What SAT score do I need for University of South Carolina-Columbia?

University of South Carolina-Columbia's middle 50% SAT range is 1180 to 1360. A score in or above that band keeps you in the conversation; below it, the rest of your application has to do more work.

What ACT score do I need for University of South Carolina-Columbia?

Middle 50% ACT range is 26 to 32. The top of that range or above is what most admitted students submit when they choose to send a score.

What is the acceptance rate at University of South Carolina-Columbia?

University of South Carolina-Columbia admits roughly 60% of applicants. An acceptance rate above 40% means a strong application can land here without high-end stats.

What does University of South Carolina-Columbia actually cost after financial aid?

Average net cost (after institutional aid) is about $22,811 per year. Net cost varies enormously by family income; run the school's net price calculator for an estimate that reflects your situation.

Is University of South Carolina-Columbia a reach, match, or safety for me?

Compare your stats to the middle 50% above. If you are at or below the 25th percentile, treat University of South Carolina-Columbia as a reach. If you are in the middle 50%, it is a match. Above the 75th percentile and the school accepts above 25% overall, it is closer to a safety. Selectivity below 20% should be treated as a reach for everyone, period.

University of South Carolina-Columbia

Columbia, SC · South

Acceptance rate: 60.2%
SAT mid-50: 1180-1360
Cost after aid: $22,811
Graduation rate: 79%

What University of South Carolina-Columbia says matters

How University of South Carolina-Columbia rates each admissions factor in its Common Data Set, with the full published numbers below.

Acceptance rate: 60%; 31,701 of 52,703
Yield: 23%; 7,272 enrolled
SAT mid-50: 1190-1350
ACT mid-50: 26-32
CDS year: 2024-25

Acceptance rate by gender

Men: 55%11,377 of 20,662
Women: 63%20,324 of 32,041

Very important

Academic GPA

Important

Rigor of secondary school record
Class rank
Standardized test scores

Considered

Application essay
Recommendations
Extracurricular activities
Talent or ability
State residency
Volunteer work
Work experience

Not considered

Interview
Character or personal qualities
First generation
Alumni relation
Geographical residence
Religious affiliation or commitment
Level of applicant's interest

The full Common Data Set

Every figure University of South Carolina-Columbia published for 2024-25, section by section.

First-Time, First-Year Admission148

Entrance Exams

In addition, does your institution use applicants' test scores for academic advising?: Yes
AP: X
CLEP: X
Institutional Exam: X
State Exam (specify):: X
Does your institution make use of SAT or ACT scores in admission decisions for first-time, first-year, degree-seeking applicants?: No

Applications

Total first-time, first-year men who applied: 20,662
Total first-time, first-year women who applied: 32,041
Total first-time, first-year another gender who applied: 39,067
Total first-time, first-year men who were admitted: 11,377
Total first-time, first-year women who were admitted: 20,324
Total first-time, first-year another gender who were admitted: 21,379
Total full-time, first-time, first-year men who enrolled: 2,724
Total part-time, first-time, first-year men who enrolled: 2
Total full-time, first-time, first-year women who enrolled: 4,542
Total part-time, first-time, first-year women who enrolled: 4
Total first-time, first-year students who applied: 52,703
Total first-time, first-year students who were admitted: 31,701
Total first-time, first-year students who enrolled: 7,272
Total first-time, first-year who applied: 13,042
Total first-time, first-year who were admitted: 9,934
Total first-time, first-year who enrolled: 3,807
Total first-time, first-year who applied: 39,067
Total first-time, first-year who were admitted: 21,379
Total first-time, first-year who enrolled: 3,401
Total first-time, first-year who applied: 594
Total first-time, first-year who were admitted: 388
Total first-time, first-year who enrolled: 64

Wait List

Do you have a policy of placing students on a waiting list?: Yes
Number of qualified applicants offered a place on waiting list:: 7,332
Number accepting a place on the waiting list:: 2,915
Number of wait-listed students admitted:: 500

Admissions Requirements

Total academic units: 20
English: 4
Mathematics: 4
Science: 3
Of these, units that must be lab: 3
Foreign language: 2
Social studies: 2
History: 1
Academic electives: 2
Visual/Performing Arts: 1

