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Claflin University vs University of South Carolina-Columbia

Claflin University is a private university in Orangeburg, SC, and University of South Carolina-Columbia is a public university in Columbia, SC. University of South Carolina-Columbia is the more selective of the two, admitting about 60% of applicants against 65% at Claflin University. Claflin University is the cheaper of the two after aid, averaging about $17,800 a year against $22,811 at University of South Carolina-Columbia. About 78% of students graduate at University of South Carolina-Columbia, compared with 50% at Claflin University. Ten years after enrolling, University of South Carolina-Columbia alumni earn a median of about $62,177, against $40,304 for Claflin University.

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Claflin University

Orangeburg, SC · Private

University of South Carolina-Columbia

Columbia, SC · Public
At a glance
Type
Private
Public
Location
Orangeburg, SC
Columbia, SC
Setting
Suburban
Urban
Undergraduates
1,706
29,820
Acceptance rate
65%
60%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.33–3.83
3.51–4
SAT (middle 50%)
840–1040
1180–1360
ACT (middle 50%)
16–18
26–32
Test policy
Test optional
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$17,800
$22,811
Full cost / yr
$33,530
$31,638
In-state tuition
$18,282
$12,688
Out-of-state tuition
$18,282
$35,972
Application fee
$30
$65
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$16,354
$12,634
$30k - $48k
$21,118
$14,953
$48k - $75k
$22,279
$19,859
$75k - $110k
$23,502
$24,478
Over $110k
$25,071
$28,125
Outcomes
Graduation rate
50%
78%
Freshman retention
75%
92%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$29,227
$50,621
Median earnings (10 yr)
$40,304
$62,177
Median debt at graduation
$29,000
$21,500
Student body
Pell grant recipients
73%
19%
First-generation students
32%
20%
International students
2%
1%
Deadlines
Early decision
Not reported
Not reported
Early action
Not reported
Oct 15
Regular decision
Apr 3
Dec 1

Net price is the average across aided students (U.S. College Scorecard). Your actual cost and admission odds depend on your profile. Take the free Matchmaker for your own numbers.

Frequently asked questions
Is Claflin University or University of South Carolina-Columbia harder to get into?
University of South Carolina-Columbia is harder to get into. It admits about 60% of applicants, compared with 65% at Claflin University. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
Which is cheaper, Claflin University or University of South Carolina-Columbia?
Claflin University is cheaper on average. Students pay about $17,800 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $22,811 at University of South Carolina-Columbia. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
What is the full cost of attendance at Claflin University and University of South Carolina-Columbia?
Before aid, University of South Carolina-Columbia costs about $31,638 a year and Claflin University about $33,530. That is the sticker price; most students pay less once grants and scholarships are applied.
Which is cheaper for a family earning under $30,000, Claflin University or University of South Carolina-Columbia?
University of South Carolina-Columbia. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $12,634 there, against about $16,354 at Claflin University. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
Which is bigger, Claflin University or University of South Carolina-Columbia?
University of South Carolina-Columbia is the larger of the two, with about 29,820 undergraduates against 1,706 at Claflin University.
Does Claflin University or University of South Carolina-Columbia have a better graduation rate?
University of South Carolina-Columbia has the higher graduation rate, at about 78% against 50% at Claflin University.
Do graduates of Claflin University or University of South Carolina-Columbia earn more?
University of South Carolina-Columbia alumni earn more on average: a median of about $62,177 ten years after enrolling, against about $40,304 for Claflin University. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do Claflin University and University of South Carolina-Columbia require SAT or ACT scores?
Claflin University is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them. University of South Carolina-Columbia is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them.
What SAT scores do Claflin University and University of South Carolina-Columbia look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 840–1040 at Claflin University and 1180–1360 at University of South Carolina-Columbia. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.

Related comparisons

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