University of South Carolina – Columbia Tuition and Fees

By Kelly Boyer Sagert

(Last Updated – 04/2023)

Total Cost of Attendance

The University of South Carolina is a public research university with its main campus in Columbia and eight campuses in total across the state. The university has more than 300-degree programs, including well-respected medical, law, business, and engineering programs.

The University of South Carolina tuition in 2022-23 for state residents was $12,688. This is slightly higher than the national average of $10,940 for in-state tuition at public universities. For residents of other states, University of South Carolina tuition was $33,928, which is higher than the national average for out-of-state tuition of $28,240.

Costs for 2022-2023

Financial Aid

At UofSC, nearly all students (95%) use financial aid to help cover the University of South Carolina cost. Financial aid includes scholarships, grants, and student loans.

Explore financial aid options: South Carolina Student Loan & Scholarships.

Generally, financial aid is monetary assistance awarded to students based on personal need and merit. Students that qualify for financial aid can use it to pay for college costs like tuition, books, and living expenses.

The federal government is the largest provider of student financial aid. However, aid can also be given by state governments, colleges and universities, private companies, and nonprofits. The different types include:

•  Scholarships: These can be awarded by schools and other organizations based on students’ academic excellence, athletic achievement, community involvement, job experience, field of study, and financial need.

•  Grants: Generally based on financial need, these can come from federal, state, private, and non-profit organizations.

•  Work-study: This federal program provides qualifying students with part-time employment to earn money for expenses while in school.

•  Federal student loans: This is money borrowed directly from the U.S. Department of Education. It comes with fixed interest rates that are typically lower than private loans.

Colleges, universities, and state agencies use the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to determine financial aid eligibility. The FAFSA can be completed online, but note that state and federal and school deadlines may differ.

You can find other financial aid opportunities on databases such as:

•  US Department of Education – Search for grants from colleges and universities by state

•  College Scholarship Service Profile (CSS) – A global college scholarship application used by select institutions to award financial aid

•  Scholarship Search Tool

Recommended: The Differences Between Grants, Scholarships, and Loans

Private Student Loans

Of the UofSC students who take out student loans, 48% take out federal loans, and 10% private student loans. The average private loan is $17,657.

Private loans are funded by private organizations such as banks, online lenders, credit unions, some schools, and state-based or state-affiliated organizations. While Federal student loans have interest rates that are regulated by Congress, private lenders follow a different set of regulations so their qualifications and interest rates can vary widely.

What’s more, private loans have variable or fixed interest rates that may be higher than federal loan interest rates, which are always fixed. Private lenders may (but don’t always) require you to make payments on your loans while you are still in school, compared to federal student loans which you don’t have to start paying back until after you graduate, leave school, or change your enrollment status to less than half-time.

Private loans don’t have a specific application window and can be applied for on an as-needed basis. However, if you think you may need to take out a private loan, it’s a good idea to submit your FAFSA first to see what federal aid you may qualify for as it generally may have better rates and terms.

If you’ve missed the FAFSA deadline or you’re struggling to pay for school throughout the year, private loans can potentially help you make your payments. Just keep in mind that you will need enough lead time for your loan to process and for your lender to send money to your school.

Recommended: Guide to Private Student Loans

Projected 4-Year-Degree Price

The University of South Carolina cost for four years, including tuition and fees, room and board, books, and other costs, is $119,756 for in-state students. By comparison, the national average at public universities is $106,760 for four years.

For out-of-state residents, the four-year cost is $204,716. This is higher than the national average of $175,960 for out-of-state tuition and other expenses.

Here’s some Student Loan & Scholarship Information for you.

Undergraduate Tuition and Fees

Costs for 2022-23

The combined cost of tuition and fees plus room and board for in-state students was $24,468 in 2022-23. UofSC out-of-state tuition, fees, and room and board totaled $45,708.

Graduate Tuition and Fees

Costs for 2022-23

UofSC tuition for graduate school totaled $13,774 for South Carolina residents. The UofSC out-of-state tuition for grad school is $30,160. The average cost of completing a Master’s degree in the U.S. is $29,150.

There are many options for graduate loans that can help with these costs.

Cost per Credit Hour

The cost per credit hour is $572 for South Carolina residents and $1,240 for other students.

Campus Housing Expenses

Costs for 2022-23

*Based on one-bedroom pricing. Average rate based on available apartments on University of South Carolina’s off-campus housing website in 2023.

