Douglas Olsen
The University of South Carolina, founded in 1801, is the largest university in South Carolina by enrollment, with a student population of 36,579. The university has a campus size of 444 acres and is classified among R1: Doctoral Universities with Highest Research Activity. It houses the largest collection of Robert Burns and Scottish literature materials outside of Scotland, as well as the world's largest Ernest Hemingway collection.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Name | University of South Carolina-Columbia |
| Total Student Population | 36,579 |
| Undergraduate Enrollment | 28,470 (fall 2023) |
| Campus Size | 359 acres |
| Year Founded | 1801 |
| Location | Columbia, South Carolina |
| Type | Public research university |
| Ranking | #121 in 2025 Best Colleges (National Universities) |
| Tuition and Fees (In-State) | $12,688 |
| Tuition and Fees (Out-of-State) | $35,972 |
| Housing | Over 6,200 on-campus units |
| Notable Features | Largest collection of Robert Burns and Scottish literature materials outside Scotland; world's largest Ernest Hemingway collection; Energy Frontier Research Center |
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What You'll Learn
University of South Carolina-Columbia has the largest student population
The University of South Carolina-Columbia has the largest student population in South Carolina. With a student population of 36,579, it tops the list of colleges in the state with the largest number of full-time and part-time students. It is the flagship of the University of South Carolina System and the largest university in the state by enrolment.
The University of South Carolina is a public research university founded in 1801 as South Carolina College. Its main campus is located in downtown Columbia, close to the South Carolina State House. The campus covers over 359 acres, with a total undergraduate enrolment of 28,470 as of the fall of 2023. The university offers a wide range of academic programmes, with over 300 majors for students to choose from. Popular programmes include public health, finance, and biology.
The University of South Carolina has a rich history, with the original campus consisting of only one building, Rutledge College, which served multiple functions. Over time, the campus expanded, and today, it boasts a vibrant and diverse community with various facilities and resources. The university is also committed to research, generating $237 million in sponsored research funding in a single year. It is classified among "R1: Doctoral Universities with Highest Research Activity" and houses notable collections, including the largest collection of Robert Burns and Scottish literature materials outside of Scotland and the world's largest Ernest Hemingway collection.
The University of South Carolina-Columbia is more than just a centre of academic excellence; it also fosters a sense of community and engagement. Initiatives like the "Gamecock Guarantee" demonstrate the university's commitment to accessibility and supporting low-income, first-generation South Carolina residents. Additionally, the university's athletics programmes, known as the Gamecocks, compete at the NCAA Division I level and have achieved notable successes, such as the women's basketball team's perfect season and championship wins under coach Dawn Staley.
Overall, the University of South Carolina-Columbia stands out not only for its impressive student population but also for its academic offerings, research endeavours, and engagement with the community, making it a prominent and influential institution in the state and beyond.
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Clemson University is ranked second
The University of South Carolina-Columbia has the largest student population in the state, with 36,579 students for the 2023-2024 academic year. Clemson University is ranked second, with a student population of 28,747.
Clemson University is a significant educational institution in South Carolina, with a substantial student body. While it comes in second place after the University of South Carolina, Clemson University boasts a sizeable number of students on its campus. With nearly 29,000 students, Clemson University is a prominent and influential part of South Carolina's higher education landscape.
The university's large student population contributes to a vibrant and diverse campus community. Clemson University offers a wide range of academic programmes and extracurricular activities to cater to the varied interests and aspirations of its extensive student body. The relatively large student population also provides numerous opportunities for social interaction, collaboration, and the exchange of ideas, fostering a dynamic and enriching educational environment.
Clemson University's ranking as the second-largest university in South Carolina in terms of student population reflects its appeal to prospective students. The university may offer a diverse array of academic programmes, research opportunities, and campus life experiences that attract students from across the state, as well as from other regions and countries. Its ranking suggests that Clemson University is a popular choice for higher education, with a reputation that extends beyond its local area.
The university's position as the second-largest in the state also carries certain responsibilities and challenges. Clemson University needs to ensure that it has the necessary infrastructure, facilities, and support services to accommodate its large student population. This includes providing sufficient classroom spaces, residence halls, dining options, and recreational facilities to meet the demands of a large student body. Additionally, the university must strive to maintain a low student-to-faculty ratio to ensure that students receive adequate academic guidance and personalised attention.
Clemson University's ranking as the second-largest university in South Carolina highlights its significance within the state's higher education system. With a substantial student population, Clemson University plays a crucial role in shaping the future of thousands of young individuals and contributing to the intellectual and economic growth of South Carolina. The university's size and influence extend beyond its campus, impacting the local community and the state as a whole.
