University of South Carolina-Columbia
Columbia, South Carolina 29208
Data last updated: August 29, 2026
Known for business — major research university
University of South Carolina-Columbia is a public institution in Columbia with particular strength in business and health sciences. With an average SAT of 1297, the school attracts a broad applicant pool.
A large campus of 28.1K undergraduates with a 18:1 student-faculty ratio. The urban location puts students at the center of city life.
78% of students graduate within four years, and graduates earn a median of $62,177 a decade after enrollment. Net price after aid averages $24,532.
Rankings
More About This School
Varsity Sports — Gamecocks
History & Fun Facts
- •On January 10, 1805, having an initial enrollment of nine students, the college commenced classes with a traditional classical curriculum.
- •The first president was the Baptist minister and theologian Reverend Jonathan Maxcy.
- •In 1807, the original President's House was the next building to be erected.
- •Civil War Seventy-two students were present for classes in January 1862 and the college functioned until a call by the Confederate government for South Carolina to fill its quota of 18,000 soldiers.
Source: Wikipedia
Schools Like This
Northeast Ohio Medical University
Rootstown, OH · Suburban · Public
Oklahoma State University Center for Health Sciences
Tulsa, OK · Urban · Public
University of California-San Francisco
San Francisco, CA · Urban · Public
Utah Valley University
Orem, UT · Urban · Public
Admissions
SAT Score Ranges
Average: 1297
ACT Score Range
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard / IPEDS.
Typical Application Requirements
Cost & Financial Aid
Sticker Price
Net Price by Family Income
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Net price reflects most recent cohort of federally-aided undergraduates.
Debt & Aid Detail
Graduate w/ Zero Debt
58.0%
Median Debt at Grad
$18,500
Programs (244)
Outcomes
Median Earnings After Graduation
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Earnings reflect federally-aided students 6 and 10 years after entry.
Student Life
Student Satisfaction
Retention Rate
91%
Student Body
Race & Ethnicity
Campus Safety
Total Incidents (2024)
212
Peer Average
240
3-Year Trend
Emergency System
24/7 campus police department, blue-light phone network, emergency mass notification system
Incident Breakdown (2024)
Burglary
Aggravated Assault
Robbery
Motor Vehicle Theft
Sex Offenses
Arson
Drug Arrests
Liquor Arrests
Source: U.S. Department of Education Campus Safety & Security data (Clery Act, 2024 reporting year).
Location & Lifestyle
Cost of Living
Estimated from SC state average + city premium