University of South Carolina-Upstate
University of South Carolina-Upstate has an acceptance rate of 67.3%, average net price of $13,557, and a national rank of #862 (Grade B), with a 43.0% six-year graduation rate, and median earnings of $43,339 six years after enrollment. Figures come from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard and EDsmart's 2026 rankings.
University of South Carolina-Upstate is a public university in Spartanburg, SC. Students most often pursue Engineering-Related Fields and Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing.
Academically, students benefit from a 15:1 student-faculty ratio. Peer cohorts and advising networks provide scaffolding that keeps newcomers anchored during demanding semesters.
EDsmart calculates return on investment at 68.4%, roughly 18.5 points higher than typical outcomes. It's a compelling fit for students who appreciate an encouraging campus with room to explore.
Who is University of South Carolina-Upstate Best For?
A quick look at who tends to feel most at home here based on outcomes and campus context.
EDsmart Scores Summary
University of South Carolina-Upstate graduates 43.0% of students within six years and does not report first-year retention. Affordability earns an A- compared with similar schools.
How we calculate this →Cost & Financial Aid
Quick Answers
The costs shown are averages. Use University of South Carolina-Upstate's net price calculator to get an estimate based on your family's financial situation.
Calculate Your Net Price →Total Degree Cost Summary
Annual Cost Comparison
Cost of Undergraduate Attendance
Costs based on full-time, first-time degree- or certificate-seeking undergraduates.
View cost of attendance line items
| Costs to Consider | Price |
|---|---|
| Tuition and Fees | Not reported |
| Books and Supplies | Not reported |
| On-Campus Room and Board | Not reported |
| On-Campus Other Expenses | Not reported |
| Total On-Campus Cost | $25,124 |
Tip: focus on the rows that match your living plan—commuters can swap in off-campus estimates while residential students should budget for housing, meals, and incidental fees.
Students Receiving Aid
Use these bars to gauge how many classmates rely on need-based dollars—lower Pell or loan shares may signal a wealthier student body or generous institutional grants.
EDsmart Insight: Only 0.0% of University of South Carolina-Upstate students receive Pell Grants — far below the national average, underscoring equity challenges.
Net Price by Family Income
Average annual net price after financial aid, based on family income. Your actual cost may vary depending on your specific financial situation.
Understanding These Numbers: Net price varies significantly by income level. Net prices range from $11,618 to $19,325 depending on family income. Use University of South Carolina-Upstate's net price calculator for a personalized estimate.
If your family earns $75K-$110K: Expect to pay around $17,356/year
If your family earns $110K+: Expect to pay around $19,325/year
See all income brackets →ROI & Career Outcomes
- 6-Year Median Earnings $43,339
- 10-Year Median Earnings $43,339
- Average Years to Graduate 4.7 years
- Average Student Debt $15,000
- Repayment Rate (3yr) 53.9%
- Employment Rate 88.9%
Graduate Earnings Distribution
Earnings range for University of South Carolina-Upstate graduates 6 years after enrollment, showing the 25th percentile, median, and 75th percentile. This illustrates the variation in outcomes across different majors and career paths.
University of South Carolina-Upstate vs. National Average
Comparison of key performance metrics showing how University of South Carolina-Upstate's outcomes compare to the national average across earnings, graduation rates, retention, ROI, and employment. This contextualizes University of South Carolina-Upstate's performance within the broader higher education landscape.
EDsmart Insight: University of South Carolina-Upstate graduates earn $43,339 median six years after enrollment, -1% above the national average. Earnings vary significantly by major—research your field's outcomes.
