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University of South Carolina-Lancaster

Lancaster, South Carolina · www.sc.edu/about/system_and_campuses/lancaster/index.php

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Acceptance rate

83.4%

2025

Peer median 79.0%

Out-of-state tuition

$18,238

In-state $7,558

Peer median $8,816

Undergraduates

2,687

Student-faculty ratio 24:1

Peer median 18 : 1

Graduation rate

29.5%

Within 150% of normal time; 200%: 30.4%

Peer median 33.7%

“Peers” are all 908 public associate's colleges in the U.S. (by Carnegie Classification).

About

The University of South Carolina-Lancaster (USC-Lancaster) is a regional campus of the University of South Carolina system, located in Lancaster, South Carolina. Established in 1959, USC-Lancaster is dedicated to providing accessible and affordable higher education to its students while fostering a supportive and engaging learning environment. The university's mission emphasizes the importance of academic excellence, community service, and personal growth. The campus boasts a friendly atmosphere, where students can thrive both academically and socially, benefiting from small class sizes and personalized attention from faculty members.

Academically, USC-Lancaster offers a range of associate degrees and a selection of bachelor's degree programs, enabling students to pursue their interests in various fields such as business, education, and health sciences. The university is known for its strong emphasis on student engagement, which is further enhanced by various extracurricular activities and organizations that encourage leadership and teamwork. Furthermore, the campus is equipped with modern facilities, including state-of-the-art classrooms, laboratories, and a library that serves as a hub for research and study. With its commitment to fostering a vibrant campus culture and providing comprehensive support services, USC-Lancaster plays a significant role in shaping the educational landscape of the region, preparing its graduates for successful careers and active citizenship.

Analysis of Key Metrics at the University of South Carolina-Lancaster

The University of South Carolina-Lancaster has exhibited notable trends in several critical metrics over the years, particularly in tuition rates, graduation rates, student retention, and gender ratio among undergraduates.

Firstly, tuition for in-state students has increased from $6,482 in 2014 to $7,558 in 2023, reflecting a significant rise of approximately 16.6%. For out-of-state students, tuition has escalated from $15,632 to $18,238, which is an increase of around 16.7%. This consistent hike in tuition fees could pose a barrier for prospective students, especially considering the financial burdens many face in funding their education.

In terms of graduation rates, the figures indicate a gradual improvement. The on-time graduation rate for undergraduates rose from 11.1% in 2014 to 21.9% in 2023. This increase suggests that the institution may be implementing effective strategies to enhance student success and completion. However, even with this improvement, the rates remain low, highlighting a need for continued focus on supporting students through their academic journeys.

Moreover, student retention rates have shown a concerning downward trend, plummeting from around 54.5% in 2013 to just 37.1% in 2023. This decline raises alarms about student satisfaction and the overall educational environment at the university. Retaining students is crucial for institutional stability and reputation, and addressing the factors contributing to this drop should be a priority.

Lastly, the gender ratio among undergraduates has remained relatively stable, with female students consistently outnumbering male students. In 2023, the ratio was approximately 40.5% male to 59.5% female. This demographic trend is reflective of broader patterns observed in higher education, where female enrollment has been increasingly dominant.

In conclusion, while the University of South Carolina-Lancaster shows promising advancements in some areas like graduation rates, challenges in tuition affordability and student retention necessitate immediate attention to ensure the institution remains an attractive and supportive place for students to pursue their education.

This collegeRanked colleges nearby

Setting
Distant town
Nearest major city
Charlotte, about 35 mi
Nearest international airport
Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT), about 35 mi
Lancaster, South Carolina
Academic calendar
Semester
Religious affiliation
Not applicable
President
Courtney Catledge (Campus Dean)
Phone
8033137000
City
Lancaster, South Carolina
Address
476 Hubbard Drive, Lancaster, SC 29720-0889

Rankings & Admission

Acceptance rate (%)

Peer median 79.0% · all 908 public associate's colleges in the U.S.

Acceptance rate by gender, 2025

Men
86.3%
Women
81.0%

In 2020: men 83.6%, women 81.1%.

