University of South Carolina

Columbia, SC

University of South Carolina

Columbia, SC

Explore University of South Carolina's Featured Profiles:

Undergrad

Welcome to Carolina!

Nestled amongst skyscrapers and palm trees in Columbia, SC, you will find the University of South Carolina—the state’s flagship university. Built upon a 200-year legacy, our university is large enough to provide endless opportunities, but small enough for you to find a tight-knit community. 

Countless degree options
When we say there is something for everyone, we mean it! With more than 350 unique degree options and 60 nationally ranked programs, finding your future major and career path is easy! With an 18:1 student-faculty ratio, you can make personal connections with your professors starting your first day in the classroom. Check out our majors today! 

A Best Value University
Many USC students have access to financial aid, making a South Carolina education more affordable! In fact, 98% of freshmen received some sort of financial aid last year, totaling more than $179 million in federal, state, and university scholarships and grants. U.S. News & World Report even named USC a “Best Value School.” Applicants are automatically considered for merit scholarships when they apply by the deadline. Around one third of the freshman class received a merit scholarship from our university last year. 

The Nation’s Best First-Year Experience
There’s a reason we’ve been ranked as the Nation’s Best First-Year Experience for the last five years in a row! Whatever the interest—intellectual pursuits, physical fitness, community service, or your favorite hobby—we’ve got you covered. From fan-favorite traditions like First Night Carolina and Homecoming, to events like Thursday after Dark and Hip-Hop Wednesday, and 550+ student organizations, there are so many ways to get involved and meet other Gamecocks! 

Life beyond the classroom
We know that what you learn outside of the classroom is just as important as what you learn in it! The university’s Career Center currently has more than 39,000 internship and co-op opportunities advertised to students on Handshake, its career management platform. The center also boasts more than 34,000 employer contacts to connect students with professionals in any field. Not to mention a close-knit network of more than 340,000 alumni. 

Our students also participate in research as early as their freshman year, and study abroad for a semester, over the summer or even a few weeks! Many also regularly participate in Service Saturdays and help raise millions for organizations such as Dance Marathon, the largest student-run philanthropic organization on campus, making it easy for students to give back to the community. 

All of these opportunities, and more, give our Gamecocks valuable experiences and a lot to add to their résumés! 

Visit
There’s so much more we’d like to show you about South Carolina! Our Visitor Center hosts campus tours to give you a better look at our amenities and life as a Gamecock! And if you can’t make it to campus in person, a virtual tour is the next best thing. Get in touch today and find out why we love to call USC home. 

ACCOLADES

 

#1 First-Year Student Experiences among Public Universities for 5 consecutive years

 

#1 International Business Program for 25 consecutive years | U.S. News & World Report

 

South Carolina Honors College is the Top-Ranked Public Honors College since 2021 | Inside Honors

 

#1 in Sports Sciences | Global Ranking of Sport Science Schools and Departments

 

Top 1% in the country for NCLEX pass rates | USC College of Nursing 2023

 

Top 5 in Sports Sciences | Global Ranking of Sport Science Schools and Departments

 

#1 Best College Food in South Carolina 2024

 

350+ Degree Programs and 60 Nationally Ranked Academic Programs

Location

Columbia 

USC is located in Columbia, the state’s capital city. From its thriving arts scene and Fortune 500 companies to big-name concerts and scenic park getaways, Columbia offers an incredible number of indoor and outdoor activities. The State House, the city’s capital building, and many offices are a short walk from campus, making it easy to find jobs and internships. There are also plenty of festivals, a massive weekly farmers market called Soda City, and even more for you to explore. Not to mention the 217+ days of sunshine we have per year. Plus, whenever you feel the need for a road trip, Columbia is just two hours from the beach or mountains! 

An Inside Look

What students are saying about us...

  • “On admitted students' day, I took a tour of Green Quad and I fell in love with how everything looked there.”

    • Darren Burton
      Darla Moore School of Business and South Carolina Honors College
  • “At first, I was really intimidated working alongside senior nursing and pharmacy students, the USC medical group and international providers. But I'm so glad I signed up. Getting that exposure so early with hands-on patient care definitely gave me practical experience. The experience pushed me to do well in my classes and get into the upper division.”

    • Shir'Mel McCullough
  • “I chose UofSC because when I stepped on campus, it instantly felt like home!”

    • Robert Cassels