UnisHub University Compass

University of South Carolina (USC Aiken), Aiken : Overview, Courses, Scholarships & Rankings

0 · 0 reviews

About University of South Carolina

In a town known for horses and shaded streets, USC Aiken blends small-campus ease with the energy of a public university. Students find strengths in the arts and sciences, business, education, and health-related fields, with faculty who are known for being accessible and direct. Courses lean into discussion, lab work, and faculty-student research that asks you to show what you know, not just study for a test.

The campus brings it together with light-filled labs, studios, a well-used library, and a rec center that draws a crowd after class. Support runs deep: tutoring, advising, counseling, and a career center that helps line up internships and connections with regional employers. Student life feels friendly and unhurried, with active clubs, service days, intramurals, and plenty of green space to breathe. And the Aiken community adds arts, equestrian culture, and a historic downtown, giving students practical opportunities and a strong sense of place. Pacer pride shows up on game days and in everyday hellos.

Key Institutional Details

Contact & Profile

Location
471 University Pkwy, Aiken, South Carolina, 29801, USA
Website
usca.edu
Unit ID
218645

Academic & Institutional

Control
Public institution (funded by state or local government)
Accreditation
SACSCOC
Length of Study
Programs under 2 years (e.g. certificate or diploma)
Calendar System
Semester system (two main terms per year)
Award Levels
Bachelor's
Master's
Campus Setting
Located in a large suburb (outside principal city, 250,000+ population)
Carnegie Classification
Master's - Small programs
Tuition & Fees
In-State
$10,760
Tuition $10,398 + Fee $362
Out-of-State
$21,218
Tuition $20,856 + Fee $362
Student Profile
Total Students 3,855
Undergraduate 2,805
Graduate/Other 1,050
Male: 1,378 Female: 2,477
Applications
Total Applicants 2,905
Admitted 2,316
Enrolled 616
Acceptance: 79.7% Yield: 26.6%
Staff
Total Staff 543
Full-time 359
Part-time 184
Full-time: 66.1% Part-time: 33.9%

Academic Programs & Fields of Study

University of South Carolina (USC Aiken), Aiken offers 32 degree programs across 17 major academic fields, graduating approximately 846 students annually. The most popular fields by graduate volume are Business (1 programs, 342 graduates), Health (1 programs, 114 graduates), Psychology (2 programs, 59 graduates), Education (6 programs, 54 graduates) and Computer & IT (2 programs, 53 graduates). Explore program details, award levels, and graduate demographics below.

Business (1 programs, 342 graduates)
Business Administration, Marketing and Entrepreneurship
Program Name Graduates Gender Distribution Award Levels CIP Code
Business Administration and Management 342
Bachelor's
Master's
52.0201
Health (1 programs, 114 graduates)
Healthcare Professions, Medical Sciences and Clinical Practice
Program Name Graduates Gender Distribution Award Levels CIP Code
Registered Nursing 114
Bachelor's
51.3801
Psychology (2 programs, 59 graduates)
Psychological Sciences, Mental Health and Behavioral Studies
Program Name Graduates Gender Distribution Award Levels CIP Code
General Psychology 49
Bachelor's
42.0101
Community Psychology 10
Master's
42.2802
Education (6 programs, 54 graduates)
Educational Sciences, Teaching Methods and Pedagogy
Program Name Graduates Gender Distribution Award Levels CIP Code
Elementary Education 17
Bachelor's
13.1202
Early Childhood Education 16
Bachelor's
13.1210
Special Education Teaching 6
Bachelor's
13.1001
Teacher Education and Professional Development 6
Master's
13.1299
Secondary Education and Teaching 5
Bachelor's
13.1205
Middle School Education and Teaching 4
Bachelor's
13.1203
Computer & IT (2 programs, 53 graduates)
Computer Science, Information Technology and Cybersecurity
Program Name Graduates Gender Distribution Award Levels CIP Code
Computer Science 38
Bachelor's
11.0701
Computer and Information Sciences 15
Other Award
11.0101
Communication (2 programs, 49 graduates)
Media Communications, Journalism and Public Relations
Program Name Graduates Gender Distribution Award Levels CIP Code
Speech Communication and Rhetoric 37
Bachelor's
09.0101
Digital Media and Multimedia 12
Bachelor's
09.0702
Kinesiology (1 programs, 44 graduates)
Exercise Science, Sports Medicine and Physical Recreation
Program Name Graduates Gender Distribution Award Levels CIP Code
Exercise Science and Kinesiology 44
Bachelor's
31.0505
Biological Sciences (1 programs, 39 graduates)
Life Sciences, Biotechnology and Biomedical Research
Program Name Graduates Gender Distribution Award Levels CIP Code
Biology and Biological Sciences 39
Bachelor's
26.0101
Social Sciences (2 programs, 27 graduates)
Sociology, Anthropology and Political Science Studies
Program Name Graduates Gender Distribution Award Levels CIP Code
Sociology 18
Bachelor's
45.1101
Political Science and Government 9
Bachelor's
45.1001
Arts (4 programs, 19 graduates)
Fine Arts, Design Studies and Creative Performance
Program Name Graduates Gender Distribution Award Levels CIP Code
Art Studies 12
Bachelor's
50.0701
Studio Arts, General 3
Bachelor's
50.0702
Music 3
Bachelor's
50.0901
Theatre Arts 1
Bachelor's
50.0501

