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A-
Overall Niche Grade
How are grades calculated?
  1. Academics
    A-
  2. Value
    A-
  3. Diversity
    B+
  4. Campus
    A-
  5. Athletics
    A+
  6. Party Scene
    A+
  7. Professors
    A
  8. Location
    A-
  9. Dorms
    C+
  10. Campus Food
    B+
  11. Student Life
    A
  12. Safety
    C
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University of South Carolina is ...
Public
Athletic Division
NCAA Division I-FBS
Athletic Conference
Southeastern Conference
Address
Lieber College 902 Sumter Street
Columbia, SC 29201
Website
sc.edu

University of South Carolina Rankings

Niche rankings are based on rigorous analysis of key statistics from the U.S. Department of Education and millions of reviews.

Admissions

Acceptance Rate
68%
Application Deadline
December 1
SAT Range
1120-1300
ACT Range
25-30
Application Fee
$65
SAT/ACT
Required
High School GPA
Required
Early Decision/Early Action
Yes
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Cost

Net Price
$19,913/ year
National
$15,523
Average cost after financial aid for students receiving grant or scholarship aid, as reported by the college.
Net Price by Household Income
  • <$30k
    $12,476/ year
  • $30-48k
    $16,179/ year
  • $49-75k
    $19,581/ year
  • $76-110k
    $20,815/ year
  • $110k+
    $22,529/ year
Student Loan Options from Lenders
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  • Affordable fixed or variable rates
  • No application, origination or disbursement fees
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  • Loans from community lenders that put people before profits
  • Easy, online app with ability to add a cosigner in minutes
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  • Simple, straightforward student loans with an easy application
  • Flexible repayment options, and strong borrower protections

Academics

Professors
A
Based on faculty accomplishments, salary, student reviews, and additional factors.
Student Faculty Ratio
18:1
Evening Degree Programs
Yes
73%
of students agree that professors put a lot of effort into teaching their classes.208 responses
51%
of students agree that it is easy to get the classes they want.218 responses
65%
of students agree that the workload is easy to manage.217 responses

Majors

Most Popular Majors
  • Finance
    437 Graduates
  • Marketing
    383 Graduates
  • Business Administration and Management
    355 Graduates
  • Exercise Physiology
    274 Graduates
  • Biology
    271 Graduates
  • Research and Experimental Psychology
    271 Graduates
  • Public Health
    240 Graduates
  • Management Sciences and Information Systems
    234 Graduates
  • Criminal Justice and Law Enforcement Administration
    233 Graduates
  • Nursing
    208 Graduates

Students

Full-Time Enrollment
24,382Undergrads
Undergrads Over 25
4%
Pell Grant
17%
Varsity Athletes
2%
Poll
What one word or phrase best describes the typical student at this school?
Based on 140 responses
Report
  • School Spirit
    25%
  • Ambitious
    13%
  • What sorority are you in?
    12%
  • Content
    10%
  • Focused
    9%
  • Energetic
    9%
  • Greek
    8%

Campus Life

Freshmen Live On-Campus
—
Poll
53%
of students say that Greek life is pretty big.286 responses
Poll
59%
of students say varsity sports are a big part of campus life.353 responses
Poll
What one word or phrase best describes your school?
Based on 141 responses
Report
  • Lots of choices
    23%
  • Awesome
    17%
  • Fun
    15%
  • Perfect
    14%
  • Average
    7%
  • Charming
    7%
  • Great
    4%

After College

Median Earnings 6 Years After Graduation
$43,000/ year
National
$33,028
Graduation Rate
73%
National
49%
Employed 2 Years After Graduation
94%
National
83%
89%
of students feel confident they will find a job in their field after graduation.139 responses
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University of South Carolina Reviews

3,926 reviews
All Categories
I am an out of state student attending USC for the first year of pursuing a 4 year degree. In the beginning I was uncomfortable with my transition and unable to feel at home. Through clubs and sports teams I was able to develop new friendships and life skills that made me feel more at home. There are so many opportunities presented to students at USC that all should take advantage of. One of the most important things that is clearly valued here, is academics. My professors so far have been some of the most passionate people I have met. A favorite course I have taken here has been environmental ethics. I took this course as a philosophy requirement and it inspired me to change my major to environmental studies. The professor and the course material inspired me to make a decision that I will not soon regret. I am more than happy to say that I am a student at USC. If someone decides to attend school here, I bet they will say the same thing. Go Gamecocks!
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Coming from Maryland, I absolutely loved spending 4 years in Columbia. With a student population of over 30,000 it was amazing that I felt like I went to a small school. Being an SEC school made for very fun athletic events, there was always something going on on campus, and the university president is very present on campus which is something not common at other public state schools. Columbia is very much a college town but has career opportunities for those looking to stay. Also, it's central location makes for a pleasant drive to Charlotte, Charleston, or Atlanta!
The University of South Carolina is a superb school! I was delighted to meet so many students from around the country (and world). Nearly half of the student population is out-of-state. This creates a dynamic and diverse environment. Because of USC's Honors College and willingness to give major scholarships, the university attracts truly top-notch students. I have been challenged and motivated throughout my time here. Besides the great academic environment, this is a FUN school! There is always something going on. USC football and the famous Five Points bar scene have to be experienced first hand!