Alabama vs. UofSC

Comparable Facts

Compare The University of Alabama in Tuscaloosa, AL with University of South Carolina Columbia in Columbia, SC on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

The University of Alabama is larger than UofSC based on total student enrollment (40,846 students vs. 38,532 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• The University of Alabama is located in Tuscaloosa, AL (Small City setting); University of South Carolina Columbia is in Columbia, SC (Midsize City setting).
• The University of Alabama is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. University of South Carolina Columbia is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: The University of Alabama 19:1; University of South Carolina Columbia 19:1.

Alabama vs. UofSC Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Alabama 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 The University of Alabama than UofSC ($22,559 vs. $24,488).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at University of South Carolina Columbia are 9.9% lower than at The University of Alabama ($13,534 vs. $15,016).
• University of South Carolina Columbia is 4.2% more expensive for in-state tuition than Alabama (about $508 more per year; $12,688.00 vs. $12,180.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 5.3% higher at UofSC than at The University of Alabama (about $1,800 more per year; $35,972.00 vs. $34,172.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at University of South Carolina Columbia than at The University of Alabama (91% vs. 80%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by The University of Alabama students is 145.2% larger than aid received by University of South Carolina Columbia students ($17,503 vs. $7,139).

Alabama vs. UofSC Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Alabama 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 Alabama.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at The University of Alabama (1290) is 20 points higher than at UofSC (1270).
• Incoming UofSC students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (29 vs. 27 at Alabama).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: The University of Alabama 1170/1400; University of South Carolina Columbia 1180/1360.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: The University of Alabama 24/31; University of South Carolina Columbia 26/32.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Alabama - Test optional; UofSC - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Alabama May 1, 2027; UofSC Dec 1, 2026.
• Accepted freshman Alabama students have a 0.07 point higher average high school GPA (3.76) than students at UofSC (3.69).
• Alabama has a higher acceptance rate (76.6%) than UofSC (60.2%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 18.5% at Alabama vs. 22.9% at UofSC.

Alabama vs. UofSC Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Alabama 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).

• University of South Carolina Columbia's six-year graduation rate (70%) is higher than The University of Alabama's (66%).
• Graduates from University of South Carolina Columbia earn a median of about $1,800 more per year than Alabama graduates about ten years after starting college ($51,700 vs. $49,900), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, University of South Carolina Columbia graduates have a $500 lower median loan debt than Alabama graduates ($23,250 vs. $23,750).
• Among borrowers, UofSC graduates have an estimated $5 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Alabama graduates ($240 vs. $245).
• More UofSC graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Alabama students, three years after graduation. (69% vs. 59%)

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.