The University of South Carolina (USC) has long been a premier destination for students seeking vibrant campus life, rigorous academics, and top-tier programs like the renowned South Carolina Honors College. Over the past few admissions cycles, the university has experienced a massive surge in popularity, pushing application volume to record highs. As more students from both inside and outside the Palmetto State vie for a spot in Columbia, the university's acceptance rate has steadily decreased, transitioning from a relatively safe bet for many to a moderately selective institution. Our analysis breaks down the most recent data to give you a clear picture of UofSC's evolving admissions landscape.

University of South Carolina Admissions Statistics: Class of 2030 (Predicted)

Based on recent, consistent applicant trends, our analysis predicts the University of South Carolina's acceptance rate for the Class of 2030 will be approximately 58.5%.

While the official Common Data Set for the 2025–2026 application cycle is not yet published, the university has seen remarkable growth in its applicant pool over the last three years—jumping from roughly 42,000 to nearly 53,000 applicants [1]. Since UofSC aims to maintain a stable freshman class size of around 7,200 to 7,300 students [1], the mathematical reality of a swelling applicant pool dictates a lower admission rate. If UofSC receives upwards of 56,000 applications for the Class of 2030, the admission rate must dip below the 60% mark to prevent over-enrollment.

Note: The statistics above are predictions based on historical trends. We will update this section with official data as soon as the university releases its Class of 2030 Common Data Set.

University of South Carolina Admissions Statistics: Class of 2029

For the Class of 2029, the University of South Carolina received a record-breaking 52,703 applications [1]. From this massive pool, the university admitted 31,701 students, resulting in an overall acceptance rate of 60.15% [1]. Ultimately, 7,272 students chose to enroll, representing a yield rate of approximately 22.9%.

A closer look at the data reveals notable differences based on residency. Because UofSC is a state-funded institution, it favors South Carolina residents in its admissions process. Recent reporting indicates an in-state acceptance rate of roughly 76.2%, compared to a much more competitive 54.7% for out-of-state applicants [2].

Additionally, the waitlist has become an increasingly active component of UofSC's enrollment strategy. For the Class of 2029, 7,332 students were offered a place on the waitlist, and 2,915 accepted the waitlist position [1]. The university eventually admitted 500 of those students, translating to a waitlist admission rate of 17.1% for those who opted in [1]. This is a massive jump from the previous year's Class of 2028 cycle, where only 15 students were taken off the waitlist [1].

Historical Acceptance Rate

The University of South Carolina's historical data paints a clear picture of increasing selectivity. Just a few years ago, for the Class of 2027, the university admitted 64.05% of its 42,188 applicants [1]. By the Class of 2028, the acceptance rate fell to 61.49% from a pool of 46,682 [1], before finally dropping to 60.15% for the Class of 2029 [1].

This steady decline highlights how rapidly UofSC is becoming more competitive, particularly for out-of-state students. A 10,000-application increase over a two-year span demonstrates that UofSC is no longer just a regional powerhouse, but a university drawing immense national attention. For future applicants, this downward trend suggests that UofSC is becoming less of a "safety" school and more of a target or reach, depending on residency status.

As the University of South Carolina continues to grow its national footprint, its admissions process will only become more competitive. Keeping a close eye on these acceptance rate trends—and understanding the stark contrast between in-state and out-of-state selectivity—can help you set realistic expectations when deciding where UofSC fits on your college list.