Student Population At University Of South Carolina: How Many?

The University of South Carolina (USC) is a public research university located in Columbia, South Carolina. It is the flagship of the University of South Carolina System, which has eight campuses in 20 locations. In 2022, the University of South Carolina had a total enrollment of over 35,000 students, with over 34,500 students attending the Columbia campus alone. The university offers a range of undergraduate and graduate programs and is known for its research excellence and vibrant student life.

The University of South Carolina's total student population

The University of South Carolina (USC) is a public research university located in Columbia, South Carolina. It is the flagship of the University of South Carolina System, which has eight campuses in 20 locations.

Total Student Population

The University of South Carolina System serves more than 54,000 students across its eight campuses. In Fall 2023, the University of South Carolina had a total enrollment of 36,579 students, including 28,470 undergraduate and 8,109 graduate students. The university's Columbia campus alone has over 34,500 students, with a full-time enrollment of 31,941 and a part-time enrollment of 3,712.

In 2022, the University of South Carolina received 42,188 undergraduate applications and accepted 27,022 students, resulting in a 64.1% acceptance rate. The university's overall enrollment yield, which represents the number of admitted students who enrolled, was 24.3%.

USC has experienced significant enrollment growth in recent years, with a historic high of over 38,300 students in 2024. This growth is attributed to efforts to retain students through early intervention programs and increased accessibility initiatives. The university predicts that its enrollment may exceed 40,000 students within the next two years.

Student Demographics and Campus Life

The University of South Carolina has a diverse student body, with a gender distribution of approximately 42% male and 58% female students. The student population is predominantly White (69.6%), followed by Black or African American (10%), Hispanic or Latino (5.38%), Asian (4.04%), and other races. 34% of students live in college-owned or affiliated housing, while 66% live off-campus.

The university offers a wide range of academic programs, with over 350 degree programs from bachelor's to doctoral levels. It is known for its research excellence and vibrant student experience, attracting students from across South Carolina and beyond.

Undergraduate vs graduate student numbers

The University of South Carolina (USC) is a public research university located in Columbia, South Carolina. It is the flagship of the University of South Carolina System and the largest university in the state by enrolment. The university has eight campuses in 20 locations that together serve more than 54,000 students.

In terms of undergraduate versus graduate student numbers, the university has a significant number of undergraduate students. In fall 2023, the total undergraduate enrolment was 28,470, while the total graduate enrolment was 8,109. This trend has been consistent over the years, with the university awarding 10,045 degrees across all undergraduate and graduate programs in 2022, with 56.6% going to women and the remaining 43.4% to men.

The University of South Carolina's undergraduate admissions are classified as more selective. For the freshman enrolment of 2022, half of the class had SAT scores between 1150 and 1360, or ACT scores between 26 and 31. The university also offers support to academically gifted undergraduate students through its South Carolina Honors College.

The university's overall enrolment has been increasing over the years, with a historic high of over 38,300 students reported in 2024. This number is expected to continue growing, with President Michael Amiridis predicting that enrolment could exceed 40,000 students within the next two years. This growth is attributed to various factors, including efforts to retain students through early intervention programs and initiatives to increase accessibility, such as guaranteeing admission to South Carolina high school students in the top 10% of their graduating class.

Gender distribution

The University of South Carolina (USC) has a large student population, with over 54,000 students across its eight campuses and 20 locations. The gender distribution varies depending on the specific campus and program.

At the University of South Carolina-Columbia, there is a higher percentage of female students. In 2022, 56.6% of degrees were awarded to women, while 43.4% were awarded to men. This trend has been consistent over the years, with 1,333 more degrees awarded to women than men in 2022. The undergraduate population at this campus consists of 57.8% female students and 42.2% male students, as of Fall 2023.

When considering the entire University of South Carolina System, there is a more even distribution of male and female students. As of Fall 2023, the total undergraduate population is 46,614, with 58% female students and 42% male students. This slight female majority is also reflected in the overall student body, which includes graduate and professional students, with a total of 46,614 female students and 46,614 male students as of Fall 2024.

