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University Guide

About USC-Aiken

Explore overview, courses, fees, admissions, campus life, scholarships and student accommodation guidance in one premium Admistay guide.

The University of South Carolina( USC) is a public research university located in Columbia, South Carolina. This University offers 350 undergraduate majors and graduate programs for domestic and international students. Popular programs at the University of South Carolina include business, engineering, health services and liberal arts. With an acceptance rate of 64%, the University of South Carolina maintains a moderately selective admissions process. About 5-6% of the total undergraduate and graduate student population comes from 100 countries.

Undergraduate students require a minimum GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale, which is 85% aggregate required. A bachelor's degree with a minimum GPA of 3.0 is generally required for a graduate applicant.

English proficiency requirements are mandatory for Indian students with a minimum score, including TOEFL iBT 79, IELTS 6.5, or Duolingo 110. For MBA students, the GMAT or GRE is required for admission to the University of South Carolina programs.

The annual tuition fee at this University ranges from $30,000 to $38,000 (₹25–32 lakhs INR) depending on the program type and level. The University of South Carolina varies with additional fees for housing and other expenses. On-campus housing ranges from $10,000 to $13,000 per academic year, depending on the residence hall and meal plan selected. This university boasts a strong employment rate, with 90% of graduates employed or pursuing further education three months later and average salaries reaching $55,000 to $78,000 per year.
 

Table of Contents
  1. Highlights
  2. University of South Carolina Rankings
  3. University of South Carolina International Admissions

    3.1 University of South Carolina MBA Admissions

    3.2 University of South Carolina Graduate Admission Requirements

    3.3 University of South Carolina Undergraduate Admissions Requirements

  4. University of South Carolina Programs and Fees
  5. University of South Carolina Top Master's Programs and Fees
  6. University of South Carolina Top Bachelor’s Programs and Fees
  7. University of South Carolina Scholarships for International Students
  8. FAQS


Highlights

Category Specifications
University Type and Establishment A public university established in 1801
Number of Campuses Main campus in Columbia, regional campuses across the state, including Aiken, Beaufort, and Upstate
Campus Location Columbia, South Carolina 29208, United States
Campus Area 444 acres
Total Student Enrollment 35,000 students, including UG and PG
International Student percentage 6 %
Country represented 100
Acceptance Rate 68–70%
Average Package Average salary of $60,000–$70,000 after graduation
Official Website https://www.sc.edu/


University of South Carolina Rankings

According to the data of US News & World Report Best National Universities, the University of South Carolina ranks #124 in 2025. The university is nationally recognised for its excellence in international business, first-year experiences, and public universities in the Southern U.S. The Darla Moore School of Business continues to earn top rankings, especially for international business programs.. The table below shows the ranking progression throughout the year.

Ranking type 2025 2024
US News Best National Universities #124 #128


University of South Carolina International Admissions

The University of South Carolina has an acceptance rate of 86%, which is the same as the 86% last year. This indicates that the university is gradually becoming more consistent and accepting towards student intake. The eligibility criteria for admission to the University of South Carolina at various academic levels are as follows:


University of South Carolina MBA Admissions

The MBA at the University of South Carolina is a 22-month, full-time program offered by the Darla Moore School of Business, which is AACSB-accredited. With flexible learning options, including in-person and online classes. Various specialisations provided by this university include finance, international business, marketing, business intelligence & analytics, and supply chain management.

You need a bachelor’s degree from a recognised institution with a preferred undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or higher on a 4.0 scale, which is 80% aggregate. The intake of students happens for the fall and spring seasons. For international students, admissions are highly competitive. The recommended deadline to submit all materials is January 2025, for the fall term to allow sufficient time for visa processing.​

Application Portal: UofSC Graduate School

Application Fee: $100 (₹8,300 INR)

GMAT/GRE: required for full-time MBA admission.

