University of South Carolina
The University of South Carolina is the public flagship in Columbia, the state capital, built around the historic Horseshoe, a 19th-century quad on the National Register of Historic Places. Admission stays moderately selective. About 57% of roughly 59,600 applicants are admitted, and enrolled first-years carry an average high school GPA near 3.68 with middle-50% SAT scores of 1200–1360. South Carolina residents are admitted at a much higher rate than out-of-state applicants, who now make up close to half the entering class. Business and marketing is the largest field at about 32% of bachelor's degrees, and a 92% first-year retention rate reflects strong student support across the Columbia campus.
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South Carolina admissions statistics
Acceptance Rate
Overall acceptance rate, plus the in-state and out-of-state admit rates the school reports separately.
Admit rate by residency
% admittedEarly Action
South Carolina offers non-binding Early Action — an earlier decision with no commitment to enroll.
Standardized Tests
South Carolina is currently test-optional — you may apply without submitting scores.
SAT Accepted?
ACT Accepted?
Test Optional?
SAT Scores
ACT Scores
Class Rank
Where South Carolina's enrolled first-years placed in their high school graduating class.
Based on the 63.09% of enrolled students who reported a class rank. South Carolina does not publish an average GPA.
Admissions Factors
How South Carolina weighs each part of your application.
Rigor of High School Record
Academic GPA
Standardized Test Scores
Application Essay
Recommendations
Extracurricular Activities
Character / Personal Qualities
Talent / Ability
First Generation
Level of Applicant's Interest
Class Rank
Volunteer Work
Work Experience
Geographical Residence
State Residency
Alumni Relation
Racial / Ethnic Status
Religious Affiliation
Cost of Attendance
Estimated full-time annual cost from South Carolina's Common Data Set. Only tuition changes with residency.
Out-of-state students pay $25,810 more — entirely in tuition. Room, board, and other costs are identical regardless of residency.
Financial Aid
Need-based aid statistics for full-time first-year students.
Major Distribution
Bachelor's degrees awarded in the past year by academic major.
Student Diversity
Racial and ethnic breakdown of enrolled undergraduate students.
Student-Faculty Ratio
The number of students for every one faculty member, indicating the average level of access students have to instructional staff.
Campus Life
On-campus housing and Greek life participation rates.
Enrollment by Gender
Since some students did not report gender, totals may not fully reflect the student body.
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Frequently asked questions about South Carolina admissions
What is the University of South Carolina's acceptance rate?＋
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.
Is it harder to get into the University of South Carolina from out of state?＋
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.
What GPA do you need to get into the University of South Carolina?＋
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.
Is a 1300 SAT good enough for the University of South Carolina?＋
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.
Is the University of South Carolina test-optional?＋
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%.
How much does the University of South Carolina cost in-state vs. out-of-state?＋
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.
What are the most popular majors at the University of South Carolina?＋
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.
Does the essay matter at the University of South Carolina?＋
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.
Source: University of South Carolina Common Data Set 2025-2026. Figures transcribed 2026-06-25. Esslo aggregates publicly reported data and is not affiliated with South Carolina. Banner photo by Dfscgt21, via Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 3.0).