Getting in
For Fall 2025, 59,630 first-year students applied to South Carolina, 33,695 were admitted and 7,818 enrolled: an acceptance rate of 56.5%.
Source: South Carolina Common Data Set 2025-2026 (opens in a new tab), section C1. Read Oct 1, 2026.
By residency, first-year applicants, Fall 2025
| Applicants | Applied | Admitted | Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| In-state | 14,102 | 10,065 | 71.4% |
| Out-of-state | 44,911 | 23,200 | 51.7% |
| International | 617 | 430 | 69.7% |
Source: South Carolina Common Data Set 2025-2026 (opens in a new tab), section C1, residency table. Read Oct 1, 2026.
By school or major. South Carolina's Common Data Set reports one first-year acceptance rate for the whole university, with no rate by college or major.
Source: South Carolina Common Data Set 2025-2026 (opens in a new tab). Read Oct 1, 2026.
Early action. South Carolina has no early decision plan. The Common Data Set gives the October 15 early action deadline but no early action counts, so it gives no early acceptance rate.
Source: South Carolina Common Data Set 2025-2026 (opens in a new tab), sections C21 and C22. Read Oct 1, 2026.
Programs with extra requirements
For students applying in fall 2026, entering fall 2027
You apply to the university and choose a major, and your choice of major is part of the review because some majors have limited room. You can name a second major. Some programs ask for more:
- School of Music. Every music applicant also completes the School of Music application and an in-person audition or interview. You must be admitted by both the university and the School of Music.
Source: South Carolina School of Music, Undergraduate Admissions (opens in a new tab). Read Oct 1, 2026.
- South Carolina Honors College. A separate Honors College application, due November 15, with two more essays and one letter of recommendation (the letter is due December 1).
Source: South Carolina Undergraduate Admissions, Honors College and Scholars: How to Apply (opens in a new tab). Read Oct 1, 2026.
Source: South Carolina Undergraduate Admissions, Freshman Applicants (opens in a new tab). Read Oct 1, 2026.
Majors
96 majors across 12 schools. Every bachelor's degree in South Carolina's 2026-2027 Academic Bulletin for the Columbia campus, grouped by the college that offers it. Minors, certificates, degree-completion programs and graduate programs are left out.
McCausland College of Arts and Sciences44
- African American Studies (B.A.)
- Anthropology (B.A.)
- Art Education (B.F.A.)
- Art History (B.A.)
- Art Studio (B.A.)
- Art Studio (B.F.A.)
- Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (B.S.)
- Biological Sciences (B.S.)
- Cardiovascular Technology (B.S.)
- Chemistry (B.S.)
- Chemistry (B.S.C)
- Criminology and Criminal Justice (B.A.)
- Cyber Intelligence (B.S.)
- Cyber Policy and Ethics (B.S.)
- Dance (B.A.)
- Data Analytics (B.S.)
- Data Science (B.S.)
- Economics (B.A.)
- Economics (B.S.)
- English (B.A.)
- Environmental Science (B.S.)
- Environmental Studies (B.A.)
- Film and Media (B.A.)
- Geography (B.A.)
- Geography (B.S.)
- Geological Sciences (B.S.)
- Global Studies (B.A.)
- History (B.A.)
- International Studies (B.A.)
- Languages, Literatures and Cultures (B.A.)
- Marine Science (B.S.)
- Mathematics (B.S.)
- Neuroscience (B.S.)
- Philosophy (B.A.)
- Physics (B.S.)
- Political Science (B.A.)
- Psychology (B.A.)
- Psychology (B.S.)
- Religious Studies (B.A.)
- Sociology (B.A.)
- Sociology (B.S.)
- Statistics (B.S.)
- Theatre (B.A.)
- Women's and Gender Studies (B.A.)
Source: South Carolina Academic Bulletin 2026-2027, Programs A-Z (opens in a new tab). Read Oct 1, 2026.
Darla Moore School of Business9
- Accounting (B.S.B.A.)
- Business Economics (B.S.B.A.)
- Finance (B.S.B.A.)
- International Business (B.S.B.A.)
- Management (B.S.B.A.)
- Marketing (B.S.B.A.)
- Operations and Supply Chain (B.S.B.A.)
