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Public, 2-year

University of South Carolina-Sumter

Sumter, South Carolina · www.sc.edu/about/system_and_campuses/sumter/index.php

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Acceptance rate

74.1%

2025

Peer median 79.0%

Out-of-state tuition

$18,238

In-state $7,558

Peer median $8,816

Undergraduates

1,845

Student-faculty ratio 18:1

Peer median 18 : 1

Graduation rate

36.1%

Within 150% of normal time; 200%: 36.5%

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-Sumter, located in the heart of Sumter, South Carolina, is a vital part of the University of South Carolina system. Known for its commitment to providing high-quality education, USC Sumter offers a range of undergraduate programs that cater to the diverse interests of its students. The university emphasizes a student-centered approach, fostering a supportive and engaging learning environment. With a strong focus on academic excellence, USC Sumter encourages students to achieve their personal and professional goals while being part of a close-knit community.

USC Sumter prides itself on its accessibility and affordability, making higher education available to a broader audience. The campus features modern facilities and resources, including state-of-the-art classrooms, computer labs, and recreational areas, which enhance the overall student experience. Student life is vibrant, with various clubs, organizations, and athletic programs that encourage involvement and personal development. The university's dedication to community service and engagement also stands out, as it actively participates in local initiatives, fostering a strong bond between students and the Sumter community. Overall, the University of South Carolina-Sumter is committed to nurturing well-rounded individuals who are prepared to make meaningful contributions to society.

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

The University of South Carolina-Sumter has displayed notable trends in several critical metrics over the years. Firstly, tuition costs for in-state undergraduate students have seen a steady increase from $6,482 in 2014 to $7,558 in 2023, reflecting a broader trend in rising educational expenses. This increase of approximately 16.6% over the span of a decade is emblematic of the financial pressures faced by students and their families, especially as the cost of living continues to rise. In contrast, out-of-state undergraduate tuition has also risen, from $15,632 to $18,238, indicating a growing financial barrier for non-resident students seeking education at this institution.

Another significant metric is the graduation rate, which has improved considerably over the years. The on-time graduation rate for undergraduates rose from a mere 3.6% in 2013 to approximately 29.7% in 2023. This upward trend suggests improvements in academic support services and student engagement initiatives, which may have contributed to better student outcomes. Such a substantial increase in graduation rates is a positive indicator of the university's ability to retain and successfully graduate its students.

Retention rates have also shown a positive trend, increasing from 47.7% in 2013 to 56.9% in 2023. This growth in student retention may correlate with the enhancements in support systems and resources, which help students navigate their academic journeys. Moreover, the male-to-female ratio among undergraduates has shifted slightly over the years, with female students comprising a larger percentage of the undergraduate population. As of 2022, female students represented 60.4% of the undergraduate cohort, highlighting a significant shift in gender demographics.

In conclusion, the University of South Carolina-Sumter has made commendable progress in key areas such as graduation and retention rates, despite the rising costs of tuition. These metrics are critical as they not only affect the university's reputation but also the overall student experience and success.

This collegeRanked colleges nearby

Setting
Small city
Nearest major city
Columbia, about 30 mi
Nearest international airport
Charleston International Airport (CHS), about 70 mi
Sumter, South Carolina
Academic calendar
Semester
Religious affiliation
Not applicable
President
Eric Reisenauer (Interim Dean)
Phone
8037758727
City
Sumter, South Carolina
Address
200 Miller Rd, Sumter, SC 29150-2498

Rankings & Admission

Acceptance rate (%)

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

Acceptance rate by gender, 2025

Men
79.4%
Women
70.2%

In 2020: men 80.8%, women 82.8%.