Data insights

Analysis of Admission Trends at University of South Carolina-Lancaster

The admission data for the University of South Carolina-Lancaster over the past years reveals significant fluctuations in both male and female acceptance rates, as well as overall enrollment numbers. Notably, the male acceptance rate saw a dramatic decline from approximately 93.3% in 2009 to about 79.3% in 2023. Meanwhile, the female acceptance rate also experienced a downward trend from around 86.2% to 73.9% in the same period.
The years 2015 to 2018 marked a particularly challenging time for the university, with male acceptance rates dropping to as low as 67.7% and female rates plummeting to 56.6%. This suggests a potential crisis in attracting and retaining students during those years, possibly influenced by broader trends in higher education or specific institutional challenges.
Interestingly, in 2022, there was a notable rebound in the acceptance rates, with male applicants seeing a rise to 90.3% and females to 85.7%. This recovery could indicate successful recruitment strategies or an increased interest in the university.
The overall enrollment numbers have also fluctuated, peaking at 430 students in 2013 before dropping significantly in subsequent years. The data suggests that the university needs to closely examine its admission strategies and support systems to ensure sustainable enrollment growth, particularly in a competitive educational landscape where applicants have numerous options.
Overall, these trends reflect the ongoing dynamics of higher education admissions and the importance of adaptability in response to changing applicant behaviors and institutional needs.

Test Scores

SAT/ACT not considered, even if submitted IPEDS (US Department of Education) has no recent SAT/ACT data for admitted students here. GPA, course rigor, essays and activities matter more.

Data insights

Trends in Admissions Data at University of South Carolina-Lancaster

The admissions data from the University of South Carolina-Lancaster over the years reveals significant trends in standardized test performance and submission rates. It is evident that the number of students submitting SAT scores has fluctuated, with a notable increase in the early 2010s, peaking at 62% in 2011. However, by 2017, the percentage sharply declined to just 9%, indicating a possible shift in the admissions strategy or a decline in the emphasis on standardized testing.

The SAT reading scores have shown some variability, with the 25th percentile starting from 370 in 2013 and reaching a high of 470 in 2018. The 75th percentile scores also have varied, reflecting changes in the applicant pool's academic readiness. This fluctuation might be reflective of broader trends in higher education where institutions are increasingly considering test-optional policies, which can influence the overall quality and diversity of applicants.

Moreover, the overall scores have gradually improved, with the 75th percentile for reading reaching 560 by 2023, suggesting that while fewer students are submitting scores, those who do are performing better academically. The academic environment and support programs at the university may have contributed to these improvements, making the institution more appealing to prospective students.

In conclusion, the data from the past years indicates a dynamic landscape in admissions practices at the University of South Carolina-Lancaster, highlighting the evolving role of standardized testing in higher education admissions. As the university continues to adapt to these changes, it will be crucial to monitor how these trends affect student enrollment and academic outcomes in the future.

How Hard Is It to Get In

about 8 in 10

628 applicants in 2025, 83.4% admitted

524 admitted 104 not admitted Yield 66.2%

Degrees & Majors

Graduates in 2025 (first major)

Associate2337 international (3.0%)
Top 3 Associate majors by graduates
Liberal Arts and Sciences/Liberal Studies
168
Business/Commerce, General
47
Criminal Justice/Law Enforcement Administration
18

U.S. studentsInternational

Data insights

Analysis of Graduation Data from the University of South Carolina-Lancaster

The graduation data from the University of South Carolina-Lancaster for the year 2023 highlights a significant trend in the types of degrees awarded, particularly in the associate degree category. Notably, the institution did not report any graduates for bachelor's, master's, or doctorate programs across all fields of study, which raises questions about the academic offerings and enrollment levels for these degrees.

In stark contrast, there were substantial numbers of graduates with associate degrees, particularly in Liberal Arts and Sciences/Liberal Studies, which accounted for 111 graduates. This figure underscores the university's strength in providing foundational education and vocational training, appealing to students seeking quicker entry into the workforce or those aiming to further their education later.

However, the absence of international students graduating with any level of degree is particularly striking. This may indicate a potential area for growth in attracting a diverse student body, which is crucial in today’s globalized educational landscape. The lack of master's and doctoral graduates suggests that the university might focus on enhancing its programs to appeal to students pursuing advanced degrees.

In summary, while the University of South Carolina-Lancaster demonstrates a robust offering in associate programs, the absence of higher-level degree graduates and international representation highlights both challenges and opportunities for the institution in diversifying its academic profile and attracting a broader range of students in the future.

All majors, graduates and earnings IPEDS · College Scorecard

*Depends on whether majors have graduates in 2025 or not, Yes / No
**Move mouse on can check deitaled graudates number, click for major detailed information
***Due to privacy policy, graduate salaries are not shown for some majors that has few gradautes

Liberal arts has 168 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociate
Liberal Arts and Sciences/Liberal Studies.$21,526
Businesshas 47 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociate
Business/Commerce, General.$32,298
Homeland security has 18 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociate
Criminal Justice/Law Enforcement Administration.-

Students

2,687 students in 2025 · Undergraduate men to women 42:58 · Freshman retention 43.3%

Undergraduate race and ethnicity (2,687)