- Real Estate (B.S.B.A.)
- Risk Management and Insurance (B.S.B.A.)
Source: South Carolina Academic Bulletin 2026-2027, Programs A-Z (opens in a new tab). Read Oct 1, 2026.
College of Education7
- Applied Sport Psychology and Counseling (B.S.)
- Early Childhood Education (B.A.)
- Elementary Education (B.A.)
- Middle Level Education (B.A.)
- Middle Level Education (B.S.)
- Physical Education (B.S.P.E.)
- Special Education (B.A.)
Source: South Carolina Academic Bulletin 2026-2027, Programs A-Z (opens in a new tab). Read Oct 1, 2026.
Molinaroli College of Engineering and Computing12
- Aerospace Engineering (B.S.E.)
- Biomedical Engineering (B.A.)
- Biomedical Engineering (B.S.)
- Chemical Engineering (B.S.E.)
- Civil Engineering (B.S.E.)
- Computer Engineering (B.S.E.)
- Computer Information Systems (B.S.)
- Computer Science (B.S.C.S.)
- Electrical Engineering (B.S.E.)
- Industrial Engineering (B.S.)
- Integrated Information Technology (B.S.)
- Mechanical Engineering (B.S.E.)
Source: South Carolina Academic Bulletin 2026-2027, Programs A-Z (opens in a new tab). Read Oct 1, 2026.
College of Hospitality, Retail, and Sport Management5
- Hospitality Management (B.S.)
- Retailing (B.S.)
- Services Management (B.A.I.S.)
- Sport and Entertainment Management (B.S.)
- Tourism Management (B.S.)
Source: South Carolina Academic Bulletin 2026-2027, Programs A-Z (opens in a new tab). Read Oct 1, 2026.
Arnold School of Public Health3
- Exercise Science (B.S.)
- Public Health (B.A.)
- Public Health (B.S.)
Source: South Carolina Academic Bulletin 2026-2027, Programs A-Z (opens in a new tab). Read Oct 1, 2026.
College of Information and Communications9
- Advertising (B.A.J.M.C.)
- Broadcast Journalism (B.A.J.M.C.)
- Communication (B.A.)
- Information Science (B.S.)
- Journalism (B.A.J.M.C.)
- Mass Communications (B.A.J.M.C.)
- Public Relations (B.A.J.M.C.)
- Sports Media (B.A.)
- Visual Communications (B.A.J.M.C.)
Source: South Carolina Academic Bulletin 2026-2027, Programs A-Z (opens in a new tab). Read Oct 1, 2026.
School of Music3
- Music Industry Studies (B.S.)Extra requirement: Every music applicant also completes the School of Music application and an in-person audition or interview, and must be admitted by both the university and the School of Music.
- Music (B.A.)Extra requirement: Every music applicant also completes the School of Music application and an in-person audition or interview, and must be admitted by both the university and the School of Music.
- Music (B.M.)Extra requirement: Every music applicant also completes the School of Music application and an in-person audition or interview, and must be admitted by both the university and the School of Music.
Source: South Carolina Academic Bulletin 2026-2027, Programs A-Z (opens in a new tab). Read Oct 1, 2026.
College of Nursing1
- Nursing-Generic (B.S.N.)
Source: South Carolina Academic Bulletin 2026-2027, Programs A-Z (opens in a new tab). Read Oct 1, 2026.
College of Pharmacy1
- Pharmaceutical Sciences (B.S.)
Source: South Carolina Academic Bulletin 2026-2027, Programs A-Z (opens in a new tab). Read Oct 1, 2026.
College of Social Work1
- Social Work (B.S.W.)
Source: South Carolina Academic Bulletin 2026-2027, Programs A-Z (opens in a new tab). Read Oct 1, 2026.
South Carolina Honors College1
- Interdisciplinary Studies (BARSC)
Source: South Carolina Academic Bulletin 2026-2027, Programs A-Z (opens in a new tab). Read Oct 1, 2026.
Source: South Carolina School of Music, Undergraduate Admissions (opens in a new tab), for the extra requirements. Read Oct 1, 2026.
