University of South Carolina-Columbia vs American College of the Building Arts
University of South Carolina-Columbia is a public university in Columbia, SC. American College of the Building Arts is a private college in Charleston, SC. American College of the Building Arts admits about 44% of applicants and University of South Carolina-Columbia about 60%, making American College of the Building Arts the harder of the two to get into. Students pay an average of about $22,811 a year at University of South Carolina-Columbia after aid, and about $30,403 at American College of the Building Arts. About 78% of students graduate at University of South Carolina-Columbia, compared with 63% at American College of the Building Arts.
At a glance
Type
Public
Private
Location
Columbia, SC
Charleston, SC
Setting
Urban
Urban
Undergraduates
29,820
155
Acceptance rate
60%
44%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.51–4
3.41–4
SAT (middle 50%)
1180–1360
1130–1290
ACT (middle 50%)
26–32
20–27
Test policy
Test optional
Considered
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$22,811
$30,403
Full cost / yr
$31,638
$38,073
In-state tuition
$12,688
$21,500
Out-of-state tuition
$35,972
$21,500
Application fee
$65
$50
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$12,634
$27,879
$30k - $48k
$14,953
$29,454
$48k - $75k
$19,859
$32,248
$75k - $110k
$24,478
$33,835
Over $110k
$28,125
$34,704
Outcomes
Graduation rate
78%
63%
Freshman retention
92%
75%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$50,621
Not reported
Median earnings (10 yr)
$62,177
Not reported
Median debt at graduation
$21,500
$12,500
Student body
Pell grant recipients
19%
18%
First-generation students
20%
Not reported
International students
1%
0%
Deadlines
Early decision
Not reported
Not reported
Early action
Oct 15
Not reported
Regular decision
Dec 1
May 31
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.
- Is University of South Carolina-Columbia or American College of the Building Arts harder to get into?
- American College of the Building Arts is harder to get into. It admits about 44% of applicants, compared with 60% 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.
- Which is cheaper, University of South Carolina-Columbia or American College of the Building Arts?
- University of South Carolina-Columbia is cheaper on average. Students pay about $22,811 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $30,403 at American College of the Building Arts. 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 University of South Carolina-Columbia and American College of the Building Arts?
- Before aid, University of South Carolina-Columbia costs about $31,638 a year and American College of the Building Arts about $38,073. 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, University of South Carolina-Columbia or American College of the Building Arts?
- University of South Carolina-Columbia. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $12,634 there, against about $27,879 at American College of the Building Arts. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
- Which is bigger, University of South Carolina-Columbia or American College of the Building Arts?
- University of South Carolina-Columbia is the larger of the two, with about 29,820 undergraduates against 155 at American College of the Building Arts.
- Does University of South Carolina-Columbia or American College of the Building Arts have a better graduation rate?
- University of South Carolina-Columbia has the higher graduation rate, at about 78% against 63% at American College of the Building Arts.
- Do University of South Carolina-Columbia and American College of the Building Arts require SAT or ACT scores?
- University of South Carolina-Columbia is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them. American College of the Building Arts considers SAT or ACT scores when you submit them.
- What SAT scores do University of South Carolina-Columbia and American College of the Building Arts look for?
- The middle 50% of admitted students score 1180–1360 at University of South Carolina-Columbia and 1130–1290 at American College of the Building Arts. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.
Related comparisons
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