White
1,760 · 65.5%
Black
364 · 13.5%
Hispanic
231 · 8.6%
Two or more races
142 · 5.3%
Asian
90 · 3.3%
Unknown
50 · 1.9%
International
42 · 1.6%

Age distribution

Bachelor's

Under 18
66.5%
18–19
20.7%
20–21
4.1%
22–24
1.9%
25 and over
6.9%

Data insights

Analysis of Student Demographics at University of South Carolina-Lancaster in 2023

The student composition at the University of South Carolina-Lancaster in 2023 reveals interesting insights into the demographics and gender ratios of various student categories. The data shows a total of 1,124 students categorized as non-degree seeking, which forms the largest group. This indicates a robust interest in continuing education or non-traditional pathways, reflecting a broader trend in higher education where students may seek flexibility in their academic pursuits.

Among undergraduate freshmen, there are 341 students, with a notable gender distribution of 45.2% male and 54.8% female. This trend mirrors the national pattern where female enrollment in undergraduate programs often surpasses that of males. Similarly, the undergraduate continuing students total 258, with an even more pronounced female representation at 62%.

In terms of diversity, the data further breaks down the student population into ethnic categories, with a majority of white students in all groups. However, the representation of other ethnicities, including Hispanic and Asian students, highlights the university's ongoing efforts to foster a more inclusive environment.

The gender ratios across all categories indicate a consistent trend where female students dominate, which raises questions about how institutions can better engage male students in higher education. As discussions around gender disparities in education continue, institutions like USC-Lancaster may need to develop targeted strategies to attract and retain male students while also supporting their diverse female population. Overall, this data provides a snapshot of the current student landscape, emphasizing the importance of understanding demographic shifts in shaping educational policies and practices.

Analysis of Student Age Composition at University of South Carolina-Lancaster

The student age distribution at the University of South Carolina-Lancaster reveals significant trends in the demographic composition. Notably, the largest age group is under 18, comprising 400 male undergraduates and 571 female undergraduates, indicating that this institution attracts a substantial number of younger students, possibly due to its community engagement and accessibility.

In the 18-19 age range, there are 219 male and 274 female undergraduates, suggesting that the university continues to maintain its appeal among fresh high school graduates. However, as we move into the 20-21 age group, the number of male and female students drops significantly to 56 and 64 respectively. This decline could indicate a trend where students are either opting for alternative educational pathways or transferring to larger institutions.

The numbers continue to decrease in older age brackets, with only a handful of students in the 22-24 and 25-29 categories. This sharp decline raises questions about the university's ability to retain students as they progress through their academic journey or the potential challenges faced by non-traditional students.

Interestingly, there are no graduate male students reported, while female graduate students only appear in older age categories, with a notable count of 39 in the over 65 group. This demographic highlights the increasing participation of older students in higher education, which aligns with national trends promoting lifelong learning.

Overall, the data suggests that while the university excels in attracting younger students, particularly females, it faces challenges in engaging and retaining students in older demographics and graduate programs. Addressing these issues may enhance the institution's overall educational offerings and appeal.

International Students

International share over the last 10 years · gray line: median of all 908 public associate's colleges in the U.S.

Undergraduates1.6%

42 in 2025 · 0.6% in 2016

0% 5% 10% 2016: 0.6%2017: 0.7%2018: 0.9%2019: 0.9%2020: 0.5%2021: 0.4%2022: 0.4%2023: 0.5%2024: 1.4%2025: 1.6%
2016Peer median 0.6%2025

Data insights

International Student Trends at the University of South Carolina-Lancaster

The data from the University of South Carolina-Lancaster reveals an intriguing trend regarding international students over the years. Starting from just one international undergraduate in 2004, the numbers fluctuated significantly, peaking at 18 in 2018. This indicates an overall increase in the university's appeal to international students, particularly during the mid-2010s. The undergraduate international student percentage reached a notable high of 0.94 in both 2014 and 2018, suggesting a more welcoming environment for foreign students during these years.

However, since 2019, there appears to be a decline in both the number and percentage of international undergraduates. For instance, in 2022, the percentage dropped to 0.39, reflecting potential challenges the university may be facing in attracting international students. This could be attributed to various factors such as changing immigration policies, global events like the COVID-19 pandemic, or competition from other institutions that may offer more robust support systems for foreign students.

It's essential to recognize the broader context of these changes. The global landscape for education has shifted dramatically in recent years, with many universities adapting their strategies to recruit international students effectively. As the world gradually recovers from the pandemic, it will be crucial for the University of South Carolina-Lancaster to reassess its approach to international education, ensuring that it remains a desirable destination for students from abroad in the coming years.

