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.
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
| 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/ |
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 |
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:
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 :
Supportive documents:
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:
Supporting documents :
English Language Proficiency:
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:
English Language Proficiency:
Supporting documents:
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:
| 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 |
| 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 |
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.
