University of South Carolina

South Carolina admitted about 56.5% of applicants in the most recent cycle, drawing roughly 59,600 applications and enrolling around 7,800 first-year students. Admission is moderately selective overall, though entry to the Honors College and to specific competitive programs runs tighter than the headline rate.

Yes. For the Fall 2025 class, South Carolina admitted about 71% of in-state applicants but 52% of out-of-state applicants, so residents hold a clear edge. Out-of-state students still make up close to half the entering class, but they apply in far larger numbers and clear a higher bar to get in.

Enrolled first-years average about a 3.68 high school GPA, and academic GPA is the single very important factor in South Carolina's review. Among the 63% who reported a class rank, 65% placed in the top quarter and 92% in the top half, so competitive applicants pair solid grades with a challenging course load.

A 1300 is competitive at South Carolina: it sits above the median and inside the middle 50% of enrolled first-years, who scored 1200–1360 on the SAT and 26–32 on the ACT. A 1300 lands just above the 1280 median, which makes for a solid application when paired with a GPA around the 3.68 average.

Yes. South Carolina is test-optional, so you can apply without SAT or ACT scores. Only about 32% of enrolled first-years submitted an SAT and 15% an ACT. If you do submit, scores are weighed as an important factor alongside GPA, and a 1200–1360 SAT or 26–32 ACT matches the enrolled middle 50%.

Annual tuition and required fees run about $12,688 for South Carolina residents and $38,498 for out-of-state students. Roughly 41% of first-years receive need-based aid, with an average package near $17,598, and the university meets about 61% of demonstrated need on average.

Business and marketing is by far the largest field at about 32% of bachelor's degrees, anchored by the Darla Moore School of Business. The health professions follow at roughly 11%, with the biological and life sciences near 11%, and psychology, communication, and the social sciences rounding out the top areas.

Less than grades, but it still counts. South Carolina lists the application essay as a considered factor, below academic GPA, test scores, and course rigor in its review. For an applicant near the academic cutoff, a specific, well-revised essay is a real chance to add context and stand out in a large pool.

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