Basis for Selection

Rigor of secondary school record: Important
Class rank: Important
Academic GPA: Very Important
Standardized test scores: Important
Application Essay: Considered
Recommendation(s): Considered
Interview: Not Considered
Extracurricular activities: Considered
Talent/ability: Considered
Character/personal qualities: Not Considered
First generation: Not Considered
Alumni/ae relation: Not Considered
Geographical residence: Not Considered
State residency: Considered
Religious affiliation/commitment: Not Considered
Volunteer work: Considered
Work experience: Considered
Level of applicant’s interest: Not Considered

First-time, first-year Profile

Submitting SAT Scores: 0.29
Submitting ACT Scores: 0.15
Submitting SAT Scores: 2,141
Submitting ACT Scores: 1,096
SAT Composite: 25th Percentile: 1,190
SAT Composite: 50th Percentile: 1,270
SAT Composite: 75th Percentile: 1,350
SAT Evidence-Based Reading and Writing: 25th Percentile: 600
SAT Evidence-Based Reading and Writing: 50th Percentile: 640
SAT Evidence-Based Reading and Writing: 75th Percentile: 680
SAT Math: 25th Percentile: 580
SAT Math: 50th Percentile: 630
SAT Math: 75th Percentile: 680
ACT Composite: 25th Percentile: 26%
ACT Composite: 50th Percentile: 29%
ACT Composite: 75th Percentile: 32%
ACT Math: 25th Percentile: 24%
ACT Math: 50th Percentile: 27%
ACT Math: 75th Percentile: 30%
ACT English: 25th Percentile: 25%
ACT English: 50th Percentile: 29%
ACT English: 75th Percentile: 34%
SAT Evidence-Based Reading and Writing: 700-800: 20
SAT Evidence-Based Reading and Writing: 600-699: 56
SAT Evidence-Based Reading and Writing: 500-599: 22
SAT Evidence-Based Reading and Writing: 400-499: 2
SAT Evidence-Based Reading and Writing: Total: 100
SAT Math: 700-800: 20
SAT Math: 600-699: 47
SAT Math: 500-599: 30
SAT Math: 400-499: 3
SAT Math: Total: 100
SAT Composite: 1400-1600: 17
SAT Composite: 1200-1399: 57
SAT Composite: 1000-1199: 25
SAT Composite: 800-999: 1
SAT Composite: Total: 100
ACT Composite: 30-36: 49
ACT Composite: 24-29: 40
ACT Composite: 18-23: 11
ACT Composite: Total: 100
Percent in top tenth of high school graduating class: 29%
Percent in top quarter of high school graduating class: 63%
Percent in top half of high school graduating class: 93%
Percent in bottom half of high school graduating class: 7.0%
Percent in bottom quarter of high school graduating class: 100%
Percent of total first-time, first-year students who submitted high school class rank:: 62%
Percent who had GPA of 4.0: 22%
Percent who had GPA between 3.75 and 3.99: 34%
Percent who had GPA between 3.50 and 3.74: 25%
Percent who had GPA between 3.25 and 3.49: 13%
Percent who had GPA between 3.00 and 3.24: 5.0%
Percent who had GPA between 2.50 and 2.99: 100%
Percent who had GPA between 2.0 and 2.49: 0
Total: 100
Percent who had GPA of 4.0: 10%
Percent who had GPA between 3.75 and 3.99: 33%
Percent who had GPA between 3.50 and 3.74: 31%
Percent who had GPA between 3.25 and 3.49: 17%
Percent who had GPA between 3.00 and 3.24: 7.0%
Percent who had GPA between 2.50 and 2.99: 2.0%
Percent who had GPA between 2.0 and 2.49: 0
Total: 100
Percent who had GPA of 4.0: 16%
Percent who had GPA between 3.75 and 3.99: 34%
Percent who had GPA between 3.50 and 3.74: 28%
Percent who had GPA between 3.25 and 3.49: 15%
Percent who had GPA between 3.00 and 3.24: 6.0%
Percent who had GPA between 2.50 and 2.99: 100%
Percent who had GPA between 2.0 and 2.49: 0
Total: 100
Average high school GPA of all degree-seeking, first-time, first-year students who submitted GPA:: 3.69
Percent of total first-time, first-year students who submitted high school GPA:: 98%