Freshmen are required to live on campus at the University of South Carolina in one of 15 first-year residence halls. Accommodations for other students include special residence halls for Continuing Honors College students and Sophomore Capstone Scholars. There are also Living and Learning Community residence halls for music students, LGTBQ+ students, engineering students, and more. For those who prefer to live off campus after their first year, there are many nearby options. You can learn more here .

University of South Carolina Acceptance Rate

Fall 2021

UofSC has an acceptance rate of 62%.

Admission Requirements

Does the University of South Carolina seem like a good fit? Here’s what you’ll need to apply.

Required:

•  High school transcript

•  Essay

•  School report form submitted by your high school counselor

Recommended:

•  SAT or ACT scores

The deadline for Early Action is October 15, with a decision given by mid-December. The deadline for regular admission is December 1, with a decision given by mid-March.

SAT and ACT Scores

The University of South Carolina is test-optional through the 2023 term. Here are the standardized test scores at the 25th and 75th percentile at UofSC.

Popular Majors at the University of South Carolina

In addition to hundreds of degree options, the University of South Carolina also offers several accelerated and dual degree programs. Here are the most popular majors.

1. Finance

Finance students have the option to specialize in Corporate Finance, Investments, or Financial Services. Courses include Corporate Financial Analysis, Investment Analysis and Portfolio Management, Derivative Securities, Management of Risk and Insurance, Life Insurance, and more.

Undergraduate degrees in 2020-21: 439

2. Public Health

In addition to taking courses like Elementary Statistics for the Biological and Life Sciences, Principles of Epidemiology, Environmental Pollution and Health, Personal and Community Health, and Psychology of Physical Activity, students can participate in research with nationally known faculty and staff experts.

Undergraduate degrees in 2020-21: 438

3. Biological Sciences

Biological Sciences students get a foundation in Chemistry, Plant and Animal Science, Cellular and Molecular Biology, and Ecology. For those interested in Marine Sciences, there is the option to further their studies in this field.

Undergraduate degrees in 2020-21: 336

4. Experimental Psychology

Choose between a Bachelor of Arts or a Bachelor of Science degree in Experimental Psychology and take courses like Research Methods in Psychology, Psychological Statistics, Survey of Learning and Memory, Community Psychology, Abnormal Behavior in Children, and Sensation and Perception.

Undergraduate degrees in 2020-21: 329

5. Sport and Entertainment Management

UofSC was the first major university to create a separate department for sport and entertainment management in a business curriculum. In addition to learning about Finance, Marketing, and Event Management as it relates to Sports and Entertainment, you can also take courses like The Business of NASCAR, Artist Management and Representation, NCAA Compliance, Promoting Live Entertainment Events, College Sports, and Contracts and Negotiations.

Undergraduate degrees in 2020-21: 290

6. Nursing

The Nursing program teaches you all about Human Anatomy and Physiology, Microbiology, Biophysical Pathology, Clinical Nutrition, Nursing as a Profession, and Nursing Informatics. You’ll also get real-world experience through clinicals.

Undergraduate degrees in 2020-21: 232

7. Marketing

Marketing students learn about the psychology of buyer behavior and sharpen their marketing communication skills. The program includes field trips to see marketing in action and opportunities for internships.

Undergraduate degrees in 2020-21: 231

8. Criminology and Criminal Justice

Building upon a foundation of the liberal arts and the social sciences, students pursuing this degree take courses like The American Criminal Justice System, Research Methods in Criminology and Criminal Justice, Criminal Procedure, and Sociology of Crime. They can also get hands-on experience with the Campus Patrol Office program.

Undergraduate degrees in 2020-21: 195

9. Exercise Science

There are three areas of emphasis in the Exercise Science program: Health Fitness, Motor Development, and Scientific Foundations. Not only do students take courses like Physical Activity and Health, Anatomy and Physiology, and Acquisition of Motor Skills, but they also get real-world learning experiences with clinical and community programs.

Undergraduate degrees in 2020-21: 192

10. Political Science

Political Science majors learn how to problem-solve and apply theory by taking courses like American National Government; Controversies in World Politics; Race, Class, Gender, and Sexuality; Comparative Politics; and International Relations.

Undergraduate degrees in 2020-21: 185

Graduation Rate

Here are the graduation rates at the University of South Carolina.

•  4 years: 67%

•  6 years: 78%

•  8 years: 78%

Post-Graduation Median Earnings

After completing an undergrad degree at UofSC, you can expect to earn an average of $54,109, which is higher than the average for graduates of four-year schools of $47,922.