Overview
Enrollment
Best Colleges Rank
| Location | Columbia, South Carolina |
| Online | sc.edu |
| School Type | Public 4 Year |
| Setting | Midsize City |
| Size | Large |
| Status | Non-profit |
| On Campus Housing | Yes |
| Level of Study | Undergrad/Graduate |
The University of South Carolina's main campus is located in downtown Columbia, the state's capital city, occupying more than 350 acres along a traditional urban grid. Founded in 1801, the institution features a mix of historic antebellum buildings and modern academic facilities, with the Horseshoe area serving as the original campus core and now listed on the National Register of Historic Places. USC Columbia operates as a major public research university, maintaining selective admission standards while serving as the state's flagship institution. The university offers comprehensive academic programs across multiple disciplines, with notable strength in international business, public health, hospitality management, and journalism through its nationally recognized schools. Students typically reside in campus housing during their first year, with multiple residential options available across campus, while the institution's NCAA Division I athletic programs compete in the Southeastern Conference as the Gamecocks.
Ratings
Overall
Academics
Resources
Outcomes
Value
UofSC is rated within the top 31% of four-year colleges nationally and earns a CollegeSimply grade of 7 out of 10. Learn how ratings are calculated
Rankings
Rankings for University of South Carolina Columbia within the 2024 CollegeSimply Best Colleges Lists.
#208 in Best Colleges in the U.S.
#51 in Best Public Colleges in the U.S.
#4 in Best Colleges in South Carolina
#2 in Best Public Colleges in South Carolina
#493 in Best Value Colleges in the U.S.
#7 in Best Value Colleges in South Carolina
View the CollegeSimply ranking methodology.
Getting In
Admission Standards
| SAT | 1180/1380 |
| ACT | 27/32 |
| Estimated GPA | 3.69 |
Applications Accepted
| Applications Due | Dec 1, 2024 |
| Applicant Competition | Low |
| Application Fee | $65 |
Annual Cost to Attend
South Carolina Resident Tuition
| Fee | Cost |
|---|---|
| Books and Supplies | $1,085 |
| Other Fees | $400 |
| Room and Board | $11,780 |
| Budget for Other Expenses | $4,386 |
| Total One Year Cost | $29,939 |
Out of State Resident Tuition
| Fee | Cost |
|---|---|
| Books and Supplies | $1,085 |
| Other Fees | $400 |
| Room and Board | $11,780 |
| Budget for Other Expenses | $4,386 |
| Total One Year Cost | $51,179 |
Outcomes
Average Salary After 10 Years
Bachelor's Degree Graduation Rate
Popular Areas of Study
| Subject | Percent of Class |
|---|---|
| Business | 35% |
| Biology | 8% |
| Social Sciences | 8% |
| Communication | 7% |
| Psychology | 6% |
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Questions and Answers
CollegeSimply Advisor posts about University of South Carolina Columbia.
Primary data source, U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator/?id=218663 IPEDS survey data for University of South Carolina Columbia.
Current students may use the University of South Carolina Columbia GPA calculator to determine their current college GPA.
Last updated February 24, 2024