Cost

2025 cost per year (out-of-state)

$24,946

Undergrad tuition (out-of-state)
$18,238
Undergraduate tuition (in-state)
$7,558
Room and board
$6,708
Out-of-state tuition and room and board over time

Peer median tuition + room and board $19,938 · all 908 public associate's colleges in the U.S.

Tuition rose 10% from 2016 to 2025; room and board rose -2%.

Finances · fiscal year 2024

Revenue$25.8M

Government grants and contracts
$17.9M69.1%
Tuition and fees
$2.2M8.6%
Gifts and private grants
$329K1.3%
Sales and services of educational activities
$292K1.1%
Auxiliary enterprises
$54K0.2%
Investment return
$18K0.1%
Other
$5.1M19.6%

Expenses$20.7M

Instruction
$11.0M53.0%
Student services
$3.7M17.6%
Institutional support
$3.1M15.2%
Academic support
$1.8M8.8%
Scholarships
$1.3M6.4%
Public service
$450K2.2%
Research
$106K0.5%
Other
-$782K-3.8%

Average faculty salary · 2025 (9-month equivalent)

Dark gray ticks: median pay for the same rank at all 908 public associate's colleges in the U.S.

All faculty
$69,547peers $68,588
Professor
$82,510peers $79,972
Associate professor
$69,692peers $69,677
Assistant professor
$55,575peers $62,785
Instructor
$65,482peers $61,593

Campus Life

Athletics and varsity athletes NJCAA
2025
NJCAA Division I MENWOMEN
Soccer3524
Baseball46-
Volleyball-15
2024
NJCAA Division IMENWOMEN
Soccer3523
Baseball43-
Volleyball-13
2023
NJCAA Division IMENWOMEN
Soccer3123
Baseball41-
Volleyball-11

Nearby & Safety

Ranked colleges nearby

Data insights

Here are some notable universities near the University of South Carolina-Lancaster:

  1. Duke University - Ranked 7th in the 2024 US News rankings, Duke University is a prestigious research university located in Durham, North Carolina. It is known for its strong academic programs, distinguished faculty, and vibrant campus life.

  2. University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill - This university ranks 22nd in the nation and is one of the oldest public universities in the United States. UNC Chapel Hill is renowned for its research, diverse student body, and commitment to public service.

  3. Clemson University - Ranked 86th, Clemson University is located in Clemson, South Carolina. It offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs and is known for its strong engineering and business programs.

  4. Wake Forest University - With a rank of 47, Wake Forest University is a private university in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. It is recognized for its rigorous academics and commitment to liberal arts education.

  5. Furman University - Ranking 46th, Furman University is a private liberal arts university located in Greenville, South Carolina. It is known for its beautiful campus and strong emphasis on undergraduate education.

These institutions provide a range of educational opportunities and have distinguished themselves across various fields of study.

Campus safety · incidents per 1,000 students

Peer median 0.4 · all 908 public associate's colleges in the U.S.

Incidents, 2023–2025

Weapons arrests
2
Drug arrests
2
Aggravated assault
1
Drug referrals
1
Domestic violence
1

From the Clery Act campus safety reports schools file, covering on-campus, non-campus and public property.

Data insights

Analysis of Crime Rates at the University of South Carolina-Lancaster

The crime statistics at the University of South Carolina-Lancaster over the past decade present a notable trend in campus safety. From 2013 to 2023, the average number of offenses per 1,000 students fluctuated, peaking in 2015 at 4.03. This spike may correlate with broader national trends in campus crime during that time, as universities across the U.S. grappled with increasing awareness and reporting of such incidents.

Interestingly, there was a significant decline in the crime rate starting in 2019, where it dropped to 0.66 per 1,000 students, and remained low through 2021. The figures suggest that the university has made substantial progress in creating a safer campus environment. However, the uptick in 2023 to 2.26 indicates that vigilance is still necessary, as crime can fluctuate due to numerous factors including changes in campus policy, student population dynamics, and external societal influences.

Particularly concerning is the data regarding violent crimes, which includes incidents of domestic violence, assault, and firearms-related arrests. The data suggests that while some years experienced no recorded incidents, other years showed a handful, indicating a need for ongoing education and preventative measures.

As universities continue to strive for safety, ongoing efforts in community engagement and awareness programs are essential. The data serves as a reminder that while improvements can be made, the university community must remain proactive in addressing and preventing crime for the well-being of all students. For a detailed understanding of crime rate calculations, please refer to the following link: Crime Rate Calculation Method.

References and Data Sources

Data from IPEDS (U.S. Department of Education), U.S. News, THE, QS, ARWU and Clery Act campus safety reports. Data insights are written by the Forward Pathway data team from public data.