Columbia, South Carolina · Public · 29,820 undergrads
University of South Carolina admitted 57% of applicants for fall 2025 (33,695 of 59,630, Common Data Set 2025-26). Of the 3,395 students who took a spot on the wait list, 293 were admitted (8.6%). University of South Carolina is test-optional for fall 2027. The middle half of enrolled first-years who sent SAT scores had 1200–1360.
The numbers
Applied
59,630
fall 2025
ACT, middle 50%
26–32
enrolled first-years
Average GPA
3.68
enrolled first-years
Accept their offer
23%
of admitted students enroll
Application fee
$65
waivers exist
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Can I get into University of South Carolina?
57% of applicants get in
Most applicants with solid grades get in. The middle half of enrolled first-years who sent scores had 1200–1360 on the SAT.
Likely: even the low end of our estimate is 60% or more, and the college admits at least 25% of applicants. Target: our estimate is 30% or more. Reach: our estimate is under 30%, or the college admits under 15%. Long shot: our estimate is under 12%, or the college admits under 12%. Estimates use the college's admit rate and score range plus your grades and scores. They are not a promise.
59,630 applied, 33,695 admitted, fall 2025 (Common Data Set).
Does University of South Carolina need the SAT or ACT?Optional
No.
Test-optional for fall 2027. 29% of enrolled first-years sent the SAT. Send your SAT if it's 1280 or higher, the middle of what enrolled first-years scored.
How hard your classes were, class rank, SAT or ACT scores.
Also considered
Essay, recommendations, activities, talent or ability, state residency, volunteering, work experience.
As University of South Carolina rates each factor in its Common Data Set, fall 2025.
Questions people ask
What is University of South Carolina's acceptance rate?
University of South Carolina admitted 57% of applicants for fall 2025 (33,695 of 59,630, Common Data Set 2025-26).
What SAT score do you need for University of South Carolina?
The middle half of enrolled first-years who sent SAT scores had 1200–1360. A quarter of them scored higher and a quarter lower, so it's a typical range, not a cutoff (Common Data Set, fall 2025).
Does University of South Carolina take students off the wait list?
8,805 students were offered a wait-list spot and 3,395 took one. 293 of them got in (8.6%).
Where these numbers come from
Admit rate and applicants: Common Data Set, fall 2025 (checked Oct 31, 2026)
GPA, early rounds and wait list: Common Data Set, fall 2025 (checked Oct 31, 2026)
Cost, pay and debt: College Scorecard, 2024-25 (checked Oct 31, 2026)
