University of South Carolina-Columbia, founded in 1801, is the flagship campus of South Carolina's university system with top-ranked international business and honors programs.
The 359-acre campus features the Darla Moore School of Business, the Honors Residence College, and the new School of Music building. Its vibrant research environment includes the Innovista research district.
University of South Carolina-Columbia Acceptance Rate
University of South Carolina-Columbia is somewhat selective. With an acceptance rate of 64.05%, the school is accessible to students who demonstrate foundational academic competency and a readiness for college-level work.
Admissions Guidelines
- Broad Evaluation: Personal growth and vocational goals are considered alongside grades.
- Flexible Standards: Strengths in extracurriculars can often balance an average GPA.
Data verified via IPEDS and the 2025-2026 Common Data Set (CDS). Expert Review led by Sohaib Khan and Dr. Waseem .
University of South Carolina-Columbia Admission Requirements
University of South Carolina-Columbia GPA Requirement
The average GPA of the admitted students at University of South Carolina-Columbia is 3.69. University of South Carolina-Columbia is highly selective.
Mostly A’s with a few B’s will keep you competitive. Taking AP/IB courses related to your field will improve your chances.
If your GPA is between 3.39 and 3.69, a strong SAT or ACT score is recommended.
University of South Carolina-Columbia GPA & Admission Outlook
Assessment: Selective; solid academic performance is expected.
Recommended Strategy: Focus on a Strong 'Spike' in extracurriculars or research.
Admissions at University of South Carolina-Columbia utilize a Holistic Review process. With an average admitted GPA of 3.69, the following table illustrates how your specific academic profile aligns with institutional expectations.
| Candidate GPA Range | Admission Category | Strategic Requirement |
|---|---|---|
| 3.69 – 4.00 | Target/Match | Maintain Rigor & High Testing |
| 3.49 – 3.68 | Competitive Match | Focus on SAT/ACT Compensation |
| 3.29 – 3.48 | Secondary Reach | Personal Statement & Impact |
| Below 3.28 | Institutional Reach | Requires Significant Contextual Factors |
Expert Insight: 2026 Evaluation Metrics
- The Rigor Metric: At University of South Carolina-Columbia, a slightly lower GPA (e.g., 3.8) in a transcript featuring multiple AP or IB courses is often prioritized over a 4.0 in a standard curriculum.
- The Upward Trend: If your early high school grades were lower, an upward trajectory in 11th and 12th grade demonstrates Academic Resilience.
Data Source: Verified via IPEDS and latest Common Data Set (CDS). Reviewed by our academic board led by Sohaib Khan and Dr. Waseem.
Admission Chance Predictor
Real-Time Sensitive Analysis
Adjust the sliders to see how every decimal point affects your outcome.
Calculated via College Portal’s Human-Intelligence (HI) Methodology & Editorial Standards.
Verified by Sohaib Ahmad Khan.
University of South Carolina-Columbia SAT Requirements
Each school has different requirements for SAT and ACT testing. For the 2026 academic cycle, the landscape of standardized testing has shifted back toward Test-Required policies at the majority of highly selective and Ivy+ institutions. Following a multi-year "Test-Optional" pilot, data-driven results have led universities like Harvard, Yale, Brown, and the University of Texas at Austin to reinstate the SAT and ACT as mandatory components of the application.
In this competitive environment, standardized scores are no longer elective; they serve as a critical standardized benchmark to validate high school GPA and course rigor. Applicants should aim for scores within or above the middle 50% range of the 2025 admitted class to remain viable in the Holistic Review process. At institutions that remain test-optional, submitting a high-percentile score is still the primary strategy for securing merit-based scholarships and distinguishing one's profile in a high-volume applicant pool.
University of South Carolina-Columbia Average SAT Score: 1304
The average SAT score of the admitted students at University of South Carolina-Columbia is 1304 on the 1600 SAT scale.
University of South Carolina-Columbia SAT Competitiveness
This score makes it Competitive for SAT scores. You need to do well to score 1304 on the SAT.
Key Insight:Aim for the 75th percentile (1380 SAT or 32 ACT) to stand out. If your scores are below average, consider retaking the test. University of South Carolina-Columbia allows Score Choice for the SAT and Superscoring for the ACT, giving you flexibility to submit your best scores.
If your score is below 1180, you must retake the SAT to improve your chances of admission to University of South Carolina-Columbia. It is not strange to appear multiple times for the SAT to improve scores. Colleges don’t mind if you have appeared multiple times, but not more than 5 times.
