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University of South Carolina-Columbia

1244 Blossom Street, Columbia, SC 29208, USA

University of South Carolina-Columbia award
University of South Carolina-Columbia award
US ranking
position: 381
Tuition & fees per year: $12,688
Acceptance rate: 61.00%
Median alumni salary: $44,890
Avg. SAT and ACT: 1255 SAT, 29 ACT
Entrance difficulty: Moderate

What does University of South Carolina-Columbia offer in terms of athletics?

The University of South Carolina-Columbia provides a comprehensive athletics program that participates at the NCAA Division I level. The university's athletic teams, known collectively as the Gamecocks, compete primarily in the Southeastern Conference (SEC), one of the most competitive collegiate athletic conferences in the United States.

The campus supports a wide array of sports for both men and women, including football, basketball, baseball, soccer, volleyball, tennis, golf, and track and field, among others. Facilities are well-equipped to accommodate training and competition, reflecting the school's commitment to fostering athletic excellence.

Student-athletes at the university receive support services such as academic advising, strength and conditioning programs, and sports medicine, aimed at balancing athletic responsibilities with academic success. The athletics department also emphasizes community engagement and school spirit, encouraging students and fans to actively participate in supporting their teams.

What student groups and Associations are available at University of South Carolina-Columbia?

University of South Carolina-Columbia offers a wide array of student organizations catering to diverse interests, though specific names of these groups are not available in the provided data. The university has a significantly larger female student population, with 17,371 women compared to 11,826 men, indicating a varied student community likely reflected in its social and academic organizations.

Who studies at University of South Carolina-Columbia?

The University of South Carolina-Columbia attracts a notably large and diverse student body, with a total enrollment nearing 8,712 freshmen and transfer students combined, placing it among the highest in national rankings. Freshmen enrollment alone is exceptionally high, ranking in the top 5% nationwide, while transfer student numbers are also significantly above average.

The undergraduate population is predominantly young, with the majority aged between 18 and 21 years, reflecting a traditional college-age demographic. However, the university also serves a substantial number of older students, particularly at the graduate level, where many are in their mid-twenties to late forties, illustrating a commitment to accommodating lifelong learners and those pursuing advanced degrees later in life.

Regarding geographic origin, most students hail from within the United States, with in-state students making up a sizable portion but at a relatively lower level compared to other universities, ranking in the bottom 30% nationally. Out-of-state students represent a strong fraction and are considered highly significant for the university, placing it in the top quarter of institutions for attracting this group. International representation is modest, with relatively few students coming from foreign countries, a figure in the lower third among peers.

The university showcases extensive ethnic diversity. White students constitute the largest demographic, numbering over 21,500 and ranking at the very top nationally. African American students also represent a considerable segment, with their enrollment ranking in the top 5%, highlighting the institution's broad appeal within this community. Hispanic and Asian populations are substantial as well, both exceeding average levels nationally. Students identifying with two or more races are present in a notably high number, further underscoring the multicultural makeup of the campus.

Overall, the University of South Carolina-Columbia serves a wide spectrum of students in terms of age, background, and ethnicity, offering an environment marked by both high enrollment and demographic variety.

How does student life look like at University of South Carolina-Columbia?

Student life at University of South Carolina-Columbia is characterized by a vibrant campus environment with ample opportunities for engagement in arts and media. The university supports active participation in campus drama, radio, band, chorus, and television, providing diverse creative outlets for students. For those seeking campus news and events, the presence of a student-run newspaper fosters communication and community involvement.

Additionally, the university offers several important student support services including a health clinic, psychological counseling, a veterans affairs office, and a center dedicated to women's issues. These services contribute to a well-rounded campus experience by addressing health, wellness, and special interest needs within the student body.

The university's total enrollment is notably high, with over 38,000 students, reflecting a large and dynamic student community. This includes a substantial number of full-time degree-seeking students, both men and women, ensuring a diverse and active campus population. The student-to-faculty ratio stands at 19 to 1, which indicates relatively manageable class sizes for a large institution, facilitating meaningful academic engagement.

As an NCAA member institution, the university participates in intercollegiate athletics, further enriching the student experience with sporting events and school spirit activities.

What libraries are available to students at University of South Carolina-Columbia?

The University of South Carolina-Columbia offers access to a substantial library system anchored by the Thomas Cooper Library, its main facility. In total, students benefit from seven libraries, placing the university in the top 5% nationally for the number of libraries on campus.

The university's library resources are robust, housing approximately 1,756,797 books, ranking it within the top 10% for the size of its collection. Beyond physical volumes, students can access a broad range of subscriptions, with 73,684 available, again placing the institution among the top 5% for subscription offerings.

Digital resources are also a key feature. The library system holds around 1,168,182 ebooks, a collection that falls in the top 30% for ebook availability. Additionally, digital subscriptions reach 251,914, representing an average level of digital access compared to peer institutions. The number of databases available to students is 486, positioning this resource slightly below the median range nationally.

The university ensures both physical and digital access to its materials, supported by trained staff and established hours of operation. Moreover, students can utilize shared collections, which expands the breadth of research and study materials accessible on campus.

University of South Carolina-Columbia Student Life for 2026

Total enrollment

38532

Full Time Degree Seeking Freshmen

7266

Member of Athletic Associations

Data not available

Total staff

1648 full time, 755 part time

Veterans affair office

Yes

University of South Carolina-Columbia Library Services and Resources

Main library name

Thomas Cooper Library

Number of libraries on campus

7

Reservable study rooms in library

No

24h access

No

Physical facilities

Yes

Access to digital/electronic resources

Yes

Staff trained to provide and interpret library materials

Yes

Established library hours

Yes

Access to library collections that are shared with other institutions

Yes

University of South Carolina-Columbia Computer Labs Access

  • 24h access
  • Help desk

University of South Carolina-Columbia Student Life Enrollment Statistics

Freshly enrolled students' state of residence

US
International

Freshmen vs. transfer students

Freshman
Transfer

Freshly enrolled students' age

Under 25 years
Over 25 years

University of South Carolina-Columbia Location & Map