Emory vs. UofSC

Comparable Facts

Compare Emory University in Atlanta, GA with University of South Carolina Columbia in Columbia, SC on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

University of South Carolina Columbia is larger than Emory based on total student enrollment (38,532 students vs. 15,175 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Emory University is located in Atlanta, GA (Large Suburban setting); University of South Carolina Columbia is in Columbia, SC (Midsize City setting).
• Emory University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. University of South Carolina Columbia is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Emory University 10:1; University of South Carolina Columbia 19:1.

Emory vs. UofSC Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Emory or UofSC? Published tuition is the sticker price; many students pay less after aid (see average net price below).

• The typical actual cost that students pay to attend (average net price) is less at University of South Carolina Columbia than Emory ($24,488 vs. $27,303).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at University of South Carolina Columbia are 33.1% lower than at Emory University ($13,534 vs. $20,220).
• Emory University is 406.6% more expensive for in-state tuition than UofSC (about $51,592 more per year; $64,280.00 vs. $12,688.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 78.7% higher at Emory than at University of South Carolina Columbia (about $28,308 more per year; $64,280.00 vs. $35,972.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at University of South Carolina Columbia than at Emory University (91% vs. 47%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Emory University students is 688.9% larger than aid received by University of South Carolina Columbia students ($56,319 vs. $7,139).

Emory vs. UofSC Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Emory or UofSC? Typical SAT and ACT scores (same estimates as in the table above), middle 50% test ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between UofSC and Emory.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Emory University (1510) is 240 points higher than at UofSC (1270).
• Incoming Emory students have a 4 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (33 vs. 29 at UofSC).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Emory University 1470/1550; University of South Carolina Columbia 1180/1360.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Emory University 32/35; University of South Carolina Columbia 26/32.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Emory - Test optional; UofSC - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Emory Jan 1, 2027; UofSC Dec 1, 2026.
• Accepted freshman Emory students have a 0.11 point higher average high school GPA (3.8) than students at UofSC (3.69).
• UofSC has a higher acceptance rate (60.2%) than Emory (10.6%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 40.4% at Emory vs. 22.9% at UofSC.

Emory vs. UofSC Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Emory and UofSC? Graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt are common indicators. The bullets below summarize the same federal outcomes fields as the comparison table (College Scorecard / IPEDS where applicable).

• Emory University's six-year graduation rate (90%) is higher than University of South Carolina Columbia's (70%).
• Graduates from Emory University earn a median of about $29,800 more per year than UofSC graduates about ten years after starting college ($81,500 vs. $51,700), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Emory University graduates have a $6,017 lower median loan debt than UofSC graduates ($17,233 vs. $23,250).
• Among borrowers, Emory graduates have an estimated $62 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than UofSC graduates ($178 vs. $240).
• More Emory graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former UofSC students, three years after graduation. (80% vs. 69%)

Sources: U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov IPEDS and College Scorecard https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/. Values reflect the most recent year available in our dataset.