About
Founded in 1801, the University of South Carolina (USC) is a public research university located in Columbia, South Carolina. It is the oldest public university in the state offering over 170 programs in the fields of business, law, management, sciences, and arts.
What is the Acceptance Rate at the University of South Carolina?
The University of South Carolina acceptance rate is 62%, and it has an enrollment of more than 30,000 students.
The University of South Carolina offers 350+ undergraduate and graduate programs in various fields, including the arts and sciences, business, education, engineering, law, medicine, and nursing. The university is also home to several nationally ranked programs, such as its business school, engineering school, and medical school.
The university's average annual tuition fee for international students is approximately $25,000 - $36,000 (INR 20,81,007 - 29,96,650), and its student-to-faculty ratio is 18:1. USC is also home to the South Carolina Gamecocks, a member of the Southeastern Conference (SEC). The University of South Carolina QS ranking is 551-600 in 2024.
The University of South Carolina is known for its strong academic programs, as well as its vibrant student life and commitment to diversity and inclusion. The university's campus is located in the heart of downtown Columbia and is home to various amenities, including a state-of-the-art library, a student fitness center, and a performing arts center.
What is the University of South Carolina minimum GPA Requirement?
University of South Carolina's recommended GPA requirement is 2.0. To be competitive, you should aim for a GPA of 2.0 or higher.
Top Reasons to Study in the University of South Carolina
Several reasons add to the popularity of international students' demand to study at the University of South Carolina. Here are some of the top reasons:
- Excellent academics: USC is a highly-ranked university with a strong academic reputation, offering 300 programs in various fields.
- Affordability: USC is a public university, so tuition is more affordable than at many private universities, offering various financial aid programs to help students afford their education.
- Location: USC is located in South Carolina, a beautiful city with a lot to offer students. Columbia is home to various cultural attractions, including museums, theatres, and parks. It is also a major economic center, with various businesses and industries.
- Strong research: USC is a major research university with a focus on innovation and discovery, home to over 100 research centers and institutes. The university's research has led to significant advances in various fields, including medicine, engineering, and the social sciences.
- Diversity: USC is a diverse university with students from all over the world. This diversity creates a vibrant and stimulating learning environment, committed to providing a welcoming and inclusive environment for all students.
These reasons are just a glimpse of what you will learn and explore at the University of South Carolina. To know more, click here.
Admissions
Avg acceptance rate (Bachelors)
61%
Application Fee
$50 - $100
How to Apply at University of South Carolina
The University of South Carolina offers 350+ undergraduate and graduate programs in various fields, including the arts and sciences, business, education, engineering, law, medicine, and nursing. International students must follow these steps to smoothen the application process to USC:
Be an early bird: The University of South Carolina admissions deadlines vary program-wise, and missing them can severely affect your chances of getting in. Hence, thoroughly check the deadlines before applying. Students are advised to apply at least 9 months before the course commencement.
Review the admission requirements for international students: The eligibility criteria for international students vary slightly from domestic students, in terms of GPA, English proficiency, and standardized scores.
Submit your application online: Applicants can apply through the USC Application Portal and the Common Application.
Submit all required supporting documents, including:
- Official transcripts from all high schools and universities attended.
- English language proficiency test scores (TOEFL or IELTS).
- Standardized test scores (SAT, ACT, GRE, or GMAT).
- A financial statement.
- Letters of recommendation from teachers and guidance counselors.
- A personal statement.
- Additional documents like a copy of your passport and financial statements.
Pay the application fee: The application fee for international students is $100 (INR 8,324).
Documents Required to Apply to University of South Carolina
The University of South Carolina acceptance rate is 62%, which makes it a moderately selective and competitive university to get into. International students must keep the following documents handy to make the application process hassle-free:
UNDERGRADUATE
|
DOCUMENT |
DESCRIPTION |
|
High School Transcripts |
Official transcripts, translated into English. |
|
GPA |
3.0 |
|
Financial Statements |
Showcase your ability to fund your education and other utilities for at least a year. |
|
Standardized Scores |
SAT, ACT, IELTS, TOEFL, DUOLINGO, and PTE Scores. |
|
Application Fee |
Non-refundable application fee of $100 (INR 8,324). |
POSTGRADUATE
|
DOCUMENT |
DESCRIPTION |
|
Bachelor’s Degree (US Equivalent) |
Official transcripts, translated into English. |
|
GPA |
3.0 (83 - 86%) |
|
Letters of Recommendation |
From academic counselors or others. |
|
Talk about your extracurriculars and how you are competent to study at USC. |
|
|
Resume or CV |
Talk about your work experience, certifications, and other achievements. |
|
Standardized Scores |
GRE, GMAT, IELTS, and TOEFL Scores. |
|
Application Fee |
Non-refundable application fee of $100 (INR 8,324). |
Exams Accepted By University of South Carolina
Campus Life
Transportation in the city
Here are the different modes of transportation available in Columbia City, South Carolina:
- Public transportation: The Central Midlands Regional Transit Authority (COMET) operates a bus system that serves the Columbia metropolitan area. Fares start at $2 for a one-way trip. The COMET also operates the Soda Cap Connector, which is a free shuttle that runs between downtown Columbia and the Vista entertainment district.
- Ride-hailing: Ride-hailing services such as Uber and Lyft are also available in Columbia. Rates vary depending on the distance traveled.
- DART: This service provides door-to-door transportation for people with disabilities who are unable to use public transportation.
- Bicycle: Columbia has a growing network of bike lanes and trails, making it a great city for biking. You can rent bicycles from several different shops in the city.
