Founded in 1967, University of South Carolina-Upstate. is a Public college. Located in South Carolina, which is a city setting in South Carolina, the campus itself is Suburban. The campus is home to 5,578 full time undergraduate students, and 243 full time graduate students.
The University of South Carolina-Upstate Academic calendar runs on a Semester basis. In the school year the student to faculty ratio was 18:1. There are 235 full time instructional teachers. Degrees awarded at University of South Carolina-Upstate include: Bachelor's Degree, Masters Degree, Post-master's certificate, Doctor's degree.
Quick Facts
Acceptance Rate
54%
Application Deadline
Application Fee
40
SAT Range
860-1040
ACT Range
18-23
Admissions at NUSC-Upstate are considered Selective, with ,29% 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.
78% of incoming freshmen are in the top half of their high school class. 37% were in the top quarter, and 12% 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-Upstate.
5%
“We”re apathetic”
29%
“We know about current events and vote”
64%
“We participate and encourage others to get involved”
2%
“There”s nothing we won”t protest”
7%
“We save it for the classroom”
21%
“Sometimes, but not often”
50%
“There”s usually intelligent conversation to be found”
21%
“All the time, including weekends”
2%
“I”m always terrified”
5%
“I only go out in groups”
36%
“I usually let someone know where I”m going”
57%
“I feel extremely safe”
3%
“We don”t play sports”
0%
“We play recreationally”
33%
“We bought the gear”
64%
“We live for the big game”
7%
“It”s not really our thing”
23%
“Occasinally we gallery crawl”
56%
“There are a variety of opportunities”
14%
“We”re a very artistic group”
14%
“Haven”t met them”
0%
“Available in class”
42%
“They keep regular office hours”
44%
“They”re always available”
2%
“No greek life, but other groups to join”
12%
“There is some involvement, but not a lot”
79%
“Plenty of people join a sorority or fraternity”
7%
“It”s everything. If you”re not greek, you”re a geek”
16%
“We”re not into drinking at all”
49%
“Maybe a little, but it”s not a big thing”
23%
“We only party on weekends”
12%
“There”s some drinking happening every night”
17%
“Never, we”re here to learn”
71%
“There might be people who do”
10%
“People are known to partake on weekends”
2%
“There”s a huge drug scene”
5%
“We”re apathetic”
29%
“We know about current events and vote”
64%
“We participate and encourage others to get involved”
2%
“There”s nothing we won”t protest”
7%
“We save it for the classroom”
21%
“Sometimes, but not often”
50%
“There”s usually intelligent conversation to be found”
21%
“All the time, including weekends”
2%
“I”m always terrified”
5%
“I only go out in groups”
36%
“I usually let someone know where I”m going”
57%
“I feel extremely safe”
3%
“We don”t play sports”
0%
“We play recreationally”
33%
“We bought the gear”
64%
“We live for the big game”
7%
“It”s not really our thing”
23%
“Occasinally we gallery crawl”
56%
“There are a variety of opportunities”
14%
“We”re a very artistic group”
14%
“Haven”t met them”
0%
“Available in class”
42%
“They keep regular office hours”
44%
“They”re always available”
2%
“No greek life, but other groups to join”
12%
“There is some involvement, but not a lot”
79%
“Plenty of people join a sorority or fraternity”
7%
“It”s everything. If you”re not greek, you”re a geek”
79 Students rated on-campus housing 3.8 stars. 28 % gave the school a 5.0.
How would you rate off-campus housing?
61 Students rated off-campus housing 3.8 stars. 0 % gave the school a 5.0.
How would you rate campus food?
87 Students rated campus food 3.3 stars. 17 % gave the school a 5.0.
How would you rate campus facilities?
99 Students rated campus facilities 4.1 stars. 41 % gave the school a 5.0.
How would you rate class size?
98 Students rated class size 4.3 stars. 52 % gave the school a 5.0.
How would you rate school activities?
98 Students rated school activities 3.6 stars. 30 % gave the school a 5.0.
How would you rate local services?
98 Students rated local services 3.9 stars. 37 % gave the school a 5.0.
How would you rate academics?