Admission Policies

Does your institution have an application fee?: Yes
Amount of application fee:: 65
Can it be waived for applicants with financial need?: Yes
Does your institution have an application closing date?: Yes
Application closing date (fall): 12
Priority Date: 1
Are first-time, first-year students accepted for terms other than the fall?: Yes
Date: X
No set Date: 5
Must reply by May 1st or within____weeks if notified after: 1
Does your institution allow students to postpone enrollment after admission?: Yes
If yes, maximum period of postponement:: One year
Does your institution allow high school students to enroll as full-time, first-time, first-year students one year or more before high school graduation?: No
Does your institution offer an early decision plan (an admission plan that permits students to apply and be notified of an admission decision well in advance of the regular notification date and that asks students to commit to attending if accepted) for first-time, first-year applicants for fall enrollment?: No
Do you have a nonbinding early action plan whereby students are notified of an admission decision well in advance of the regular notification date but do not have to commit to attending your college?: Yes

Transfer Admission33

Fall Applicants

Does your institution enroll transfer students? (If no, please skip to Section E): Yes
Men: 1,472
Women: 1,734
Unknown: 3,206
Total: 961
Men: 1,159
Another Gender: 2,120
Unknown: 662
Total: 752
Women: 1,414

Application for Admission

Fall: X
Spring: X
Summer: X
High school transcript: Required of Some
College transcript(s): Required of All
Essay or personal statement: Not Required
Interview: Not Required
Standardized test scores: Not Required
Statement of good standing from prior institution(s): Not Required
If a minimum college grade point average is required of transfer applicants, specify (on a 4.0 scale):: 2.25
List any other application requirements specific to transfer applicants:: GPA requirements are higher for certain majors. Auditions are required for music and dance.
Fall: 7
Winter: 1
Fall: 11
Winter: 1
Does an open admission policy, if reported, apply to transfer students?: Yes
Describe additional requirements for transfer admission, if applicable:: Priority dates given are guaranteed processing dates. Applications received after those dates will be processed on a space available basis.

Transfer Credit Policies

Minimum number of credits that transfers must complete at your institution to earn a bachelor’s degree:: 30
Number: 30
Unit Type: credit
Number: 65
Unit Type: credit
If yes, please provide the URL where the policy can be located:: https://www.sc.edu/about/offices_and_divisions/registrar/transfer_credits/military_experience_credit.php

Academic Offerings and Policies23

Special Study Options

Accelerated program: X
Comprehensive transition and postsecondary program for students with intellectual disabilities: X
Distance learning: X
Double major: X
Dual enrollment: X
English as a Second Language (ESL): X
Exchange student program (domestic): X
Honors Program: X
Independent study: X
Internships: X
Liberal arts/career combination: X
Student-designed major: X
Study abroad: X
Teacher certification program: X
Undergraduate Research: X

Required Course Work

Arts/fine arts: X
English (including composition): X
Foreign languages: X
History: X
Humanities: X
Mathematics: X
Sciences (biological or physical): X
Social science: X

Student Life42

Percent Participating

Percent who are from out of state (exclude international/nonresidents from the numerator and denominator): 45%
Percent of men who join fraternities: 26%
Percent of women who join sororities: 39%
Percent who live in college-owned, -operated, or -affiliated housing: 96%
Percent who live off campus or commute: 4.0%
Percent of students age 25 and older: 0
Percent who are from out of state (exclude international/nonresidents from the numerator and denominator): 40%
Percent of men who join fraternities: 30%
Percent of women who join sororities: 36%
Percent who live in college-owned, -operated, or -affiliated housing: 29%
Percent who live off campus or commute: 71%
Percent of students age 25 and older: 3.0%

Average Age

Average age of full-time students: 19
Average age of all students (full- and part-time): 19
Average age of full-time students: 21
Average age of all students (full- and part-time): 21

Activities Offered

Campus Ministries: X
Concert band: X
Dance: X
Drama/theater: X
International Student Organization: X
Literary magazine: X
Marching band: X
Model UN: X
Music ensembles: X
Musical theater: X
Opera: X
Pep band: X
Radio station: X
Student government: X
Student newspaper: X
Student-run film society: X
Television station: X
Yearbook: X

Housing

Coed dorms: X
Men's dorms: X
Women's dorms: X
Apartments for single students: X
Special housing for disabled students: X
Fraternity/sorority housing: X
Theme housing: X
Living Learning Communities: X