Acceptance & Selectivity
Getting In
- SAT Evidence-Based Reading 510-605
- SAT Math 495-570
- SAT Writing Not reported
- ACT Composite 21-26
- SAT & ACT Required
- Undergraduate Enrollment 0
- Full-Time Students 95.0%
- Part-Time Students 5.0%
- Retention Rate Not reported
- Graduation Rate 43.0%
- Student-Faculty Ratio 15:1
How to Get Into University of South Carolina-Upstate
1. Meet Academic Requirements: University of South Carolina-Upstate requires strong academic performance. Aim for test scores within the reported ranges and maintain a competitive GPA. Most admitted students rank in the top 10% of their high school class.
2. Build a Strong Application: Beyond test scores, focus on crafting compelling essays, securing strong letters of recommendation, and highlighting extracurricular activities that demonstrate leadership and commitment.
3. Understand Selectivity: With an acceptance rate of 67.3%, University of South Carolina-Upstate is relatively open. Consider applying early decision if available, as early applicants often have higher acceptance rates.
4. Financial Planning: Review the net price calculator and financial aid options early. Many students receive significant aid, making the actual cost lower than the sticker price.
Tip: Contact the admissions office directly for the most current application requirements, deadlines, and any special programs (like early decision or early action) that might improve your chances.
EDsmart Insight: With a 67.3% acceptance rate, University of South Carolina-Upstate is more accessible than highly selective schools. Meeting the test score ranges and maintaining a solid GPA significantly improves admission chances. The middle 50% of admitted students score between 1005 and 1175 on the SAT.
Academic Programs
Undergraduate Program Distribution
Breakdown of the most popular majors and fields of study among University of South Carolina-Upstate undergraduates. Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing, Business Administration, Management and Operations, and Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods draw the most students.
- Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing 25.1%
- Business Administration, Management and Operations 14.1%
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods 9.6%
- Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Hum 7.2%
- Criminal Justice and Corrections 6.9%
- Psychology, General 5.8%
See more majors
- Communication and Media Studies 5.3%
- Computer and Information Sciences, General 4.6%
Highest Earning Programs
Median earnings five years after graduation for each program. These figures help illustrate ROI by field of study and degree level.
Undergraduate Programs (Bachelor's Degrees)
- 1. Engineering-Related Fields $85,996
- 2. Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing $79,162
- 3. Information Science/Studies $76,204
Show additional high-earning majors
- 4. Political Science and Government $59,145
- 5. Computer and Information Sciences, General $59,007
- 6. Business Administration, Management and Operations $57,576
- 7. Criminal Justice and Corrections $50,300
- 8. Health and Physical Education/Fitness $48,311
- 9. History $45,045
- 10. Physiology, Pathology and Related Sciences $44,814
Program Choice Matters: Undergraduate: Engineering-Related Fields grads earn $85,996—92% more than Physiology, Pathology and Related Sciences ($44,814). Your program and degree level choice significantly impact career earnings.
Online Degrees & Distance Learning
College Scorecard reports fully online programs for University of South Carolina-Upstate. Below are the most popular options based on the number of recent graduates, followed by a quick look at the breadth of online offerings by degree level.
Source: U.S. Department of Education – College Scorecard
Most Popular Online Degrees
- Business Administration, Management and Operations (Bachelor's Degree, 179 graduates)
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods (Bachelor's Degree, 122 graduates)
- Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities (Bachelor's Degree, 92 graduates)
- Criminal Justice and Corrections (Bachelor's Degree, 88 graduates)
- Psychology, General (Bachelor's Degree, 74 graduates)
What This School Offers Online, at a Glance
College Scorecard flags the following online degree and certificate programs for this institution. Expand each credential level to view the complete list of available subjects.
