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.
A directional estimate — not a prediction
Admitted students at USC Columbia typically present strong academic credentials that reflect the university's selective standards. SAT scores for enrolled students range from 1180 to 1380, with a median of 1297, placing most admitted students well above national averages. The SAT Math range spans 580-690, while SAT Verbal scores range from 600-690, indicating balanced strength across quantitative and verbal reasoning. ACT scores range from 26 to 32, with a median of 29, reflecting consistent academic preparation. These test score ranges rank among the highest we track nationally at the 97th percentile, significantly exceeding the peer median SAT of 1198 by 99 points. The middle 50% ranges indicate that 25% of enrolled students score below the lower bound while 25% score above the upper bound, meaning students outside these ranges are admitted but represent smaller portions of the enrolled class. Students scoring within the 1180-1380 SAT range or 26-32 ACT range should consider themselves academically competitive for admission. Those scoring below 1180 on the SAT or 26 on the ACT should expect to face additional scrutiny but are not automatically excluded from consideration. The 99-point advantage over peer institutions suggests that USC Columbia attracts academically stronger applicants than typical public research universities, reflecting both the university's reputation and its position as South Carolina's flagship institution. Students should consider whether their academic profile aligns with these ranges when determining application strategy and building their college lists.
Understanding institutional priorities and student support
USC Columbia enrolls a predominantly middle-class and upper-middle-class student body with moderate representation from lower-income backgrounds. The university enrolls 19.0% Pell-eligible students, indicating that roughly 1 in 5 students comes from families earning below $50,000 annually. First-generation college students comprise 19.5% of the enrolled class, suggesting the university serves as an important pathway for families without prior college experience. Transfer students represent 16.1% of new enrollments, indicating the university provides opportunities for students beginning at community colleges or other four-year institutions. These demographic patterns reflect USC Columbia's position as a selective public institution that primarily serves traditional college-going populations while maintaining pathways for students from diverse backgrounds. The Pell share of 19.0% falls below the national average for public institutions but aligns with other selective state flagships that tend to enroll fewer low-income students due to competitive admission standards and geographic factors. First-generation students should recognize that nearly 1 in 5 enrolled students share their background, indicating institutional familiarity with supporting students who are first in their families to attend college. Transfer applicants should note the significant 16.1% transfer enrollment, suggesting the university actively welcomes students from community colleges and other institutions. The demographic composition indicates that USC Columbia serves as South Carolina's primary destination for academically competitive students from diverse economic backgrounds, though middle and upper-middle-class students predominate in the enrolled population.
While USC Columbia's 61.5% acceptance rate provides reasonable admission odds for qualified students, those seeking alternatives should consider institutions with comparable outcomes and different admission profiles or cost structures.
Strong options in your region with comparable outcomes.
Students who enroll at USC Columbia demonstrate strong persistence and completion rates that exceed peer institutions. The retention rate of 90.7% means that more than 9 in 10 freshmen return for their sophomore year, significantly exceeding the peer median of 83.7%. This 7.0 percentage point advantage suggests robust academic support systems and student engagement that help freshmen navigate the transition to university life. The six-year graduation rate of 77.8% exceeds the peer median of 65.9% by nearly 12 percentage points, indicating that most students who enroll ultimately complete their degrees. Pell-eligible students graduate at a rate of 67.8%, representing a 10.0 percentage point gap compared to the overall graduation rate. This Pell completion gap suggests that lower-income students face additional challenges in completing their degrees, though the 67.8% rate still exceeds national averages for low-income students at similar institutions. The retention and completion advantages over peer institutions indicate that USC Columbia provides effective academic and social support structures that help students persist through graduation. Students who gain admission can expect strong institutional support for degree completion, with most enrolled students successfully navigating the academic requirements and graduating within six years. Lower-income students should weigh the 10.0 percentage point Pell gap when considering USC Columbia, though the 67.8% completion rate demonstrates that most low-income students who enroll do successfully graduate. These persistence metrics suggest that USC Columbia's selective admission standards help ensure that enrolled students possess the academic preparation necessary for college success.
Similar quality tier in Southeast (#210 ranked)
Higher acceptance rates with similar career outcomes.
Similar quality tier (#211 ranked)
Similar quality tier (#209 ranked)
Similar quality tier (#231 ranked)
Similar quality tier (#232 ranked)
Similar quality tier (#235 ranked)
Build a balanced list with schools at different selectivity and price points.
Explore More Schools