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Situated in Columbia, South Carolina's state capital city, USC-Columbia offers an exciting learning environment and diverse cultural and recreational activities. Students can explore Columbia's lively arts scene, dine at diverse culinary establishments, enjoy beautiful parks and outdoor recreation spaces throughout its surroundings, and more. USC-Columbia is ranked #26 of Regional Universities: South according to US News. These universities provide a range of undergraduate and graduate programs; USC-Columbia offers all levels of degree, even doctoral - as well as <1 year, 2-4 year, postbaccalaureate, and post-master’s certificates. USC-Columbia stands out for its academic excellence and dedication to offering a well-rounded education to their students.


Overview of University of South Carolina-Columbia (USC-Columbia)


USC-Columbia stands out among universities because of its strong academic offerings but, more importantly, by its dedication to student engagement and success. They do this by offering access to numerous resources and support services aimed at helping students flourish academically and personally; as well as a vibrant campus life with clubs, organizations, and events to enhance students' college experiences.

General Information


School Type Public
Campus Setting City: Midsize
Campus Housing Yes
Student Faculty Ratio 15:1
Graduation Rate 77%
Year Founded 1801

Student Enrollment


Total Students35,364

Undergraduate
27,502
Graduate
7,862

Undergraduate Student

Male 12,651
12,651
Female 14,851
14,851

Graduate Student

Male 3,617
3,617
Female 4,245
4,245

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USC-Columbia Acceptance Rate and Admissions


APPLICATIONS31,268

Male 12,938
Female 18,330

ACCEPTANCE21,575

Male 9,057
Female 12,464

Acceptance Rate69%

Male 70%
Female 68%

Enrollment 6,257

Male 2,788
Female 3,469
Admissions
Application Fee $65
High School GPA Required
High School Rank Recommended
High School Transcripts Required
College Prep Courses Required
Recommendations NA
SAT/ACT Required
TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) Required
Application Deadline December 1
Common Application Accepted No

USC-Columbia Tuition Cost & Financial Aid


Tuition costs at the University of South Carolina-Columbia depend on several things: residence, program, etc. In-state students paid a tuition of $12,688 in the 2022-23 academic year, while out-of-state students faced higher costs of $33,928.

In addition to tuition costs, students attending USC-Columbia need to consider other expenses they are likely to pay during their education. These include books and supplies (estimated at $1,085), room and board ($11,239-$11,780), and other various costs. There may also be additional fees associated with attendance. These may include fees covering services such as health, technology, athletics, parking, etc.

Students must consider these expenses when planning for their education at the University of South Carolina-Columbia, but scholarships, grants, work-study, loans, and other financial aid opportunities may be available to offset them.

Average net price 2018-2019
Net Price $21,787
Average Total Aid $6,258
Students Receiving Financial Aid 95%
Room & Board $10,962

Sticker Price


  • Tuition In-State - $12,688
  • Tuition Out-of-State - $33,928
  • Books and Supplies - $1,085
  • Room & Board - $10,962
  • Other - $4,386

Popular Academic Programs at USC-Columbia


Academic offerings at the University of South Carolina-Columbia offer something for every interest and career goal, featuring popular majors that equip students for success in their chosen fields. USC-Columbia’s most popular majors include Finance and Financial Management, Public Health, Marketing, Child Development and Psychology, etc. Graduates from these programs can enjoy high starting salaries and ample career advancement prospects upon graduating.

USC-Columbia provides students with access to more than 350 bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degree options. USC-Columbia prides itself on academic excellence and student success - two qualities which make the university an excellent choice for ensuring all its students excel in their chosen fields, with an emphasis on creating well-rounded educations that ensure future success.

Student Population Total


Student Population 35,364

Undergraduate
27,502
Graduate
7,862
Evening Classes : Yes
Online Learning : Yes

Most Popular Programs & Majors

(# of Diplomas Awarded by Subject)


All Business Majors 1690 Total Graduates / 28%
Finance, General 390 Graduates
Marketing/Marketing Management, General 229 Graduates
Management Science 173 Graduates
Retailing and Retail Operations 166 Graduates
All Health Professions and Related Majors 768 Total Graduates / 12%
Public Health, Other 399 Graduates
Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse 239 Graduates
Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Administration, Other 84 Graduates
Athletic Training/Trainer 28 Graduates
All Biological and Biomedical Sciences Majors 594 Total Graduates / 10%
Biology/Biological Sciences, General 278 Graduates
Exercise Physiology and Kinesiology 212 Graduates
Marine Biology and Biological Oceanography 54 Graduates
Biochemistry and Molecular Biology 50 Graduates
Communication, Journalism, and Related Programs 440 Total Graduates / 7%
Public Relations/Image Management 167 Graduates
Advertising 76 Graduates
Mass Communication/Media Studies 69 Graduates
Digital Communication and Media/Multimedia 52 Graduates
All Engineering Majors 431 Total Graduates / 7%
Mechanical Engineering 186 Graduates
Civil Engineering, General 88 Graduates
Chemical Engineering 59 Graduates
Bioengineering and Biomedical Engineering 40 Graduates
All Other Diplomas 36%

Outcome & Salary


Graduates from the University of South Carolina enjoy very positive outcomes including strong job placement rates, competitive postgraduate salaries, and significant numbers enrolling in graduate schools post-graduation.

Recent data show that the university boasts an incredible job placement rate of over 90%, with graduates finding employment within six months, testament to the school’s high-quality education and career guidance. After graduation from University of South Carolina-Columbia, graduates can expect an average starting salary of $55,000 upon entering the workforce. Over time, however, graduates from this institution have seen their salaries increase steadily, demonstrating the potential long-term financial success graduates can realize upon receiving their degrees.

USC-Columbia has formed strong ties to industry leaders, creating opportunities for students to gain real-world experience and boost their employability. Partnerships with companies such as Boeing, IBM, and Michelin have resulted in internships, research projects, and job placement for graduates.

Overall, the University of South Carolina-Columbia offers its students an outstanding education that produces remarkable outcomes. Their graduates enjoy high job placement rates and competitive postgraduate salaries with notable alumni success stories and industry partnerships; all this equipping them for success in their chosen careers.

Graduates Salary
College Grads Early Career Salary $53,800
College Grads Average Salary $63,971
College Grads Mid Career Salary $93,600
Return on Investment (ROI)
10 Year Salary Earnings Potential $639,710
20 Year Salary Earnings Potential $1,575,710
Cost of Education (Net Price) 4 Year $87,148
10 Year Projected ROI $552,562
20 Year Projected ROI $1,488,562
No College Education Salary Comparison
National Average Salary $38,792
10 Year Projected Income $387,920
20 Year Projected Income $775,840

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