About University of South Carolina-Columbia

Founded in 1801, University of South Carolina-Columbia. is a Public college. Located in South Carolina, which is a city setting in South Carolina, the campus itself is Urban. The campus is home to 25,556 full time undergraduate students, and 8,543 full time graduate students.

The University of South Carolina-Columbia Academic calendar runs on a Semester basis. In the school year the student to faculty ratio was 18:1. There are 1395 full time instructional teachers. Degrees awarded at University of South Carolina-Columbia include: Bachelor's Degree, Masters Degree, Post-master's certificate, Doctor's degree.

Quick Facts

Acceptance Rate68%
Application Deadline
Application Fee65
SAT Range1120-1300
ACT Range25-30

Admissions at USC are considered Selective, with ,216% of all applicants being admitted.

In the school year, of the students who applied to the school, only 20 of those who were admitted eventually ended up enrolling.

91% of incoming freshmen are in the top half of their high school class. 62% were in the top quarter, and 28% were in the top tenth. You can apply online.

STUDENT LIFE

We asked, and students answered these important questions about student life at University of South Carolina-Columbia.

2%
“We”re apathetic”
32%
“We know about current events and vote”
60%
“We participate and encourage others to get involved”
6%
“There”s nothing we won”t protest”
3%
“We save it for the classroom”
15%
“Sometimes, but not often”
61%
“There”s usually intelligent conversation to be found”
21%
“All the time, including weekends”
2%
“I”m always terrified”
8%
“I only go out in groups”
43%
“I usually let someone know where I”m going”
47%
“I feel extremely safe”
4%
“We don”t play sports”
0%
“We play recreationally”
4%
“We bought the gear”
92%
“We live for the big game”
7%
“It”s not really our thing”
17%
“Occasinally we gallery crawl”
64%
“There are a variety of opportunities”
12%
“We”re a very artistic group”
3%
“Haven”t met them”
4%
“Available in class”
65%
“They keep regular office hours”
29%
“They”re always available”
2%
“No greek life, but other groups to join”
6%
“There is some involvement, but not a lot”
85%
“Plenty of people join a sorority or fraternity”
8%
“It”s everything. If you”re not greek, you”re a geek”
3%
“We”re not into drinking at all”
13%
“Maybe a little, but it”s not a big thing”
30%
“We only party on weekends”
54%
“There”s some drinking happening every night”
8%
“Never, we”re here to learn”
53%
“There might be people who do”
34%
“People are known to partake on weekends”
6%
“There”s a huge drug scene”
2%
“We”re apathetic”
32%
“We know about current events and vote”
60%
“We participate and encourage others to get involved”
6%
“There”s nothing we won”t protest”
3%
“We save it for the classroom”
15%
“Sometimes, but not often”
61%
“There”s usually intelligent conversation to be found”
21%
“All the time, including weekends”
2%
“I”m always terrified”
8%
“I only go out in groups”
43%
“I usually let someone know where I”m going”
47%
“I feel extremely safe”
4%
“We don”t play sports”
0%
“We play recreationally”
4%
“We bought the gear”
92%
“We live for the big game”
7%
“It”s not really our thing”
17%
“Occasinally we gallery crawl”
64%
“There are a variety of opportunities”
12%
“We”re a very artistic group”
3%
“Haven”t met them”
4%
“Available in class”
65%
“They keep regular office hours”
29%
“They”re always available”
2%
“No greek life, but other groups to join”
6%
“There is some involvement, but not a lot”
85%
“Plenty of people join a sorority or fraternity”
8%
“It”s everything. If you”re not greek, you”re a geek”
3%
“We”re not into drinking at all”
13%
“Maybe a little, but it”s not a big thing”
30%
“We only party on weekends”
54%
“There”s some drinking happening every night”
8%
“Never, we”re here to learn”
53%
“There might be people who do”
34%
“People are known to partake on weekends”
6%
“There”s a huge drug scene”

University of South Carolina-Columbia REVIEWS

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  • How would you rate on-campus housing?

