UofSC vs. VWC

Comparable Facts

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

University of South Carolina Columbia is larger than VWC based on total student enrollment (38,532 students vs. 1,853 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• University of South Carolina Columbia is located in Columbia, SC (Midsize City setting); Virginia Wesleyan University is in Virginia Beach, VA (Large City setting).
• University of South Carolina Columbia is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Virginia Wesleyan University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: University of South Carolina Columbia 19:1; Virginia Wesleyan University 15:1.

UofSC vs. VWC Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, UofSC or VWC? 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 Virginia Wesleyan University than UofSC ($21,267 vs. $24,488).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Virginia Wesleyan University are 11.9% lower than at University of South Carolina Columbia ($11,930 vs. $13,534).
• Virginia Wesleyan University is 195.6% more expensive for in-state tuition than UofSC (about $24,812 more per year; $37,500.00 vs. $12,688.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 4.2% higher at VWC than at University of South Carolina Columbia (about $1,528 more per year; $37,500.00 vs. $35,972.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Virginia Wesleyan University than at University of South Carolina Columbia (100% vs. 91%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Virginia Wesleyan University students is 319.1% larger than aid received by University of South Carolina Columbia students ($29,923 vs. $7,139).

UofSC vs. VWC Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at University of South Carolina Columbia (1270) is 20 points higher than at VWC (1250).
• Incoming UofSC students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (29 vs. 28 at VWC).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of South Carolina Columbia 1180/1360; Virginia Wesleyan University 1140/1350.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of South Carolina Columbia 26/32; Virginia Wesleyan University 28/29.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: UofSC - Test optional; VWC - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: UofSC Dec 1, 2026.
• Accepted freshman UofSC students have a 0.3 point higher average high school GPA (3.69) than students at VWC (3.39).
• VWC has a higher acceptance rate (72.9%) than UofSC (60.2%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 22.9% at UofSC vs. 11.9% at VWC.

UofSC vs. VWC Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for UofSC and VWC? 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 Virginia Wesleyan University's (48%).
• Graduates from University of South Carolina Columbia earn a median of about $10,000 more per year than VWC graduates about ten years after starting college ($51,700 vs. $41,700), 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 VWC graduates ($23,250 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, UofSC graduates have an estimated $39 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than VWC graduates ($240 vs. $279).
• More UofSC graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former VWC 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.