University of South Carolina-Upstate is not selective in its admission process. The acceptance rate of University of South Carolina-Upstate is 78.58%. This means that 79 out of every 100 applicants get admitted.
How Competitiveness is University of South Carolina-Upstate Admissions?
- Slightly Competitive: Applicants need average academics and extracurriculars.
- GPA, SAT/ACT, and AP/IB courses significantly impact admission chances.
- A holistic review considers essays, recommendations, and leadership roles.

Although the acceptance rate is high, remember that to secure admission to any institution of higher learning, you must convince the admission staff that you are mentally and physically fit for the course of studies. Your GPA, class performance, SAT/ACT scores, and IB or AP courses can help your application stand out. If you do not perform well in one area, you can showcase your strengths in other areas, as University of South Carolina-Upstate is not very strict in its admission, so improving other areas will help you secure admission.
To enhance your chances of admission, perform well in academics and other activities. If your GPA is not excellent, compensate by scoring high on the SAT, and ACT, and taking IB or AP courses.
Additionally, a well-written letter of recommendation, your participation in co-curricular and extracurricular activities, and your interpersonal communication skills can improve your chances of admission.
University of South Carolina-Upstate Admission Requirements
University of South Carolina-Upstate GPA Requirement
Can I Get Into University of South Carolina-Upstate Without SAT Or ACT?: University of South Carolina-Upstate considers admission test scores (SAT/ACT) during the application process but does not require them. Although it is not strictly a requirement, the test scores are considered for admission decisions. Hence, it is advisable to prepare well for the test and submit the best scores. Normally, students may appear in the test 4 to 5 times to improve their scores. Hence you are required to plan early and appear in upcoming SAT / ACT tests. Check the schedule of the test and plan accordingly. It is advisable to appear multiple times in the test unless you score well above the average SAT / ACT score of the admitted students, as given below.
University of South Carolina-Upstate SAT Requirements
Each school has different requirements for SAT and ACT testing. Only a few schools require the SAT or ACT, but many consider your scores if you choose to submit them. The test score policy is already mentioned.
University of South Carolina-Upstate Average SAT Score: 1078
The average SAT score of the admitted students at University of South Carolina-Upstate is 1078 on the 1600 SAT scale.
University of South Carolina-Upstate SAT Competitiveness

This score makes it an easy target or SAT test scores. You need to put average efforts to score 1078 on the SAT.
Key Insight:Aim for the 75th percentile (1150 SAT or 25 ACT) to stand out. If your scores are below average, consider retaking the test. University of South Carolina-Upstate allows Score Choice for the SAT and Superscoring for the ACT, giving you flexibility to submit your best scores.
If your score is below 950, you must retake the SAT to improve your chances of admission to University of South Carolina-Upstate. 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-Upstate SAT Scores Breakdown by Sections
Section | Average | 25th Percentile | 75th Percentile |
---|---|---|---|
SAT Math | 510 | 460 | 560 |
SAT Reading | 540 | 490 | 590 |
SAT Composite | 1078 | 950 | 1150 |
It means that if you have scored less than 950 then you are below most of the admitted students at University of South Carolina-Upstate and your chances of admission are very few. But if you have scored 1150 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 1100
Can I get into University of South Carolina-Upstate with a 1150 SAT?
With a 1150 SAT Score, your chances of admission at University of South Carolina-Upstate are good but the admission staff at University of South Carolina-Upstate 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-Upstate ACT Requirements
The average ACT Score at University of South Carolina-Upstate is 23.
University of South Carolina-Upstate ACT Competitiveness

