About

University Type

Public

University Type

US News National rank

124

US News National rank

Average Living Expenses

$38,560

Average Living Expenses

Founded in 1801, the University of South Carolina (USC) is a public research university located in Columbia, South Carolina. It is the oldest public university in the state offering over 170 programs in the fields of business, law, management, sciences, and arts. The University of South Carolina acceptance rate is 62%, and it has an enrollment of more than 30,000 students.

The University of South Carolina offers 350+ undergraduate and graduate programs in various fields, including the arts and sciences, business, education, engineering, law, medicine, and nursing. The university is also home to several nationally ranked programs, such as its business school, engineering school, and medical school.

The university's average annual tuition fee for international students is approximately $25,000 - $36,000 (INR 20,81,007 - 29,96,650), and its student-to-faculty ratio is 18:1. USC is also home to the South Carolina Gamecocks, a member of the Southeastern Conference (SEC). The University of South Carolina QS ranking is 551-600 in 2024.

The University of South Carolina is known for its strong academic programs, as well as its vibrant student life and commitment to diversity and inclusion. The university's campus is located in the heart of downtown Columbia and is home to various amenities, including a state-of-the-art library, a student fitness center, and a performing arts center.

Top Reasons to Study in the University of South Carolina

Several reasons add to the popularity of international students' demand to study at the University of South Carolina. Here are some of the top reasons:

  • Excellent academics: USC is a highly-ranked university with a strong academic reputation, offering 300 programs in various fields.
  • Affordability: USC is a public university, so tuition is more affordable than at many private universities, offering various financial aid programs to help students afford their education.
  • Location: USC is located in South Carolina, a beautiful city with a lot to offer students. Columbia is home to various cultural attractions, including museums, theatres, and parks. It is also a major economic center, with various businesses and industries.
  • Strong research: USC is a major research university with a focus on innovation and discovery, home to over 100 research centers and institutes. The university's research has led to significant advances in various fields, including medicine, engineering, and the social sciences.
  • Diversity: USC is a diverse university with students from all over the world. This diversity creates a vibrant and stimulating learning environment, committed to providing a welcoming and inclusive environment for all students.

These reasons are just a glimpse of what you will learn and explore at the University of South Carolina. To know more, click here.


Courses

Cost of Studying at University of South Carolina

Average tuition fee

Moderate

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5000+ Students

Availed education loan

3000+ Cr

Loan amount sanctioned

100% Free

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Living expenses

Average living expenses (Bachelors)

$52,648

Average living expenses (Masters)

$38,560

Average on-campus living expenses

$14,712

Average off-campus living expenses

$13,230

Admissions at The University of South Carolina

Avg acceptance rate (Bachelors)

61%

Application Fee

$50 - $100


How to Apply at University of South Carolina

The University of South Carolina offers 350+ undergraduate and graduate programs in various fields, including the arts and sciences, business, education, engineering, law, medicine, and nursing. International students must follow these steps to smoothen the application process to USC:

Be an early bird: The University of South Carolina admissions deadlines vary program-wise, and missing them can severely affect your chances of getting in. Hence, thoroughly check the deadlines before applying. Students are advised to apply at least 9 months before the course commencement.

Review the admission requirements for international students: The eligibility criteria for international students vary slightly from domestic students, in terms of GPA, English proficiency, and standardized scores.

Submit your application online: Applicants can apply through the USC Application Portal and the Common Application.

Submit all required supporting documents, including:

  • Official transcripts from all high schools and universities attended.
  • English language proficiency test scores (TOEFL or IELTS).
  • Standardized test scores (SAT, ACT, GRE, or GMAT).
  • A financial statement.
  • Letters of recommendation from teachers and guidance counselors.
  • A personal statement.
  • Additional documents like a copy of your passport and financial statements.

Pay the application fee: The application fee for international students is $100 (INR 8,324).


Documents Required to Apply to University of South Carolina

The University of South Carolina acceptance rate is 62%, which makes it a moderately selective and competitive university to get into. International students must keep the following documents handy to make the application process hassle-free:

UNDERGRADUATE

DOCUMENT

DESCRIPTION

High School Transcripts

Official transcripts, translated into English.

GPA 

3.0

Financial Statements

Showcase your ability to fund your education and other utilities for at least a year.

Standardized Scores

SAT, ACT, IELTS, TOEFL, DUOLINGO, and PTE Scores.