Annual Expenses23

Information

Please provide the URL of your institution’s net price calculator:: https://tcc.ruffalonl.com/University%20of%20South%20Carolina%20Columbia/Freshman-Students

Public Tuition

Tuition: In-district: 12288
Tuition: In-state (out-of-district):: 12288
Tuition: Out-of-state:: 36976

All Institutions Expenses

Required Fees:: 400
Food and housing (on-campus):: 16376
Housing Only (on-campus):: 10798
Food Only (on-campus meal plan):: 5578

Credits per Term

Minimum: 16

Tuition Policies

Do tuition and fees vary by year of study (e.g., sophomore, junior, senior)?: No
Do tuition and fees vary by undergraduate instructional program?: No

Estimated Expenses

Books and supplies:: 1480
Transportation:: 2578
Other expenses:: 4656
Books and supplies:: 1480
Transportation: 2578
Other expenses:: 4656
Books and supplies:: 1480
Transportation:: 2578
Other expenses:: 4656

Per-Credit-Hour Charges

PUBLIC INSTITUTIONS:: 512
In-district:: 512
In-state (out-of-district):: 1540

Financial Aid68

Students Awarded Non-need-based Aid

N. Number of students in line a who had no financial need and who were awarded institutional non-need-based scholarship or grant aid (exclude those who were awarded athletic awards and tuition benefits): 2,199
O. Average dollar amount of institutional non-need-based scholarship and grant aid awarded to students in line n: 4,430
P. Number of students in line a who were awarded an institutional non-need-based athletic scholarship or grant: 26
Q. Average dollar amount of institutional non-need-based athletic scholarships and grants awarded to students in line p: 10,320
N. Number of students in line a who had no financial need and who were awarded institutional non-need-based scholarship or grant aid (exclude those who were awarded athletic awards and tuition benefits): 5,822
O. Average dollar amount of institutional non-need-based scholarship and grant aid awarded to students in line n: 4,821
P. Number of students in line a who were awarded an institutional non-need-based athletic scholarship or grant: 77
N. Number of students in line a who had no financial need and who were awarded institutional non-need-based scholarship or grant aid (exclude those who were awarded athletic awards and tuition benefits): 21
O. Average dollar amount of institutional non-need-based scholarship and grant aid awarded to students in line n: 4,575
P. Number of students in line a who were awarded an institutional non-need-based athletic scholarship or grant: 0
Q. Average dollar amount of institutional non-need-based athletic scholarships and grants awarded to students in line p: 0

Reporting Year

2024-2025: 2024-2025 estimated
2023-2024 Final: X

Methodology

Both FM and IM: 40518031

Need-based Aid Awarded

Federal: 45850119
State all states, not only the state in which your institution is located: 15785774
Scholarships/grants from external sources (e.g. Kiwanis, National Merit) not awarded by the college: 102153924
Total Scholarships/Grants: 69436307
Student loans from all sources (excluding parent loans): 5800624
State and other (e.g., institutional) work-study/employment (Note: Excludes Federal Work-Study captured above.): 75236931
Total Self-Help: 36446724
Parent Loans: 2312948
Athletic Awards: 2562074

Non-need-based Aid Awarded

Federal: 42183520
State all states, not only the state in which your institution is located: 23014880
Scholarships/grants from external sources (e.g. Kiwanis, National Merit) not awarded by the college: 67760474
Total Scholarships/Grants: 74174904
State and other (e.g., institutional) work-study/employment (Note: Excludes Federal Work-Study captured above.): 74174904
Total Self-Help: 30255198
Parent Loans: 10793466

Graduating Cohort

Provide the number of students in the 2024 undergraduate class who started at your institution as first-time students and received a bachelor's degree between July 1, 2023 and June 30, 2024. Exclude students who transferred into your institution.: 4,517