English Proficiency :

  • TOEFL iBT: 100
  • IELTS: 6.5
  • Duolingo: 120+

Supportive documents:

  • Official documents and certificates from UG.
  • Current resume with detailed work experience
  • 2 letters of recommendation (LORS)
  • A detailed SOP
  • Personal interview (if shortlisted) ​


University of South Carolina Graduate Admission Requirements

Indian students can apply directly through the University of South Carolina application portal. After you submit your application, you will receive an email with instructions to upload your documents. The general admission requirements for master's courses at the University of South Carolina are given below:

Application Portal: UofSC Graduate School Application Portal

Application Fee: $100 (₹8,300 INR)

Admission requirements:

  • 4-year bachelor's degree with a minimum GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale, which is 80% aggregate.
  • Official certificates and documents from UG institutions.

Supporting documents :

  • 2 letters of recommendation (LORS)
  • A detailed SOP
  • A detailed Resume

English Language Proficiency:

  • TOEFL iBT: 100
  • IELTS: 6.5​
  • Duolingo English Test: Minimum score of 120


University of South Carolina Undergraduate Admissions Requirements

The University of South Carolina allows international students to apply for Undergraduate courses through an online mode. The admission requirements for bachelor's programs are as follows:

Application Portals: Common Application​ portal or UofSC Undergraduate Application Portal

Application Fee: $65 ( ₹5,400 INR)

Admission requirements:

  • Completion of high school.
  • Official high school documents.

English Language Proficiency:

  • TOEFL iBT: 77
  • IELTS: 6.5
  • Duolingo English Test (DET): 105

Supporting documents:

  • 1 Letter of Recommendation (LOR)
  • Detailed SOP
  • Copy of passport identification page.
  • Proof of financial support (e.g., bank statements, sponsor letters).


University of South Carolina Programs and Fees

The University of South Carolina offers 300 undergraduate and graduate programs for domestic as well as international students. Tuition fees for a bachelor's program at the University of South Carolina are $ 33,000 per year ₹2,760,000 INR). Master's tuition fees are typically $47,000 - $50,000 per year (₹3,920,000 - ₹4,200,000 INR). The table below shows some of the popular courses offered by the University for international as well as domestic students:

University of South Carolina Top Master's Programs and Fees

Courses Duration Tuition fee (USD) Tuition fee (INR)
Master of Business Administration (MBA) 2 years $47,000 ₹3,980,000
MS in Computer Science 2 years $46,000 ₹3,890,000
MS in Chemistry 2 years $45,000 ₹3,810,000
MS in Statistics 2 years $44,500 ₹3,770,000
MSc in Data Science and Analytics 1.5 year $43,000 ₹3,650,000
MA in Criminology 1 year $41,000 ₹3,470,000
Master of Education in Higher Education Leadership 2 years $44,000 ₹3,730,000


University of South Carolina Top Bachelor’s Programs and Fees

Courses Duration Tuition fee (USD) Tuition fee (INR)
BS in Computer Science 4 years $35,000 ₹2,960,000
BA in Anthropology 4 years $35,000 ₹2,960,000
BA in Psychology 4 years $35,000 ₹2,960,000
BS in Environmental Science 4 years $35,000 ₹2,960,000
BS in nursing 4 years $35,000 ₹2,960,000
BS in Mechanical Engineering 4 years $35,000 ₹2,960,000
BS in Microbiology 4 years $35,000 ₹2,960,000
BS in Biomedical Engineering 4 years $35,000 ₹2,960,000
BFA in Studio Art 4 years $35,000 ₹2,960,000
BA in Political Science 4 years $35,000 ₹2,960,000
BS in Biology 4 years $35,000 ₹2,960,000


University of South Carolina Scholarships for International Students

For international students looking for financial assistance can explore or check out the following scholarships provided by the University:

Scholarship Degree Amount Eligibility Application Deadline
Columbia International Students Fund PG $5,000 Students experiencing financial hardship Varies throughout the year
Graduate Assistantship PG Full tuition waiver + Stipend Graduate students in select fields such as research, teaching, or administration Varies by department
International Graduate Merit Scholarship PG $10,000 per year First-year graduate students April 1, 2025
International Students Excellence Award UG $8,000 per year High-achieving international students March 1, 2025
UofSC Global Scholarship UG $4,000–$6,000 per year International students with a demonstrated financial need April 1, 2025
International Undergraduate Merit Scholarship UG $12,000 per year First-year international students with excellent academic performance March 1, 2025


