Reported for fall 2024: Test-optional
University of South Carolina-Columbia told the U.S. Department of Education that it considered SAT or ACT scores when submitted, but did not require them (test-optional) for students entering in fall 2024.
Columbia, South Carolina · Public, city campus
University of South Carolina-Columbia SAT & ACT scores
Enrolled first-year students who submitted SAT scores for fall 2024 had a middle 50% of about 1180-1360. Their ACT composite middle 50% was 26-32. University of South Carolina-Columbia admitted 60% of applicants and considered SAT or ACT scores when submitted, but did not require them (test-optional).
- SAT middle 50%
- 1180-1360
- ACT middle 50%
- 26-32
- Acceptance rate
- 60%
- Test policy, fall 2024
- Test-optional
- Undergraduates
- 29,820
Quick answer
What SAT score do you need for University of South Carolina-Columbia?
There is no published minimum. Aim for 1360 or higher to sit in the top quarter of University of South Carolina-Columbia's SAT submitters; 1180 marks the bottom quarter. Its SAT midpoint is higher than at 73% of the 902 colleges in this directory that report SAT scores.
Score check
Where does your score land at University of South Carolina-Columbia?
The middle 50% describes enrolled students who chose to submit scores, so test-optional colleges can show higher ranges than their full class. Scores are one part of an application.
Fall 2024 entering class
University of South Carolina-Columbia SAT and ACT score ranges
| Measure | 25th percentile | 50th percentile | 75th percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| SAT Reading and Writing | 600 | 640 | 680 |
| SAT Math | 580 | 630 | 680 |
| SAT total (estimated) | 1180 | 1270 | 1360 |
| ACT composite | 26 | 29 | 32 |
The two sections are balanced: the top quarter starts at 680 in Reading and Writing and 680 in Math, and neither section's middle 50% spans more than 100 points.
College Scorecard's SAT-equivalent average for admitted students is 1297.
Testing policy
Does University of South Carolina-Columbia require the SAT or ACT?
Check the current cycle
Many colleges have changed testing rules since 2024, and several now require scores again. Confirm the policy for your application year on University of South Carolina-Columbia's website before deciding whether to submit.
Beyond scores
Cost and outcomes at University of South Carolina-Columbia
- In-state tuition and fees (2024-25)
- $12,688
- Out-of-state tuition and fees (2024-25)
- $35,972
- Average net price after aid (2023-24)
- $22,811
- First-year retention rate
- 92%
- Graduation rate within 6 years
- 79%
- Median earnings 10 years after entry
- $62,177
Compare
Colleges with similar score ranges
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Browse all South Carolina colleges by SAT score, colleges for a 1200 SAT or a 1350 SAT, or colleges for a 26 ACT.
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FAQ
University of South Carolina-Columbia admissions questions
What SAT score do you need to get into University of South Carolina-Columbia?
University of South Carolina-Columbia does not publish a minimum SAT score. Among enrolled first-year students who submitted SAT scores for fall 2024, the middle 50% scored between 1180 and 1360 (estimated from section scores). A score of 1360 or higher would place you in the top quarter of that group; 1180 marks the bottom quarter.
What ACT score do you need for University of South Carolina-Columbia?
Enrolled first-year students who submitted ACT scores for fall 2024 had a middle 50% composite of 26 to 32, with a median of 29. Scoring 32 or above puts you in the top quarter of submitters.
Does University of South Carolina-Columbia require the SAT or ACT?
For fall 2024 entry, University of South Carolina-Columbia reported to the U.S. Department of Education that it considered SAT or ACT scores when submitted, but did not require them (test-optional). Testing policies have changed at many colleges since then, so confirm the current policy on University of South Carolina-Columbia's admissions website before you apply.
What is University of South Carolina-Columbia's acceptance rate?
University of South Carolina-Columbia admitted 60% of applicants for fall 2024, according to data it reported to the U.S. Department of Education.
Sources and method
Where these numbers come from
- College Scorecard data downloads (June 10, 2026 release)U.S. Department of Education
- College Scorecard data dictionary and cohort mapU.S. Department of Education
- Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS)National Center for Education Statistics
Test scores: 25th, 50th and 75th percentile SAT section scores and ACT composites of first-time students who enrolled in fall 2024 and submitted scores, as each college reported to IPEDS. Composite SAT ranges add the two section percentiles, so they are an estimate of the true composite range.
Admissions and test policy: Fall 2024 entering class, reported to IPEDS in 2024-25. Policies change; check each college's admissions site before applying.
Cost and outcomes: tuition for academic year 2024-25; average net price for academic year 2023-24; graduation rate for first-time, full-time students who started in 2018-19, graduating within 150% of normal time (6 years for a bachelor's degree); median earnings 10 years after entry, measured in 2020 and 2021, in 2022 dollars.
Coverage: colleges currently operating that reported SAT or ACT ranges and enrolled at least 500 undergraduates. Data released 2026-06-10, retrieved 2026-10-05. Spot an error? Email [email protected].