University of South Carolina-Union
Acceptance rate
62.2%
2025
Peer median 79.0%
Out-of-state tuition
$18,238
In-state $7,558
Peer median $8,816
Undergraduates
1,402
Student-faculty ratio 17:1
Peer median 18 : 1
Graduation rate
37.5%
Within 150% of normal time; 200%: 37.5%
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-Union (USC Union) is a distinguished institution located in Union, South Carolina. As a regional campus of the University of South Carolina system, it offers an accessible and supportive environment for students seeking higher education. One of the university's key characteristics is its commitment to providing personalized education, with small class sizes that foster close interactions between students and faculty. This intimate learning atmosphere encourages academic excellence and meaningful mentorship, which greatly enhances the overall educational experience.
USC Union offers a variety of undergraduate programs, including degrees in Business Administration, Criminal Justice, and Nursing, among others. The campus is equipped with modern facilities, including a library, computer labs, and recreational areas that support both academic and extracurricular activities. The university also promotes a vibrant campus culture, where students are encouraged to engage in clubs, organizations, and community service projects that enrich their education and build valuable skills. With its focus on student success and community involvement, USC Union prepares graduates for a wide range of career opportunities, ensuring they are well-equipped to meet the demands of the workforce.
Analysis of Key Metrics at the University of South Carolina-Union
The University of South Carolina-Union has experienced notable trends in various metrics related to tuition, student population, graduation rates, and retention rates over the past decade. One of the most striking observations is the stability of tuition fees for in-state and out-of-state undergraduate students in recent years. Since 2019, the tuition has remained constant at $7,558 for in-state students and $18,238 for out-of-state students. This stability could indicate a strategic decision by the institution to maintain affordability, especially in an era where college costs are rising across the nation.
In terms of student enrollment, there has been a significant increase in the undergraduate population, growing from 484 students in 2014 to 1,098 students in 2023. This upward trend may reflect the university's efforts to enhance its appeal to prospective students and could be attributed to increased outreach, program development, or improved campus facilities.
However, the graduation rates present a more concerning picture. The on-time graduation rate for undergraduate students peaked at 31.25% in 2023, up from a low of 10.10% in 2018. Despite this improvement, the overall figures remain relatively low, suggesting that there may be underlying challenges affecting students' ability to complete their degrees in a timely manner.
Additionally, the retention rate has shown a modest improvement, climbing to 51.72% in 2023 from 50.62% in 2013. This indicates that while the university has made strides in keeping students enrolled, there is still significant room for improvement in fostering an environment that encourages students to persist through their programs.
Overall, while the University of South Carolina-Union shows promise in terms of enrollment growth and tuition stability, it must continue to address graduation and retention challenges to better support its students in achieving their academic goals.
This collegeRanked colleges nearby
- Setting
- Distant town
- Nearest major city
- Greenville, about 45 mi
- Nearest international airport
- Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT), about 50 mi
- Academic calendar
- Semester
- Religious affiliation
- Not applicable
- President
- Randy Lowell (Campus Dean)
- Phone
- 8644298728
- City
- Union, South Carolina
- Address
- 309 East Academy St, Union, SC 29379-0729
Rankings & Admission
Peer median 79.0% · all 908 public associate's colleges in the U.S.
Acceptance rate by gender, 2025
In 2020: men 92.7%, women 90.9%.
Data insights
Trends in Admission Rates at University of South Carolina-Union
The admission data from the University of South Carolina-Union reveals significant fluctuations in acceptance rates and enrollment figures over the years. The male acceptance rate peaked at approximately 95.8% in 2009, showcasing the university's openness to male applicants during that period. However, by 2016, this rate had dropped dramatically to about 58.6%, reflecting a more competitive admission landscape. Female acceptance rates also exhibited a decline, with a notable high of 90.4% in 2009, tapering down to 75.2% by 2023.
The enrollment figures have varied considerably, with a notable increase in the number of students admitted in 2018 (181 students) compared to previous years, suggesting that the university may have made strategic changes to attract more applicants. However, the subsequent years saw a decline in enrollment, particularly in 2016 when only 98 students were admitted despite a much higher number of denials (121), indicating a challenging admission process.
The number of deferred admissions fluctuated as well, with a significant spike in 2020, which may correlate with the disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. This indicates the university's responsiveness to external circumstances, balancing both its academic standards and the challenges faced by prospective students.
Overall, the data suggests that while USC-Union has maintained a welcoming atmosphere for applicants, the trends reflect both the changing dynamics of higher education and the university's evolving strategy in response to these shifts.
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
Analysis of University of South Carolina-Union Admission Scores and Submissions
The data from the University of South Carolina-Union over the years reveals significant trends in admission scores and the percentage of applicants submitting standardized test scores. Notably, the number of students submitting SAT scores has fluctuated, with a peak in 2015 when 70 students (50%) submitted scores, compared to just 10 students (10%) in 2017. This variability may reflect broader trends in college admissions, especially with the increasing number of institutions adopting test-optional policies.
