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 Rate
68%
Application Deadline
Application Fee
65
SAT Range
1120-1300
ACT Range
25-30
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 Reviews
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”
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.
University of South Carolina-Columbia REVIEWS
What's your overall opinion of University of South Carolina-Columbia?
227 Students rated University of South Carolina-Columbia
Makhail
Prospective04/17/2025
I LOVE South Carolina because that's where home simply is.
Aaliyah
Prospective04/17/2025
I was born and raised in Florida. For most of my life, which was all I knew. Moving to South Carolina was a significant change in my life for me, everything familiar was suddenly gone, and I had to adjust to a new environment. I can admit, it was a challenging transition, but over time, I began to see South Carolina as more than just a new state; it became a place of opportunity and growth.
The University of South Carolina-Columbia stands out to me as the ideal place to continue my education and personal development. The Darla Moore School of Business offers an extensive range of undergraduate majors, including accounting, finance, marketing, and international business. And while these majors are available at many universities and colleges, the school’s reputation for excellence, particularly in international business, aligns with my dreams to engage and learn in a global business environment.
However, beyond academics, the active campus life at USC-Columbia is incredibly appealing to me. Driving past the campus, I was in shock. I immediately looked up the campus on my phone and started researching. USC-Columbia has over 575 clubs and organizations, and community for every interest, whether it’s music, anthropology, gaming, or activism, and Events like Carolina Productions, Homecoming, and Dance Marathon. These activities not only benefit the college experience, but it allows me to drive into a new community of people and call South Carolina, and USC-Columbia, my home.
Choosing USC-Columbia feels like the right step toward building a future where I can thrive both academically and socially. It’s a place where I can turn past challenges into opportunities and be part of a community that supports and inspires me.
Keon
Prospective04/15/2025
From the moment I stepped onto the University of South Carolina’s campus, I knew I had found my future home. The tour was more than just a walk through buildings and classrooms, it was an experience that brought everything I have worked so hard for into focus. The energy, the spirit, and the pride of being a Gamecock was felt in every corner of the campus.
My family and I were welcomed with kindness and enthusiasm by students and staff who made us feel like family. I was especially drawn to the sense of community and the opportunities USC offers—both academically and personally. From the political science department to student involvement opportunities, I saw a place where my passion for leadership, law, and service could thrive.
That day sealed the deal. I left the tour already wearing garnet and black in my heart. I am beyond excited to officially become a Gamecock this fall!
Natalia
Prospective04/10/2025
The student life and the culture of UofSC are what truly drew me to this school. Everyone who goes there takes tremendous pride in being a Gamecock and loves to get involved. College is a time to explore your options and step out of your comfort zone, and UofSC provides many opportunities to do that while still receiving an excellent education.
Kendall
Prospective04/09/2025
I grew up a Carolina fan, so that helped to aid my decision. I also love the campus and school spirit I have experienced at USC. I love that they recognize what is needed in the community, and what students ask for and create programs of study to meet that demand like they did when creating the Forensic Science Minor.
Luke
Prospective04/08/2025
I love USC! Both of my parents and my older brother graduated from USC, so I have grown up with Cocky! I love the campus, the collegiate atmosphere, and all of the sporting events! Let's go, Gamecocks!
Isabel
College04/08/2025
This university has so many opportunities to excel in and out of the classroom. I have been able to explore numerous career paths through clubs as a freshman and will continue to use these resources for the next four years.
Sophia
Prospective04/05/2025
When researching college, I was extremely drawn to the University of South Carolina-Columbia The opportunities that they offer for all of their students are endless. As a sports management major, internships are extremely important and the University of South Carolina-Columbia offers so many internship opportunities. There is a great balance of student-life and academic life, something that not all colleges can offer. Professors are always willing to help and the campus always has an event going on from sports, clubs, studying, or other extracurricular activities, there is always something to do for everyone. While the campus is larger than most, it still has a homey feeling for someone like me, who is over 10 hours away from home. Being able to get my best college experience on academics, student-life, and the overall college experience is extremely important to me and the University of South Carolina-Columbia has it all!
Haylee
Prospective04/03/2025
Attending the University of South Carolina has always been a goal of mine. The campus is beautiful and historic. The education is top notch.
Cali
Prospective04/03/2025
I am interested in attending the University of South Carolina - Columbia because it's close to home, has great academics, amazing student life, and one of the best pharmacy programs. What really stands out to me is the GPA program in the pharmacy school. This is a very unique program that helps ensure students get into pharmacy school.
Justin
Prospective04/02/2025
The University of South Carolina has everything any incoming freshman would want in a university: strong academic programs, thriving school spirit, and an active alumni network. USC knows how to make a student feel at home, whether previously living right down the street or even hours away from Columbia, SC.
Mikayla
Prospective04/01/2025
The campus is very welcoming and appealing to a culturally diverse demographic and the historic state of the art facilities.
Abby
02/14/2025
The University of South Carolina-Columbia is a beautiful campus. Everything is easily accessible and the students are very welcoming and warming when being introduced. The school also values tradition which is a standard that I live up too. The different traditions like jumping in the pool by the library when someone whens a big game is pretty cool.
Marym
12/21/2024
I genuinely felt at home from my first time walking to the USC campus. I could see myself walking through campus and going to football games that next year. The summer before my senior year I participated in the Summer Seniors program, which is a program for academically gifted African American students that allows you to stay on campus in one of the gorgeous USC dorms for three nights and you are guided by the team and counselors all over campus and get an in-depth tour about USC, what they offer both financially and socially, how to pay for college seminars, and specific workshops and tours that are catered to your major. The Summer Seniors program solidified my decision to USC and provided me with a community of people that I'm still close with today when starting at USC. Now as a Nursing Major, I couldn't be more grateful to be here.
emily
09/03/2024
I love being here at the University of South Carolina. I instantly connected with my people and found my place very quickly. There are so many opportunities for any and everyone here. I like the fact that Greek life doesn't take over the whole school, while also still hosting fun events. The campus is by far the prettiest place in Columbia and there are plenty of beautiful, quiet places to work around campus. Our football games are super fun, however I wish the student section was bigger. I like the fact that we don't have to pay to go to any of our sporting events including out big ones like football and basketball. I love our meal swipe plans where we get 7 per week for any known retail stores and unlimited swipes for any of our six dining halls.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.44%received federal loans. Many students do also need to apply for additional private student loans.
