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University of South Carolina acceptance rate, GPA needed and real cost
University of South Carolina accepts 60% of applicants. It is a public university in Columbia, South Carolina, with about 29,820 undergraduates. The sticker price is $29,064 a year for state residents, but after aid the average family pays $22,197.
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, checked October 29, 2026.
What GPA do you need for University of South Carolina?
Admitly estimates a typical South Carolina resident needs about a 3.8 unweighted GPA for a better-than-even chance; with a 4.0 the estimate is about 68%.
The U.S. Department of Education does not collect high school GPAs, so Admitly does not publish an "average GPA" figure. Colleges that report one do so in their own Common Data Set.
Chances of getting into University of South Carolina by GPA
Assumes an SAT of 1255, the middle score for admitted students (tests are optional here). A higher or lower score moves these numbers. GPA is unweighted, on a 4.0 scale.
| GPA | South Carolina resident | Out-of-state |
|---|---|---|
| 2.5 | 20% Reach | 7% Reach |
| 2.7 | 20% Reach | 7% Reach |
| 3.0 | 20% Reach | 7% Reach |
| 3.3 | 20% Reach | 7% Reach |
| 3.5 | 31% Target | 12% Reach |
| 3.7 | 46% Target | 20% Reach |
| 3.9 | 61% Target | 32% Target |
| 4.0 | 68% Target | 39% Target |
Likely = 80% or higher, Target = 30–80%, Reach = under 30%. Course rigour, class rank, activities and AP scores all change the estimate.
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Check my chancesWhat families actually pay at University of South Carolina
Yearly cost after need-based grants, by household income. Sticker price is $29,064 a year for state residents including room and board.
| Family income | In-state | Out-of-state |
|---|---|---|
| Under $50k | $13,800 | $34,800 |
| $50k – $100k | $17,400 | $38,300 |
| $100k – $150k | $23,400 | $44,400 |
| $150k – $250k | $29,064 | $51,800 |
| Over $250k | $29,064 | $53,752 |
Out-of-state figures add most of the tuition difference, since state grants rarely follow students across state lines.
Outcomes
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, checked October 29, 2026.
Common questions about University of South Carolina
What is the acceptance rate at University of South Carolina?
University of South Carolina admits 60% of applicants, according to the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, checked October 29, 2026.
What GPA do you need to get into University of South Carolina?
Admitly estimates a typical South Carolina resident needs about a 3.8 unweighted GPA for a better-than-even chance; with a 4.0 the estimate is about 68%. This is an estimate from Admitly's admission model, not an official cutoff: course rigour, test scores, activities and essays all matter.
What SAT or ACT score do you need for University of South Carolina?
The middle 50% of admitted students scored 1180–1360 on the SAT and 26–32 on the ACT. Submitting scores is optional.
How much does University of South Carolina cost after financial aid?
The sticker price is $29,064 a year for state residents including room and board, but the average family pays $22,197 after grants. Families earning under $50k pay about $13,800 in-state.
What is the graduation rate at University of South Carolina?
79% of students finish their degree, and 92% return for a second year.
Colleges similar to University of South Carolina
- Clemson UniversityClemson, SC · admits 38%
- Pennsylvania State UniversityUniversity Park, PA · admits 61%
- Ohio State UniversityColumbus, OH · admits 61%
- University of Massachusetts AmherstAmherst, MA · admits 60%
- Rutgers University-New BrunswickNew Brunswick, NJ · admits 58%
- University of PittsburghPittsburgh, PA · admits 58%