In conclusion, the University of South Carolina (USC) differentiates itself through its comprehensive academic offerings and strong emphasis on career development. With a commitment to experiential learning and innovation, USC provides students with abundant internship and job placement opportunities across business, engineering, healthcare, communications, and public service sectors. Graduates of USC enjoy high employability rates, with many advancing into roles at prestigious corporations, government organisations, and research institutions. The university’s Career Centre plays a good role in this success, offering career coaching, resume reviews, mock interviews, job fairs, and direct employer engagement. By delivering personalised support and fostering strategic partnerships with industry leaders, USC equips its students to thrive professionally and make meaningful contributions to their chosen fields.


FAQS

Ques: What is the University of South Carolina known for academically?

Ans: USC is nationally recognised for programs in International Business, Public Health, Engineering, and Hospitality Management, among others. The Darla Moore School of Business is particularly renowned.
 

Ques: What kind of support does the University of South Carolina offer for career development?

Ans: The Career Centre provides resources like resume building, interview preparation, job search tools, internships, career fairs, and employer networking. USC also supports co-op programs and experiential learning.
 

Ques: Is the University of South Carolina a safe campus?

Ans: Yes. The campus is patrolled by the USC Police Department, and safety resources like emergency alerts, blue-light phones, and 24/7 campus security services are in place.

Ques: What are the housing options for students?

Ans: USC offers a variety of residence halls, living-learning communities, and apartment-style housing. Freshmen are typically required to live on campus unless they meet certain criteria.

Courses & Fees

Compare courses in a cleaner, easier way

Explore tuition, duration, language, eligibility, and exam requirements without the clutter.

Courses

182

Fee from

₹14,79,728.52

Exams

IELTS · TOEFL

Showing 5 of 77 bachelors

Overview
Degree TypeBachelor
Duration4 years
Study ModeFull Time
LanguageEnglish
Fees
Tuition FeeINR 17.3 L/Yr
Native FeeUSD 18,494 /Yr
Estimated Total₹1671857
Fee trendTuition progression
Official Program Page
Admission Guide

Admission Process

The University of South Carolina admissions are competitive and moderately selective for both domestic and international students, with an overall acceptance rate of 64%. The university enrols over 35,000 students, including a vibrant global community from more than 100 countries. The University offers over 350 undergraduate and 250 graduate-level degrees and certificates across its various colleges, including Arts & Sciences, Business, and Professional Sciences. Applications are accepted on various terms for fall and spring semesters. The minimum GPA required for graduate admissions is 3.0 on a 4.0 scale, which is 85% aggregate, out of which a few successful applicants to competitive programs often present a GPA of 3.3 out of 4.0 (87-89%) or higher, respectively. Applicants must submit proof of English language proficiency: TOEFL: 77-80, IELTS: 6.5+, or Duolingo: 105-120.

Letters of recommendation, detailed SOPS, and sometimes interviews are part of the admissions approach at University of South Carolina. Extracurricular activities, work experience, and leadership involvement are also considered, particularly for professional and business programs. You may apply to multiple programs simultaneously, though each application is reviewed independently. Once an application is submitted, you will receive an email confirmation within a few days. Final decisions are communicated within 4–6 weeks, depending on the program and term.
 