University of South Carolina-Columbia SAT Scores Breakdown by Sections
| Section | Average | 25th Percentile | 75th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| SAT Math | 635 | 580 | 690 |
| SAT Reading | 645 | 600 | 690 |
| SAT Composite | 1304 | 1180 | 1380 |
It means that if you have scored less than 1180 then you are below most of the admitted students at University of South Carolina-Columbia and your chances of admission are very few. But if you have scored 1380 or more, your chances of admission are higher. 25th percentile means that only 25% of the admitted students have fewer scores than this score. 75th percentile marks the score of the upper 25% of the students. View list of all colleges with average SAT score of 1300
Can I get into University of South Carolina-Columbia with a 1400 SAT?
With a 1400 SAT Score, your chances of admission at University of South Carolina-Columbia are good but the admission staff at University of South Carolina-Columbia tests your all-around personality and your academics. Your GPA, Class performance, SAT/ACT/Test scores, and AP or IB Courses can help your application stand out. Co-curricular and extra-curricular activities and interpersonal communication skills are very important. Additionally, if you cannot perform well in one area, you have a chance to showcase your strengths and abilities in other areas, improving other areas will help you secure admission. You need to show better performance in all areas. An equally high GPA, taking IB or AP Courses and your role in leadership activities will increase your chances of admission. However, if you equally compete well in all other areas, your chances of admission are high.
University of South Carolina-Columbia ACT Requirements
The average ACT Score at University of South Carolina-Columbia is 30.
University of South Carolina-Columbia ACT Competitiveness
This score makes University of South Carolina-Columbia very Competitive for ACT scores. You need to do very well to score 30 on the ACT.
University of South Carolina-Columbia ACT Scores Breakdown by Sections
| Section | Average | 25th Percentile | 75th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| ACT Math | 27 | 24 | 30 |
| ACT English | 29 | 25 | 33 |
| ACT Composite | 30 | 27 | 32 |
Can I get into University of South Carolina-Columbia with a 32 ACT?
With a 32 ACT Score, your chances of admission at University of South Carolina-Columbia are good but the admission staff does not check your ACT Score only. The College Admission process tests your all-around personality and academics. Your GPA, Class performance, SAT/ACT/Test scores, and AP or IB Courses can help your application stand out. Co-curricular and extra-curricular activities and interpersonal communication skills are very important. Additionally, if you cannot perform well in one area, you have a chance to showcase your strengths and abilities in other areas, improving other areas will help you secure admission.
View a list of all colleges with an average ACT score of 30.University of South Carolina-Columbia Profile
Name: University of South Carolina-Columbia
Accredited by: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCC)
How much does a degree from University of South Carolina-Columbia Cost?
The average annual cost of the degree at University of South Carolina-Columbia is USD: 28844. As most of the students receive Pell Grants and Federal Grants the average annual net price a student has to pay at University of South Carolina-Columbia is USD: 21044
How can I get a scholarship?
19.19% of the students are receiving Pell Grant and 41.76 percent are receiving Federal Grants. So it is a better choice to go to University of South Carolina-Columbia and apply for PELL or federal loan grants.
At University of South Carolina-Columbia, you will have no problem receiving any scholarship from the federal government. Fill in the FAFSA application form at the earliest and enlist University of South Carolina-Columbia as your choice in the form.
How much a University of South Carolina-Columbia Graduate make?
The average annual salary of the University of South Carolina-Columbia graduate after 4-6 years of graduation is USD 62177. An average University of South Carolina-Columbia graduate makes this much after 10 years of enrollment (4-6 years after graduation).
