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University of South Carolina-Columbia vs University of South Carolina-Upstate

University of South Carolina-Columbia is a public university in Columbia, SC. University of South Carolina-Upstate is a public university in Spartanburg, SC. University of South Carolina-Columbia admits about 60% of applicants and University of South Carolina-Upstate about 67%, making University of South Carolina-Columbia the harder of the two to get into. Students pay an average of about $13,557 a year at University of South Carolina-Upstate 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 43% at University of South Carolina-Upstate. Ten years after enrolling, University of South Carolina-Columbia alumni earn a median of about $62,177, against $48,587 for University of South Carolina-Upstate.

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University of South Carolina-Columbia

Columbia, SC · Public

University of South Carolina-Upstate

Spartanburg, SC · Public
At a glance
Type
Public
Public
Location
Columbia, SC
Spartanburg, SC
Setting
Urban
Suburban
Undergraduates
29,820
4,038
Acceptance rate
60%
67%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.51–4
3.38–3.88
SAT (middle 50%)
1180–1360
1005–1175
ACT (middle 50%)
26–32
21–26
Test policy
Test optional
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$22,811
$13,557
Full cost / yr
$31,638
$25,124
In-state tuition
$12,688
$11,588
Out-of-state tuition
$35,972
$23,090
Application fee
$65
$45
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$12,634
$11,618
$30k - $48k
$14,953
$11,537
$48k - $75k
$19,859
$13,394
$75k - $110k
$24,478
$17,356
Over $110k
$28,125
$19,325
Outcomes
Graduation rate
78%
43%
Freshman retention
92%
70%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$50,621
$43,339
Median earnings (10 yr)
$62,177
$48,587
Median debt at graduation
$21,500
$22,310
Student body
Pell grant recipients
19%
46%
First-generation students
20%
35%
International students
1%
1%
Deadlines
Early decision
Not reported
Not reported
Early action
Oct 15
Not reported
Regular decision
Dec 1
Rolling

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 University of South Carolina-Columbia or University of South Carolina-Upstate harder to get into?
University of South Carolina-Columbia is harder to get into. It admits about 60% of applicants, compared with 67% at University of South Carolina-Upstate. 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 University of South Carolina-Upstate?
University of South Carolina-Upstate is cheaper on average. Students pay about $13,557 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 University of South Carolina-Columbia and University of South Carolina-Upstate?
Before aid, University of South Carolina-Upstate costs about $25,124 a year and University of South Carolina-Columbia about $31,638. 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 University of South Carolina-Upstate?
University of South Carolina-Upstate. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $11,618 there, against about $12,634 at University of South Carolina-Columbia. 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 University of South Carolina-Upstate?
University of South Carolina-Columbia is the larger of the two, with about 29,820 undergraduates against 4,038 at University of South Carolina-Upstate.
Does University of South Carolina-Columbia or University of South Carolina-Upstate have a better graduation rate?
University of South Carolina-Columbia has the higher graduation rate, at about 78% against 43% at University of South Carolina-Upstate.
Do graduates of University of South Carolina-Columbia or University of South Carolina-Upstate earn more?
University of South Carolina-Columbia alumni earn more on average: a median of about $62,177 ten years after enrolling, against about $48,587 for University of South Carolina-Upstate. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do University of South Carolina-Columbia and University of South Carolina-Upstate require SAT or ACT scores?
University of South Carolina-Columbia is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them. University of South Carolina-Upstate is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them.
What SAT scores do University of South Carolina-Columbia and University of South Carolina-Upstate look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 1180–1360 at University of South Carolina-Columbia and 1005–1175 at University of South Carolina-Upstate. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.

Related comparisons

Which of these is the better fit for you?

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