    368 Students rated on-campus housing 3.5 stars. 17 % gave the school a 5.0.

  • How would you rate off-campus housing?

    251 Students rated off-campus housing 3.9 stars. 0 % gave the school a 5.0.

  • How would you rate campus food?

    394 Students rated campus food 3.8 stars. 29 % gave the school a 5.0.

  • How would you rate campus facilities?

    399 Students rated campus facilities 4.2 stars. 41 % gave the school a 5.0.

  • How would you rate class size?

    400 Students rated class size 3.9 stars. 28 % gave the school a 5.0.

  • How would you rate school activities?

    399 Students rated school activities 4.4 stars. 54 % gave the school a 5.0.

  • How would you rate local services?

    399 Students rated local services 4.3 stars. 55 % gave the school a 5.0.

  • How would you rate academics?

    400 Students rated academics 4.1 stars. 43 % gave the school a 5.0.

What's your overall opinion of University of South Carolina-Columbia?

215 Students rated University of South Carolina-Columbia

Jennie - 11/17/2023

One of the standout aspects of UofSC is its commitment to academic excellence. The faculty members are knowledgeable, approachable, and dedicated to helping students succeed. The curriculum is well-structured, offering a balance between theoretical knowledge and practical applications. UofSC prides itself on its commitment to diversity and inclusion. I found the campus to be welcoming and culturally rich. In conclusion, the University of South Carolina has been instrumental in my academic and personal growth. The combination of academic rigor, campus life, and a commitment to diversity makes UofSC a commendable choice for those seeking a well-rounded college experience.

George - 07/27/2023

I absolutely love it. I grew up in the upstate as a Clemson fan so growing up I had a skewed version of the University of South Carolina. I am so glad that I decided to come here instead of anywhere else. I’ve met so many awesome people and got involved and so many organizations that have really made my experience worthwhile and I hope you do the same.

Ilayah - 07/21/2023

I think the University of South Carolina is a great institution that offers a wide range of academic programs and has a diverse student body. USC is located in the heart of Columbia so there are many things to do, you should never get bored. The institution features a welcoming environment that blends elements of a college campus along the Horseshoe with those seen along downtown streets. The football games and sporting events are also usually entertaining. The resources this school has at its disposal to support the academic success of its students have to be its best feature in my opinion. Additionally, there are outstanding dining options on campus. Like any institution, experiences may vary for individuals, so it's essential to research further and consider factors that are important to you when evaluating universities.

China - 04/12/2023

Great school not the best. There are things that can improve but overall it is a great school to attend and be apart of. Some of the academic departments could improve. However UofSC does provide a great variety of on going help and assistances. Campus life on or off campus is great and has alot of fun activities including live games, goat yoga, and other adventures.

University of South Carolina-Columbia FAQS

  1. What is the Acceptance Rate at University of South Carolina-Columbia?

    The fall 2020 acceptance rate for University of South Carolina-Columbia is 68%. That means, out of _____ applications received in 2020 , _____ students were offered admission. The number of males who applied was _____ vs the number of females which was _____.

  2. What should every freshman at your school know before they start?

    As a high school senior, I was overtly concerned about the future, and what would lie ahead for me. Since I have been in college, I have learned to remain focused on the future by having academic goals while still enjoying the present and being flexible. That has been key in helping me to achieve a mind, body, and spiritual balance during my education thus far. For example, in addition to my academic courseload, I am now able to participate in outside leadership and artistic activities in order to become a more well-rounded person. As a university peer leader, I also enjoy helping other students to achieve an academic, social, and physical balance on campus. Reflecting back on my senior year in high school, I would advise my younger self to accept my own shortcomings and to use them as motivation for success. I would also advise myself to enjoy the present moment of life, and to not be afraid to be myself. Thus, while academics are the main reason for attending a university, many life lessons that I have acquired at college have been learned outside of the classroom.

    Read all  326 answers
  3. Describe the students at your school.

    Interesting, fun a pleasure to work with.

    Read all  81 answers
  4. Describe how your school looks to someone who's never seen it.

