Campus Spotlight: The University of South Carolina

Today’s campus spotlight is brought to you by College Solutions Counselor Sara Reddy. Join her as she explores the University of South Carolina, where Southern charm meets modern innovation. From its nationally ranked business and honors programs to its vibrant campus atmosphere and strong sense of community, USC offers a dynamic college experience that continues to attract students from across the country. Will it make your college list

I recently made the short drive from Charlotte, NC, to the University of South Carolina in Columbia and it did not disappoint! The town of Columbia has so much personality and has changed a lot since I was last there, with charming coffee shops, cute boutiques, and plenty of lively sports bars and restaurants lining the streets. Around campus, there’s a real sense of energy and community. Mossy oaks and palmetto trees dot the landscape, adding to the quintessential Southern feel that’s drawing so many students from across the country. In fact, nearly half of USC students are now from out of state.

Lieber College, the office of undergraduate admissions at the University of South Carolina

It was a busy day on campus, with students bustling between classes and study spots. I stopped by the student center (and couldn’t resist grabbing a coffee from the popular Starbucks inside the main library) to soak up the atmosphere.

One highlight was the information session I attended at the Darla Moore School of Business (DMSB), just a short walk from the heart of campus. DMSB feels sleek, modern, and state-of-the-art, a reflection of just how innovative and prestigious it has become. Darla Moore’s International Business program has been ranked #1 in the nation for over 25 years. I learned that business students take seven foundational courses their first year before diving into their major coursework. Admission to Darla Moore is becoming increasingly competitive, and transferring in after starting at USC is now quite difficult.

Pro tip: students applying to DMSB are well-advised to select a second-choice major in a different college, like Arts & Sciences. 

West Quad, also called the "Green Quad”

USC’s mascot is a gamecock (fighting rooster) named Cocky (image copyright Jus1033).

In the general USC information session, I learned that about half of USC students come from out of state, with NY, NJ, NC, PA, and VA leading the list. In fact, the admission reps even kicked off the info session by saying, “Raise your hand if you’re from New York!” The university is especially proud of its #1-ranked public honors college and strong freshman experience. USC remains fully test-optional this cycle and does not factor in ACT Science for superscoring. When I asked about fast growing and high priority majors, I learned that Engineering and Education are top of the list. For example, USC offers a really cool Aerospace Engineering program that benefits from close industry ties to Boeing’s Charleston facility, a great reminder that USC’s reach extends well beyond Columbia.

Pond at USC’s A.C. Moore Garden (image copyright the University of South Carolina)

Overall, the University of South Carolina impressed me with its blend of Southern charm, modern innovation, and vibrant campus life. It’s definitely a school worth a closer look for students seeking strong academics, an engaged community, and big-school spirit.

💡Fun fact: College Solutions clients who applied to USC were 52% more likely to gain admission than the average applicant! Learn more about the College Solutions advantage.