Overview
Enrollment
| Location | Aiken, South Carolina |
| Online | usca.edu |
| School Type | Public 4 Year |
| Setting | Rural Fringe |
| Size | Small |
| Status | Non-profit |
| On Campus Housing | Yes |
| Level of Study | Undergrad/Graduate |
Located in Aiken, South Carolina, approximately 20 miles from Augusta, Georgia, the University of South Carolina Aiken operates as a public liberal arts university within the University of South Carolina system. The 453-acre suburban campus features Georgian-style architecture and modern academic facilities, including a state-of-the-art science building and performing arts center. USC Aiken maintains selective admission standards and offers comprehensive undergraduate programs, with notable strengths in nursing, business administration, and education. The university provides traditional residence halls and apartment-style housing for students, while competing in NCAA Division II athletics as the Pacers, particularly recognized for its baseball program and consistent conference success.
Ratings
Overall
Academics
Resources
Outcomes
Value
USC Aiken is rated within the lower 35% of four-year colleges nationally and earns a CollegeSimply grade of 4 out of 10. Learn how ratings are calculated
Rankings
Rankings for University of South Carolina Aiken within the 2025 CollegeSimply Best Colleges Lists.
#883 in Best Colleges in the U.S.
#346 in Best Public Colleges in the U.S.
#15 in Best Colleges in South Carolina
#8 in Best Public Colleges in South Carolina
#36 in Best Value Colleges in South Carolina
View the CollegeSimply ranking methodology.
Getting In
Admission Standards
| SAT | 970/1200 |
| ACT | 17/23 |
| Estimated GPA | 3.19 |
Applications Accepted
| Applications Due | Aug 1, 2025 |
| Applicant Competition | Very Low |
| Application Fee | $45 |
Annual Cost to Attend
South Carolina Resident Tuition
| Fee | Cost |
|---|---|
| Books and Supplies | $1,240 |
| Other Fees | $362 |
| Room and Board | $8,736 |
| Budget for Other Expenses | $3,100 |
| Total One Year Cost | $23,836 |
Out of State Resident Tuition
| Fee | Cost |
|---|---|
| Books and Supplies | $1,240 |
| Other Fees | $362 |
| Room and Board | $8,736 |
| Budget for Other Expenses | $3,100 |
| Total One Year Cost | $34,294 |
Outcomes
Average Salary After 10 Years
Bachelor's Degree Graduation Rate
Popular Areas of Study
| Subject | Percent of Class |
|---|---|
| Business | 25% |
| Education | 14% |
| Health Professions | 12% |
| Social Sciences | 9% |
| Recreation, Leisure and Fitness Studies | 9% |
Other Colleges to Consider
Students considering USC Aiken are frequently interested in these similar colleges.
Primary data source, U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator/?id=218645 IPEDS survey data for University of South Carolina Aiken.
Current students may use the University of South Carolina Aiken GPA calculator to determine their current college GPA.
Last updated February 24, 2025