Data insights

Analysis of Admission Trends at the University of South Carolina-Sumter

The admission data from the University of South Carolina-Sumter over the years reveals significant trends in both acceptance rates and the gender distribution of admitted students. From 2009 to 2023, the acceptance rate for male applicants has shown a notable fluctuation, peaking at approximately 81% in 2020 and dropping to around 75% in 2023. This upward trend in acceptance rates over the years, particularly in 2020, may reflect a broader trend in higher education where institutions are becoming increasingly flexible in their admissions processes, possibly in response to the COVID-19 pandemic's impact on student enrollment.
In contrast, the acceptance rates for female applicants have been consistently lower than those for males, although they have also improved over the years, reaching approximately 86% in 2022. This indicates a growing inclusivity and a recognition of the importance of gender diversity in the student body.
The number of enrolled students has varied significantly, with a peak enrollment of 319 in 2011, followed by a general decline until 2018, after which the numbers began to stabilize. The denial rates have generally remained high, particularly evident in 2013 and 2019, suggesting that competition for spots may have intensified during certain periods.
Overall, the data illustrates the dynamic nature of college admissions, influenced by various factors including socio-economic conditions, institutional strategies, and demographic shifts. The University of South Carolina-Sumter's evolving admission landscape reflects these complexities, positioning it as an important player in the higher education sector.

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 Admission Test Scores at the University of South Carolina-Sumter

The data from the University of South Carolina-Sumter reveals an intriguing trend in standardized test scores and the number of students submitting these scores over the years from 2007 to 2023. The percentage of students submitting SAT scores has fluctuated significantly, peaking at 62% in 2012, but dropping to only 40% in 2021, 2022, and 2023. This decline could be indicative of a broader trend in higher education where institutions are increasingly adopting test-optional policies, allowing students to apply without standardized test scores.

Looking at the actual score ranges, the 25th percentile for SAT reading and math has shown some variability, with the lower bounds ranging from 400 to 470 over the years. The upper bounds have also fluctuated, with the highest scores recorded reaching 580. This variability in scores suggests that while the admissions landscape is becoming more inclusive, it may also reflect changes in the applicant pool's academic preparedness.

The consistent decline in the percentage of students submitting scores, coupled with the fluctuations in score ranges, raises questions about the implications for academic performance and institutional standards. It may also reflect changing perceptions of standardized testing's role in college admissions, particularly amidst ongoing discussions about equity and access in education. As colleges and universities continue to evaluate their admission processes, the trends at USC-Sumter may serve as a microcosm of the broader shifts occurring across the academic landscape.

How Hard Is It to Get In

about 7 in 10

717 applicants in 2025, 74.1% admitted

531 admitted 186 not admitted Yield 54.0%

Degrees & Majors

Graduates in 2025 (first major)

Associate27710 international (3.6%)
Top 1 Associate majors by graduates
Liberal Arts and Sciences/Liberal Studies
277

U.S. studentsInternational

Data insights

Analysis of Graduation Data at University of South Carolina-Sumter

The graduation data for the University of South Carolina-Sumter reveals some noteworthy trends, particularly in the Liberal Arts and Sciences/Liberal Studies program. This program has reported a significant number of associate degree graduates, totaling 175, which indicates a strong enrollment and completion rate at this level. However, it is striking to observe that there are no graduates at the bachelor, master, or doctorate levels, nor are there any international students graduating in these categories.

The absence of bachelor, master, and doctorate graduates suggests that the university might be focusing more on associate degree programs, which often serve as a bridge for students to transition into higher levels of education or the workforce. The presence of 7 international students who graduated with associate degrees highlights the university's ability to attract a diverse student body, even if the numbers at higher degree levels remain absent.

This scenario could reflect broader trends in higher education where many students are opting for shorter, more practical programs that lead directly to employment opportunities. The emphasis on associate degrees might also be a strategic response to labor market demands, where employers increasingly value skills and practical experience over advanced degrees.

Overall, while the data points to a successful associate degree program, the lack of higher degree completions raises questions about the university's offerings and whether there are sufficient pathways for students pursuing advanced education. This situation warrants further investigation to understand the factors influencing these graduation trends and to explore opportunities for growth in bachelor’s and higher degree programs.