Admission Requirements & Test Scores

Comprehensive overview of admission criteria, standardized test score ranges, and application requirements for prospective students at University of South Carolina (USC Aiken), Aiken.

Application Requirements

Secondary School GPA
Required
Secondary School Rank
Required
Secondary School Record
Required
College Preparatory Program
Required
Recommendations
Neither required nor recommended
Formal Demonstration of Competencies
Neither required nor recommended
Personal Statement or Essay
Neither required nor recommended
Standardized Test Scores
SAT Scores
The SAT is a standardized college admission test measuring reading, writing, and math skills. Scores range from 400-1600 (combined Evidence-Based Reading & Writing + Math sections).
Composite Score Range
970 - 1200
25th-75th percentile
Evidence-Based Reading & Writing 490 - 620
Median: 540
Math 480 - 580
Median: 530
ACT Scores
The ACT is a standardized test for college admissions assessing English, math, reading, and science reasoning. Scores range from 1-36 (composite of all sections).
Composite Score Range
17 - 23
25th-75th percentile
English 15 - 22
Median: 18
Math 16 - 22
Median: 18

Data based on IPEDS for 2022-2023 academic year. Test score ranges represent the middle 50% of admitted students (25th-75th percentile). Requirements may vary by program.

Tuition, Fees & Estimated Costs

Overview of tuition rates, housing, and other annual education expenses for undergraduate and graduate students

Estimated Total Cost
(In-state)
$23,836
Estimated Total Cost
(Out-state)
$34,294
In-state Tuition (incl. fees)
$10,760
Tuition and fees for students residing in-state
Out-of-state Tuition (incl. fees)
$21,218
Tuition and fees for non-resident students
Room & Board
$8,736 (on) / $10,691 (off)
Housing and meal plan expenses
Books & Supplies
$1,240
Average yearly cost of books and study materials
Other Expenses
$3,100 (on) / $4,158 (off)
Miscellaneous personal and institutional expenses
Other Expenses (with family)
$4,158
Estimated cost for students living with family
Graduate In-state Tuition (incl. fees)
$14,096
Graduate tuition rates for in-state students
Graduate Out-of-state Tuition (incl. fees)
$30,122
Graduate tuition rates for non-resident students

Financial Aid & Student Support

Summary of scholarships, grants, student loans, and financial aid statistics for undergraduate students

17%
FTFT Aid Recipients
Avg. Grant
$9,701
Avg. Loan
$5,913
Avg. Federal Loan
$5,062
Additional
Students with Any Grant
539
Students who received any type of grant aid
Students with Any Loan
289
Students who received any type of loan-based aid
Students with Federal Grant
508
Students who received a federal grant
Avg. Institutional Grant
$3,625
Average amount of institutional grant awarded

Student Success Metrics

Graduation rates and post-graduation earnings to help assess student outcomes and long-term value of education.

40%
Graduation Rate
Percentage of students who successfully graduate from the institution
64%
First-Year Retention Rate
Percentage of first-year students who continue for a second year
Median Earnings Over Time
$30,146 – $68,565
Salary Range (25th–75th Percentile, 10 Years)
$30,146 (25th %) $68,565 (75th %)
*Median Salary After 10 Years: $45,603
Median Salary After 6 Years
$39,689
Average annual earnings of former students six years after starting college.
Median Salary After 10 Years
$45,603
Average annual earnings of former students ten years after starting college.

