University of South Carolina Columbia
- 7/10 Overall Rating
- 4 Year
- Columbia, SC
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5.0 1 review
Overview
Total enrollment
38,532- Location Columbia, South Carolina
- Website sc.edu
- Type Public 4 Year
- Setting Midsize City
Best Colleges Rank
#220- Size Large
- Status Non-profit
- 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
UofSC is rated within the top 31% of four-year colleges nationally and earns a CollegeSimply grade of 7 out of 10.
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Overall Rating7 out of 10
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Academics9 out of 10
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Resources6 out of 10
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Outcomes8 out of 10
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Value5 out of 10
Rankings
Rankings for University of South Carolina Columbia within the 2027 CollegeSimply Best Colleges Lists.
Admissions
Admission Standards
- SAT (enrolled mid-50) 1180/1360
- ACT (enrolled mid-50) 26/32
Acceptance Rate
- Applications Due Dec 1, 2026
- Enrollment Rate 22.9%
- Application Fee $65
Applicant Competition Low
Annual Cost to Attend
South Carolina Resident Tuition
$12,688Out of State Resident Tuition
$35,972Breakdown
- Tuition $12,688
- Books and Supplies $1,438
- Other Fees $400
- Room and Board $13,534
- Budget for Other Expenses $4,530
- Total One Year Cost $32,590
- Tuition $35,972
- Books and Supplies $1,438
- Other Fees $400
- Room and Board $13,534
- Budget for Other Expenses $4,530
- Total One Year Cost $55,874
Student Outcomes
Average Salary After 10 Years
Bachelor's Degree Graduation Rate
Popular Areas of Study
Popular majors at University of South Carolina Columbia are Business, Biology, and Social Sciences. 35% of students major in Business, 8% in Biology, and 8% in Social Sciences.
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Business 35%
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Biology 8%
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Social Sciences 8%
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Communication 7%
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Psychology 6%
More Colleges to Consider
Students considering University of South Carolina Columbia are frequently interested in these similar colleges.
Data source: NCES / IPEDS https://nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator/?id=218663.
GPA calculator: University of South Carolina Columbia GPA calculator.
Last updated: August 2026