UofSC vs. Roanoke College

Comparable Facts

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

University of South Carolina Columbia is larger than Roanoke College based on total student enrollment (38,532 students vs. 1,804 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• University of South Carolina Columbia is located in Columbia, SC (Midsize City setting); Roanoke College is in Salem, VA (Midsize Suburban setting).
• University of South Carolina Columbia is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Roanoke College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: University of South Carolina Columbia 19:1; Roanoke College 11:1.

UofSC vs. Roanoke College Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, UofSC or Roanoke 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 University of South Carolina Columbia than Roanoke College ($24,488 vs. $26,044).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at University of South Carolina Columbia are 11.9% lower than at Roanoke College ($13,534 vs. $15,366).
• Roanoke College is 200% more expensive for in-state tuition than UofSC (about $25,380 more per year; $38,068.00 vs. $12,688.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 5.8% higher at Roanoke College than at University of South Carolina Columbia (about $2,096 more per year; $38,068.00 vs. $35,972.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Roanoke College than at University of South Carolina Columbia (100% vs. 91%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Roanoke College students is 294.8% larger than aid received by University of South Carolina Columbia students ($28,188 vs. $7,139).

UofSC vs. Roanoke College Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at University of South Carolina Columbia (1270) is 70 points higher than at Roanoke College (1200).
• Incoming UofSC students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (29 vs. 27 at Roanoke College).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of South Carolina Columbia 1180/1360; Roanoke College 1090/1300.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of South Carolina Columbia 26/32; Roanoke College 24/31.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: UofSC - Test optional; Roanoke College - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: UofSC Dec 1, 2026.
• Accepted freshman UofSC students have a 0.13 point higher average high school GPA (3.69) than students at Roanoke College (3.56).
• Roanoke College has a higher acceptance rate (83.1%) than UofSC (60.2%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 22.9% at UofSC vs. 9.7% at Roanoke College.

UofSC vs. Roanoke College Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for UofSC and Roanoke 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 Roanoke College's (69%).
• Graduates from University of South Carolina Columbia earn a median of about $500 more per year than Roanoke College graduates about ten years after starting college ($51,700 vs. $51,200), 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 Roanoke College graduates ($23,250 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, UofSC graduates have an estimated $39 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Roanoke College graduates ($240 vs. $279).
• More Roanoke College graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former UofSC students, three years after graduation. (75% 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.