# University of South Carolina-Columbia

> CollegeRanker Agent Insights — structured school profile for AI systems
> Source: https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/university-of-south-carolina-columbia

## Overview

- **Location:** Columbia, SC
- **Type:** Public
- **Setting:** Urban
- **Region:** Southeast
- **Enrollment:** 29,820
- **Predominant Degree:** Bachelor's

With an enrollment of nearly 30,000 students, the University of South Carolina-Columbia is ideal for those seeking a vibrant campus life alongside a solid education. It attracts a diverse group of students, particularly those interested in Business & Marketing, Health Professions, Biology & Biomedical, Communications, and Engineering. The acceptance rate of 60% suggests that while it’s attainable for many, it also maintains a standard that keeps the student body engaged and motivated.

Graduation here is a significant milestone, with a rate of 78% indicating that most students successfully complete their degrees. After ten years, graduates can expect to earn around $62,177, which reflects the value of their degree in the job market. This earning potential is important, especially when considering the affordability of education. With a net price of $22,811, many students find a manageable balance between their educational investment and future earnings.

Financially, students face a median debt of $21,500 upon graduation, which is a reasonable amount given the average earnings. The affordability is enhanced for those who qualify for Pell Grants, which benefit about 19% of the student body. Those who thrive at South Carolina-Columbia often embrace the bustling campus culture and diverse academic opportunities, setting themselves up for successful careers post-graduation.

## Admissions

| Metric | Value |
|--------|-------|
| Acceptance Rate | 60% |
| SAT Average | 1297 |
| ACT Midpoint | 29 |

## Cost & Aid

| Metric | Value |
|--------|-------|
| In-State Tuition | $12,688 |
| Out-of-State Tuition | $35,972 |
| Average Net Price | $22,811 |
| Median Debt | $21,500 |
| Pell Grant Rate | 19% |
| Federal Loan Rate | 41% |

### Net Price by Family Income

| Family Income | Net Price |
|--------------|----------|
| $0-$30K | $12,634 |
| $30K-$48K | $14,953 |
| $48K-$75K | $19,859 |
| $75K-$110K | N/A |
| $110K+ | $28,125 |

## Outcomes

| Metric | Value |
|--------|-------|
| Graduation Rate | 78% |
| Retention Rate | 92% |
| Earnings (6yr) | $50,621 |
| Earnings (8yr) | $57,722 |
| Earnings (10yr) | $62,177 |
| Debt-to-Earnings | 0.35x |
| Loan Repayment (3yr) | N/A |

## Social Capital (Social Capital Atlas)

| Metric | Value |
|--------|-------|
| Economic Connectedness | 1.48 |
| Friending Bias | 0.04 |
| Volunteering Rate | 6.2% |
| Support Ratio | 0.99 |

## Top Programs

| Program | Enrollment Share |
|---------|------------------|
| Business & Marketing | 25% |
| Health Professions | 12% |
| Biology & Biomedical | 11% |
| Communications | 7% |
| Engineering | 6% |
| Psychology | 6% |
| Social Sciences | 6% |
| Computer Science & IT | 5% |

## Rankings

This school appears in 12 CollegeRanker rankings:

- #7 in [Best Criminal Justice Colleges in South Carolina](https://www.collegeranker.com/rankings/best-criminal-justice-south-carolina)
- #8 in [Best Communications Colleges in South Carolina](https://www.collegeranker.com/rankings/best-communications-south-carolina)
- #12 in [Best Computer Science Colleges in South Carolina](https://www.collegeranker.com/rankings/best-computer-science-south-carolina)
- #12 in [Best Data Science Colleges in South Carolina](https://www.collegeranker.com/rankings/best-data-science-south-carolina)
- #16 in [Best Biology Colleges in South Carolina](https://www.collegeranker.com/rankings/best-biology-south-carolina)
- #17 in [Best Bachelor's Programs in South Carolina](https://www.collegeranker.com/rankings/best-bachelors-south-carolina)
- #17 in [Best Master's Programs in South Carolina](https://www.collegeranker.com/rankings/best-masters-south-carolina)
- #19 in [Best Business Colleges in South Carolina](https://www.collegeranker.com/rankings/best-business-south-carolina)
- #19 in [Best Nursing Colleges in South Carolina](https://www.collegeranker.com/rankings/best-nursing-south-carolina)
- #20 in [Best Psychology Colleges in South Carolina](https://www.collegeranker.com/rankings/best-psychology-south-carolina)
- #25 in [Best Colleges in South Carolina](https://www.collegeranker.com/rankings/best-colleges-south-carolina)
- #46 in [Most Affordable Colleges in South Carolina](https://www.collegeranker.com/rankings/most-affordable-colleges-south-carolina)

## Data Sources

- U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (https://collegescorecard.ed.gov)
- Opportunity Insights Social Capital Atlas
- NCES IPEDS

## Citation

CollegeRanker. "University of South Carolina-Columbia — School Profile." CollegeRanker.com. https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/university-of-south-carolina-columbia