99 Students rated academics 4.1 stars. 39 % gave the school a 5.0.
University of South Carolina-Upstate REVIEWS
What's your overall opinion of University of South Carolina-Upstate?
53 Students rated University of South Carolina-Upstate
Aiden
Prospective04/07/2025
it is very close to my house and i hear lots of amazing things about the campus and the programs from the school. i cant wait to be a future spartan
Sanayyia
I feel it isn’t a terrible school but some things could be better. Some professors do not like to meet out of class because “that is what tutors are for.” The food could be a little better but it is good for school food. Overall the campus is a safe environment.
Shyheem
Great school
Ricardo
USC Upstate has a beautiful campus with many interact-able people who are striving to make it through college and accomplish their dreams. You will find many different groups of people there but you can always fit into them because everyone for most the part, is nice.
Justin
I've enjoyed my learning experience and look forward to receiving my degree. I feel valued as a student attending a higher level institute that is preparing me with a brighter future. Whether I am seeking help on campus or advisement on my courses, I have been treated with total respect and provided with utmost care. I feel proud to earn my degree at USC Upstate.
Briania
My overall opinion for the University of South Carolina-Upstate is wonderful. The university offers many different clubs and groups for the students to join. The professors are always available to help if you’re having problems with anything. There’s also FREE tutoring that students need to take advantage of for extra help and better understanding. Everyone on campus is extremely nice and helpful if you are having a problem finding your way around or just need help in general. The counseling center is very good to have so you won’t fold if you’re under too much pressure or stressed out about anything. The class sizes are good not too many students so the professor can know who everyone is, and you can potentially build a bond. The on-campus housing is good not that many problems you’re already close to the classes and everything on campus versus staying off-campus which may be cheaper depending on the person’s situation. The food on campus taste pretty good. I personally like the café international section because trying different foods from around is interesting. There are also other places on campus where you get food from such as: Boars Head, Sub-Connect, Starbucks, and Wing Café each of them tastes well. The best part is everything is extremely close the university, so you don’t have to travel far to shopping centers and other places. There is a bus that can also take you to the Mall, Walmart, and Target if you don’t have a car on campus which is good.
EdDriana
Living life especially as a junior or senior in high school, it is instilled in us to be successful and endeavor our way to supremacy. Whether it be in state or out of state, we look for a place to call “home”. Moving forward into the college life, I aspire to accommodate all goals while attending the congenial USC-Upstate. I will be working on furthering my education as Neonatal Nurse and earning my bachelor's degree. It would be an appurtenance to be a part of the indomitable Spartans.
Optimistic, unprejudiced and acquisitive are a minority of words to construe who I am. As a student attending USC-Upstate, I will dwell on my studies, activities, organizations and clubs, and endorse the antiquity of the versatile USC-Upstate Sparty. I am mindful that this university is substantial on leadership, public service and innovative research. If accepted, I would serve in a discrete of community services to help make a difference.
I am immensely interested in attending USC-Upstate during the fall 2020 school year. I would revel in a personal interview to be informed on how I can be an asset to the university. Attached is a copy of my resume enlisting the activities I have participated in while in high school.
Yiasia
Overall, I love my school. I love how it's always something you can do. There are many ways to get involved on campus. It's not a boring school at all. I also greatly appreciate all the resources available for students. There is free tutoring for many subjects, a writing center to help students with their essays, and also a math lab that offers help with all math courses. I like the class sizes, they aren't too big to where your professor couldn't get to know you. The food could be better for the price we pay a year. Also I feel the on-campus housing is ok, but I'd rather live off-campus, again because of the cost. I could live off campus and save much more money. Overall, I love the experience so far and look forward to continuing my next years here at Upstate. Go Spartans.
Mehkia
I would love to go to upstate my first year of college. I think this would be a great first experience! My sister Montierra Browning is a sophomore at usc upstate and she tells me all about it and it makes me so jealous. I cannot wait to attend this college because I know it fits best for me.
