UofSC vs. Winthrop University

Comparable Facts

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

University of South Carolina Columbia is larger than Winthrop University based on total student enrollment (38,532 students vs. 4,894 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• University of South Carolina Columbia is located in Columbia, SC (Midsize City setting); Winthrop University is in Rock Hill, SC (Small City setting).
• University of South Carolina Columbia is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Winthrop University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: University of South Carolina Columbia 19:1; Winthrop University 13:1.

UofSC vs. Winthrop University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, UofSC or Winthrop University? 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 Winthrop University than UofSC ($16,108 vs. $24,488).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Winthrop University are 18.2% lower than at University of South Carolina Columbia ($11,072 vs. $13,534).
• Winthrop University is 15.7% more expensive for in-state tuition than UofSC (about $1,990 more per year; $14,678.00 vs. $12,688.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 25.4% higher at UofSC than at Winthrop University (about $7,296 more per year; $35,972.00 vs. $28,676.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Winthrop University than at University of South Carolina Columbia (99% vs. 91%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Winthrop University students is 119.7% larger than aid received by University of South Carolina Columbia students ($15,686 vs. $7,139).

UofSC vs. Winthrop University Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at University of South Carolina Columbia (1270) is 150 points higher than at Winthrop University (1120).
• Incoming UofSC students have a 6 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (29 vs. 23 at Winthrop University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of South Carolina Columbia 1180/1360; Winthrop University 1010/1220.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of South Carolina Columbia 26/32; Winthrop University 20/27.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: UofSC - Test optional; Winthrop University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: UofSC Dec 1, 2026.
• Accepted freshman Winthrop University students have a 0.31 point higher average high school GPA (4.0) than students at UofSC (3.69).
• Winthrop University has a higher acceptance rate (79.3%) than UofSC (60.2%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 22.9% at UofSC vs. 15% at Winthrop University.

UofSC vs. Winthrop University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for UofSC and Winthrop University? 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 Winthrop University's (58%).
• Graduates from University of South Carolina Columbia earn a median of about $12,200 more per year than Winthrop University graduates about ten years after starting college ($51,700 vs. $39,500), 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 Winthrop University graduates ($23,250 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, UofSC graduates have an estimated $39 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Winthrop University graduates ($240 vs. $279).
• More UofSC graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Winthrop University students, three years after graduation. (69% vs. 49%)

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.