Chances of Getting Into University of South Carolina
Columbia, South Carolina • Public University • #64 National • Founded 1801
South Carolina Admissions Statistics 2025–2026
South Carolina SAT & ACT Scores
SAT Scores (Middle 50%)
ACT Scores (Middle 50%)
About University of South Carolina
The University of South Carolina's Darla Moore School of Business has the #1 International Business program in the nation (25+ years running). Located in the state capital, USC offers SEC athletics, Southern culture, and surprisingly strong academics.
Top Programs
What Makes South Carolina Unique
- #1 International Business program for 25+ consecutive years
- SEC athletics and passionate school spirit
- South Carolina Honors College — one of the best public honors programs
- Capstone Scholars program for high-achieving students
- State capital location for government internships
South Carolina Cost & Financial Aid
Cost of Attendance
Financial Aid
South Carolina Application Deadlines
How to Get Into South Carolina: Admission Tips
Apply early — EA deadline is October 15
International Business is the crown jewel; mention it if interested
Honors College application is separate and worth pursuing
Generous OOS merit scholarships for strong students
SEC school spirit matters — show enthusiasm for the community
The Brutal Truth About South Carolina Admissions
The numbers are brutal. With a 63% acceptance rate, South Carolina rejected over 15,910 applicants in the most recent cycle. Many of those rejected students had perfect GPAs and 1550+ SATs.
Stats are table stakes, not differentiators. At South Carolina, having a 3.55 GPA and 1280 SAT puts you at average — not above average. What separates admitted students from rejected ones is everything else: essays, activities, recommendations, and authentic passion.
The biggest mistake applicants make: Treating their application like a résumé. South Carolina doesn't want a list of accomplishments — they want to understand who you are as a person and what you'll contribute to their community.
Bottom line: Apply if South Carolina genuinely excites you — but build a balanced college list. Don't put all your eggs in one 63%-acceptance-rate basket.
South Carolina Admissions FAQ
What is the acceptance rate at University of South Carolina?
University of South Carolina has an acceptance rate of 63% as of the most recent admissions cycle. Out of 43,000+ applicants, approximately 6,200 students were admitted to the incoming class.
What GPA do I need to get into South Carolina?
The average GPA of admitted students at University of South Carolina is 3.55. Most successful applicants have GPAs above 3.40, with many in the top 5-10% of their high school class.
What SAT score do I need for South Carolina?
The middle 50% SAT range for admitted South Carolina students is 1190-1370. The average SAT score is 1280. For ACT, the range is 25-31 with an average of 28.
Is South Carolina hard to get into?
Yes, University of South Carolina is selective with an acceptance rate of just 63%. Even students with perfect GPAs and test scores are not guaranteed admission. Holistic review means essays, extracurriculars, and recommendations all play critical roles.
How much does South Carolina cost?
Tuition at University of South Carolina is $12,688 per year, with total cost of attendance at $28,600. However, 50% of students receive financial aid, with the average aid package exceeding $14,000+.
What are my chances of getting into South Carolina?
Your chances of getting into University of South Carolina depend on your GPA, test scores, extracurricular activities, essays, and more. With a 63% overall acceptance rate, admissions are highly competitive. Use AdmitOdds to get a personalized assessment of your chances based on your actual profile.
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