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 277 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociate
Liberal Arts and Sciences/Liberal Studies.$18,517

Students

1,845 students in 2025 · Undergraduate men to women 45:55 · Freshman retention 59.3%

Undergraduate race and ethnicity (1,845)

White
1,025 · 55.6%
Black
420 · 22.8%
Hispanic
155 · 8.4%
Two or more races
108 · 5.9%
International
61 · 3.3%
Asian
49 · 2.7%
Unknown
23 · 1.2%

Age distribution

Bachelor's

Under 18
56.7%
18–19
24.8%
20–21
6.6%
22–24
4.4%
25 and over
7.5%

Data insights

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

The student composition at the University of South Carolina-Sumter in 2023 reflects a diverse and balanced demographic. Among the incoming undergraduate freshmen, there are 207 students, with a male representation of 51.7% and females at 48.3%. This slight male majority is indicative of a trend seen in many undergraduate programs where male enrollment often edges out female enrollment, though the difference is marginal.

For undergraduate continuing students, the total population is 278, with a higher male representation at 52.5%. This trend continues with undergraduate transfer students, where 78 students are enrolled, and males make up 53.8% of this group. The consistent male majority across these categories suggests a stable enrollment pattern, even as gender dynamics in education continue to evolve.

However, the most striking detail emerges from the graduate student demographic, which consists of 974 individuals. Here, a significant shift is observed, as females dominate with 60.8%, contrasted with 39.2% males. This could indicate a growing trend of women pursuing advanced degrees, reflecting broader societal shifts towards gender equality in higher education.

When examining racial demographics, the data indicates that white students comprise a significant portion of the student body in each category. The exact figures for other ethnic groups remain unspecified but are crucial for understanding the full spectrum of diversity within the university.

Overall, the data from 2023 indicates a healthy gender balance among undergraduate students, while graduate programs show a clear preference among females, highlighting changing educational trends and the university's role in promoting diversity.

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

The student age distribution data from the University of South Carolina-Sumter reveals intriguing insights into the demographics of the student body. A significant proportion of students, particularly those under 18, comprises 38.8% of the total population, with 346 males and 562 females enrolled. This age group represents the largest segment, indicating a strong presence of younger students who may be enrolling in college directly after high school.

As we move through the age brackets, there is a noticeable decline in student numbers. The 18-19 age group has 187 males and 176 females, amounting to about 12.4% of the total student body. This trend continues with decreasing enrollment figures for older age groups, with only a handful of students aged 35 and above. For instance, the 30-34 age group has 12 males and 12 females, reflecting a more mature demographic that might be balancing education with career or family responsibilities.

Interestingly, there are no graduate students recorded in any age category, which could suggest that the institution primarily serves undergraduate students or that there may be barriers preventing older students from pursuing further education. This lack of graduate enrollment could also point to potential areas for institutional growth and the opportunity to attract a more diverse age range in future academic programs.

Overall, the data highlights a youthful student population, primarily consisting of traditional college-age students, while also indicating opportunities for expansion into graduate programs and catering to a broader demographic.

International Students

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

Undergraduates3.3%

61 in 2025 · 0.2% in 2016

0% 5% 10% 2016: 0.2%2017: 0.5%2018: 0.5%2019: 1.3%2020: 1.0%2021: 0.6%2022: 1.5%2023: 1.4%2024: 1.6%2025: 3.3%
2016Peer median 0.6%2025

Data insights

Trends in International Student Enrollment at University of South Carolina-Sumter

The data on international student enrollment at the University of South Carolina-Sumter reveals an interesting trend over the years. Initially, in 2004, there were only 8 international undergraduate students, accounting for a mere 0.68% of the total undergraduate population. This percentage fluctuated in the following years, reaching its lowest point in 2006 with only 1 international student, which was just 0.10% of the total.

However, a notable increase began around 2017, with the percentage of international students surging to 1.48% in 2022. This upward trend continued into 2023, where the percentage settled at 1.43% with 22 international students. This indicates a growing interest from international students in attending USC-Sumter, reflecting a broader trend observed in many universities across the United States where international student enrollment has been on the rise, driven by the pursuit of quality education and diverse learning environments.

