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University of South Carolina-Columbia and University of South Carolina-Upstate are both public institutions — University of South Carolina-Columbia in Columbia, SC and University of South Carolina-Upstate in Spartanburg, SC. This page compares published admission, cost, and outcome data from federal sources so you can see the tradeoffs before you add either school to your list.
Columbia, SC · Public
Acceptance rate: 60.2%
Undergrad enrollment: 29,820
Tuition: $35,972/year
Student-faculty ratio: 19.0:1
Graduation rate: 78.8%
Top programs: Business and marketing, Health professions, Biological sciences
Best for: Students who want a public campus in Columbia, SC with published program strength in Business and marketing and Health professions.
Spartanburg, SC · Public
Acceptance rate: 67.3%
Undergrad enrollment: 4,038
Tuition: $23,090/year
Student-faculty ratio: 15.0:1
Graduation rate: 43.0%
Top programs: Health professions, Business and marketing, Biological sciences
Best for: Students who want a public campus in Spartanburg, SC with published program strength in Health professions and Business and marketing.
| Factor | University of South Carolina-Columbia | University of South Carolina-Upstate |
|---|---|---|
| Acceptance rate | 60.2% | 67.3% |
| SAT range (middle 50%) | 1180–1360 | 1005–1175 |
| ACT range (middle 50%) | 26–32 | 21–26 |
| Undergraduate enrollment | 29,820 | 4,038 |
| Out-of-state tuition | $35,972/year | $23,090/year |
| Average net price after aid | $22,811 | $13,557 |
| Graduation rate | 78.8% | 43.0% |
| Median earnings (10 years) | $62,177 | $48,587 |
| Student-faculty ratio | 19.0:1 | 15.0:1 |
| Institution type | Public | Public |
| Location | Columbia, SC | Spartanburg, SC |
| Largest program areas | Business and marketing, Health professions, Biological sciences | Health professions, Business and marketing, Biological sciences |
University of South Carolina-Columbia is more selective (60.2% vs 67.3% acceptance rate). University of South Carolina-Upstate has a lower average net price after grant aid ($13,557 vs $22,811). University of South Carolina-Columbia reports the higher graduation rate (78.8% vs 43.0%). University of South Carolina-Columbia is the larger undergraduate campus (29,820 students). Use the free side-by-side comparison tool to weigh cost, program fit, location, and outcomes for your own list — and verify deadlines and requirements with each college.
University of South Carolina-Columbia vs College of Charleston
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University of South Carolina-Columbia vs Anderson University
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University of South Carolina-Columbia vs Claflin University
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Common questions when choosing between University of South Carolina-Columbia and University of South Carolina-Upstate
University of South Carolina-Columbia has an acceptance rate of 60.2%; University of South Carolina-Upstate is around 67.3%. Selectivity is only one factor — GPA, essays, major, and residency (for publics) all change the odds.
University of South Carolina-Columbia tuition is $35,972/year. University of South Carolina-Upstate is $23,090/year. Compare net price after aid, not sticker price — especially for private schools and out-of-state publics.
Use College Decider's free comparison tool at /compare — add both schools to see tuition, acceptance rates, graduation outcomes, and more in one table.
Add both schools to our free side-by-side comparison tool — tuition, outcomes, and more.
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