University Of South Carolina-Upstate

University of South Carolina-Upstate admits 69.6% of applicants, meaning approximately 7 in 10 applicants receive offers of admission. This places USC Upstate in the moderately selective category, with admission rates between 50% and 75%.

The peer median admission rate of 84.6% indicates that USC Upstate is more selective than typical similar institutions by about 15 percentage points. This level of selectivity means that while admission is accessible to most qualified applicants, students should still present solid academic credentials.

The moderately selective admission rate allows the university to maintain academic standards while serving diverse student populations, including significant numbers of first-generation and Pell-eligible students. Prospective students should view USC Upstate as a realistic option if their academic profile aligns with the institution's standards, though they should still prepare comprehensive applications.

The balance between selectivity and accessibility makes USC Upstate suitable for students seeking a public university experience with reasonable admission expectations but maintained academic rigor.

USC Upstate publishes a cost of attendance of $24,565 per year, consisting of $11,583 in in-state tuition, $10,040 for room and board, and $1,600 for books and supplies. Out-of-state students face higher tuition of $22,545.

However, the average student pays significantly less after financial aid, with net price averaging $13,725—a savings of $10,840 from the sticker price. This net price sits slightly above the peer median of $14,093 by $368, indicating costs comparable to similar institutions.

The financial aid savings of $10,840 represents meaningful assistance for families, reducing the published cost by 44%. USC Upstate's cost structure reflects typical public university pricing, with moderate tuition levels and standard room and board charges.

The gap between sticker price and actual cost paid demonstrates the importance of applying for financial aid, as most students receive substantial assistance that makes attendance significantly more affordable than the published figures suggest.

USC Upstate graduates demonstrate steady earnings progression over time. Median earnings rise from $43,339 six years after enrollment to $46,601 at eight years and $48,587 at ten years, representing 12.1% growth from the six-year mark.

These outcomes reflect data from a ten-year cohort of 2,296 graduates, providing confidence in the reported figures. The university generates $3,847 in earnings beyond expectations compared to similar students nationally, placing it at the 70.3rd percentile for earnings uplift.

Low-income graduates earn $38,100, reflecting the institution's role in serving diverse economic backgrounds. Earnings span from $32,831 at the 25th percentile to $71,756 at the 75th percentile, indicating significant variation based on program choice and career trajectory.

Approximately 28.1% of graduates continue to graduate or professional study, suggesting balanced preparation for both workforce entry and advanced education paths.

USC Upstate offers 11 bachelor's degree programs with sufficient federal earnings data for analysis. Adult Health Nursing ranks #103 nationally and #1 in South Carolina, graduating 319 students with median earnings of $67,071 and a value score of 62.8.

Business Administration and Management ranks #182 nationally and #1 in South Carolina, producing 179 graduates with median earnings of $50,434. Adult and Continuing Education ranks #141 nationally and #1 in South Carolina, graduating 122 students with median earnings of $37,223.

General Studies ranks #102 nationally and #1 in South Carolina with 92 graduates earning $38,742. Corrections Administration ranks #127 nationally and #2 in South Carolina, graduating 88 students with median earnings of $43,381.

The university demonstrates particular strength in health professions, with nursing representing the largest and highest-earning program.