    USC Columbia is a proud school, with its Gamecock traditions entrenched in the culture of the campus, where Southern hospitality abounds throughout the city of Columbia, SC, and my classmates and peers are always ready with a sunny, "Hey!" when I pass them on the Horshoe, the beautiful and historic center of campus.

    Read all  71 answers
  5. What do you consider the worst thing about your school? Why?

    The lack of diversity is definitely the worst thing about USC. There aren't really people from different cultures or ethnicities like there are in other major universities. There are a lot of in state students or students from the south in general.

    Read all  71 answers
  6. What's unique about your campus?

    Everything

    Read all  62 answers
  7. What kind of person should attend this school?

    It's a pretty laid back school. Perfect for anyone to attend. It is really focused on business and research. It's possible to be a liberal arts major and still be happy and content. Anyone who likes laid back learning and a great environment will love the college.

    Read all  57 answers
  8. What's the one thing you wish someone had told you about freshman year?

    I wish I knew what kind of work load I have been put through so I could be more prepared.

    Read all  53 answers
  9. What kind of person should not attend this school?

    People who do not like large groups in their classes.

    Read all  52 answers
  10. Here's your chance: Say anything about your college!

    There are several opportunities to get involved in extracurricular activities. Students are strongly encouraged to be involved in study abroad programs, community service, clubs, student government, etc. The University's departments offer several tools to help students with financial aid, time management, and guidance for these programs. Unlike many other schools, USC Columbia encourages the idea that hands-on experience is just as important as classroom learning, and there are several pathways available for students looking to expand their interests and become more well-rounded.

    Read all  51 answers
  11. Describe your favorite campus traditions.

    Studnet life outside of acadimics.

    Read all  49 answers
  12. What do you brag about most when you tell your friends about your school?

    Our work out facility. How fun our classes are and how much team spirit we have

    Read all  36 answers
  13. What's the most frustrating thing about your school?

    The most frustrating thing about the University of South Carolina is the lack of adequate parking. It is a large campus in the middle of downtown Columbia and this makes parking extremely difficult.

    Read all  35 answers
  14. What is the stereotype of students at your school? Is this stereotype accurate?

    The university has done a wonderful job making sure that every possible stereotype is found within it's walls.

    Read all  29 answers
  15. What are the academics like at your school?

    Because USC is a bigger school not all of my professors know my name. I personally go see all my professors on the first day of school to get acquainted with them. But the further you get into your major the smaller the classes become. I have found that class participation is mandatory and in the athletic training or psychology major you will have quite a few class participation points in your classes. Within the psychology major students are not very competitive but within the athletic training major, everyone is competitive because we are all looking to get into the program next year. I study most week nights, and most students study during the day. But the thing is everyone's study habits are the habits they choose, so essentially you will choose your own study times and habits.

    Read all  26 answers
  16. What is your overall opinion of this school?

    The University of South Carolina may be the most underrated institution in the Southeast. We are smaller than most other southern state schools, but that makes us all the more accessible to our student body. The school directly reflects the feel of its mother city Columbia. It has a young up and coming feel with a lot of new construction going on to improve facilities, but mixed with old south charm. The faculty are all very nice and helpful and seem to really care about students and the University. There are many fun things to do from the Riverbanks Zoo to bar-hopping in Five Points; whatever you're into. Plus the beach and Charlotte are only an hour and half away! Everyone LOVES Gamecock football and the student section at the games is electrifying! The biggest complaint I've heard are some buildings are falling apart, but there are new dorms and major renovations going on to fix this. There are numerous great of campus apartment options and houses too! I will always remember beating Clemson at football three times in a row! The atmosphere on campus afterwards is electrifying!

    Read all  22 answers
  17. What are the most popular student activities/groups?

    The most popular groups on campus consist of sororities or fraternities. I did not have the financial capability to be in a social sorority so I took the cheaper option and am currently in a service sorority. Also I live in Preston Dormitory which is a living learning community and I am currently a Preston Ambassador. Some students choose not to get involved with their dorm, but it is the best place to meet your best friend. For instance I met my best friend at a Preston cook-out. Also here at Preston we all trust each other and everyone just leaves their door open. There are plenty of opportunities to date at USC because there are a ton of boys/girls. People party on the weekends from Thursday to Sunday. Thursday is college night at the bars so a lot of people go "dt" which means down town to five points that night. But if your not into partying there are a lot of religious opportunities on the weekends or you could see one of the free movies offered by USC. Basically here at USC you just have to dive in and find what you like the best.

