UofSC vs. University of Richmond

Comparable Facts

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

University of South Carolina Columbia is larger than University of Richmond based on total student enrollment (38,532 students vs. 3,722 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• University of South Carolina Columbia is located in Columbia, SC (Midsize City setting); University of Richmond is in University of Richmond, VA (Midsize City setting).
• University of South Carolina Columbia is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. University of Richmond is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: University of South Carolina Columbia 19:1; University of Richmond 7:1.

UofSC vs. University of Richmond Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, UofSC or University of Richmond? 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 University of Richmond ($24,488 vs. $30,037).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at University of South Carolina Columbia are 21% lower than at University of Richmond ($13,534 vs. $17,140).
• University of Richmond is 414.1% more expensive for in-state tuition than UofSC (about $52,542 more per year; $65,230.00 vs. $12,688.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 81.3% higher at University of Richmond than at University of South Carolina Columbia (about $29,258 more per year; $65,230.00 vs. $35,972.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at University of South Carolina Columbia than at University of Richmond (91% vs. 56%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by University of Richmond students is 614.9% larger than aid received by University of South Carolina Columbia students ($51,039 vs. $7,139).

UofSC vs. University of Richmond Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, UofSC or University of Richmond? 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 University of Richmond and UofSC.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at University of Richmond (1470) is 200 points higher than at UofSC (1270).
• Incoming University of Richmond students have a 5 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (34 vs. 29 at UofSC).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of South Carolina Columbia 1180/1360; University of Richmond 1410/1530.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of South Carolina Columbia 26/32; University of Richmond 33/35.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: UofSC - Test optional; University of Richmond - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: UofSC Dec 1, 2026; University of Richmond Jan 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman University of Richmond students have a 0.02 point higher average high school GPA (3.71) than students at UofSC (3.69).
• UofSC has a higher acceptance rate (60.2%) than University of Richmond (22.2%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 22.9% at UofSC vs. 23.5% at University of Richmond.

UofSC vs. University of Richmond Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for UofSC and University of Richmond? 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 Richmond's six-year graduation rate (83%) is higher than University of South Carolina Columbia's (70%).
• Graduates from University of Richmond earn a median of about $22,200 more per year than UofSC graduates about ten years after starting college ($73,900 vs. $51,700), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, University of Richmond graduates have a $2,102 lower median loan debt than UofSC graduates ($21,148 vs. $23,250).
• Among borrowers, University of Richmond graduates have an estimated $22 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than UofSC graduates ($218 vs. $240).
• More University of Richmond 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.