Source Type Loan

A. Any loan program: Federal Perkins, Federal Stafford Subsidized and Unsubsidized, institutional, state, private loans that your institution is aware of, etc. Include both Federal Direct Student Loans and Federal Family Education Loans.: 2,453
B. Federal loan programs: Federal Perkins, Federal Stafford Subsidized and Unsubsidized. Include both Federal Direct Student Loans and Federal Family Education Loans.: 2,391
D. State loan programs.: 20
E. Private student loans made by a bank or lender.: 622
A. Any loan program: Federal Perkins, Federal Stafford Subsidized and Unsubsidized, institutional, state, private loans that your institution is aware of, etc. Include both Federal Direct Student Loans and Federal Family Education Loans.: 53
B. Federal loan programs: Federal Perkins, Federal Stafford Subsidized and Unsubsidized. Include both Federal Direct Student Loans and Federal Family Education Loans.: 51
D. State loan programs.: 0
E. Private student loans made by a bank or lender.: 13
A. Any loan program: Federal Perkins, Federal Stafford Subsidized and Unsubsidized, institutional, state, private loans that your institution is aware of, etc. Include both Federal Direct Student Loans and Federal Family Education Loans.: 31501
B. Federal loan programs: Federal Perkins, Federal Stafford Subsidized and Unsubsidized. Include both Federal Direct Student Loans and Federal Family Education Loans.: 20418
D. State loan programs.: 11138
E. Private student loans made by a bank or lender.: 45388

Aid to Nonresidents

Institutional non-need-based scholarship or grant aid is available: X

Financial Aid Forms

FAFSA: X

Financial Aid Deadlines

Priority date for filing required financial aid forms:: X
Deadline for filing required financial aid forms:: 4
No deadline for filing required forms (applications processed on a rolling basis): 1

Financial Aid Reply

Students must reply by (date):: 4
or within____weeks of notification.: 1

Aid Available

Federal Direct Subsidized Stafford Loans: X
Federal Direct Unsubsidized Stafford Loans: X
Federal Direct PLUS Loans: X
Federal Nursing Loans: X
State Loans: X
Federal Pell Grants: X
Federal SEOG: X
State scholarships/grants: X
College/university scholarship or grant aid from institutional funds: X

Institutional Aid

Academics: X
Alumni affiliation: X
Art: X
Athletics: X
Job skills: X
Leadership: X
Music/drama: X
State/district residency: X
If your institution has recently implemented any major financial aid policy, program, or initiative to make your institution more affordable to incoming students such as replacing loans with grants, or waiving costs for families below a certain income level please provide details:: CDS-H Page 24 Common Data Set 2024-2025

Disciplinary Areas of Degrees Conferred33

Diploma/Certificates

Communication/journalism: 32.12
Communication technologies: 42.34
Interdisciplinary studies: 13.87
Transportation and materials moving: 8.76
Visual and performing arts: 8.76
Business/marketing: 2.92
TOTAL (should = 100%): 100%

Associate

TOTAL (should = 100%): 0

Bachelors

Natural resources and conservation: 1.09
Architecture: 0.55
Communication/journalism: 5.45
Communication technologies: 3.61
Education: 2.53
Engineering: 5.65
Foreign languages, literatures, and linguistics: 0.43
English: 1.13
Liberal arts/general studies: 1.88
Biological/life sciences: 10.04
Mathematics and statistics: 0.84
Military science and military technologies: 28
Parks and recreation: 3.8
Philosophy and religious studies: 0.23
Physical sciences: 0.7
Psychology: 5.99
Homeland Security, law enforcement, firefighting, and protective services: 3.48
Public administration and social services: 0.51
Social sciences: 5.83
Transportation and materials moving: 3.18
Visual and performing arts: 3.18
Health professions and related programs: 11.45
Business/marketing: 30.62
History: 1
TOTAL (should = 100%): 100%

Enrollment And Persistence124

Institutional Enrollment

Degree-seeking, first-time first-year students: men: 2,724
Degree-seeking, first-time first-year students: women: 237
Degree-seeking, first-time first-year students: another gender: 8,765
Other first-year, degree-seeking: women: 11,826
Total degree-seeking: unknown: 0
Total undergraduate Full-Time Students: unknown: 0
Degree-seeking, first-time first-year students: women: 4,542
Degree-seeking, first-time first-year students: another gender: 198
Degree-seeking, first-time first-year students: unknown: 12,549
Other first-year, degree-seeking: another gender: 17,371
Total degree-seeking: unknown: 0
Total undergraduate Part-Time Students: unknown: 0
Total undergraduate students: unknown: 0
All other degree-seeking: unknown: 30,187
All other graduates enrolled in credit courses: men: 8,345
All other graduates enrolled in credit courses: women: 38,532
Total graduate Part-Time Students: unknown: 0
Total Graduate Students: unknown: 0
Total All Students: unknown: 0

