Government-Verified Education Data

University of South Carolina-Columbia

Q: How much does University of South Carolina-Columbia cost?

In-state tuition is $12,688 and out-of-state tuition is $34,934 per year.

Q: What do University of South Carolina-Columbia graduates earn?

The median earnings 5 years after graduation is $50,621 and 10 years after is $62,177.

Q: What percentage of students at University of South Carolina-Columbia take federal loans?

41.7% of students take out federal loans.

Q: What is the enrollment at University of South Carolina-Columbia?

University of South Carolina-Columbia has a total enrollment of 28,113 students (public institution). That is about 18× the national median of 1,556 students for U.S. degree-granting institutions.

Q: How much is out-of-state tuition at University of South Carolina-Columbia?

Out-of-state tuition at University of South Carolina-Columbia is $34,934 per year, compared with $12,688 for in-state students — a difference of $22,246. That is 31% above the national median of $26,585 for out-of-state tuition nationally.

Q: What SAT score do you need to get into University of South Carolina-Columbia?

Admitted students at University of South Carolina-Columbia typically score between 1180 and 1360 on the SAT (middle 50%), with an average composite score of 1297. Reading/writing range: 600–680; math range: 580–680.

Q: What ACT score do you need to get into University of South Carolina-Columbia?

The middle 50% of admitted students at University of South Carolina-Columbia score between 26 and 32 on the ACT.

Q: How do University of South Carolina-Columbia graduates' earnings compare to the national median?

Graduates of University of South Carolina-Columbia earn a median of $62,177 ten years after entry — 15% above the national median of $54,122 across 1,889 U.S. institutions in the College Scorecard. That is higher than 69% of ranked U.S. colleges.

Columbia, South Carolina · Public

Compare ROI Analysis

Avg Earnings (5yr)

$50,621

Acceptance Rate

62%

Graduation Rate

78%

Annual Tuition

$12,688

Quick answer

According to U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard data on USACollegeData.com (2024-25 College Scorecard release), graduates of University of South Carolina-Columbia earn a median of $62,177 ten years after entry — 15% above the national median. Acceptance rate 61.5%, average SAT score 1297, in-state tuition $12,688.

At a Glance

Total Students

28,113

Retention Rate

91%

Faculty Ratio

Financial Aid

42%

Median Debt

$21,500

Campus Setting

City

Institution Type

Public

Admissions: SAT & ACT Scores

Average SAT Score

1,297

SAT Reading/Writing (middle 50%)

600–680

SAT Math (middle 50%)

580–680

ACT Composite (middle 50%)

26–32

Institution Overview

The University of South Carolina-Columbia is a public institution with a student body of 28,113. The university has a 61.5% acceptance rate. The graduation rate is 78%, and the retention rate is 90.7%. The median debt for graduates is $21,500, and 41.7% of students receive financial aid.

In-state tuition costs $12,688. One year after graduation, the median earnings are $44,890. Five years after graduation, the median earnings are $50,621, and ten years after graduation, the median earnings are $62,177.

Generated from College Scorecard & IPEDS data

Earning Projection Over Time

$45k

1 YEAR

$51k

5 YEARS

$62k

10 YEARS

Top 31% in Earnings

Graduate Outcomes

One year after graduation, University of South Carolina-Columbia alumni earn a median salary of $44,890. Five years after graduation, median earnings increase to $50,621. Ten years after graduation, alumni earn a median salary of $62,177. The median debt for graduates is $21,500.

The University of South Carolina-Columbia has a student body of 28,113. The university has a 61.5% acceptance rate and a 78% graduation rate. The retention rate is 90.7%. The in-state tuition is $12,688, and 41.7% of students receive financial aid.