Application Fee

Non-refundable application fee of $100 (INR 8,324).

 

POSTGRADUATE

DOCUMENT

DESCRIPTION

Bachelor’s Degree (US Equivalent)

Official transcripts, translated into English.

GPA 

3.0 (83 - 86%)

Letters of Recommendation

From academic counselors or others.

Statement of Purpose.

Talk about your extracurriculars and how you are competent to study at USC.

Resume or CV

Talk about your work experience, certifications, and other achievements.

Standardized Scores

GRE, GMAT, IELTS, and TOEFL Scores.

Application Fee

Non-refundable application fee of $100 (INR 8,324).


Exams Accepted By University of South Carolina

The University of South Carolina accepts the following English proficiency and standardized test scores from international students:

  • TOEFL: 80
  • IELTS: 6.5
  • PTE Academic: 58
  • Duolingo: 115
  • SAT: 1250 - 1400
  • ACT: 28 - 32
  • GRE/GMAT: Score requirements vary program-wise.

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Rankings for The University of South Carolina

US News Ranking

#124

US News National rank

The World University Rankings

#401-500

The World University Rankings

QS World University Rankings

#601-610

QS World University Rankings


More rankings for this university

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Students University of South Carolina

223

Yocketers applied

150

Yocketers admitted

1,924

Yocketers interested


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International Students

% of international students in the university

5

Total International Students in the university

1793


Alumni at University of South Carolina

The University of South Carolina has a long and distinguished history, and its 300,000+ alumni have made significant contributions in many fields. Some of the notable alumni of the university are:

  • Leeza Gibbons, television personality.
  • Marcus Lattimore, football player.
  • Nikki Haley, former governor of South Carolina and U.S.
  • Dick Harpootlian, lawyer and politician.
  • Joel Osteen, pastor.
  • Chazwick Bundick, musician.
  • Maya Moore, basketball player.

Would you want to study at something other than such an illustrious university? Connect with Yocket to get tips on acing your TOEFL and SATs, understand the application process, know about the scholarships, and get all the assistance from start to finish!

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Related Discussion for the Universities

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Have a question? Ask and discuss with your fellow aspirants!

Aditya Dhage
Aditya Dhage

2 months ago

Transferring lease - CITYPARK APARTMENTS USC for an Indian Male! $712.50/m 2B2B apt., shared spot. 01/Sep/24 - 31/Jul/24
#usc #unitedstates #msinusa #apartments #losangeles SUBLEASE @ CITYPARK Apartments Subleasing an Indian male(Strictly Vegetarian) shared spot room for September 1st 2024 - JULY 31st 2025 (1 Year, Ne...
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Udish Kumar
Udish Kumar

4 months ago

WhatsApp Group for Spring 2024 and Fall 2024 University of Southern California (USC) intakes?
Please provide links for those whatsapp groups.
LikeCount 1 Like
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Sushma V
Sushma V

4 months ago

USC MS CS Spring 2025 Should I go for it or not?
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Sushma V
Sushma V

4 months ago

USC spring 25 admits Is it worth considering USC given its high tution fee and current market situation????
Given its high cost of living and current market scenario is it worth going to University of Southern California? #USC #Spring 2025
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Sonal Gehlot
Sonal Gehlot

5 months ago

University at Buffalo, Fall'24 OR USC, Spring'25
I am going to the University at Buffalo in Fall 2024 for MSCS. But I just got an admission from the University of Southern California(USC) for spring 2025. Is it worth waiting?
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Reviews for University of South Carolina

Campus life

Number of campuses the university has
8

Campus locations
South Carolina

View on Google Earth


Transportation in the city

Here are the different modes of transportation available in Columbia City, South Carolina:

  • Public transportation: The Central Midlands Regional Transit Authority (COMET) operates a bus system that serves the Columbia metropolitan area. Fares start at $2 for a one-way trip. The COMET also operates the Soda Cap Connector, which is a free shuttle that runs between downtown Columbia and the Vista entertainment district.
  • Ride-hailing: Ride-hailing services such as Uber and Lyft are also available in Columbia. Rates vary depending on the distance traveled.
  • DART: This service provides door-to-door transportation for people with disabilities who are unable to use public transportation.
  • Bicycle: Columbia has a growing network of bike lanes and trails, making it a great city for biking. You can rent bicycles from several different shops in the city.