This score makes University of South Carolina-Upstate slightly Competitive for ACT scores. You need to well to score 23 on the ACT.
University of South Carolina-Upstate ACT Scores Breakdown by Sections
Section | Average | 25th Percentile | 75th Percentile |
---|---|---|---|
ACT Math | 21 | 18 | 24 |
ACT English | 22 | 19 | 25 |
ACT Composite | 23 | 20 | 25 |
Can I get into University of South Carolina-Upstate with a 25 ACT?
With a 25 ACT Score, your chances of admission at University of South Carolina-Upstate 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.
SAT Vs ACT: Which score to send
You can compare your scores in SAT and ACT to the average SAT and ACT Scores of the admitted students at University of South Carolina-Upstate. More importantly, comparing your scores with the 25th and 75th percentiles of SAT and ACT scores will give you a better understanding of where you stand. If your score on the SAT is near the 75th percentile SAT score, then you must send your SAT score. If your ACT score is near the 75th percentile, then you must send your ACT Score.
But there is more, if both of your scores are in the same range, then it is better to send an ACT Score, as in the case of ACT, you can control which score to send as opposed to SAT.
Here is how: When sending the ACT Score, you can decide which score you want to send to the colleges. You could take 8 ACT tests, and only send your highest one. This is not the case with the SAT, where your score report mentions all of your attempts.
View a list of all colleges with an average ACT score of 23.University of South Carolina-Upstate Profile
Name: University of South Carolina-Upstate
City: Spartanburg
URL: www.uscupstate.edu/
State: South Carolina
Type: Public
Zip: 29303-4999
Campus: Main
Accredited by: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCC)
How much does a degree from University of South Carolina-Upstate Cost?
The average annual cost of the degree at University of South Carolina-Upstate is USD: 24523. 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-Upstate is USD: 13466
How can I get a scholarship?
45.43% of the students are receiving Pell Grant and 54.11 percent are receiving Federal Grants. So it is a better choice to go to University of South Carolina-Upstate and apply for PELL or federal loan grants.
At University of South Carolina-Upstate, 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-Upstate as your choice in the form.
How much a University of South Carolina-Upstate Graduate make?
The average annual salary of the University of South Carolina-Upstate graduate after 4-6 years of graduation is USD 48587. An average University of South Carolina-Upstate 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-Upstate. If your SAT or ACT score is slightly lower than the requirements of University of South Carolina-Upstate, you'll be competitive for these schools.
School | Location | SAT | ACT |
---|---|---|---|
Auburn University at Montgomery | Auburn University at Montgomery, AL | 1051 | 22 |
Jacksonville State University | Jacksonville State University, AL | 1055 | 20 |
Troy University | Troy University, AL | 1050 | 21 |
Williams Baptist University | Williams Baptist University, AR | 1050 | 21 |
Adams State University | Adams State University, CO | 1066 | 21 |
Colorado Mesa University | Colorado Mesa University, CO | 1062 | 22 |
Colorado State University Pueblo | Colorado State University Pueblo, CO | 1031 | 21 |
Central Connecticut State University | Central Connecticut State University, CT | 1061 | 21 |
The Baptist College of Florida | The Baptist College of Florida, FL | 1045 | 20 |
Georgia Southern University | Georgia Southern University, GA | 1057 | 21 |

Equally Competitive Schools
These schools have the same range of average SAT or ACT scores as University of South Carolina-Upstate. If your SAT or ACT score are competitive for University of South Carolina-Upstate, you'll be competitive for these schools also.
School | Location | SAT | ACT |
---|---|---|---|
Huntingdon College | Huntingdon College, AL | 1086 | 21 |
University of the Ozarks | University of the Ozarks, AR | 1087 | 22 |
Southern Arkansas University Main Campus | Southern Arkansas University Main Campus, AR | 1088 | 21 |
Pacific Union College | Pacific Union College, CA | 1075 | 21 |
Eastern Connecticut State University | Eastern Connecticut State University, CT | 1079 | 22 |

More Competitive Schools
These schools have higher average SAT or ACT scores than University of South Carolina-Upstate. If you improve your SAT or ACT score, you'll be competitive for these schools.
School | Location | SAT | ACT |
---|---|---|---|
University of South Alabama | University of South Alabama, AL | 1118 | 23 |
Arkansas State University | Arkansas State University, AR | 1119 | 22 |
University of Central Arkansas | University of Central Arkansas, AR | 1118 | 22 |
Azusa Pacific University | Azusa Pacific University, CA | 1132 | 25 |
University of La Verne | University of La Verne, CA | 1116 | 22 |
Degree Programs
Bachelor Degree Programs
- Biology, General
- Business Administration, Management and Operations
- Chemistry
- Communication and Media Studies
- Computer and Information Sciences, General
- Criminal Justice and Corrections
- Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft
- Engineering-Related Fields
- English Language and Literature, General
- Fine and Studio Arts
Frequently Asked Questions About University of South Carolina-Upstate Admissions
Answer: Graduates of this university typically earn a lower salary, $48587 annually, especially in non-technical fields.
Question: What is the tuition fee for University of South Carolina-Upstate?
Answer: The tuition fee at this university is relatively low, around $24523 per year, making it more affordable for many students.
Question: What are my chances of getting a scholarship at University of South Carolina-Upstate?
Answer: Your chances of getting a scholarship are excellent, with more than a 80% chance, depending on your academic performance and extracurricular involvement.
Question: What is the acceptance rate for University of South Carolina-Upstate?
Answer: The acceptance rate of University of South Carolina-Upstate is 78.58 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-Upstate?
Answer: The average GPA of admitted students is 2.53. This reflects the competitive academic profile expected from applicants.
Question: What is the minimum GPA required for admission to University of South Carolina-Upstate?
Answer: The minimum GPA required for admission is typically around 2.23, 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-Upstate with a 2.23 GPA?
Answer: If your GPA is 2.23 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-Upstate if my GPA is below 2.13
Answer: While the average GPA of admitted students is 2.53, 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-Upstate?
Answer: Admission to University of South Carolina-Upstate is based on SAT, and a strong SAT score is essential. Aim for scores above 1078 for the best chances, although the overall application strength also matters. Your SAT must be in the range of 950-1150
Question: Is it possible to transfer to University of South Carolina-Upstate from another university?
Answer: Yes, many students successfully transfer to University of South Carolina-Upstate 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-Upstate?
Answer: The campus culture at University of South Carolina-Upstate 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-Upstate?
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-Upstate.
Data on this page is sourced from IPEDS, College Scorecard's latest data as provided in 2024, US Department of Education's latest 2024 statistics, Institute's official websites and printed material as well as additional publicly available sources.