# University of South Carolina-Columbia

Columbia, SC. Source page: https://www.dreamschool.co/colleges/university-of-south-carolina-columbia

University of South Carolina-Columbia is a public college in Columbia, SC with 29,820 undergraduates. It admits 60% of applicants, and admitted students average 1297 on the SAT. The average net price after aid is $22,197 per year ($13,832 for families earning under $30,000). 79% of students graduate, and graduates earn a median of $69,024 ten years after enrolling.

## Key facts

| Measure | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Admission rate | 60% (Fall 2024) |
| Testing policy | Test optional (considered if submitted) (Fall 2024) |
| Applicants | 46,682 (Fall 2023) |
| Admitted | 28,706 (Fall 2023) |
| SAT Reading & Writing (middle 50%) | 600–680 (Fall 2024) |
| SAT Math (middle 50%) | 580–680 (Fall 2024) |
| ACT Composite (middle 50%) | 26–32 (Fall 2024) |
| Cost of attendance | $32,193 (2024-25) |
| Average net price | $22,197 (2024-25) |
| Net price, family income $0–30k | $13,832 (2024-25) |
| Net price, family income $30–48k | $14,286 (2024-25) |
| Net price, family income $48–75k | $17,357 (2024-25) |
| Net price, family income $75–110k | $23,410 (2024-25) |
| Net price, family income $110k+ | $28,504 (2024-25) |
| Undergraduates | 29,820 (Fall 2024) |
| Graduation rate | 79% (Fall 2019) |
| Median earnings 10 years after enrolling | $69,024 (2023) |
| Median debt at graduation | $20,500 (FY2024) |

## What University of South Carolina-Columbia considers in admissions (Fall 2023)

- High school record: Considered
- High school GPA: Required
- College-prep coursework: Required
- Class rank: Considered
- Essay or personal statement: Required
- Recommendations: Not considered
- Demonstrated competencies: Not considered
- Legacy status: Not considered
- Work experience: Not considered
- English proficiency test: Required

## FAQ

**What is University of South Carolina-Columbia's acceptance rate?**

University of South Carolina-Columbia admits 60% of applicants, which makes it accessible.

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

The middle 50% of admitted students scored 600–680 on SAT Reading and Writing and 580–680 on SAT Math; the average total is 1297.

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

The middle 50% ACT composite range for admitted students is 26–32.

**Is University of South Carolina-Columbia test optional?**

Test optional (considered if submitted).

**How many students apply to University of South Carolina-Columbia?**

In Fall 2023, 46,682 students applied to University of South Carolina-Columbia and 28,706 were admitted; 7,319 enrolled.

**Does University of South Carolina-Columbia consider legacy status?**

No. University of South Carolina-Columbia reported that legacy status is not considered in admissions (Fall 2023).

**Does University of South Carolina-Columbia require an essay?**

University of South Carolina-Columbia reported that an essay or personal statement is required for admission (Fall 2023).

**How much does University of South Carolina-Columbia cost?**

The sticker cost of attendance is $32,193 per year, but the average net price after grants and scholarships is $22,197.

**What is University of South Carolina-Columbia's graduation rate?**

79% of full-time students graduate within 150% of normal time.


## Sources

- U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (Most Recent Institution-Level Data), released 2026-10-15: https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/data/
- IPEDS Admissions survey (ADM2023): https://nces.ed.gov/ipeds/datacenter/DataFiles.aspx
- IPEDS unit ID 218663. Methodology: https://www.dreamschool.co/methodology