Overview
University of South Carolina-Upstate is a less selective public four-year institution in Spartanburg, South Carolina. The school accepts 78.6% of applicants and enrolls 4,008 students.
Admission Statistics
- Acceptance Rate
- 78.6%
- Average SAT
- 1,050
- SAT Range (25th–75th)
- 950–1,150
- ACT Composite (avg)
- 23
- Total Enrollment
- 4,008
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
You need to submit your application through the Common Application or USC Upstate's online application system by August 1 for fall admission, though the school accepts applications on a rolling basis throughout the year. Submit your high school transcripts, and if you're under 22, you'll need SAT or ACT scores.
Nursing stands out as the most competitive program on campus, requiring separate application materials and earlier deadlines due to limited clinical placements in the region. Engineering programs also maintain higher admission standards than the university average. Business and education programs admit students more readily but still require you to meet prerequisite coursework requirements.
Housing fills up quickly despite the campus size, so submit your housing application immediately after your admission acceptance. The university requires all freshmen under 21 to live on campus unless they live within 30 miles of Spartanburg. You can choose from traditional residence halls or apartment-style housing, with newer facilities available at higher costs.
USC Upstate operates as a smaller campus within the larger USC system, which means smaller class sizes but fewer research opportunities compared to the flagship Columbia campus. You can still access some USC system resources and transfer more easily between campuses if your academic goals change.
The campus sits in Spartanburg's growing healthcare and manufacturing corridor, providing internship opportunities with regional employers like Spartanburg Regional Healthcare System and BMW Manufacturing. Many students work part-time while enrolled, and the career services office maintains strong connections with local businesses for job placement after graduation.
What It Costs If You Get In
- Average Net Price
- $13,725/yr
- Tuition (in-state)
- $11,583
- Tuition (out-of-state)
- $22,545
- Students Receiving Aid
- 45%
After You Graduate
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 42.4%
- Median Earnings (10yr)
- $48,587/yr
- Freshman Retention Rate
- 69.3%
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the admission requirements for University of South Carolina-Upstate?
USC Upstate requires a high school diploma or equivalent, official transcripts, and SAT or ACT scores. The middle 50% SAT range is typically around 970-1130.
Does University of South Carolina-Upstate have early decision or early action?
USC Upstate uses rolling admissions and does not offer early decision or early action programs. Students can apply throughout the admissions cycle until the priority deadline.
What is the application deadline for University of South Carolina-Upstate?
USC Upstate has a priority application deadline of December 1st for fall admission. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis after this date based on space availability.
How do I transfer to University of South Carolina-Upstate?
Transfer students need official transcripts from all previous colleges and must have completed at least 30 credit hours. Students with fewer than 30 hours must also submit high school transcripts and SAT/ACT scores.