It is worth noting that the University of South Carolina has a history of promoting diversity and inclusivity. The university has implemented diversity-focused programs and organizations, contributing to a more equitable campus climate. Additionally, the university has made significant efforts to increase accessibility and attract students from diverse backgrounds.

On-campus vs off-campus housing

The University of South Carolina (USC) is a public research university located in Columbia, South Carolina. It is the flagship of the University of South Carolina System, serving more than 54,000 students across eight campuses and 20 locations.

When it comes to accommodation, students at the University of South Carolina have the option of living on-campus or off-campus. In fall 2023, 34% of students lived in college-owned, -operated, or -affiliated housing, while 66% lived off-campus.

On-Campus Housing

University Housing at USC provides over 6,200 on-campus housing units, with rent including all utilities. Undergraduates can choose to live in a specific "living and learning community", where students with similar academic or career interests are housed together to create a better social and learning environment. Examples of these communities include the Green Quad, which is one of only four in the world to be certified by the U.S. Green Building Council's Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) program, and the Greek Village, which consists of large, mostly Greek Revival-style mansions.

Due to high demand for on-campus housing, the university is adding more residence halls, most of which will be suite-style.

Off-Campus Housing

As campus academic enrollment exceeds the capacity of on-campus housing, some students opt for off-campus housing. Popular off-campus housing options are available in areas such as Five Points and the Congaree Vista, which are within walking distance of the university and offer restaurants, bars, cafes, and local entertainment.

Student Life

The University of South Carolina offers a thriving and welcoming student experience, with a variety of clubs, organizations, and sports teams for students to get involved in. The university is committed to providing equal opportunities for all students and has several diversity-focused programs and organizations in place to build a more equitable campus climate.

Enrollment and Admissions

The University of South Carolina received a record-breaking 52,708 applications for its freshman class in 2024, with 7,290 freshman students enrolled. Overall enrollment at USC has reached a historic high, exceeding 38,300, with a total of 35,653 students enrolled in 2022. The university offers over 350 degree programs, with a wide range of academic pathways for students to choose from.

History

The University of South Carolina was founded in 1801 as South Carolina College and is one of the nation's oldest public universities. It has a rich history, with its main campus located close to the South Carolina State House in downtown Columbia. The university played a significant role in the antebellum period, with its graduates at the forefront of secession from the Union. The college became a symbol of the South during this time and attracted several noteworthy scholars.

Throughout its history, the university has undergone several name changes and reorganizations, including a period of closure from 1877 to 1880. It has also faced challenges, such as the depletion of students during the Confederate government's call for soldiers in the Civil War. However, it has persevered and grown to become a leading institution in the region, known for its academic excellence and vibrant campus community.

Student athlete participation

The University of South Carolina has a large student body, with a total undergraduate enrollment of 28,470 as of Fall 2023. The gender distribution is 42.2% male and 57.8% female. The university offers various athletic opportunities for its students, as part of the NCAA I.

Student-athletes at the University of South Carolina must meet certain academic standards to be eligible to represent the university in competitions. The Office of the University Registrar serves as the authority for certifying the academic eligibility of student-athletes. To maintain their eligibility, student-athletes must meet the academic standards of the NCAA, Southeastern Conference, and the university itself. They are required to pass a minimum number of degree-applicable hours each term and must declare a major by the beginning of their third year.

The university's athletics department allows student-athletes to benefit from their name, image, and likeness, enabling them to sign endorsement deals. However, these activities cannot take place inside university facilities, and athletes must report their efforts through a special app before the activity. The university also provides education opportunities for student-athletes regarding personal branding, life skills, career development, and financial literacy.

The University of South Carolina supports its student-athletes not just in their athletic pursuits but also in their academic and personal development. By meeting rigorous academic standards and taking advantage of the opportunities provided by the university, student-athletes can excel in their chosen sports while also working towards their educational goals.

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