All

Total graduate Full-Time Students: unknown: 0

Enrollment by Racial/Ethnic Category

Nonresidents: 64
Hispanic/Latino: 610
Black or African American, non-Hispanic: 726
White, non-Hispanic: 5,126
American Indian or Alaska Native, non-Hispanic: 11
Asian, non-Hispanic: 295
Native Hawaiian or other Pacific Islander, non-Hispanic: 356
Two or more races, non-Hispanic: 356
Race and/or ethnicity unknown: 80
TOTAL: 7,272
Nonresidents: 371
Hispanic/Latino: 2,020
Black or African American, non-Hispanic: 2,905
White, non-Hispanic: 21,562
American Indian or Alaska Native, non-Hispanic: 44
Asian, non-Hispanic: 1,287
Native Hawaiian or other Pacific Islander, non-Hispanic: 1,308
Two or more races, non-Hispanic: 1,308
Race and/or ethnicity unknown: 304
TOTAL: 29,820
Nonresidents: 536
Hispanic/Latino: 2,037
Black or African American, non-Hispanic: 2,960
White, non-Hispanic: 21,671
American Indian or Alaska Native, non-Hispanic: 44
Asian, non-Hispanic: 1,294
Native Hawaiian or other Pacific Islander, non-Hispanic: 1,317
Two or more races, non-Hispanic: 1,317
Race and/or ethnicity unknown: 309
TOTAL: 30,187

Persistence

Certificate/diploma: 137
Bachelor's degrees: 6,531
Postbachelor's certificates: 355
Master's degrees: 1,766
Post-Master's certificates: 80
Doctoral degrees – research/scholarship: 425
Doctoral degrees – professional practice: 514

Graduation Rates

Recipients of a Federal Pell Grant: 1,077
Recipients of a Subsidized Stafford Loan who did not receive a Pell Grant: 1,187
Students who did not receive either a Pell Grant or a subsidized Stafford Loan: 3,585
Total: 5,849
Recipients of a Federal Pell Grant: 3
Recipients of a Subsidized Stafford Loan who did not receive a Pell Grant: 0
Students who did not receive either a Pell Grant or a subsidized Stafford Loan: 5
Total: 8
Recipients of a Federal Pell Grant: 1,074
Recipients of a Subsidized Stafford Loan who did not receive a Pell Grant: 1,187
Students who did not receive either a Pell Grant or a subsidized Stafford Loan: 3,580
Total: 5,841
Recipients of a Federal Pell Grant: 639
Recipients of a Subsidized Stafford Loan who did not receive a Pell Grant: 800
Students who did not receive either a Pell Grant or a subsidized Stafford Loan: 2,636
Total: 4,075
Recipients of a Federal Pell Grant: 91
Recipients of a Subsidized Stafford Loan who did not receive a Pell Grant: 88
Students who did not receive either a Pell Grant or a subsidized Stafford Loan: 274
Total: 453
Recipients of a Federal Pell Grant: 16
Recipients of a Subsidized Stafford Loan who did not receive a Pell Grant: 13
Students who did not receive either a Pell Grant or a subsidized Stafford Loan: 47
Total: 76
Recipients of a Federal Pell Grant: 746
Recipients of a Subsidized Stafford Loan who did not receive a Pell Grant: 901
Students who did not receive either a Pell Grant or a subsidized Stafford Loan: 2,957
Total: 4,604
Recipients of a Federal Pell Grant: 69
Recipients of a Subsidized Stafford Loan who did not receive a Pell Grant: 76
Students who did not receive either a Pell Grant or a subsidized Stafford Loan: 83
Total: 79
Recipients of a Federal Pell Grant: 1,091
Recipients of a Subsidized Stafford Loan who did not receive a Pell Grant: 1,171
Students who did not receive either a Pell Grant or a subsidized Stafford Loan: 3,613
Total: 5,875
Recipients of a Federal Pell Grant: 2
Recipients of a Subsidized Stafford Loan who did not receive a Pell Grant: 0
Students who did not receive either a Pell Grant or a subsidized Stafford Loan: 4
Total: 6
Recipients of a Federal Pell Grant: 1,089
Recipients of a Subsidized Stafford Loan who did not receive a Pell Grant: 1,171
Students who did not receive either a Pell Grant or a subsidized Stafford Loan: 3,609
Total: 5,869
Recipients of a Federal Pell Grant: 646
Recipients of a Subsidized Stafford Loan who did not receive a Pell Grant: 772
Students who did not receive either a Pell Grant or a subsidized Stafford Loan: 2,619
Total: 4,037
Recipients of a Federal Pell Grant: 89
Recipients of a Subsidized Stafford Loan who did not receive a Pell Grant: 85
Students who did not receive either a Pell Grant or a subsidized Stafford Loan: 272
Total: 446
Recipients of a Federal Pell Grant: 25
Recipients of a Subsidized Stafford Loan who did not receive a Pell Grant: 7
Students who did not receive either a Pell Grant or a subsidized Stafford Loan: 48
Total: 80
Recipients of a Federal Pell Grant: 760
Recipients of a Subsidized Stafford Loan who did not receive a Pell Grant: 864
Students who did not receive either a Pell Grant or a subsidized Stafford Loan: 2,939
Total: 4,563
Recipients of a Federal Pell Grant: 70
Recipients of a Subsidized Stafford Loan who did not receive a Pell Grant: 74
Students who did not receive either a Pell Grant or a subsidized Stafford Loan: 81
Total: 78
2021 Cohort: 0
2020 Cohort: 0
2021 Cohort: 19