The range of SAT reading and math scores among admitted students has shown some resilience, with the 25th percentile scores consistently around the 360-420 mark, while the 75th percentile scores have generally remained stable between 480-540. This suggests that the university continues to attract a diverse pool of applicants with varying levels of academic preparation.
Interestingly, the average ACT scores also reflect a positive trend, with scores ranging from 18 to 25 over the years. This range indicates that the university is catering to students with a broad spectrum of academic capabilities, which could be beneficial for maintaining enrollment numbers and fostering an inclusive educational environment.
Overall, while the data shows fluctuations in test score submissions and performance, it also highlights a commitment to accessible education. As colleges increasingly reconsider the role of standardized testing in admissions, the University of South Carolina-Union appears to be adapting to these changes, potentially enhancing its appeal to prospective students who may not perform well on standardized tests but show promise in other areas.
How Hard Is It to Get In
about 6 in 10
360 applicants in 2025, 62.2% admitted
224 admitted 136 not admitted Yield 57.6%
Degrees & Majors
Graduates in 2025 (first major)
U.S. studentsInternational
Data insights
Analysis of Graduation Data from University of South Carolina-Union
The graduation data from the University of South Carolina-Union reveals a notable trend in the field of Liberal Arts and Sciences/Liberal Studies. In the academic year 2023, no students graduated with a bachelor's, master's, or doctorate degree in this discipline, which raises questions about the appeal and viability of this program within the university's offerings.
Interestingly, while there were no graduates at the higher degree levels, the associate degree program had a total of 118 graduates. This suggests that the associate degree may serve as a more accessible pathway for students interested in the liberal arts, potentially due to lower entry requirements or a more practical curriculum that aligns better with job market demands. It may also indicate a shift in student preferences, where many are opting to pursue shorter, more focused programs rather than committing to a full bachelor's degree.
The absence of international students in the graduation figures further emphasizes the need for universities to enhance their recruitment strategies and make these programs more attractive to a global audience. As institutions continue to adapt to changing educational landscapes and workforce needs, it will be crucial to assess the relevance of programs like Liberal Arts and Sciences in order to maintain enrollment and support student success.
In summary, the data highlights a clear distinction between associate degree and higher-level program outcomes, warranting a closer examination of curricular offerings and student support services at the University of South Carolina-Union.
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
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate |
|---|---|---|
| Liberal Arts and Sciences/Liberal Studies. | $31,236 |
Students
1,402 students in 2025 · Undergraduate men to women 47:53 · Freshman retention 64.2%
- Continuing undergraduates 125
- First-year undergraduates 127
- Transfers and others 1,150
Undergraduate race and ethnicity (1,402)
Age distribution
Bachelor's
Data insights
Analysis of Student Demographics at University of South Carolina-Union in 2023
The student demographics at the University of South Carolina-Union for the year 2023 reveal a diverse and dynamic academic environment. The total number of undergraduate freshmen is 110, with a male representation of 56.4% and females at 43.6%. This indicates a healthy gender balance among new students, while the proportion of male students is slightly higher.
The returning undergraduate students total 118, showcasing an impressive retention rate with a nearly even distribution of genders—50.8% male and 49.2% female. This gender parity suggests a welcoming atmosphere for all students, likely fostering an inclusive community.
The transfer student group is relatively small, with just 25 individuals. Here, the gender representation skews more towards females, who make up 60% of this group compared to 40% males. This shift might reflect broader trends in higher education where female students are increasingly taking the initiative to transfer to different institutions to further their academic pursuits.
The largest demographic, comprising 845 students, includes all classifications. Among them, there is a notable female majority at 56.8%, which is indicative of a broader trend in higher education where female enrollment is often higher than that of males.
Overall, the data suggests that the University of South Carolina-Union is successfully attracting and retaining a diverse student body, reflecting broader societal trends in gender representation within higher education. This diversity is crucial for enriching the educational experience and promoting a variety of perspectives and ideas on campus.
Analysis of Student Age Composition at University of South Carolina-Union
The age composition of students at the University of South Carolina-Union reveals significant trends that reflect broader patterns in higher education demographics. A notable majority of students fall within the under 18 category, where there are 337 male undergraduates and 457 female undergraduates. This indicates a strong influx of younger students, likely reflecting the institution's appeal to high school graduates.
As we progress through the age brackets, the number of students decreases significantly. For instance, in the 18-19 age group, there are 105 male undergraduates and 83 female undergraduates, which highlights a drop in enrollment as students transition from high school to college. This sharp decline continues in subsequent age categories, with only 26 male and 18 female undergraduates aged 20-21, and the numbers dwindle even further for older age groups.
Interestingly, there are no graduate male students reported across all age categories, suggesting a potential gap in graduate programs or that the university primarily serves undergraduate populations. Female graduate students are also not present, which could indicate a need for more robust graduate programs or a demographic shift towards younger students.
The data also points to an aging demographic, with only a handful of students over the age of 30. This trend mirrors national statistics indicating that younger students are increasingly populating colleges and universities, while older adults are less represented in higher education.
Overall, the age composition at the University of South Carolina-Union emphasizes the need for targeted programs to engage older demographics and maintain a diverse student body.
International Students
International share over the last 10 years · gray line: median of all 908 public associate's colleges in the U.S.
