About University of South Carolina-Upstate
USC Upstate serves as the University of South Carolina system's center for the Spartanburg region, drawing 4,008 students to a midsize suburban campus. The university has built its reputation around practical programs in education, business, and nursing that prepare graduates for regional employment needs. With a 78.58% acceptance rate, the school welcomes students across a broad academic spectrum while maintaining selective standards for its professional programs.
Students pay an average net price of $13,725 after financial aid, making this one of the more affordable four-year options in South Carolina. Nearly half of all students receive Pell Grants, reflecting the university's commitment to serving first-generation college students. Graduates earn a median salary of $48,587 ten years after graduation, while carrying typical debt loads of $22,310. The monthly loan payment of $237 represents a manageable burden for most graduates entering the regional job market.
Women comprise 65.62% of the student body, reflecting strong enrollment in the university's education and nursing programs. The campus houses only 904 students in residence halls, creating a largely commuter environment where 91.25% of students come from in-state. As Division I Spartans, the athletic program offers 11 varsity sports with $3.7 million in scholarships distributed among 276 student-athletes.
Students pay an average net price of $13,725 after financial aid, making this one of the more affordable four-year options in South Carolina. Nearly half of all students receive Pell Grants, reflecting the university's commitment to serving first-generation college students. Graduates earn a median salary of $48,587 ten years after graduation, while carrying typical debt loads of $22,310. The monthly loan payment of $237 represents a manageable burden for most graduates entering the regional job market.
Women comprise 65.62% of the student body, reflecting strong enrollment in the university's education and nursing programs. The campus houses only 904 students in residence halls, creating a largely commuter environment where 91.25% of students come from in-state. As Division I Spartans, the athletic program offers 11 varsity sports with $3.7 million in scholarships distributed among 276 student-athletes.
Academics & Faculty
USC Upstate functions as a regional full university with particularly strong programs in education, business, and nursing that serve the South Carolina Upstate region. The 15:1 student-faculty ratio provides reasonable access to professors, though the 42% six-year graduation rate suggests many students face challenges completing their degrees. Nearly half of students receive Pell Grants, indicating the school serves a significant population of first-generation and lower-income students who often need additional academic support. The university's focus on practical, career-oriented programs like nursing and education aligns with regional workforce needs. Students here typically pursue degrees that lead directly to employment in healthcare, teaching, and local businesses.
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 15:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 57.1%
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 42.8%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 42.4%
- Retention Rate
- 69.3%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $48,587
- Carnegie Classification
- Baccalaureate College
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Engineering-Related Fields. | Bachelor | $59,124 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Bachelor | $57,512 |
| Computer and Information Sciences, General. | Bachelor | $45,500 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Bachelor | $37,088 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. | Bachelor | $32,888 |
| Health and Physical Education/Fitness. | Bachelor | $32,772 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas. | Bachelor | $32,711 |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections. | Bachelor | $32,439 |
| History. | Bachelor | $32,284 |
| Sociology. | Bachelor | $31,423 |
Campus Life
The Spartanburg campus sits about 30 miles east of Greenville, placing students in the heart of South Carolina's growing Upstate region. With only 904 beds for 4,008 students, most Spartans commute from nearby towns or live off-campus in apartment complexes along the I-85 corridor. The 15:1 student-faculty ratio creates smaller classes where professors know your name, especially important given that 91% of students are South Carolina residents looking for personal attention close to home.
Weekends often revolve around the 11 NCAA Division I athletic programs, though with 276 total athletes at a school of 4,000, the Spartans compete without the massive crowds found at larger universities. Students frequently head to nearby Converse College events or make the short drive to Greenville's downtown scene. The mild Southern climate means outdoor activities year-round, though you'll need a light jacket for winter months. The 66% female student body creates a different social active than typical co-ed campuses, with strong networks forming around the popular nursing and education programs.
Weekends often revolve around the 11 NCAA Division I athletic programs, though with 276 total athletes at a school of 4,000, the Spartans compete without the massive crowds found at larger universities. Students frequently head to nearby Converse College events or make the short drive to Greenville's downtown scene. The mild Southern climate means outdoor activities year-round, though you'll need a light jacket for winter months. The 66% female student body creates a different social active than typical co-ed campuses, with strong networks forming around the popular nursing and education programs.
- Setting
- Suburb-Midsize
- Housing Capacity
- 904 beds
- Calendar System
- Semester
- Study Abroad
- Available
Campus Safety (2023)
18 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education
| Offense | On Campus | Residential | Noncampus | Public Property |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dating Violence | 5 | 3 | 0 | 0 |
| Rape | 3 | 3 | 0 | 0 |
| Domestic Violence | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Stalking | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 31°–54°F
- July Avg
- 68°–90°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 50.2"
- Annual Snowfall
- 0.8"
Student Demographics
USC Upstate draws overwhelmingly from South Carolina, with nine out of ten students coming from in-state. The student body is diverse, with roughly equal numbers of white and minority students creating a multicultural campus environment. Women outnumber men, reflecting the university's strong programs in education and nursing that traditionally attract more female students. Nearly half of all students receive Pell Grants, showing the school serves as an accessible pathway to higher education for working-class families throughout the Upstate region.
- Men
- 34.4%
- Women
- 65.6%
- White
- 46.8%
- Black
- 33.5%
- Hispanic
- 9.1%
- Asian
- 2.9%
- In-State Students
- 91.3%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 45.5%
Location
The University of South Carolina-Upstate sits in Spartanburg, a mid-sized city in the western foothills of South Carolina about 70 miles northwest of Columbia and 80 miles southwest of Charlotte. With 91.25% of students coming from in-state, USC Upstate serves as an anchor for the textile-rich Upstate region known for its rolling hills and proximity to the Blue Ridge Mountains. Spartanburg blends small-town charm with growing industry, hosting BMW's North American headquarters nearby. The 4,008-student campus creates a tight-knit community feel in this former textile center that's evolved into a modern manufacturing center. Students considering colleges in South Carolina may also compare USC Upstate with similar schools in the region.
- Address
- Spartanburg, South Carolina 29303-4999
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $48,587
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $52,851
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $36,400
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 53.9%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $237/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $22,310
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the acceptance rate at University of South Carolina-Upstate?
University of South Carolina-Upstate accepts 78.58% of applicants with an average SAT score of 1050. This regional comprehensive university provides accessible education to students across the Upstate South Carolina area.
How much does University of South Carolina-Upstate cost after financial aid?
The average net price is $13,725, making it affordable for most families. Nearly half of students (45.46%) receive Pell Grants, and those from families earning under $30,000 pay just $11,021 on average.
What is the student-faculty ratio at University of South Carolina-Upstate?
The student-faculty ratio is 15:1 with total enrollment of 4,008 students. The university is known for strong programs in education, business, and nursing that serve the regional workforce needs.
What are the graduation rates at University of South Carolina-Upstate?
The six-year graduation rate is 42.40% with graduates earning a median salary of $48,587 after ten years. The retention rate of 69.34% reflects the challenges many regional universities face with student persistence.
Where do University of South Carolina-Upstate students live on campus?
Housing capacity is 904 students in this suburban Spartanburg setting. With 91.25% of students coming from in-state, many commute from the surrounding Upstate region rather than living on campus.
Does University of South Carolina-Upstate compete in Division I athletics?
The Spartans compete in NCAA Division I with 11 varsity sports and 276 total athletes. The athletic program receives $3.73 million in scholarship funding, contributing to campus life at this regional university.