Deadlines for Fall 2027
For students applying in fall 2026, entering fall 2027
| Plan | Apply by | Decision | Binding |
|---|---|---|---|
| Early Action | October 15 | Mid-December | No |
| Honors College and Top Scholars | November 15 | Mid-February for the Honors College and Top Scholar awards | No |
| Regular Decision | December 1 | Mid-March | No |
Any outstanding items on your USC Admissions Portal, test scores included, are due November 1 for Early Action, December 1 for the Honors College deadline and January 15 for Regular Decision. That is also the last day to change whether you want your scores considered.
Source: South Carolina Undergraduate Admissions, Freshman Applicants (opens in a new tab). Read Oct 1, 2026.
None of these plans is binding: admitted freshmen have until May 1 to decide whether to enroll.
Source: South Carolina Undergraduate Admissions, Freshman Applicants (opens in a new tab). Read Oct 1, 2026.
Testing
For students applying in fall 2026, entering fall 2027
South Carolina is test-optional through the fall 2027 term. On the application you choose whether you want your SAT or ACT scores considered. If you say yes, they are read and superscored; if you say no, any scores you sent are not reviewed. Applying without scores is no disadvantage.
Source: South Carolina Undergraduate Admissions, Test-Optional FAQs (opens in a new tab). Read Oct 1, 2026.
The Common Data Set also marks the SAT or ACT as not required but considered if submitted for fall 2027 applicants.
Source: South Carolina Common Data Set 2025-2026 (opens in a new tab), section C8. Read Oct 1, 2026.
Applying next year?
For students applying in fall 2027, entering fall 2028
- Testing. South Carolina has set its test-optional policy only through fall 2027 so far. It has not said whether students entering in fall 2028 must send SAT or ACT scores.
Source: South Carolina Undergraduate Admissions, Test-Optional FAQs (opens in a new tab). Read Oct 1, 2026.
We found nothing else announced for fall 2028 entry. The deadlines and rules above are for fall 2027 entry.
Source: South Carolina Undergraduate Admissions, Freshman Applicants (opens in a new tab). Read Oct 1, 2026.
Cost, and what families paid after aid
The published cost of a year at South Carolina, 2026-2027:
| Item | In-state | Out-of-state |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition | $12,288 | $38,098 |
| Tech fee | $400 | $400 |
| Program fees (weighted average) | $1,580 | $1,580 |
| Housing (on campus) | $11,432 | $11,432 |
| Food | $5,902 | $5,902 |
| Books and supplies | $1,522 | $1,522 |
| Personal | $4,790 | $4,790 |
| Transportation | $2,670 | $2,670 |
| Total | $40,584 | $66,394 |
For undergraduates on the Columbia campus taking 12 hours a term and living on campus. South Carolina says your costs vary with your major and your housing and food choices.
Source: South Carolina Financial Aid and Scholarships, Cost to Attend (opens in a new tab). Read Oct 1, 2026.
Average net price per year, by family income, 2023-24:
| Family income | Paid after grants |
|---|---|
| $0 to $30,000 | $12,634 |
| $30,001 to $48,000 | $14,953 |
| $48,001 to $75,000 | $19,859 |
| $75,001 to $110,000 | $24,478 |
| Over $110,000 | $28,125 |
| All incomes | $22,811 |
What first-year, full-time, in-state students who received federal aid paid after grants and scholarships, by family income, in 2023-24, the latest year the Department of Education publishes. Your own price comes from South Carolina's aid offer.
Source: College Scorecard, U.S. Department of Education (opens in a new tab). Read Oct 1, 2026.
Similar schools
Chosen for how close each is to University of South Carolina on acceptance rate, public or private, location and majors offered.
Georgia State UniversityAtlanta, GA · Public57.2% admitted$15,931 average net price
Florida International UniversityMiami, FL · Public60.9% admitted$9,288 average net price
Virginia TechBlacksburg, VA · Public54.6% admitted$24,953 average net price
James Madison UniversityHarrisonburg, VA · Public68.8% admitted$23,322 average net price
Clemson UniversityClemson, SC · Public42.4% admitted$22,253 average net price
Admitted: each school's latest first-year acceptance rate, so the year can differ from school to school; each school's page names its year and source. Average net price: what federal aid recipients paid per year after grants, 2023-24, and the in-state figure for a public university.