Mahadev Maitri Foundation
US Initiatives
Public4-year

University of South Carolina-Columbia

Columbia, South Carolina Β· City: MidsizeOfficial Website β†—

#1337
Nationally
#21
In South Carolina
61%
Acceptance Rate
Nat'l avg 70%
$12,288
In-State Tuition
per year
78%
6-Year Grad Rate
Nat'l avg 63%
28,470
Undergrad Enrollment
20,000+
Overall Score & Rankings
53/100
Good
#1337 nationally
#21 in South Carolina
πŸŽ“Graduation Outcomes78
πŸ’°Affordability50
🎯Selectivity27
πŸ“šAcademic Environment22
πŸ”¬Program Breadth85

Scores based on IPEDS 2023–24 federal data. Methodology β†’

University of South Carolina-Columbia is a public four-year university located in Columbia, South Carolina. With 28,470 undergraduate students enrolled and an acceptance rate of 61%, the institution is considered moderately selective. In-state tuition is $12,288 per year ($34,543 out-of-state), near the national average for public institutions. The six-year graduation rate is 78%, which is excellent compared to the national average of 63%.

Admissions
Acceptance Rate61%↑ Above avg
National avg: 70%
46,682
Applied
28,706
Admitted
7,319
Enrolled
SAT Score Range (Middle 50%)
SAT Reading600 – 690
Middle 50% of admitted students (max 800)
SAT Math580 – 690
Middle 50% of admitted students (max 800)
ACT Score Range (Middle 50%)26 – 32
Cost & Financial Aid
In-State Tuition$12,288/yr
In-State Fees$400/yr
Out-of-State Tuition$34,543/yr
Room & Board$13,784/yr
Total CoA (In-State)$26,472/yr
Total CoA (Out-of-State)$48,727/yr
In-State Tuition vs National Avg$12,288↓ Below avg
National avg: $10,662
Graduation Outcomes
6-Year Graduation Rate78%↑ Above avg
National avg: 63%

The six-year graduation rate measures students who earn their degree within 150% of normal time (6 years for a 4-year program). It is the federal standard for comparing outcomes across institutions.

Student Body
28,470
Total Undergrads
58% F / 42% M
Gender Split
Student Diversity
White 73%
Hispanic 6%
Black 9%
Asian 4%
Two or more 4%
International 2%
Native / Other 0%
Strengths & Considerations
Strengths
  • βœ“Strong 6-year graduation rate of 78%, above the national average of 63%
  • βœ“Publicly funded institution β€” tuition subsidized by state taxes for in-state residents
Consider
  • Β·Data on some metrics is not yet available β€” contact the admissions office for details
Who Is This College Best For?

This college is a strong fit for in-state students who want a quality education at a subsidized cost, students who prioritize colleges with a strong record of graduate completion, and students who thrive in a large, diverse campus setting with extensive facilities and programs.

Institution Profile
Type4-year
ControlPublic
LocationColumbia, South Carolina
SettingCity: Midsize
Size20,000+
State Ranking
#21
in South Carolina out of 7+ colleges
#1337
nationally
Data Source

All data sourced from the NCES IPEDS 2023–24 collection. Acceptance rates, test scores, and graduation rates reflect the most recent year reported. Scores are composite rankings calculated from five weighted dimensions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Data notice: All figures are sourced from IPEDS 2023–24 federal data. Tuition, acceptance rates, and enrollment figures change annually. Always verify current information directly with the institution. Net price figures are averages and individual aid packages will vary. Composite scores and rankings are calculated by SchoolRankings.org and are not affiliated with U.S. News, Forbes, or any government agency.