Public Institution

University of South Carolina-Upstate — Spartanburg, South Carolina

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Annual Tuition $11,583

Estimated Out-of-Pocket

Acceptance 69.6%

Moderately Open

Enrollment 4,008

Active Students

Avg. Salary $48,587

After 10 Years

Institutional Profile

Location Spartanburg, South Carolina

Institution type Public

Accreditation Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

Founded 12/1/1965

Academic Mission & Environment

"University of South Carolina-Upstate stands as a pillar of higher education in Spartanburg, providing a robust academic foundation for 4,008 students. The institution is recognized for its dedication to career-ready outcomes and community impact."

Campus Setting Urban Campus

Student Focus High Employment ROI

What programs does South Carolina-Upstate offer?

Discover the most popular degrees and fields of study at University of South Carolina-Upstate. These programs represent the institution's primary areas of academic focus and professional preparation.

Health Professions

28.2%

Enrollment Share

Business & Marketing

11%

Enrollment Share

Education

10.3%

Enrollment Share

Biological Sciences

Enrollment Share

Security & Law Enforcement

7.6%

Enrollment Share

Psychology

7.4%

Enrollment Share

Institutional Choice

Best Health Professions College

Ranked as a top destination for healthcare education...

Strategic Profile Audited

Institutional Choice

Best Business & Marketing College

Positioned as a premier hub for future executives...

Strategic Profile Audited

Institutional Choice

Best Education College

We develop educators who are passionate about transforming classrooms...

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Institutional Choice

Best Biological Sciences College

The Biological Sciences program at University of South Carolina-Upstate provides a comprehensive education...

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Institutional Choice

Best Security & Law Enforcement College

The Security & Law Enforcement program provides a comprehensive education...

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Institutional Choice

Best Psychology College

Our Psychology program offers deep insights into human behavior...

Strategic Profile Audited

What is the acceptance rate at South Carolina-Upstate?

Admissions & Selectivity Dashboard — 2026

Acceptance 69.6%

Difficulty Low

University of South Carolina-Upstate maintains an acceptance rate of 69.6%, reflecting its status as a moderately open institution. The admissions process evaluates academic potential alongside standardized testing trends to ensure a balanced student body.

Test Requirement SAT/ACT scores are considered but not required.

Student Body Composition

Men Enrollment 34.4%

Women Enrollment 65.6%

Test Score Ranges (25th - 75th Percentile)

SAT

ACT

SAT Reading 510 - 610

SAT Mathematics 490 - 560

ACT English 18 - 24

ACT Mathematics 16 - 24

Expert Insight

Competitive scores often fall within or exceed these typical 50% benchmarks for admitted students.

How much does South Carolina-Upstate cost in 2026?

In-State Tuition $11,583

Out-of-State Tuition $22,545

Financial Support Snapshot

Pell Grant Rate 45.5%

Median Student Debt $22,310

ROI Insight

With a tuition of only $11,583, graduates see a median starting salary of $48,587, making it one of the most affordable pathways in South Carolina.

What salary can South Carolina-Upstate graduates expect?

Avg. Early Career Salary $48,587

10 years after entry

Graduation Rate 42.4%

Investment Analysis & ROI

Average Net Price $13,725

Median Salary (6yr) $43,339

Earnings-to-Debt Ratio Above Average

Career Stability Index High

What is student life like at South Carolina-Upstate in Spartanburg?

4,008 Students

Gender Comparison

34.4% Men

65.6% Women

Male Enrollment Female Enrollment

Retention & Enrollment

69.3%

Retention First-year

Full-time Enrollment

Diversity & Ethnicity

American Indian

0.2%

Pacific Islander

0.2%

Asian

2.9%

Black

33.5%

White

46.8%

Unknown

Hispanic

9.1%

Two or More Races

4.9%

International

1.5%

Campus Demographics

🎂

Avg. Age at Entry 23

🎓

First-Generation 35.1%

💰

Receive Pell Grant 64.7%

💍

Married Students 9.6%

🔄

Retention (Part-time) 66.7%

Student Economic Background

Median Household Income	$54,689
Average Family Income	$50,067
Median Family Income	$37,445

Faculty Profile

Faculty Gender

41.6%

58.5%

Women Men

Premium Campus Location

Explore the Spartanburg Campus Environment

Located at 800 University Way, University of South Carolina-Upstate offers a strategic urban setting that connects students with the economic and cultural heart of South Carolina. Use our verified map utility to plan your visit or explore nearby professional hubs.