Loan Burden & Repayment Outcomes

Breakdown of loan repayment rates and student debt levels by income and dependency status.

3-Year Loan Repayment Rate
51.7%
Share of borrowers who repaid loans within 3 years
Repayment Rate (Graduates Only)
64.0%
Repayment rate among students who completed their program
Median Student Loan Debt
$24,275
Median federal loan debt of undergraduate completers at time of graduation.
Repayment by Income
Low 39.7%
Middle 56.5%
High 64.9%
Repayment by Dependency
Dependent 53.3%
Independent 45.4%

Frequently Asked Questions

Find answers to the most common questions about University of South Carolina (USC Aiken), Aiken

How much does it cost to attend University of South Carolina (USC Aiken), Aiken?

The annual tuition at University of South Carolina (USC Aiken), Aiken is $10,760 for in-state students and $21,218 for out-of-state students. When including room and board, books, and other expenses, the total estimated cost is approximately $23,836 for in-state students and $34,294 for out-of-state students. Additional costs include room and board $8,736 (on) / $10,691 (off) and books and supplies $1,240.

Data based on IPEDS program completions for 2022-2023 academic year. Tuition and cost estimates are approximate and may not include all fees, personal expenses, or transportation costs.

What academic programs and degree levels does University of South Carolina, Aiken offer?

University of South Carolina (USC Aiken), Aiken offers 32 academic programs across 17 major fields of study, with available degree levels: Bachelor's, Master's.

Most popular program areas include:

  • Business Administration, Marketing and Entrepreneurship (1 programs)
  • Healthcare Professions, Medical Sciences and Clinical Practice (1 programs)
  • Psychological Sciences, Mental Health and Behavioral Studies (2 programs)
  • Educational Sciences, Teaching Methods and Pedagogy (6 programs)
  • Computer Science, Information Technology and Cybersecurity (2 programs)

Data based on IPEDS program completions for 2023-2024 academic year. Numbers reflect programs where students graduated, not all offered programs.

What is the acceptance rate for University of South Carolina, Aiken?

University of South Carolina (USC Aiken), Aiken has an 79.7% acceptance rate and a 26.6% yield rate, making it selective.

Admission statistics breakdown:

  • Total applicants: 2,905
  • Students admitted: 2,316
  • Students enrolled: 616

Data based on IPEDS for 2022-2023 academic year. Admission statistics may vary by program and application cycle.

What financial aid and scholarships are available at University of South Carolina, Aiken?

University of South Carolina (USC Aiken), Aiken provides financial aid to 17% of first-time, full-time students, with average grants of $9,701 and average loans of $5,913.

Average financial aid amounts by type:

  • Pell grants: $5,673
  • State/Local grants: $5,148
  • Institutional grants: $3,625
  • Federal loans: $5,062

The university supports 539 students with grants and 289 students with loans annually.

Data based on IPEDS for 2022-2023 academic year. Financial aid amounts and percentages may vary by program, enrollment status, and individual circumstances.

What is the average salary for University of South Carolina, Aiken graduates?

University of South Carolina (USC Aiken), Aiken graduates earn a median salary of $39,689 after 6 years and $45,603 after 10 years.

The salary range 10 years after graduation spans from $30,146 (25th percentile) to $68,565 (75th percentile), with top earners reaching $72,000 (90th percentile).

Data based on IPEDS for 2022-2023 academic year. Salary data reflects graduates who received federal financial aid (approximately 60% of all graduates). Actual earnings may vary significantly based on program, location, and individual circumstances.

Campus map for University of South Carolina, Beaufort
University of South Carolina, Beaufort
1 University Boulevard, Bluffton, SC 29909
View Profile
Campus map for University of South Carolina, Columbia
University of South Carolina, Columbia
Columbia-Campus, Columbia, SC 29208
View Profile
Campus map for University of South Carolina, Lancaster
University of South Carolina, Lancaster
476 Hubbard Drive, Lancaster, SC 29720-0889
View Profile
Campus map for University of South Carolina, Salkehatchie
University of South Carolina, Salkehatchie
465 James Brandt Blvd, Allendale, SC 29810-0617
View Profile
Found this helpful? Share it!

Found something useful? Help others discover it too! Share with friends, on social media, or save for later - every share helps someone find the information they need.