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Big South Conference

University of South Carolina Upstate SAT Scores, ACT Scores, Acceptance Rate, and Admissions Requirements

SAT Range940 to 1150

ACT Range18 to 24

Average GPA3.21

Acceptance Rate81.3%

The admit rate is welcoming, but USC Upstate’s 43% graduation rate makes readiness and fit especially important. If you choose to submit scores, the SAT is the more common test here, and aiming near the top of the 940 to 1150 range can help reinforce your academic preparation.

Data on this page is sourced from our college data partners and was last updated on July 9, 2026.

University of South Carolina Upstate facts and stats

Quick Facts

University of South Carolina Upstate enrolls 4,478 undergraduates in an urban campus setting. USC Upstate has a 70% freshman retention rate and a 43% six-year graduation rate. The student-to-faculty ratio is 15:1.

Location

Spartanburg, SC

Undergrad Enrollment4,478

Freshman Retention70%

SettingUrban

Student to Faculty Ratio15:1

Graduation Rate43%

Test PolicyTest-optional

How do your scores compare at USC Upstate?

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Key University of South Carolina Upstate application dates

Key dates

Application deadlines

Regular Decision

—

Early Action

Not offered

Early Decision

Not offered

Priority Deadline

—

Financial aid deadlines

Financial Aid Priority

March 1

Test dates

SAT 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

ACT test dates

September 19, 2026

Registration deadline: August 14, 2026

October 17, 2026

Registration deadline: September 11, 2026

December 12, 2026

Registration deadline: November 6, 2026

Take tests early for the best outcomes

If you choose to submit scores to test-optional USC Upstate, take your first SAT or ACT by spring of junior year and save the summer before senior year and fall for retakes that could improve a superscore. Since USC Upstate does not offer Early Decision or Early Action, use the regular admission deadline as your anchor and make sure any fall retake scores will arrive in time.

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What you'll actually pay

USC Upstate is a public Big South Conference school with in-state tuition of $11,208 and out-of-state tuition of $22,710. About 68% of students receive aid, and the average merit award is $3,788. Submit the FAFSA by the March 1 priority deadline.

In-State Tuition$11,208

Out-of-State Tuition$22,710

Room and BoardN/A

Average Merit Award$3,788

Application Fee$45

Students on Aid68%

Average Aid Package$13,515

Average Debt at Grad$31,964

At USC Upstate, tuition is $22,710 for students from outside South Carolina and $11,208 for in-state students. About 68% of students receive financial aid, with an average aid package of $13,515. Merit awards average $3,788 for students who receive them. Graduates leave with an average debt of $31,964.