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Erskine College vs University of South Carolina-Columbia

Erskine College is a private college in Due West, SC. University of South Carolina-Columbia is a public university in Columbia, SC. University of South Carolina-Columbia admits about 60% of applicants and Erskine College about 63%, making University of South Carolina-Columbia the harder of the two to get into. Students pay an average of about $16,525 a year at Erskine College after aid, and about $22,811 at University of South Carolina-Columbia. About 78% of students graduate at University of South Carolina-Columbia, compared with 47% at Erskine College. Ten years after enrolling, University of South Carolina-Columbia alumni earn a median of about $62,177, against $53,459 for Erskine College.

Erskine College

Due West, SC · Private

University of South Carolina-Columbia

Columbia, SC · Public
At a glance
Type
Private
Public
Location
Due West, SC
Columbia, SC
Setting
Rural
Urban
Undergraduates
766
29,820
Acceptance rate
63%
60%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.4–3.9
3.51–4
SAT (middle 50%)
920–1150
1180–1360
ACT (middle 50%)
17–23
26–32
Test policy
Test blind
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$16,525
$22,811
Full cost / yr
$55,248
$31,638
In-state tuition
$36,710
$12,688
Out-of-state tuition
$36,710
$35,972
Application fee
$25
$65
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$14,555
$12,634
$30k - $48k
$12,666
$14,953
$48k - $75k
$18,652
$19,859
$75k - $110k
$16,405
$24,478
Over $110k
$18,942
$28,125
Outcomes
Graduation rate
47%
78%
Freshman retention
56%
92%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$39,618
$50,621
Median earnings (10 yr)
$53,459
$62,177
Median debt at graduation
$27,000
$21,500
Student body
Pell grant recipients
47%
19%
First-generation students
22%
20%
International students
0%
1%
Deadlines
Early decision
Not reported
Not reported
Early action
Not reported
Oct 15
Regular decision
Rolling
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 Erskine College 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 63% at Erskine College. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
Which is cheaper, Erskine College or University of South Carolina-Columbia?
Erskine College is cheaper on average. Students pay about $16,525 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 Erskine College and University of South Carolina-Columbia?
Before aid, University of South Carolina-Columbia costs about $31,638 a year and Erskine College about $55,248. 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, Erskine College 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 $14,555 at Erskine College. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
Which is bigger, Erskine College or University of South Carolina-Columbia?
University of South Carolina-Columbia is the larger of the two, with about 29,820 undergraduates against 766 at Erskine College.
Does Erskine College 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 47% at Erskine College.
Do graduates of Erskine College 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 $53,459 for Erskine College. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do Erskine College and University of South Carolina-Columbia require SAT or ACT scores?
Erskine College is test blind and does not consider SAT or ACT scores at all. University of South Carolina-Columbia is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them.
What SAT scores do Erskine College and University of South Carolina-Columbia look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 920–1150 at Erskine College and 1180–1360 at University of South Carolina-Columbia. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.

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