Services offered by the university
Here are some of the specific services offered by the University of South Carolina in detail:
- Academic advising: The Office of Academic Advising provides students with individual advising sessions, group advising sessions, and online advising resources.
- Career services: The Career Center offers students various services, including career counseling, job search assistance, and resume workshops.
- Financial aid: The Office of Financial Aid provides students with information about financial aid options, helps students apply for financial aid, and monitors students' financial aid awards.
- Health services: Student Health Services offers students various medical, dental, and mental health services, including primary care, urgent care, and mental health counseling.
- Recreation: The University of South Carolina offers various recreation options, including intramural sports, a gym, and a recreation center.
These are some basic services provided by the University of South Carolina. However, some special services are also offered for international students, the disabled, and individuals belonging to the LGBTQ+ community.
Student life at University of South Carolina
With an array of activities, clubs, and cultural events offered by USC, you are sure to feel involved. Let us look at the factors that contribute to the vibrancy of the student life at the University of South Carolina:
- Student Organizations: There are over 400 student organizations on campus, so there is something for everyone. Whether you are interested in Greek life, athletics, the arts, or simply making new friends, you will find a place to belong at USC.
- Athletics: The Gamecocks compete in the Southeastern Conference (SEC), and they have won national championships in football, basketball, and baseball. The Colonial Life Arena is home to the USC Gamecocks basketball team and hosts concerts and other events throughout the year.
- Explore: Horseshoe is the heart of campus and is home to many of the university's most iconic landmarks, and is also a popular spot for students to relax, study, and meet up with friends.
- Go Outdoors: The University of South Carolina is also home to several beautiful outdoor spaces, including the Horseshoe Garden, the Botanical Garden, and the Riverwalk. These are great places to relax, take a walk, or have a picnic
These are just a few factors that make the University of South Carolina's student life so happening. If you go there, you will feel involved and get various opportunities to shine as an individual.
On campus accomodation at University of South Carolina
The University of South Carolina offers various on-campus housing options for students, including residence halls, apartments, and suites.
- Residence halls are the most common type of on-campus housing at USC. They offer various room types, including singles, doubles, triples, and quads. Residence halls also have shared bathrooms, laundry facilities, and common areas.
- Apartments offer more privacy than residence halls, as each apartment has its own kitchen and bathroom. Apartments are also usually larger than residence hall rooms.
- Suites are a hybrid of residence halls and apartments. They offer the privacy of an apartment, but they also have shared common areas. They are larger than residence hall rooms, but smaller than apartments.
In addition to these three main types of on-campus housing, USC also offers special housing options, such as:
- Living-learning communities are designed to provide students with a more immersive academic experience. These communities are usually themed around a particular academic discipline or interest area.
- International student housing is available for students who are not native English speakers. This housing is designed to help international students adjust to life in the United States and improve their English language skills.
Cost: The cost of on-campus housing at USC varies depending on the type of housing and the number of roommates. For example, the cost of a single room in a residence hall ranges from $2,900 (INR 2,41,396) to $4,500 (INR 3,74,581) per semester. The cost of an apartment ranges from $3,500 (INR 2,91,341) to $5,500 (INR 4,57,821) per semester.
To know about how and when to apply for on-campus housing, students must visit the USC Housing website.
Faculty
University Faculty:Student Ratio
University Faculty Stats
The University of South Carolina has a vast faculty, and some of its statistics are:
- The University of South Carolina has a diverse and distinguished faculty of over 3,000 full-time and part-time professors, lecturers, and instructors. Here are some facts about the faculty at the University of South Carolina:
- The student-to-faculty ratio is 18:1, which is considered to be very good.
- The average faculty salary at USC is $110,000 (INR 91,56,433).
- The most common faculty degrees are PhDs (60%), followed by MAs (25%) and MDs (10%).
- The faculty at USC are highly accomplished, with many having received national and international awards for their research and teaching.
Career Opportunities
University Endowments Value
Internship opportunities at University of South Carolina
The University of South Carolina offers various internship and part-time job opportunities for students. These opportunities can help students gain valuable work experience, learn new skills, and network with professionals in their field.
Internships are available in various fields, including business, engineering, education, social work, and the arts. Students can find internships with local businesses, government agencies, and non-profit organizations. The University of South Carolina offers two internship programs:
- The Carolina Internship Program (CIP) is a one-semester internship that can be completed either part-time or full-time.
- The Co-op program is a longer-term internship that usually lasts for two semesters.
Part-time jobs are available on-campus and off-campus. On-campus jobs include working in the library, dining hall, or bookstore. Off-campus jobs include working in retail, food service, or customer service.
Working can be elemental, especially for international students. Through the array of opportunities offered by USC, you will find internships or part-time jobs on campus and in the surrounding community.
Placement of University of South Carolina
Job Placement: The University of South Carolina has a strong job placement record for its graduates of 95%. The most popular industries for USC graduates are finance, accounting, marketing, and management.
Hiring Companies: Some of the top employers of the University of South Carolina graduates include:
- Bank of America
- Deloitte
- EY
- Goldman Sachs
- IBM
- KPMG
- McKinsey & Company
- PwC
- Wells Fargo
- Walmart
Salaries: The starting salaries for the University of South Carolina graduates vary depending on the major and the employer. However, in general, graduates with quantitative and analytical skills tend to earn higher salaries. For example, the average starting salary for finance majors is $61,426 (INR 51,13,118), while the average starting salary for management majors is $51,903 (INR 43,20,421).
Last updated August 14, 2026