The slight fluctuations in numbers can be attributed to various factors, including global political climates, visa regulations, and the ongoing effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, which disrupted international travel and education. Nevertheless, the resilience shown in the recent years suggests that USC-Sumter is becoming an increasingly attractive destination for international students, contributing to the cultural diversity and global perspective on campus. The university should continue to build on this momentum, potentially enhancing support systems for international students to further increase enrollment.

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$30.6M

Government grants and contracts
$13.3M43.6%
Tuition and fees
$2.1M6.7%
Gifts and private grants
$379K1.2%
Auxiliary enterprises
$277K0.9%
Sales and services of educational activities
$169K0.6%
Investment return
$26K0.1%
Other
$14.4M46.9%

Expenses$18.3M

Instruction
$8.4M46.0%
Student services
$3.9M21.2%
Academic support
$2.4M13.3%
Institutional support
$2.4M13.1%
Scholarships
$1.1M6.0%
Auxiliary enterprises
$446K2.4%
Research
$47K0.3%
Public service
$30K0.2%
Other
-$472K-2.6%

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
$66,247peers $68,588
Professor
$90,372peers $79,972
Associate professor
$69,677peers $69,677
Assistant professor
$63,193peers $62,785
Instructor
$53,024peers $61,593

Campus Life

Athletics and varsity athletes NJCAA
2025
NJCAA Division I MENWOMEN
Baseball81-
Soccer3618
Softball-26
Track and Field (Outdoor)203
Tennis87
Golf121
Volleyball-13
Cross Country2-
2024
NJCAA Division IMENWOMEN
Soccer2422
Baseball41-
Softball-12
Tennis75
Volleyball-12
Golf41
2023
NJCAA Division IMENWOMEN
Baseball74-
Soccer2620
Softball-22
Tennis87
Golf95
Volleyball-14

Nearby & Safety

Ranked colleges nearby

Data insights

Here are some notable schools around the University of South Carolina-Sumter:

  1. University of South Carolina-Columbia - Ranked 124 in the 2024 US News rankings, this university is a comprehensive institution known for its vibrant campus life and diverse programs.

  2. Davidson College - With an impressive rank of 16, Davidson College is a liberal arts college that emphasizes academic excellence and a strong sense of community among its students.

  3. Clemson University - Ranked 86, Clemson University is known for its research initiatives and commitment to providing a quality education with a focus on engineering and technology.

  4. Duke University - A prestigious institution ranked 7th, Duke University is renowned for its rigorous academics, exceptional healthcare programs, and beautiful campus.

  5. Wake Forest University - With a rank of 47, this university is recognized for its emphasis on the liberal arts and commitment to integrating education with character development.

  6. University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill - Ranked 22, this is the oldest public university in the United States and is known for its strong research programs and vibrant campus life.

These institutions provide a variety of educational opportunities and are well-regarded in their respective fields.

Campus safety · incidents per 1,000 students

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

Incidents, 2023–2025

Burglary
2

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

Data insights

Analysis of Crime Data at University of South Carolina-Sumter

The crime statistics at the University of South Carolina-Sumter reveal an encouraging trend in campus safety over the last decade. Notably, there was only one recorded incident in 2013, which translates to a crime rate of 1.11 per 1,000 students. However, subsequent years from 2014 to 2023 show a significant decline in reported crimes, with zero incidents reported from 2015 onwards.

This downward trend in crime rates can be attributed to several factors, including increased security measures, community awareness programs, and effective law enforcement collaboration. The absence of reported incidents in the last several years indicates that the university has successfully fostered a safer environment for its students and staff.

Moreover, the most common offense recorded was related to gun-related arrests in 2013, albeit with a minimal impact on the overall safety climate of the campus. The data demonstrates that the university is proactive in addressing safety concerns, which is essential not just for student well-being but also for attracting prospective students who prioritize safety in their college experience.

In light of ongoing national discussions surrounding campus safety and crime prevention, the positive trends at the University of South Carolina-Sumter serve as a model for other institutions. Continued vigilance and community involvement will be crucial in maintaining this favorable environment.

For more information on how to calculate crime rates, please visit: Crime Rate Calculation.

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.