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College of Charleston is third
The University of South Carolina-Columbia has the largest student population in South Carolina, with 36,579 students for the 2023-2024 academic year. Clemson University is ranked second, with 28,747 students.
The College of Charleston is third, with 11,729 students. The College offers a range of programs, some of which are focused on certificates, associates, and/or special subjects such as arts and music.
The University of South Carolina, founded in 1801, is a public research university in Columbia, South Carolina. Its main campus is on over 359 acres in downtown Columbia, close to the South Carolina State House. The university offers over 300 total majors for students to choose from, including popular programs in public health, finance, and biology.
The College of Charleston, while having a smaller student population than the top two universities, still offers a diverse range of academic programs and opportunities for its students.
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University of South Carolina's history
The University of South Carolina, the largest university in the state in terms of student population, has a long and fascinating history. The institution was founded in 1801, in the aftermath of the Revolutionary War. Over the next two centuries, it grew from its original campus, now known as the Old Campus, into a leading 21st-century academic community.
The university's iconic Horseshoe, a historic downtown campus, is deeply intertwined with the fabric of the Palmetto State. Its signature architecture styles, green spaces, gardens, and monuments create a unique urban oasis. The university has also played a significant role in addressing historical context and including the contributions of marginalised and underrepresented groups, ensuring that their stories are not lost.
One notable period in the university's history was the post-World War II era, when the institution witnessed a significant increase in enrollment due to the influx of veterans. The university actively welcomed these veterans, with President Smith campaigning for their attendance and ensuring that every qualified veteran was admitted. The university's hospitable atmosphere, along with its urban location and lack of enrolment restrictions, made it a preferred choice for South Carolina veterans over other military colleges in the state.
Another significant event in the university's history was the period of military control following the Civil War. On May 24, 1865, the Union army took possession of the college. However, efforts were soon made to restore civilian rule and reopen the college. Benjamin Franklin Perry, the provisional governor of South Carolina, sought to convert the college into a university, believing that it would provide a more practical education for the state's impoverished population. With little opposition, a bill was passed by the General Assembly on December 19, 1865, establishing the University of South Carolina, just over sixty years after its initial foundation.
The University of South Carolina has a rich and diverse history, reflecting its journey to becoming an international leader in higher education. From its early beginnings in the 19th century to its commitment to inclusion and education for all in the 20th century, the university has played a significant role in shaping the state's academic landscape and contributing to the advancement of knowledge.
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University of South Carolina's research funding
The University of South Carolina, Columbia, has the largest student population in South Carolina, with 36,579 students in the 2023-2024 academic year. It is a public institution founded in 1801 with a total undergraduate enrolment of 28,470 as of fall 2023. The university's ranking in the 2025 edition of Best Colleges is National Universities, #121.
The University of South Carolina offers a variety of internal funding programs to support faculty and student research and scholarship. The Office of the Vice President for Research administers internal funding and awards programs for faculty and students across disciplines and academic levels. The office relies on faculty throughout the USC system to act as reviewers for the funding and awards programs.
Research and Grant Development Services coordinates several competitive internal funding programs serving faculty and graduate students. These programs are sponsored by the Office of the Vice President for Research. Through ASPIRE, USC faculty can compete for funding to begin new research endeavors, build collaborative projects, or invest in the university's research infrastructure. The ASPIRE AI program is an extension that offers faculty the opportunity to pursue artificial intelligence research leading to external funding opportunities.
The Excel program provides funding for meritorious scholarly and creative projects by USC faculty working in the liberal arts, humanities, and social sciences. The Support to Promote Advancement of Research and Creativity (SPARC) Graduate Research Grant Program is a merit-based award designed to spark research and creative excellence across all disciplines. The overall objective of SPARC is to encourage outstanding students to pursue new and exciting directions during their graduate careers at the University of South Carolina.
The Office of Undergraduate Research (OUR) supports undergraduate researchers in all disciplines with a range of funding programs for mentored research, travel to conferences, and more.
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Frequently asked questions
The University of South Carolina in Columbia has the largest student population in South Carolina, with 36,579 students.
The University of South Carolina's main campus is on over 359 acres (145 hectares) in downtown Columbia.
The University of South Carolina has a total undergraduate enrollment of 28,470 as of Fall 2023.
The University of South Carolina is ranked #121 in the 2025 edition of Best Colleges.
The University of South Carolina's in-state tuition and fees are $12,688, while out-of-state tuition and fees are $35,972.
