Founded in 1801, the University of South Carolina is one of the oldest public universities in the United States and the flagship institution of South Carolina. Copy University of South Carolina degree. Make a diploma online. Located in Columbia, the state capital, this institution, with over two centuries of history, has grown from a small liberal arts college into a nationally renowned research university. As a Carnegie Foundation-rated university with “R1” (the highest level of research activity), the University of South Carolina attracted $323 million in research funding in the 2024-2025 fiscal year, demonstrating national recognition for its research strength and community engagement.

Excellent Academic Reputation: In the 2026 U.S. News & World Report rankings, the University of South Carolina is ranked 127th among all universities in the nation and 63rd among public universities. The university offers over 350 degree programs, covering undergraduate, master’s, doctoral, and professional degrees.

The University of South Carolina boasts several nationally renowned top-tier programs:

International Business has been ranked #1 in the U.S. News rankings for 25 consecutive years, and its International MBA program has been ranked #1 for 11 consecutive years.

The introductory year program is ranked #1 among public universities in the U.S., with an 87% freshman retention rate.

The online Master of Nursing program has been ranked #1 in the U.S. for five consecutive years.

Sports Science is ranked among the top five globally.

The Honors College is ranked #1 among public universities in the U.S.

A comprehensive degree program: The university comprises more than ten schools, offering degree programs in arts and sciences, business, engineering, education, nursing, public health, law, medicine, and pharmacy. The Moore School of Business has been renowned globally since 1919 for its integrated theory and practice teaching model, and its accounting, finance, and management programs are internationally recognized. The Arnold School of Public Health offers popular graduate programs in biostatistics, epidemiology, and exercise science, which are highly popular among international students.

The most popular undergraduate majors include business (31% of graduates), health-related majors (12%), and biological sciences (10%). Business graduates boast a median starting salary of $69,907, demonstrating strong employment prospects.

Campus and Life: The main campus spans 444 acres and is located in downtown Columbia. As the largest higher education system in South Carolina, the university has eight campuses across the state, serving over 55,000 students. Columbia, as the state capital, retains its Southern historical charm while offering convenient urban amenities. For international students, undergraduate applications require an IELTS score of 6.5 or a TOEFL score of 77 or higher. The total undergraduate enrollment in Fall 2024 reached 30,187, with a relatively low proportion of international students, creating a strong native English-speaking environment.

Upholding its mission of serving society through teaching, research, and community engagement, the University of South Carolina welcomes students from around the world with its rich history and cutting-edge academic innovation.