Campus Setting Urban / Metropolitan

Access High Connectivity

Get Directions Open in Google Maps

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How does University of South Carolina-Upstate compare?

Direct Comparison South Carolina-Upstate vs Converse University →

Direct Comparison South Carolina-Upstate vs Spartanburg Methodist College →

Direct Comparison South Carolina-Upstate vs Spartanburg Community College →

Direct Comparison South Carolina-Upstate vs Wofford College →

Common Questions about University of South Carolina-Upstate

Is University of South Carolina-Upstate a good college in Spartanburg, South Carolina?

South Carolina-Upstate is a recognized institution in Spartanburg with an enrollment of 4,008 students. It is accredited by Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges and offers a robust ROI for students in South Carolina based on Department of Education data.

Is University of South Carolina-Upstate worth attending in 2026?

Yes, South Carolina-Upstate offers exceptional value with an average net price of $0 and median graduate earnings of $48,587. The institution's focus on professional outcomes makes it a strong investment for 2026.

How much does University of South Carolina-Upstate cost for South Carolina residents in 2026?

For the 2026 academic year, in-state tuition at South Carolina-Upstate is approximately $11,583. In addition, out-of-state tuition is $22,545. Financial aid and Pell Grants significantly reduce this cost for most local residents.

What is the real cost of University of South Carolina-Upstate after financial aid and FAFSA?

The real cost of attending South Carolina-Upstate for most students is its average net price of $0. Approximately 64.7% of students receive Pell Grants and FAFSA-based aid to offset costs.

Is University of South Carolina-Upstate good for Health Professions and Business & Marketing programs?

South Carolina-Upstate is highly regarded for its Health Professions and Business & Marketing programs. These tracks are among the most popular, preparing students for immediate career entry.

What career can I get after attending University of South Carolina-Upstate?

Graduates of South Carolina-Upstate often transition into high-demand roles in fields like Health Professions. With a median salary of $48,587, the college provides a clear pathway to professional advancement.

What are the admission requirements for University of South Carolina-Upstate?

South Carolina-Upstate operates with a Moderately Open policy. This typically includes a simplified application process focused on accessibility and student success regardless of past standardized test scores.

Does University of South Carolina-Upstate require SAT or ACT scores for admission?

No, South Carolina-Upstate follows a test-optional approach for the 2026 cycle. Standardized test scores like the SAT or ACT are not required for general admission.

What salary can University of South Carolina-Upstate graduates expect after 10 years?

Graduates of South Carolina-Upstate earn a median salary of $48,587 after 10 years. This demonstrates long-term professional stability and growth.

Is University of South Carolina-Upstate a good investment compared to other SC colleges?

South Carolina-Upstate stands out as a high-value investment in South Carolina. With an average net price of only $0, it offers one of the most affordable pathways to a degree and a professional career in the state.

Where is University of South Carolina-Upstate located and what is the campus like?

South Carolina-Upstate is located at 800 University Way in Spartanburg, SC. The campus provides a dynamic environment serving a diverse student body of 4,008 learners.

Who typically attends University of South Carolina-Upstate in Spartanburg, SC?

The student body at South Carolina-Upstate is diverse and career-focused. Approximately 35.1% are first-generation students, reflecting a community of motivated, real-world learners.

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2026 Rankings: South Carolina

Explore top-tier academic pathways across the state

Compare University of South Carolina-Upstate with other leading institutions in South Carolina across various professional disciplines. Our verified data audits provide transparency on career ROI and academic quality.

Nursing

Business Administration