UofSC vs. Hollins College

Comparable Facts

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

University of South Carolina Columbia is larger than Hollins College based on total student enrollment (38,532 students vs. 761 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• University of South Carolina Columbia is located in Columbia, SC (Midsize City setting); Hollins University is in Roanoke, VA (Midsize Suburban setting).
• University of South Carolina Columbia is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Hollins University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: University of South Carolina Columbia 19:1; Hollins University 8:1.

UofSC vs. Hollins College Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, UofSC or Hollins College? 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 Hollins University than UofSC ($22,605 vs. $24,488).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at University of South Carolina Columbia are 14.3% lower than at Hollins University ($13,534 vs. $15,800).
• Hollins University is 243.3% more expensive for in-state tuition than UofSC (about $30,872 more per year; $43,560.00 vs. $12,688.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 21.1% higher at Hollins College than at University of South Carolina Columbia (about $7,588 more per year; $43,560.00 vs. $35,972.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Hollins University than at University of South Carolina Columbia (100% vs. 91%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Hollins University students is 406.4% larger than aid received by University of South Carolina Columbia students ($36,154 vs. $7,139).

UofSC vs. Hollins College Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, UofSC or Hollins College? 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 Hollins College and UofSC.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at University of South Carolina Columbia (1270) is 20 points higher than at Hollins College (1250).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of South Carolina Columbia 1180/1360; Hollins University 1150/1340.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of South Carolina Columbia 26/32.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: UofSC - Test optional; Hollins College - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: UofSC Dec 1, 2026.
• Accepted freshman Hollins College students have a 0.07 point higher average high school GPA (3.76) than students at UofSC (3.69).
• Hollins College has a higher acceptance rate (68%) than UofSC (60.2%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 22.9% at UofSC vs. 9.6% at Hollins College.

UofSC vs. Hollins College Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for UofSC and Hollins College? 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 Hollins University's (63%).
• Graduates from University of South Carolina Columbia earn a median of about $16,100 more per year than Hollins College graduates about ten years after starting college ($51,700 vs. $35,600), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, University of South Carolina Columbia graduates have a $3,750 lower median loan debt than Hollins College graduates ($23,250 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, UofSC graduates have an estimated $39 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Hollins College graduates ($240 vs. $279).
• More UofSC graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Hollins College students, three years after graduation. (69% vs. 57%)

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.