27 in 2025 · 0.7% in 2016
Data insights
Observations on International Student Enrollment at University of South Carolina-Union
The data from the University of South Carolina-Union reflects a fluctuating trend in international student enrollment over the years, particularly at the undergraduate level. In 2010, there was only one international undergraduate student, which represented 0.20% of the total undergraduate population. This number gradually increased, peaking in 2023 with 13 international students, accounting for approximately 1.18% of total undergraduate enrollment.
This upward trajectory suggests a growing interest and accessibility for international students to study at this institution, although the overall numbers remain relatively low compared to many larger universities in the United States. For instance, many universities have international student populations exceeding 10%, indicating that USC-Union still has significant room for growth in this area.
The fluctuations in the percentage of international students can be attributed to various factors, including global events and changes in immigration policies, which may influence student mobility. The data shows that the peak year for international students was 2020 with 8 students, coinciding with the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. This may have disrupted enrollment patterns, leading to a decline in subsequent years as reflected in the 2022 enrollment figures.
In conclusion, while the University of South Carolina-Union has seen some positive trends in attracting international students, the percentages remain modest. Continued efforts to promote the institution and enhance support for international students could help in further increasing these numbers 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
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$16.6M
Expenses$11.6M
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.
Campus Life
Athletics and varsity athletes Other
| CCCAA | MEN | WOMEN |
|---|---|---|
| Baseball | 57 | - |
| Soccer | 23 | - |
| Softball | - | 18 |
| Volleyball | - | 12 |
| Golf | 7 | - |
| NJCAA Division I | MEN | WOMEN |
|---|---|---|
| Baseball | 56 | - |
| Soccer | 24 | - |
| Softball | - | 19 |
| Volleyball | - | 12 |
| NJCAA Division I | MEN | WOMEN |
|---|---|---|
| Baseball | 50 | - |
| Soccer | 24 | - |
| Softball | - | 15 |
| Volleyball | - | 14 |
Nearby & Safety
Ranked colleges nearby
-
Wofford CollegeSpartanburg · 24.3 mi
Liberal Arts #68
-
Furman UniversityGreenville · 48.6 mi
Liberal Arts #57
-
University of South Carolina-ColumbiaColumbia · 60.2 mi
U.S. News #121
-
University of North Carolina at CharlotteCharlotte · 64.7 mi
U.S. News #169
-
Clemson UniversityClemson · 69.0 mi
U.S. News #80
-
Davidson CollegeDavidson · 69.6 mi
Liberal Arts #16
-
University of GeorgiaAthens · 113.0 mi
U.S. News #52
-
Wake Forest UniversityWinston-Salem · 123.7 mi
U.S. News #34
-
University of North Carolina at GreensboroGreensboro · 138.3 mi
U.S. News #208
Data insights
Here are some notable colleges and universities near the University of South Carolina-Union:
-
Wofford College - Ranked 59th in the 2024 US News rankings, Wofford College is a liberal arts college known for its strong emphasis on undergraduate education and its vibrant campus life.
-
Furman University - This university is ranked 46th and offers a rigorous liberal arts education. Furman is recognized for its beautiful campus and commitment to sustainability.
-
Clemson University - Ranked 86th, Clemson is a comprehensive university noted for its engineering, business, and agriculture programs. It has a vibrant student community and a strong athletic presence.
-
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill - This prestigious institution is ranked 22nd and is known for its research programs and strong emphasis on public service.
-
Emory University - With a ranking of 24th, Emory is recognized for its research initiatives and comprehensive healthcare programs, offering a dynamic campus experience.
-
Georgia Institute of Technology-Main Campus - Ranked 33rd, Georgia Tech is renowned for its engineering and technology programs, attracting students from around the world.
These institutions provide a variety of educational opportunities and are worth exploring for anyone interested in higher education in the region.
Peer median 0.4 · all 908 public associate's colleges in the U.S.
Data insights
Analysis of Crime Data at University of South Carolina-Union
The crime statistics for the University of South Carolina-Union reveal a concerning trend, albeit with minimal incidents recorded over the years. From 2013 to 2022, the data shows that the campus experienced no reported violations or crimes, maintaining a zero crime rate for eight consecutive years. This could indicate effective campus safety measures or a lack of reporting. However, in 2022, there was a slight uptick, with 0.4 incidents per 1000 students, specifically associated with gun-related arrests.
While the overall crime rate remains low, even a single incident raises questions about safety. It’s essential to consider the broader context of campus safety, particularly as universities across the nation face increasing scrutiny over their response to crime and safety protocols. The rise in gun-related arrests is particularly alarming, reflecting a national trend where college campuses have become focal points for discussions around gun violence and safety.
Universities must embrace transparency in reporting and responding to crime to maintain student trust and ensure a safe learning environment. Encouraging students to report incidents and fostering a robust campus culture around safety can contribute to lower crime rates. In conclusion, while the data indicates a generally safe campus, the increase in gun-related incidents in 2022 calls for ongoing vigilance and proactive safety measures.
For more information on crime rate calculations, please refer to this link: https://www.forwardpathway.com/33447.
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.