Tianna
As an incoming freshman, I feel as though this college is great for anyone who loves the outdoors and loves small spaces because everything that you will ever need is within walking distance. Everyone on-campus is always so nice and willing to help whenever it is needed. All of the teachers and students have a really good relationship that they can go to them whenever they need something, whether it is inside of class or not.
Ashanti
This school is great and full of opportunities.
Michelle
I love it and I can’t wait to start in the fall of 2019 there are lots of students and lots of things to do on campus and that is the importance another is the studies that they have that we can choose from whether we like it or it’s something that we want to do.
Aalexis
Overall I believe that upstate is a great school. It’s s little challenging but I never expected college to be easy. The college campus atmosphere is like no other place. There’s always activities going on for current students. The school tries to keep everyone involved.
Cory
Upstate is a very nice place that combines large and small culture colleges. The atmosphere is also very Home involved and relaxed. When I first went there, a storm was brewing and caused severe rain and thunder. Even during presentation the staff worked through the struggle and were extremely successful, regardless of the hurricane like weather outside. It was very inspiring.
Kiaria
My overall opinion on the University of South Carolina-Upstate isn't totally bad. The school definitely has its ups and downs. For starters, freshman are required to purchase a meal plan, but the amount of money the food plan cost, the food is very poor. There are not many options in the cafeteria, some of the workers in the cafeteria are not friendly, and they serve the same thing over and over again. It gets old after awhile. However, I would say that they do have other food options on campus, but you can't use your meal plan to purchase it. You either have to use your spartan bucks they provide you at the beginning of the year or your own money. The bright side to all of this is that they do have a Starbucks, so if you are someone who loves Starbucks, then you would be fine. The other downfall to the university would be the The brighter side to this is that the classes and professors are really nice, at the least the ones I have now and my previous professors I had in the fall. They do care about your education, they are available if you ever need help, and the tutoring center is also very helpful. Overall, I would rate the school a 8, It is a good school and very high ranking in the education and nursing program.
The fall 2020 acceptance rate for University of South Carolina-Upstate is 54%. That means, out of _____ applications received in 2020, _____ students were offered admission.
What should every freshman at your school know before they start?
Take the time to choose and go where you want to go. Do not let others influence your decision or tell you where to you. You are a bright young lady who is among one of the top students in the school. You have the ability to conquer any quest that you set out to do. It is going to be hard leaving your loved ones behind, but your future is going to be your motivation. They will love you regardless. Stay strong and stay active in college. Build a great resume and volunteer, VOLUNTEER, VOLUNTEER! It will oopen so many doors for you. Good luck and stay stong. I love you!
I consider the faculty the best thing about my school because without them and the great attitude they have and the desire for their students to learn, I would not be able to get such a good degree.
What do you consider the worst thing about your school? Why?
The worst thing about my school is that there is now alot to do in spartanburg, sc. there are some on campus activities, but they are not that interesting. your social life becomes a bore, even though charolette NC is an hour away and columbia SC is two hours. Also Some of the teachers have the I got mine you gotta get yours menatlity. There is no make up policy and if you are an english, comunication , theater, or any arts major, you will be loaded with extensive resarch papers from each class.
Here's your chance: Say anything about your college!
I think the most unique thing about USC Upstate compared to other schools are the private bathrooms. Most schools have commuinty bathrooms where you have to share with everyone on your dorm floor. At Upstate you have a bathroom available in your dorm room that you just share with your roommates.
What do you brag about most when you tell your friends about your school?
The University of South Carolina, Upstate is a diverse university which tries to incorporate every culture of student on its campus. The professors are accessible and are willing to help each and every student who asks for their help. The environment is amazing, it is not too big or too small.
What's the most frustrating thing about your school?
The most frustrating thing about my school would be the distance you have to walk to get to class. You need to make sure you leave at least 10 -20 minutes before your class starts to make sure you get there on time without being completety exhausted.
How often should I phone home? Is once a day too much?
However often works for you. But keep in mind that part of the college experience is to learn how to be an independent adult, and phoning home too often might cause you to get homesick.
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.
98% of students attending University of South Carolina-Upstate receive some sort of financial aid.
57% were awarded federal grants.72%received federal loans. Many students do also need to apply for additional private student loans.