University of South Carolina—Columbia
Columbia, SC
Columbia, SC
Welcome to Carolina!
Nestled amongst skyscrapers and palm trees in Columbia, SC, you will find the state’s flagship university—the University of South Carolina. A place where more than 200 years of history meet innovative technology, our university is large enough that the opportunities are endless, but small enough for you to find that special community.
And with more than 300-degree programs, we're confident there is something for everyone. Whether it is increasing the university’s green footprint, presenting your future business start-up or enjoying a sunny afternoon on the Horseshoe, you’ll find your place here. And with the support of the Gamecock family, you will achieve more than you ever imagined.
Diversity
Every student, faculty, and staff member on our campus not only matters but their unique perspectives are the core of our strength and our success. At Carolina, we encourage you to explore different cultures, experiences, talents and perspectives in your studies and life, every day. Our Office of Multicultural Student Affairs also provides students with the support and space needed to cultivate self-awareness and advocate for services to aid in their success. This is just one of many resources and campus organizations available for student support and success.
• University 101
• University Advising Center
• Office of Multicultural Student Affairs (OMSA)
• Multicultural Assistance Peer Program (MAPP)
• OMSA Peer Educators
• Queer Connections (QC): First Year Experience
Student life
When we say you can do what you love here, we mean it. You can go Greek, participate in club sports, attend cultural events, participate in outdoor adventures, and everything in between. Our student organizations are a great way to meet new friends with similar interests and to create memories that will stay with you well beyond college. More than 500 organizations call the Russell House Student Union home, and if you’re looking for something different, you can even create your own club. It’s all this and more that has kept South Carolina ranked the Nation’s Best First-Year Experience for the past four consecutive years!
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#1 First-Year Student Experiences among Public Universities |
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#1 International Business Program for 23 consecutive years | U.S. News and World Report 2022 |
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South Carolina Honors College is the Top-Ranked Public Honors College since 2021 | Inside Honors 2020-2021 |
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#1 in Sports Sciences | Global Ranking of Sport Science Schools and Departments |
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Top 1% in the country for NCLEX pass rates | USC College of Nursing 2022 |
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Top 10% for six-year graduation rates among all four-year public universities | NCES |
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Top 1% of patent-producing universities in the world | National Academy of Inventors (2012-2021) |
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1 of 50 public universities to receive The Carnegie Foundation’s “Highest Research Activity” and “Community Engagement” classifications | The Carnegie Foundation (2022) |
As the thriving capital of South Carolina, Columbia offers all the excitement of an urban destination within a close-knit community. A metropolitan city known for being “famously hot,” Columbia is bursting with energy, innovation, multinational corporations, beautiful parks, outdoor adventures, art, culture, and everything in between. Whether you’re looking to listen to live music, go whitewater rafting down the Saluda River, eat delicious food on Main Street, or attend networking events with Fortune 500 companies, Columbia is the place for city-goers and thrill-seekers alike.
As early as their first hours on campus, students can access programs and opportunities designed to help them reach greater levels of personal and academic success. That’s one reason U.S. News and World Report recognized South Carolina as the nation’s leader in first-year experience for students among public universities.
Learn with your interests and goals at heart
Every student comes to college with unique interests and personal circumstances. One commonality they all share? Being involved on campus, beyond simply attending class, is a great indicator of future success.
Creating a positive, purposeful student life happens in many ways:
• Attend events around campus to make new connections
• Invest in your future career by exploring major options
• Join a student group or sports team, or volunteer for service projects
• Be a responsible citizen and follow the Carolinian Creed
• Develop and exercise career-enhancing leadership skills
• Gain perspective through study abroad, research or internships
• Weave experiential insights into your studies.
As you gain new skills and layers of knowledge, move with confidence into businesses, labs, organizations, clinical settings and even other countries. What begins in our classrooms is just the foundation of all you’ll accomplish beyond them.
Explore the different kinds of experiential learning that’s available throughout the University of South Carolina.
“On admitted students' day, I took a tour of Green Quad and I fell in love with how everything looked there.”
“At first, I was really intimidated working alongside senior nursing and pharmacy students, the USC medical group and international providers. But I'm so glad I signed up. Getting that exposure so early with hands-on patient care definitely gave me practical experience. The experience pushed me to do well in my classes and get into the upper division.”
“I chose UofSC because when I stepped on campus, it instantly felt like home!”