HPU vs. UofSC

Comparable Facts

Compare High Point University in High Point, NC 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 HPU based on total student enrollment (38,532 students vs. 6,331 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• High Point University is located in High Point, NC (Midsize City setting); University of South Carolina Columbia is in Columbia, SC (Midsize City setting).
• High Point 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: High Point University 21:1; University of South Carolina Columbia 19:1.

HPU vs. UofSC Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, HPU 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 HPU ($24,488 vs. $43,086).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at University of South Carolina Columbia are 28.5% lower than at High Point University ($13,534 vs. $18,924).
• High Point University is 257.1% more expensive for in-state tuition than UofSC (about $32,624 more per year; $45,312.00 vs. $12,688.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 26% higher at HPU than at University of South Carolina Columbia (about $9,340 more per year; $45,312.00 vs. $35,972.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at High Point University than at University of South Carolina Columbia (95% vs. 91%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by High Point University students is 217.5% larger than aid received by University of South Carolina Columbia students ($22,664 vs. $7,139).

HPU vs. UofSC Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, HPU 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 HPU.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at University of South Carolina Columbia (1270) is 50 points higher than at HPU (1220).
• Incoming UofSC students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (29 vs. 28 at HPU).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: High Point University 1110/1320; University of South Carolina Columbia 1180/1360.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: High Point University 24/33; University of South Carolina Columbia 26/32.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: HPU - Test optional; UofSC - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: HPU Mar 1, 2027; UofSC Dec 1, 2026.
• Accepted freshman UofSC students have a 0.29 point higher average high school GPA (3.69) than students at HPU (3.4).
• HPU has a higher acceptance rate (75.3%) than UofSC (60.2%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 11.5% at HPU vs. 22.9% at UofSC.

HPU vs. UofSC Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for HPU 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).

• Graduates from University of South Carolina Columbia earn a median of about $9,700 more per year than HPU graduates about ten years after starting college ($51,700 vs. $42,000), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, High Point University graduates have a $829 lower median loan debt than UofSC graduates ($22,421 vs. $23,250).
• Among borrowers, HPU graduates have an estimated $9 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than UofSC graduates ($231 vs. $240).
• More UofSC graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former HPU students, three years after graduation. (69% 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.