Instructional Faculty And Class Size38

Instructional Faculty

A. Total number of instructional faculty: 1,648
B. Total number who are members of minority groups: 396
C. Total number who are women: 802
D. Total number who are men: 846
E. Total number who are nonresidents (international): 48
F. Total number with doctorate, or other terminal degree: 1,473
G. Total number whose highest degree is a master’s but not a terminal master’s: 160
A. Total number of instructional faculty: 755
B. Total number who are members of minority groups: 173
C. Total number who are women: 456
D. Total number who are men: 299
E. Total number who are nonresidents (international): 9
F. Total number with doctorate, or other terminal degree: 349
G. Total number whose highest degree is a master’s but not a terminal master’s: 307
A. Total number of instructional faculty: 2,403
B. Total number who are members of minority groups: 569
C. Total number who are women: 1,258
D. Total number who are men: 1,145
E. Total number who are nonresidents (international): 57
F. Total number with doctorate, or other terminal degree: 1,822
G. Total number whose highest degree is a master’s but not a terminal master’s: 467

Student to Faculty Ratio

Fall 2024 Student to Faculty ratio: 19

Undergraduate Class Size

2-9: 159
10-19: 159
20-29: 1,019
30-39: 1,202
40-49: 302
50-99: 250
100+: 377
Total: 159
2-9: 144
10-19: 144
20-29: 240
30-39: 278
40-49: 11
50-99: 11
100+: 7
Total: 2

Source: University of South Carolina-Columbia's Common Data Set 2024-25

About University of South Carolina-Columbia

University of South Carolina-Columbia is a large public university in Columbia, SC, in a city setting.

What University of South Carolina-Columbia looks for

University of South Carolina-Columbia admits the majority of applicants who meet its baseline academic profile. For most students applying here, the work is in writing applications that reflect real fit rather than treating the application as a checklist. Demonstrated interest matters more here than at the most selective schools. Visiting, attending an info session, and asking real questions of admissions all move the needle.

Frequently asked

What SAT score do I need for University of South Carolina-Columbia?
University of South Carolina-Columbia's middle 50% SAT range is 1180 to 1360. A score in or above that band keeps you in the conversation; below it, the rest of your application has to do more work.
What ACT score do I need for University of South Carolina-Columbia?
Middle 50% ACT range is 26 to 32. The top of that range or above is what most admitted students submit when they choose to send a score.
What is the acceptance rate at University of South Carolina-Columbia?
University of South Carolina-Columbia admits roughly 60% of applicants. An acceptance rate above 40% means a strong application can land here without high-end stats.
What does University of South Carolina-Columbia actually cost after financial aid?
Average net cost (after institutional aid) is about $22,811 per year. Net cost varies enormously by family income; run the school's net price calculator for an estimate that reflects your situation.
Is University of South Carolina-Columbia a reach, match, or safety for me?
Compare your stats to the middle 50% above. If you are at or below the 25th percentile, treat University of South Carolina-Columbia as a reach. If you are in the middle 50%, it is a match. Above the 75th percentile and the school accepts above 25% overall, it is closer to a safety. Selectivity below 20% should be treated as a reach for everyone, period.

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