University of South Carolina Programs and Fees

The table below shows some of the popular courses offered by the University of South Carolina for Postgraduate International students:

Courses Duration Tuition fee (USD) Tuition fee (INR)
Master of Business Administration (MBA) 2 years $47,000 ₹3,980,000
MS in Computer Science 2 years $46,000 ₹3,890,000
MS in Chemistry 2 years $45,000 ₹3,810,000
MS in Statistics 2 years $44,500 ₹3,770,000
MSc in Data Science and Analytics 1.5 year $43,000 ₹3,650,000
MA in Criminology 1 year $41,000 ₹3,470,000
Master of Education in Higher Education Leadership 2 years $44,000 ₹3,730,000


The table below shows some of the popular courses offered by the University of South Carolina for Undergraduate International students:

Courses Duration Tuition fee (USD) Tuition fee (INR)
BS in Computer Science 4 years $35,000 ₹2,960,000
BA in Anthropology 4 years $35,000 ₹2,960,000
BA in Psychology 4 years $35,000 ₹2,960,000
BS in Environmental Science 4 years $35,000 ₹2,960,000
BS in nursing 4 years $35,000 ₹2,960,000
BS in Mechanical Engineering 4 years $35,000 ₹2,960,000
BS in Microbiology 4 years $35,000 ₹2,960,000
BS in Biomedical Engineering 4 years $35,000 ₹2,960,000
BFA in Studio Art 4 years $35,000 ₹2,960,000
BA in Political Science 4 years $35,000 ₹2,960,000
BS in Biology 4 years $35,000 ₹2,960,000


University of South Carolina Acceptance Rates

The table below showcases the acceptance rate trend at the University of South Carolina for both undergraduate and postgraduate programs from 2020 to 2025. From the table below, we can see that both programs' acceptance rates are steadily constant over the years, making them moderately selective.

Years Acceptance rate
2025 64%
2024 64%
2023 63%
2022 62%
2021 62%
2020 61%


University of South Carolina Admission Deadline

The main intake for the Undergraduate programs at the University of South Carolina is fall (August) and spring ( January). Applications are typically submitted through the UofSC Application Portal with key deadlines as follows:

Application Deadline Enrolment Deadline
Fall season Priority: December 1, 2024 (closed)Final: May 1, 2025 May 1, 2025August 10, 2025
Spring season November 15, 2025 January 5, 2026


University of South Carolina MBA Admission Deadlines

MBA Applications are typically submitted through the UofSC Graduate School Application Portal, with key deadlines as follows:

Term Application Enrollment
Fall 2025 Round 1: Oct 15, 2024 (closed) August 2025
Round 2: Jan 15, 2025
Round 3: March 15, 2025
Final Round: June 1, 2025
Spring 2026 November 2025 (To be announced) January 2026


University of South Carolina Postgraduate Admission Deadlines

The main intake for the Postgraduate programs at the University of South Carolina is fall and spring of the year. Applications are typically submitted through the UofSC Graduate School Application Portal, with key deadlines as follows:

Application opening season Application deadline
Fall 2025 July 1, 2025
Spring 2026 November 1, 2025


University of South Carolina Admission Requirements

The University of South Carolina offers admission to International students throughout the year by 2 intakes: Fall (late August) and Spring (January). The process of taking admission to the university is quite similar for domestic students. International students require proof of English language proficiency. The minimum Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) required is 3.0 on a 4.0 scale, which is 80% aggregate, though some graduate programs may have higher GPA expectations. Below are the program-specific admission requirements


University of South Carolina PG Admissions

The University of South Carolina offers over 250 graduate and doctoral programs to international students in fields like engineering, education, nursing, marine science, architecture, music, and communication. Tuition fees vary throughout the programs, ranging between $28,000 to $35,000 per year ( ₹23.5–₹29.3 lakhs INR). Graduates often secure roles with starting salaries from $55,000 per year ( ₹4,60,0000 INR). The table below shows the requirements for taking admissions as follows:

Category Details
Application Portal UofSC Graduate School Application Portal
Application Fee $100 (₹8,300 INR)
Academic Requirement Bachelor's degree with a minimum GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale
English Proficiency Scores IELTS: 6.5 TOEFL: 80  DET: 105–110
SOP/LOR

2-3 Letters of Recommendation

A detailed SOP (500–1000 words)

Additional Requirements

Resume/CV

Interview (if required)

Writing Sample (for some programs)


University of South Carolina MBA Admissions

The University of South Carolina offers an MBA course through the Darla Moore School of Business, which is AACSB-accredited. The university provides MBA, Professional MBA, Executive MBA, Online MBA and International MBA for students. The duration of pursuing a Full-time MBA from the university is 22 months. For the Part-time/Online MBA, which is typically 1.5–3 years, depending on the student's schedule and course load.