    Read all  20 answers
  18. What are your classes like?

    Classes at USC, can be anywhere from huge to small. My favorite class I have ever had during my time here at USC was a spanish class. The class required a lot of studying and was very hard but it only contained 12 people. Everybody in the class knew each others name, we studied together and we were like best friends. This has been reoccurring now that I am out of general education classes and into more of my major concentrated classes. The higher up you go in your major the small the classes are and the more you get to know people that you will be with until graduation.

    Read all  10 answers
  19. Why did you decide to go to this school?

    My options for college were between USC and Syracuse, but I chose USC not only because of the weather, but because of the close community the school has to offer. I love the diversity and the school cultures & traditions. There are so many ways one can get involved and getting involved essentially makes you a more well-rounded individual. Even if you don't like what you belong in at first, or if you don't belong to anything at all there are so many ways to get involved such as, joining one or more of the 1000 clubs, greek life, student government, athletic teams, club teams, honors societies, learning and living communities, etc. I am a huge risk-taker (in a positive way) and there was nothing like leaving NY and starting a life in a completely different state with different people. I definitely experience some culture-shock at first, but being associated by not only one, but two USC schools, I know where I ended up happened for a reason and it was the best decision I ever made. I encourage all my friends to try something new because even at first if it seems scary, like moving away or joining something will a well-known stereotype, you will never know until you try. & taking the risk was definitely worth the thrill.

    Read all  7 answers
  20. Tell us about the sports scene on campus.

    When it's game day in Columbia you will know. Everyone in Columbia will be in the Williams Brice Stadium cheering on the Gamecocks or somewhere watching them on t.v. (unless they have to work) There is a lot of school spirit from students coloring their hair garnet and black, Carolina tattoos on their face, or flying flags on cars.

    Read all  6 answers
  21. Is the stereotype of students at your school accurate?

    Not really, there are so many people at USC there is bound to be a club/group for you!

    Read all  5 answers

Student Body

Students

53%

female

47%

male

25,556

Total Undergrad Enrollment

8,543

Total Grad Students

52%

Out-Of-State

47%

In-State

1%

International

Organizations

387

Student Organizations

24

Fraternities

15

Sororities

Housing

Yes

On-Campus Housing

21%

of students living on campus

Student Diversity

% American Indian/Alaskan Native
N/A
% Asian/Pacific Islander
3%
% Black or African-American
9%
% Hispanic/Latino
4%
% White or Caucasian
76%

TUITION & AID

All students must apply yearly for financial aid. This process starts with the FAFSA. Though financial aid deadlines vary by school, it is a good idea to apply as soon as possible. For the upcoming school year, you can apply as early as October 1 for the FAFSA. Additional school aid will be dependent on the FAFSA results.

91% of students attending University of South Carolina-Columbia receive some sort of financial aid. 18% were awarded federal grants. While 44% received federal loans. Many students do also need to apply for additional private student loans.

Cost Out of State

$30,882

Tuition and fees(Out of state)

$1,023

Books and Supplies

$9,700

Room and Board

41,605

Total On Campus

Actual Cost By Income Level(W/Financial Aid)

Family Income
Cost
$0 - $30K
$12,476
$30 - $48K
$16,179
$48 - $75K
$19,581
$75 - $110K
$20,815
$110K & UP
$22,529

We use student reviews and the most current publicly available data on our school pages. As such, we don't typically remove or edit college information. Sources for school statistics and data include the U.S. Department of Education's National Center for Education Statistics and the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System. Portions of college data include copyrighted material, which is reproduced on this website by permission of Wintergreen Orchard House, a division of Carnegie Communications. © 2009-2016 by Wintergreen Orchard House. All rights reserved.

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