US University · Ranked #60
University of South Carolina: Acceptance Rate & Admission Requirements (2026)
University of South Carolina is an accessible university in Columbia, South Carolina with an acceptance rate of roughly 63%, meaning most qualified applicants are admitted. Ranked #60 nationally in our dataset, it is a strong choice for a likely or safety school: meeting the published academic minimums and applying before the deadline puts most students in good standing.
The University of South Carolina is known for its top-ranked international business program, strong hospitality management, and the lively Gamecock community in Columbia.
This guide breaks down University of South Carolina's admission requirements, the academic profile of admitted students, how its application deadlines should shape your strategy, and the programs it is best known for — followed by answers to the questions applicants ask most.
University of South Carolina admission statistics
- Acceptance rate
- 63%
- SAT range
- 1140–1330
- Average GPA
- 3.58
- In-state
- $13,068
- Out-of-state
- $36,662
- Enrollment
- 27,502
- Type
- Public
- Location
- Columbia, South Carolina
How hard is it to get into University of South Carolina?
An acceptance rate of 63% makes University of South Carolina an accessible school where most qualified applicants are offered admission. For students who meet the published academic minimums, this functions as a likely or safety option. The priority is a complete, accurate, on-time application rather than a polished competitive narrative.
University of South Carolina is a sensible likely or safety school. Confirm you meet the stated minimums, submit your application early in the cycle, and keep it clean and complete.
Academic profile of admitted students
Admitted students at University of South Carolina typically score between 1140 and 1330 on the SAT — this is the middle 50% range, so a quarter of enrolled students scored below 1140 and a quarter above 1330. A score at or above 1330 is competitive even at the more selective end of the pool. Alongside test scores, the average GPA of admitted students is approximately 3.58 on a 4.0 scale, indicating that successful applicants generally earned mostly A's in a rigorous course load.
As a planning benchmark, aim for an SAT around 1235 or higher and a GPA at or near 3.58. Scores meaningfully below the 25th percentile (1140) are not disqualifying on their own, but they put more weight on the rest of the application to compensate.
University of South Carolinaapplication deadlines & strategy
- • Early Action: Oct 15
- • Regular Decision: Dec 1
University of South Carolina offers a non-binding Early Action deadline of Oct 15, with Regular Decision closing Dec 1. Early Action lets you submit early and receive a decision sooner without any obligation to enroll, so there is little downside to applying EA if your application is genuinely ready by Oct 15 — a rushed early application is worse than a strong regular one.
Whichever round you choose, give recommenders at least three to four weeks of notice and budget time for essay revisions — the strongest applications are rarely written in the final week before Dec 1.
Notable programs at University of South Carolina
- International Business — often admitted directly into a named school with its own requirements.
- Hospitality — a recognized area of strength at this institution.
- Nursing — a clinical pathway with prerequisite coursework and, in some cases, separate admission.
- Marine Science — a recognized area of strength at this institution.
- Engineering — typically a more selective track with specific math and science prerequisites.
University of South Carolina is particularly known for International Business, Hospitality, Nursing, Marine Science, and Engineering.
Strong programs matter for admissions because many schools admit by college or major, and a credible, specific interest in one of these areas — reflected in your coursework, activities, and essays — is far more persuasive than a generic application.
Cost of attending University of South Carolina
As a public institution with separate in-state and out-of-state tuition, University of South Carolina costs significantly less for South Carolina residents: in-state tuition is about $13,068 per year versus roughly $36,662 for out-of-state students — a difference of around $23,594 annually. If you are not a South Carolina resident, factor the higher rate into your list, and check whether the school offers merit scholarships or regional exchange programs that narrow the gap.
Tuition is only part of the cost — add room, board, fees, and personal expenses for a realistic total — but the in-state advantage makes University of South Carolina an especially strong value for state residents.
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University of South Carolina: frequently asked questions
- What is the acceptance rate at University of South Carolina?
- University of South Carolina has an acceptance rate of 63%, which makes it accessible. University of South Carolina is a sensible likely or safety school. Confirm you meet the stated minimums, submit your application early in the cycle, and keep it clean and complete.
- What SAT score do you need for University of South Carolina?
- Admitted students at University of South Carolina typically score between 1140 and 1330 on the SAT (the middle 50%). Aiming for 1330 or above makes you competitive, while a score below 1140 puts more weight on the rest of your application.
- What GPA do you need to get into University of South Carolina?
- The average GPA of admitted students at University of South Carolina is approximately 3.58 on a 4.0 scale. Competitive applicants generally have mostly A's in a rigorous course load; a GPA at or near 3.58 is the practical target.
- What is the application deadline for University of South Carolina?
- University of South Carolina's application deadlines: Early Action is Oct 15 (non-binding); Regular Decision is Dec 1. Submit a few days early to avoid last-minute portal problems.
- Is University of South Carolina a public or private university?
- University of South Carolina is a public university. In-state students from South Carolina pay significantly less than out-of-state students.
- How much does it cost to attend University of South Carolina?
- As a public institution with separate in-state and out-of-state tuition, University of South Carolina costs significantly less for South Carolina residents: in-state tuition is about $13,068 per year versus roughly $36,662 for out-of-state students — a difference of around $23,594 annually. If you are not a South Carolina resident, factor the higher rate into your list, and check whether the school offers merit scholarships or regional exchange programs that narrow the gap.