Popular fields for pursuing an MBA at the University of South Carolina include Business Data Analytics, Operations Management, Finance, Information Systems, Logistics and Project Management, among others. The table below shows the requirements for taking admissions as follows:

Category Details
Application Portal UofSC Graduate School
Application Fees $100 (₹8,300 INR)
Degree Requirements Bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited institution
English Language Proficiency and test scores

TOEFL: 100

IELTS: 6.5

Duolingo: 120

GMAT/GRE are required

Additional Requirements

2 Letters of recommendation

SOPS

Resume/CV

Interview

Application Deadline

Round 1: Oct 15,2024

Round 2: Jan 15, 2024

Round 3: March 1, 2025

Final Round: May 15, 2025


University of South Carolina UG Admissions

The University of South Carolina offers over 350 undergraduate courses, including business, Health Sciences, Natural Sciences and the Arts. The table below shows the requirements for taking admissions as follows:

Category Requirements
Application Portal Common application portal or UofSC Undergraduate Application Portal
Application Fee $65 (₹5,460 INR)
Academic Requirement Completion of Class XII with a Minimum of 80% aggregate.
English Proficiency Test Scores TOEFL: 77  IELTS: 6.5  Duolingo (DET): 105
Admission Requirements

Official high school certificates

Personal SOP

1 letter of recommendation (optional)

Admission Deadlines

Fall Semester: August

Spring Semester: January


In conclusion, the University of South Carolina stands out for its comprehensive undergraduate and postgraduate offerings, streamlined admissions process, and competitive tuition fees. With a strong focus on research, innovation, and hands-on learning, USC provides international students with access to high-quality education in fields such as business, engineering, public health, and liberal arts. The university’s multiple intakes (Fall and Spring), globally accredited programs like its MBA, and dedication to student support make it an attractive option. Ultimately, the University of South Carolina is a smart choice for students seeking academic excellence, affordability, and promising career outcomes.


FAQs

Ques: What are the living expenses at the University of South Carolina?

Ans: Estimated annual living expenses (housing, food, health insurance, etc.) range from $12,000–$15,000 (₹10–₹12.5 lakhs) depending on lifestyle and housing choices.
 

Ques: Does USC provide on-campus accommodation?

Ans: Yes, USC offers various on-campus housing options, including residence halls, apartments, and living-learning communities for both UG and PG students.
 

Ques: What is the employability rate of USC graduates?

Ans: Over 90% of USC graduates are employed or pursuing higher education within 6 months of graduation, with average salaries ranging from $55,000 to $85,000 depending on the field.

Placements & Recruiters

USC-Aiken Placement Details

USC-Aiken in Aiken, South Carolina, United States placement details include salary insights, top recruiters, and hiring trends to help students understand career outcomes and campus opportunities.

Students usually compare highest package, average package, and recruiter profile before applying. This section gives a compact overview of career outcomes and placement visibility in Aiken, South Carolina, United States.

Recruiters
N/A
Salary Metrics
0/2
Placement Metric

Highest Package

N/A

Represents the top salary package reported in the available placement information.

Placement Metric

Average Package

N/A

Shows the typical package range students may expect based on the available average salary data.

Placement information is currently limited.

More salary or recruiter data may be updated later for this college.

Rankings over the years

Year-wise highlights from global and country rankings available for this university.

2025

Highlights
2025
  • Tourism and Hospitality: #9 in country
  • Top source: QS
  • 27 ranked streams
  • Focus areas: Medicine, Computer Science
  • 2 ranking records in 2025

2026

Highlights
2026
  • Best overall country rank: #82
  • Overall: #82 in country
  • Top source: QS
  • 3 ranked streams
  • Focus areas: Overall, Computer Science
  • 2 ranking records in 2026

Contact Information

471 University Pkwy, Aiken, SC 29801

+1-803-648-6851