University of South Carolina-Columbia

At a glance

Admission rate

60%

Total (middle 50%)

1180–1360

Undergraduates

29,820

Setting

City: Midsize

Source: U.S. Department of Education, College Scorecard - Most Recent Institution-Level Data

Test policy

Test optional Applicants may choose whether to send a score.

USC is test-optional through the fall, spring and summer 2027 terms for admission, Honors College and merit scholarships; applicants choose whether scores are reviewed (SAT and ACT superscored). The test-optional policy is only stated through 2027, so later terms may change. (Verified on the official admissions website on 2026-11-06.)

Policy source: sc.edu

SAT scores

Total (middle 50%)

1180–1360

Reading and Writing

600–680

Math

580–680

Average total

1297

ACT composite (middle 50%)

26–32

The middle 50%: a quarter of admitted students who sent scores scored below the first number, a quarter above the second. The total adds up the two sections' ranges, so it's approximate.

Source: U.S. Department of Education, College Scorecard - Most Recent Institution-Level Data

Admissions

Accepts

Institution application (USC Application), Common AppNonrefundable $70 fee regardless of platform; fee waivers accepted.

Application fee

$70

Phone

(803) 777-7000

Admissions email

admissions-ugrad@sc.edu

Source: School's page (sc.edu), checked November 6, 2026

Cost

Tuition, in-state

$12,688per year

Tuition, out-of-state

$37,376per year

Average net price

$22,197What students who get federal aid pay on average after grants and scholarships, per year.

Source: U.S. Department of Education, College Scorecard - Most Recent Institution-Level Data

Outcomes

Graduation rate

79%

First-year retention

92%

Median earnings 10 years after entry

$69,024

Source: U.S. Department of Education, College Scorecard - Most Recent Institution-Level Data

Degrees and programs

Degree levels: undergraduate certificate, associate, bachelor, post-baccalaureate certificate, master, doctoral, first professional, graduate certificate

Source: U.S. Department of Education, College Scorecard - Most Recent Data by Field of Study