Online Bachelor's Degrees (26 programs)▼
- Business Administration, Management and Operations
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods
- Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities
- Criminal Justice and Corrections
- Psychology, General
- Communication and Media Studies
- Physiology, Pathology and Related Sciences
- Biology, General
- Fine and Studio Arts
- Special Education and Teaching
- Human Development, Family Studies, and Related Services
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas
- English Language and Literature, General
- Sociology
- Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Political Science and Government
- Information Science/Studies
- History
- Chemistry
- Engineering-Related Fields
- Mechatronics, Robotics, and Automation Engineering
- Mathematics
- Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft
- Marketing
- Business/Managerial Economics
- Accounting and Related Services
Online Master's Degrees (4 programs)▼
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods
- Special Education and Teaching
- Management Information Systems and Services
- Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods
Online Graduate/Professional Certificates (2 programs)▼
- Social Work
- Management Information Systems and Services
Student Demographics
Student Population
- Total Undergraduate Enrollment 0
- Full-Time Students 95.0%
- Part-Time Students 5.0%
- Male Students 0.0%
- Female Students 0.0%
- Caucasian 46.9%
- Asian 2.9%
- Hispanic 8.7%
- Black 33.7%
- Pell Grant Recipients 0.0%
Racial & Ethnic Diversity
Undergraduate student body composition by racial and ethnic background. This reflects University of South Carolina-Upstate's commitment to diversity and inclusion in admissions.
Gender Distribution
Gender breakdown of University of South Carolina-Upstate's undergraduate population. The university maintains a roughly balanced gender distribution across its student body.
Graduation Rate Equity Analysis
How well does University of South Carolina-Upstate support students from different economic backgrounds?
What this means: Lower-income students (Pell Grant recipients) graduate at a different rate as higher-income students, indicating varying levels of institutional support for all economic backgrounds.
Compare graduation rates by race/ethnicity
Graduation Rates by Race/Ethnicity
Six-year graduation rates for different demographic groups at University of South Carolina-Upstate, compared to national averages. This shows whether the institution supports all students equitably.
EDsmart Insight: University of South Carolina-Upstate has a diverse student body, with 46.9% identifying as White.
Graduation Rate Equity Analysis
How well does University of South Carolina-Upstate support students from different economic backgrounds?
What this means: Lower-income students (Pell Grant recipients) graduate at a different rate as higher-income students, indicating varying levels of institutional support for all economic backgrounds.
Compare graduation rates by race/ethnicity
Graduation Rates by Race/Ethnicity
Six-year graduation rates for different demographic groups at University of South Carolina-Upstate, compared to national averages. This shows whether the institution supports all students equitably.
Our Take
University of South Carolina-Upstate serves as an affordable university for students seeking quality education without elite university costs. Ranked #862 nationally with a 68.4% ROI, the institution balances practical outcomes with budget-friendly pricing.
At $13,557 annually, students gain access to career-focused programs leading to $43,339 median earnings. The 43.0% six-year graduation rate reflects reasonable completion metrics for a university. While 69.8% retention suggests adequate student support.
University Value: University of South Carolina-Upstate's Strengths
Ranked #862 with a B grade, University of South Carolina-Upstate prioritizes accessibility and local career connections over national prestige.
Primary Strengths: Universitys like University of South Carolina-Upstate excel at providing affordable education ($13,557 annually) with strong local employer relationships. Many programs emphasize practical skills and internships within the regional economy.
Best For: Students planning to work in the region after graduation benefit from established employer connections. Adult learners and part-time students appreciate flexible scheduling. First-generation students and budget-conscious families gain degrees without overwhelming debt.
Honest Assessment: University of South Carolina-Upstate's 69.8% retention and 43.0% six-year graduation rate trail elite universities but align with typical university performance. Career outcomes ($43,339 median earnings) reflect regional job markets more than national opportunities.
Value Verdict: For students committed to regional careers, University of South Carolina-Upstate's 68.4% ROI and $13,557 cost deliver solid value. Those seeking national job mobility or prestigious credentials should compare against flagship state universities or targeted private scholarships.
Key Takeaways
- 43.0% six-year graduation rate sits 19.5 points below the national 62.5% benchmark.
- 69.8% first-year retention is 7.0 points below the national norm of 76.8%.
- 68.4% return on investment is 18.5 points above the national 49.9% benchmark.
