
The University of South Carolina (USC) is a public research university founded in 1801 in Columbia, South Carolina. It has a large and diverse student body, with a total enrollment of over 35,000 students as of Fall 2023, including undergraduate, master's, and doctoral students. The university offers a wide range of academic programs, extracurricular activities, and support services for its students, including mental health resources and employment opportunities. USC has a dedicated Student Health and Well-Being Unit, as well as a Student Government that actively works to represent and support the interests of the student body.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Year of Founding | 1801 |
| Location | Columbia, South Carolina |
| Type of University | Public research university |
| Student Body Size | Over 35,000 |
| Undergraduate Enrollment (as of Fall 2023) | 28,470 |
| Student Government | Active, with elected representatives |
| Student Health Services | Dedicated Student Health and Well-Being Unit |
| Extracurricular Activities | Greek letter organizations, club, intramural, and varsity sports |
| Academic Support | South Carolina Honors College, Office of Student Advocacy |
| Notable History | One of the first racially integrated universities in the late 20th century |
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What You'll Learn

Student demographics and backgrounds
The University of South Carolina (USC) is a public research university founded in 1801 in Columbia, South Carolina. With over 35,000 students as of Fall 2023, USC has a large and diverse student body. The student population comprises ambitious and talented individuals from various backgrounds, offering a wide range of extracurricular activities, resources, and support services to cater to diverse interests and needs.
USC's student body has a strong history of student leadership and governance through its Student Government. This body is led by elected representatives, including a president, vice president, speaker of the Student Senate, and treasurer. The Student Government works closely with the university administration and has initiated various programs, such as Swipe Out Hunger, Carolina Closet, and airport shuttles, to serve the student community.
The demographics and backgrounds of USC students have evolved over time. The university experienced significant growth in the 1950s and early 1970s, with the student body increasing from about 5,000 to nearly 25,000 members. This expansion was influenced by increasing state funding and the arrival of the baby boom generation.
In terms of racial demographics, USC has a notable history. During the Reconstruction era following the American Civil War, the University Act of 1869 included an amendment by W. J. Whipper, a black representative, to prevent racial discrimination in the university's admissions policy. In 1869, Benjamin A. Boseman and Francis Lewis Cardozo, two black trustees, were elected to the governing board, demonstrating a commitment to racial equality. However, due to the aftermath of slavery, many former slaves lacked academic preparation, leading to the establishment of a preparatory school for black students on campus. In the late 20th century, African American students began enrolling at USC, with the first being Henrie D. Monteith, Robert Anderson, and James Solomon in 1963.
Today, USC continues to attract a diverse student body from various academic and cultural backgrounds. The entering freshmen class of 2019 had an average weighted GPA of 4.71 and a mid-range SAT score of 1460–1530. The university offers a range of resources, including mental health services, a Student Disability Resource Center, and a dedicated Student Health and Well-Being Unit with six departments, including Counseling and Psychiatric Services (CAPS). These services are provided free of charge to support the overall health and well-being of the student community.
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Student health and well-being
The University of South Carolina (USC) is a diverse and inclusive community with a large student body of over 35,000 members. The university is committed to supporting the health and well-being of its students and offers a wide range of resources to enhance their overall university experience.
USC has a dedicated Student Health and Well-Being Unit with six departments, including Counseling and Psychiatric Services (CAPS). CAPS provides individual, couples, and group therapy sessions, as well as workshops and self-help options. These services are free of charge and easily accessible on the Columbia campus, ensuring that students can seek support for their mental health and well-being.
Support for Academic Success
USC understands that student health and well-being are closely linked to academic success. The university offers a range of support services, including the Office of Student Advocacy, which helps students navigate the university and connect with resources. The university also provides a Student Disability Resource Center, ensuring that all students have the necessary tools and accommodations to succeed in their academic pursuits.
Extracurricular Activities
USC recognizes the importance of a well-rounded student experience and offers various extracurricular activities. Students can participate in club, intramural, and varsity sports, as well as Greek letter organizations. These fraternities and sororities provide a sense of community and social engagement, contributing to the overall well-being of the student body.
Employment Opportunities
USC values the importance of financial stability and professional development. The university offers a multitude of on-campus job opportunities in areas such as customer service, libraries, research labs, and office buildings. These jobs allow students to gain valuable work experience, build essential skills, and earn an income to support their overall well-being during their time at USC.
Student Government and Leadership
USC encourages student leadership and active participation in the university community. The Student Government, composed of elected representatives, works closely with the administration to represent student interests and support student organizations. Initiatives such as Swipe Out Hunger and Carolina Closet ensure that students have access to basic needs, promoting their overall health and well-being.
USC is dedicated to creating a supportive and holistic environment that nurtures the health and well-being of its diverse student body. By offering a range of services and opportunities, the university empowers its students to thrive academically, personally, and socially during their time at USC and beyond.
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Student employment
The University of South Carolina (USC) is a public research university in Columbia, South Carolina, founded in 1801. It has a large student body of over 35,000 members, with a total undergraduate enrollment of 28,470 as of Fall 2023.