The average annual income of a graduate in the United States is USD: 40595
Less Competitive Schools
These schools have lower average SAT or ACT scores than University of South Carolina-Columbia. If your SAT or ACT score is slightly lower than the requirements of University of South Carolina-Columbia, you'll be competitive for these schools.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Alabama at Birmingham | University of Alabama at Birmingham, AL | 1291 | 27 |
| University of Alabama in Huntsville | University of Alabama in Huntsville, AL | 1259 | 28 |
| Auburn University | Auburn University, AL | 1292 | 27 |
| Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Prescott | Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Prescott, AZ | 1278 | 28 |
| California Lutheran University | California Lutheran University, CA | 1258 | 28 |
| University of the Pacific | University of the Pacific, CA | 1276 | 29 |
| United States Coast Guard Academy | United States Coast Guard Academy, CT | 1294 | 29 |
| University of Delaware | University of Delaware, DE | 1290 | 29 |
| University of Central Florida | University of Central Florida, FL | 1281 | 27 |
| Rollins College | Rollins College, FL | 1265 | 27 |
Equally Competitive Schools
These schools have the same range of average SAT or ACT scores as University of South Carolina-Columbia. If your SAT or ACT score are competitive for University of South Carolina-Columbia, you'll be competitive for these schools also.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| The University of Alabama | The University of Alabama, AL | 1304 | 27 |
| University of Colorado Boulder | University of Colorado Boulder, CO | 1301 | 29 |
| United States Coast Guard Academy | United States Coast Guard Academy, CT | 1294 | 29 |
| Florida State University | Florida State University, FL | 1309 | 29 |
| Knox College | Knox College, IL | 1311 | 30 |
More Competitive Schools
These schools have higher average SAT or ACT scores than University of South Carolina-Columbia. If you improve your SAT or ACT score, you'll be competitive for these schools.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Loyola Marymount University | Loyola Marymount University, CA | 1378 | 31 |
| Santa Clara University | Santa Clara University, CA | 1379 | 31 |
| Westmont College | Westmont College, CA | 1380 | 32 |
| University of Denver | University of Denver, CO | 1348 | 30 |
| University of Connecticut | University of Connecticut, CT | 1340 | 31 |
Degree Programs
Bachelor Degree Programs
- Accounting and Related Services
- Aerospace, Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering
- Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions
- Anthropology
- Applied Mathematics
- Area Studies
- Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology
- Biology, General
- Biomedical/Medical Engineering
- Business Administration, Management and Operations
Frequently Asked Questions About University of South Carolina-Columbia Admissions
Answer: Graduates of this university typically earn a moderate salary, $62177 annually, with some fluctuation based on the field.
Question: What is the tuition fee for University of South Carolina-Columbia?
Answer: The tuition fee at this university is relatively low, around $28844 per year, making it more affordable for many students.
Question: What are my chances of getting a scholarship at University of South Carolina-Columbia?
Answer: Your chances of getting a scholarship are good, with about a 50-80% chance. Scholarships are competitive but achievable if you meet the criteria.
Question: What is the acceptance rate for University of South Carolina-Columbia?
Answer: The acceptance rate of University of South Carolina-Columbia is 64.05 which is relatively high, above 20%, making it somewhat easier to gain admission compared to other top-tier universities.
Question: What is the average GPA of admitted students at University of South Carolina-Columbia?
Answer: The average GPA of admitted students is 3.69. This reflects the competitive academic profile expected from applicants.
Question: What is the minimum GPA required for admission to University of South Carolina-Columbia?
Answer: The minimum GPA required for admission is typically around 3.39, though this can vary depending on other factors such as test scores, extracurriculars, and essays.
Question: What are my chances at University of South Carolina-Columbia with a 3.39 GPA?
Answer: If your GPA is 3.39 or less, it may makes admission difficult. However, your chances may improve if you have strong test scores, extracurricular activities, and essays.
Question: Can I apply to University of South Carolina-Columbia if my GPA is below 3.29
Answer: While the average GPA of admitted students is 3.69, applicants with lower GPAs can still be considered if they have strong test scores, extracurriculars, and compelling personal essays that demonstrate resilience and potential.
Question: How competitive is the SAT score requirement for University of South Carolina-Columbia?
Answer: Admission to University of South Carolina-Columbia is based on SAT, and a strong SAT score is essential. Aim for scores above 1304 for the best chances, although the overall application strength also matters. Your SAT must be in the range of 1180-1380
Question: Is it possible to transfer to University of South Carolina-Columbia from another university?
Answer: Yes, many students successfully transfer to University of South Carolina-Columbia each year. Be prepared with your academic transcripts, recommendation letters, and a solid personal statement to make your application competitive.
Question: What is the campus culture like at University of South Carolina-Columbia?
Answer: The campus culture at University of South Carolina-Columbia is diverse and vibrant, with numerous student organizations, sports teams, and cultural activities. It’s an ideal environment for personal growth and building lifelong connections.
Question: How can I improve my chances of getting into University of South Carolina-Columbia?
Answer: To improve your chances, focus on excelling academically, building a strong extracurricular profile, and submitting standout essays. High SAT/ACT scores are also crucial for competitive admissions.
Full list of All degree programs offered by University of South Carolina-Columbia.
Data on this page is sourced from IPEDS, College Scorecard's latest data as provided in 2025, US Department of Education's latest 2025 statistics, Institute's official websites and printed material as well as additional publicly available sources.