an affordable starting point for students who want to stay close to home while earning credits or completing career-focused programs before entering the workforce or transferring to four-year universities.

Men: 55.1%
Women: 44.9%
White: 66.7%
Black: 16.1%
Hispanic: 4.1%
Asian: 0.8%
In-State Students: 93.9%
Pell Grant Recipients: 11.2%

Location

Union sits in the South Carolina Upstate, about 50 miles southeast of Charlotte and 70 miles northwest of Columbia. This small textile town of roughly 8,000 residents represents classic rural South Carolina, surrounded by rolling hills and farmland. The campus serves as one of the University of South Carolina system's regional locations. With 93.94% of students coming from in-state, the college draws heavily from local communities seeking affordable higher education close to home. The town offers a quiet, small-community atmosphere where students can focus on academics without big-city distractions. Students considering colleges in South Carolina may also compare University of South Carolina-Union with similar schools in the region.

Address: Union, South Carolina 29379-0729

After College

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

Median Earnings (10 years): $33,699
Median Earnings (5 years): $39,773
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry): $24,000
Loan Repayment Rate: 22.7%
Monthly Loan Payment: $117/mo
Median Debt at Graduation: $11,000

Frequently Asked Questions

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

University of South Carolina-Union accepts 80% of applicants, making admission relatively accessible for most students. As a regional campus of the USC system, it serves as a stepping stone for students looking to complete their first two years before transferring to the main campus in Columbia.

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

The average net price is $11,125 after aid, though costs vary by family income. Students from families earning under $30,000 pay just $7,131 on average, while those from higher-income families pay up to $15,813.

What is the student-faculty ratio at University of South Carolina-Union?

The campus maintains a 17:1 student-faculty ratio with just 267 total students enrolled. This small size creates an intimate learning environment typical of USC's regional campuses, where students receive more personalized attention than at larger universities.

What are the job prospects after attending University of South Carolina-Union?

Graduates achieve a 96.4% employment rate, demonstrating strong job placement success. However, median earnings start at $19,993 one year after graduation and rise to $33,699 after ten years, reflecting the associate degree focus of this two-year institution.

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

The campus sits in Union, South Carolina, a small town setting where 94% of students are from in-state. With 111 athletes competing in four NJCAA sports as the Bantams, the school offers a close-knit community feel despite its small size.

Does University of South Carolina-Union offer good financial aid?

Only 11% of students receive federal Pell Grants, but 53% receive institutional grants averaging $7,587. The low debt burden of $11,000 median and $117 monthly loan payments makes this an affordable option for completing prerequisite coursework.