USC offers a wide range of employment opportunities for its students. On-campus jobs are available in various areas, including customer service, libraries, research labs, and office buildings. These opportunities allow students to earn money while gaining valuable work experience and building essential workplace skills such as professionalism, public speaking, and time management.
The university's student government also provides opportunities for student employment. The 50-member Student Senate, led by the student body speaker, works on enhancing the student body in non-academic fields and offers a budget for student life projects. The Student Government at USC has a long and distinguished history, with former members including business executives, lawyers, and community leaders.
USC's Career Center supports students looking for work-study programs and part-time employment. The university's online career management platform, Handshake, allows students to search for a variety of jobs and internships, conduct employer research, and access tips and tools to enhance their job search.
USC is committed to providing equal employment opportunities for all job seekers and strives to cultivate an inclusive and diverse environment. The university is a desirable place to work, with its impressive history and reputation, and offers competitive wages and flexible work-life balance.
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Extracurricular activities
The University of South Carolina (USC) is a public research university in Columbia, South Carolina, founded in 1801. With a large student body of over 35,000 members, it is the largest university in the state by enrolment.
USC offers a wide range of extracurricular activities for its students, including:
Student Government
USC's Student Government is an active body that works to represent and support the interests of students through various initiatives and programs. All students are encouraged to take on leadership roles within the Student Government, which is composed of executive, judicial, and legislative branches. The elected leaders include a student body president, vice president, speaker of the Student Senate, and treasurer. The Student Senate, composed of 50 senators, works on enhancing the student experience in non-academic fields and offers a budget for student life projects.
Clubs and Societies
USC has a rich history of student organizations, dating back to the literary societies of the antebellum period. Today, students can join Greek letter organizations, such as fraternities and sororities, which are governed by the Greek Council. These organizations provide opportunities for socializing and building community within the student body.
Sports and Recreation
USC offers a variety of sports options, including club, intramural, and varsity sports. The university's campus is also located near Lake Murray and three rivers, providing additional recreational activities for students. The South Carolina coast, known for its beaches, is also within driving distance and offers further recreational opportunities.
On-Campus Employment
USC provides numerous on-campus job opportunities for students, allowing them to gain work experience and build essential skills. These jobs are available in various areas, including customer service, libraries, research labs, and office buildings.
Support Services
USC is committed to supporting the health and well-being of its student body. The university offers mental health resources, a Student Disability Resource Center, and a dedicated Student Health and Well-Being Unit with departments such as Counseling and Psychiatric Services (CAPS), providing individual and group therapy, workshops, and self-help options.
With its diverse range of extracurricular activities, USC provides students with numerous opportunities to engage, learn, and develop beyond the classroom, contributing to a well-rounded student experience.
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Student government
All executive powers of the student government are held by a student body president, vice president, speaker of the Student Senate, and treasurer, who are elected by the student body each spring semester. The president serves as the official representative of the student government and oversees the Executive Cabinet. The vice president manages the day-to-day administration and organisation of student government programs, including Swipe Out Hunger, Airport Shuttles, CarolinaBeYOUtiful Week, and Freshman Council.
The University of South Carolina has a rich history, founded in 1801 as South Carolina College, and it is the flagship of the University of South Carolina System. With a main campus of over 359 acres in downtown Columbia, it is the largest university in the state by enrolment. The university has a diverse range of student organisations, including Greek letter organisations governed by the Greek Council, literary societies, and intramural sports teams.
The student body of the University of South Carolina is diverse and engaged, with various resources and support systems in place to enhance their academic and extracurricular experiences. The Office of Student Advocacy, for example, helps students and parents navigate the university and connect with resources. Additionally, the university offers mental health resources, disability accommodations, and health and well-being services to support the holistic development of its student body.
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Frequently asked questions
The University of South Carolina has a large student body of over 35,000 members, with a total undergraduate enrollment of 28,470 as of Fall 2023.
The student body at the University of South Carolina is diverse, comprising ambitious and talented individuals from various backgrounds. The university has a long history of supporting racial equality, with the admission of African American students in the late twentieth century and the election of black trustees to the governing board.
The University of South Carolina offers a wide range of extracurricular activities, including Greek letter organizations such as fraternities and sororities, as well as club, intramural, and varsity sports. Students also tend to socialize off-campus in areas like Five Points and the Congaree Vista, which offer restaurants, bars, and entertainment.
The university provides various support services, including the Office of Student Advocacy, mental health resources, a Student Disability Resource Center, and a Student Health and Well-Being program with departments such as Counseling and Psychiatric Services (CAPS).
The University of South Carolina offers numerous on-campus job opportunities in areas like customer service, libraries, research labs, and office buildings. The university's student government also provides employment opportunities, and students can explore job openings through the university's employment portal, uscjobs.sc.edu.











