Services offered by the university

Here are some of the specific services offered by the University of South Carolina in detail:

  • Academic advising: The Office of Academic Advising provides students with individual advising sessions, group advising sessions, and online advising resources.
  • Career services: The Career Center offers students various services, including career counseling, job search assistance, and resume workshops.
  • Financial aid: The Office of Financial Aid provides students with information about financial aid options, helps students apply for financial aid, and monitors students' financial aid awards.
  • Health services: Student Health Services offers students various medical, dental, and mental health services, including primary care, urgent care, and mental health counseling.
  • Recreation: The University of South Carolina offers various recreation options, including intramural sports, a gym, and a recreation center.

These are some basic services provided by the University of South Carolina. However, some special services are also offered for international students, the disabled, and individuals belonging to the LGBTQ+ community.


Student life at University of South Carolina

With an array of activities, clubs, and cultural events offered by USC, you are sure to feel involved. Let us look at the factors that contribute to the vibrancy of the student life at the University of South Carolina:

  • Student Organizations: There are over 400 student organizations on campus, so there is something for everyone. Whether you are interested in Greek life, athletics, the arts, or simply making new friends, you will find a place to belong at USC.
  • Athletics: The Gamecocks compete in the Southeastern Conference (SEC), and they have won national championships in football, basketball, and baseball. The Colonial Life Arena is home to the USC Gamecocks basketball team and hosts concerts and other events throughout the year.
  • Explore: Horseshoe is the heart of campus and is home to many of the university's most iconic landmarks, and is also a popular spot for students to relax, study, and meet up with friends.
  • Go Outdoors: The University of South Carolina is also home to several beautiful outdoor spaces, including the Horseshoe Garden, the Botanical Garden, and the Riverwalk. These are great places to relax, take a walk, or have a picnic

These are just a few factors that make the University of South Carolina's student life so happening. If you go there, you will feel involved and get various opportunities to shine as an individual.


On campus accomodation at University of South Carolina

The University of South Carolina offers various on-campus housing options for students, including residence halls, apartments, and suites.

  • Residence halls are the most common type of on-campus housing at USC. They offer various room types, including singles, doubles, triples, and quads. Residence halls also have shared bathrooms, laundry facilities, and common areas.
  • Apartments offer more privacy than residence halls, as each apartment has its own kitchen and bathroom. Apartments are also usually larger than residence hall rooms.
  • Suites are a hybrid of residence halls and apartments. They offer the privacy of an apartment, but they also have shared common areas. They are larger than residence hall rooms, but smaller than apartments.

In addition to these three main types of on-campus housing, USC also offers special housing options, such as:

  • Living-learning communities are designed to provide students with a more immersive academic experience. These communities are usually themed around a particular academic discipline or interest area.
  • International student housing is available for students who are not native English speakers. This housing is designed to help international students adjust to life in the United States and improve their English language skills.

Cost: The cost of on-campus housing at USC varies depending on the type of housing and the number of roommates. For example, the cost of a single room in a residence hall ranges from $2,900 (INR 2,41,396) to $4,500 (INR 3,74,581) per semester. The cost of an apartment ranges from $3,500 (INR 2,91,341) to $5,500 (INR 4,57,821) per semester.

To know about how and when to apply for on-campus housing, students must visit the USC Housing website.

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FAQ

1. Is the University of South Carolina good for MBA?

University of South Carolina stands as a highly esteemed business school, as affirmed by its ranking between 151-200 in the QS Global MBA for 2023. This consistent recognition is evident as it maintained the same ranking range for its MBA program in both 2022 and 2021. Additionally, the initial tuition fee for the University of South Carolina's MBA course ranges from US dollars 29,520 to 32,936 annually.

2. Where is the University of South Carolina ranked for MS?

As per QS rankings, the University of South Carolina secured a position between 451 and 500 in the Engineering and Technology category for 2023. In the preceding year's ranking of 2022, the university held a position within the range of 401-450. This consistent trend underscores the university's ongoing prominence among the leading institutions offering Engineering and Technology courses.

3. What rank is the University of South Carolina?

The University of South Carolina has ranked 575 under the QS World University Rankings 2024. According to Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2024, USC lies in the range of 501-600 globally. Coming to the US News & World Report Global Universities Rankings 2024, USC ranks 115.