University of South Carolina-Columbia SAT Scores, ACT Scores, Acceptance Rate, and Admissions Requirements
South Carolina admits a majority of applicants, but its enrolled students still cluster around a 3.69 GPA and a 1190–1350 SAT range. Even with test-optional admissions, a score near the top of that SAT band, or around a 32 ACT, can strengthen the academic side of your application.
Data on this page is sourced from our college data partners and was last updated on July 9, 2026.
University of South Carolina-Columbia facts and stats
University of South Carolina-Columbia enrolls 30,187 undergraduates in an urban campus setting. South Carolina reports a 92% freshman retention rate, well above the national average of roughly 70%, and a 79% six-year graduation rate. The student-to-faculty ratio is 19:1.
Columbia, SC
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Key University of South Carolina-Columbia application dates
Key dates
Regular Decision
December 1
Early Action
October 15
Early Decision
Not offered
Priority Deadline
December 1
Financial Aid Priority
April 1
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
Because South Carolina is test-optional, follow this timeline only if you plan to submit SAT or ACT scores. Take your first test by the spring of junior year, then use the summer before senior year and fall of senior year for retakes that may improve a superscore. For the October 15 Early Action deadline, plan for the August SAT or September ACT as your last realistic retake since later fall scores may not arrive in time.
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What you'll actually pay
At South Carolina, a public SEC university, in-state tuition is $12,288 and out-of-state tuition is $35,572. About 43% of students receive aid, with an average merit award of $4,430. Submit the FAFSA by the April 1 priority deadline for financial aid consideration.
At South Carolina, out-of-state students face tuition of $35,572, while in-state tuition is $12,288; room and board adds $15,708 before other expenses. Financial aid can substantially change the bill, with 43% of students receiving aid and an average aid package of $17,418. Merit awards average $4,430. Graduates leave with an average debt of $31,501.
Student life at University of South Carolina-Columbia
29% of undergrads live on campus
Freshman housing: Guaranteed
Fraternities and sororities are active on campus. 30% of men join fraternities, and 36% 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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