University of South Carolina Aiken SAT Scores, ACT Scores, Acceptance Rate, and Admissions Requirements
USC Aiken admits many applicants, but its average entering GPA is 3.99, so strong classroom performance still matters. If your grades are solid, use test-optional strategically: submit a score when it sits near the top of the range, around a 1200 SAT or 26 ACT.
Data on this page is sourced from our college data partners and was last updated on July 9, 2026.
University of South Carolina Aiken facts and stats
University of South Carolina Aiken enrolls 3,289 undergraduates in a suburban campus setting. USC Aiken has a 67% freshman retention rate and a 40% six-year graduation rate. The student-to-faculty ratio is 16:1.
Aiken, SC
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Key University of South Carolina Aiken application dates
Key dates
Regular Decision
August 1
Early Action
Not offered
Early Decision
Not offered
Priority Deadline
May 1
Financial Aid Priority
March 15
Test dates
August 22, 2026
Registration deadline: August 7, 2026
September 12, 2026
Registration deadline: August 28, 2026
October 3, 2026
Registration deadline: September 18, 2026
September 19, 2026
Registration deadline: August 14, 2026
October 17, 2026
Registration deadline: September 11, 2026
December 12, 2026
Registration deadline: November 6, 2026
If you choose to submit SAT or ACT scores to test-optional USC Aiken, plan to take your first test by the spring of junior year. Use the summer before senior year and fall of senior year for retakes; a December retake should still leave time for scores to arrive before the August 1 Regular Decision deadline.
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What you'll actually pay
USC Aiken’s in-state tuition is $10,398, while out-of-state tuition is $20,856. About 60% of students receive aid, with an average merit award of $1,903. Submit the FAFSA by the March 15 priority deadline for financial aid consideration.
For out-of-state students, USC Aiken lists tuition at $20,856, while South Carolina residents pay $10,398; room and board adds $9,182. About 60% of students receive aid, with an average aid package of $13,524. Merit awards average $1,903, so need-based aid may play a larger role for many students. Average debt at graduation is $26,817.
Student life at University of South Carolina Aiken
24% of undergrads live on campus
Freshman housing: Priority
Fraternities and sororities are active on campus. 6% of men join fraternities, and 5% of women join sororities.
Similar schools
Aiken Technical College
Graniteville, SCAcceptance rate: 69.9%
Allen University
Columbia, SCAcceptance rate: 72.5%
Anderson University
Anderson, SCAcceptance rate: 54.7%
SAT: 1110–1270
ACT: 22–29
Charleston Southern University
Charleston, SCAcceptance rate: 96.5%
SAT: 940–1170
ACT: 18–24
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