University Of South Carolina-Columbia

USC Columbia admits approximately 61.5% of applicants, meaning roughly 3 in 5 applicants receive an offer of admission. This places USC Columbia in the moderately selective category, with admission rates between 50-75%.

The peer median admission rate of 78.1% shows that USC Columbia maintains somewhat higher selectivity than typical four-year institutions, admitting 16.6 percentage points fewer applicants than the peer average. This level of selectivity means that most academically prepared students have reasonable admission prospects, though the university does maintain academic standards that exclude a significant portion of applicants.

Students with strong academic records should expect favorable admission odds, while those with credentials below the university's typical ranges face more uncertainty. For applicants considering USC Columbia, the moderately selective admission rate suggests the importance of presenting competitive academic credentials while recognizing that admission remains achievable for well-prepared students.

The university's position within South Carolina's higher education system means it attracts strong in-state applicants while competing for qualified out-of-state students. Applicants should approach USC Columbia as a match or safety school if their credentials align with enrolled student profiles, making it an important component of a balanced college application strategy that includes reach, match, and safety options.

USC Columbia's published cost of attendance reaches $32,840 per year, including $12,688 in in-state tuition, $34,934 for out-of-state students, $12,558 for room and board, and $1,226 for books and supplies. However, the average student pays just $24,532 after financial aid, representing savings of $8,308 from the sticker price.

This net price falls $8,942 above the peer median of $15,590, indicating higher than typical costs for students attending similar institutions. The substantial gap between published prices and actual costs reflects USC Columbia's financial aid programs, though the university remains more expensive than peer institutions even after aid.

Out-of-state students face significantly higher tuition costs that may not be fully offset by financial aid, making cost evaluation particularly important for non-resident applicants. The net price positioning suggests that families should carefully evaluate total costs and available aid before committing, as USC Columbia operates at the higher end of the cost spectrum for public research universities.

Students from lower-income families benefit from more substantial aid packages, while middle and upper-middle-class families may face greater cost pressure relative to alternatives.

USC Columbia graduates demonstrate steady earnings growth over their post-graduation careers. Median earnings rise from $50,621 six years after enrollment to $57,722 at eight years and $62,177 at ten years, representing 22.8% growth from the six-year mark.

These outcomes are based on a ten-year cohort of 5,995 graduates, providing high confidence in the reported figures. Graduates earn $21,590 below expectations compared to similar students nationally, placing USC Columbia in the modestly below average tier for earnings uplift relative to student academic preparation.

Low-income graduates earn $54,500, ranking at the top 25% nationally and demonstrating the university's effectiveness in supporting economic advancement for students from disadvantaged backgrounds. Earnings span from $41,018 at the 25th percentile to $93,729 at the 75th percentile, reflecting substantial variation across programs and career trajectories.

Approximately 27.4% of graduates continue to graduate or professional study, indicating balanced preparation for both workforce entry and advanced education. The earnings distribution shows a 2.3:1 ratio between the top and bottom quartiles, reflecting meaningful differences in program choice and post-graduation career paths.

USC Columbia offers 20 bachelor's degree programs with federal earnings data for comprehensive ranking analysis. Banking and Financial Support Services leads the portfolio, ranking #44 nationally and #1 in South Carolina, graduating 536 students with median earnings of $79,318 and a value score of 78.9.

Actuarial Science ranks #25 nationally and #1 in South Carolina, graduating 260 students with median earnings of $80,943. Digital Marketing ranks #52 nationally and #1 in South Carolina, graduating 374 students with median earnings of $62,400 and demonstrating strong market demand.

Behavioral Aspects of Health ranks #37 nationally and #1 in South Carolina, graduating 399 students with median earnings of $43,924. Exercise Science and Kinesiology ranks #43 nationally and #2 in South Carolina, graduating 241 students with median earnings of $55,909 and a value score of 80.0.

USC Columbia claims the #1 state ranking in eight different programs, reflecting the university's dominance within South Carolina's higher education landscape across business, health, and applied sciences.