- Median earnings of $43,339 run about 1% lower than national outcomes six years after enrollment.
- Average net price of $13,557 is roughly $3,870 lower than the national median of $17,426.
Helpfulness for Students
- 15:1 student-faculty ratio keeps mentorship close and courses discussion-sized.
- 69.8% first-year retention shows students stay engaged after the first year.
- 88.9% employment rate within three years sits 20.7 points above national outcomes.
- Budget carefully for clinical travel, off-campus housing, and practicum fees to avoid surprise costs.
- Compare aid offers from nearby public universities to weigh the premium for smaller classes.
- Compare aid offers from nearby public universities to weigh the premium for smaller classes.
EDsmart Expert Analysis
Located in Spartanburg, SC, University of South Carolina-Upstate operates as a public university and receives a B from EDsmart. It stands at #862 among 6119 schools Grades by category break down as Completion C+, Support B-, Career Outcomes B, and Affordability A-.
Grades are assigned relative to EDsmart's national bachelor's cohort using standardized outcomes (2026 methodology); they reflect how a school compares to peers, not a fixed percentage of a raw point total.
Expect about 43.0% of students to graduate within six years. The reported ROI is 68.4%, a figure families can weigh against cost and aid details above.
Why it matters: this snapshot shows how likely you are to stay on track academically and whether the outcomes justify the price tag. Letter grades summarize cohort-relative performance—not a single exam-style score.
EDsmart Financial Snapshot
Families pay about $13,557 on average after aid, compared with a published cost near $25,124.
Institutional and federal aid lower costs by roughly $11,567 per year.
Graduates leave with a median of $15,000 in federal loans, which lines up with national norms.
Pell Grant participation data is not reported.
Why it matters: lining up sticker price, aid, and typical debt helps you stress-test the budget before you commit.
EDsmart Career Snapshot
Median earnings come in near $43,339 six years after enrollment. That sits about 1% below the national median.
Roughly 88.9% of graduates are employed three years out.
The ROI comes in near 68.4%, which you can cross-check against your financial plan.
Why it matters: pairing median earnings with employment rates gives you a sense of payback time after graduation.
EDsmart Admissions Snapshot
67.3% of applicants receive offers, so preparation and fit matter.
The admissions team encourages students to highlight academic strengths through transcripts, essays, and recommendations.
Prospective students can apply early for priority review and lean on the University of South Carolina-Upstate admissions site for deadlines, visit options, and counselor contacts.
Why it matters: knowing the admit rate and application expectations lets you map out testing, essays, and deadlines with less stress.
Your Decision Toolkit
Similar Schools
Institutions with similar academic profiles, selectivity, and outcomes
Nearby Schools
Other campuses you might consider
Other South Carolina campuses you might consider
Frequently Asked Questions
What is University of South Carolina-Upstate's acceptance rate?
University of South Carolina-Upstate's acceptance rate is 67.3%, based on U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard admissions data.
How much does University of South Carolina-Upstate cost?
At University of South Carolina-Upstate, the average net price after aid is $13,557. Use the net price calculator on this page for a personalized estimate.
What is University of South Carolina-Upstate's ranking?
University of South Carolina-Upstate ranks #862 nationally in EDsmart's 2026 college rankings with an overall grade of B, based on completion, affordability, support, and career outcomes.
What is University of South Carolina-Upstate's graduation rate?
At University of South Carolina-Upstate, the six-year graduation rate is 43.0%.
What are University of South Carolina-Upstate's job outcomes?
Graduates of University of South Carolina-Upstate report median earnings of $43,339 six years after enrollment, according to College Scorecard federal outcome data. Outcomes vary by major.
Contact Information
- Address Spartanburg, SC 29303-4999
- Website www.uscupstate.edu
- Net Price Calculator Calculate Your Cost
- Financial AidView Financial Aid Information
- AccreditationSouthern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCC)
- Endowment$12.6M
- Transfer Enrollment Rate34.6%