UofSC vs. Southern Adventist University

Comparable Facts

Compare University of South Carolina Columbia in Columbia, SC with Southern Adventist University in Collegedale, TN on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

University of South Carolina Columbia is larger than Southern Adventist University based on total student enrollment (38,532 students vs. 3,229 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• University of South Carolina Columbia is located in Columbia, SC (Midsize City setting); Southern Adventist University is in Collegedale, TN (Large Suburban setting).
• University of South Carolina Columbia is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Southern Adventist University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: University of South Carolina Columbia 19:1; Southern Adventist University 19:1.

UofSC vs. Southern Adventist University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, UofSC or Southern Adventist University? Published tuition is the sticker price; many students pay less after aid (see average net price below).

• The typical actual cost that students pay to attend (average net price) is less at University of South Carolina Columbia than Southern Adventist University ($24,488 vs. $25,753).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Southern Adventist University are 34.2% lower than at University of South Carolina Columbia ($8,900 vs. $13,534).
• Southern Adventist University is 115.2% more expensive for in-state tuition than UofSC (about $14,612 more per year; $27,300.00 vs. $12,688.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 31.8% higher at UofSC than at Southern Adventist University (about $8,672 more per year; $35,972.00 vs. $27,300.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Southern Adventist University than at University of South Carolina Columbia (99% vs. 91%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Southern Adventist University students is 80.8% larger than aid received by University of South Carolina Columbia students ($12,904 vs. $7,139).

UofSC vs. Southern Adventist University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, UofSC or Southern Adventist University? Typical SAT and ACT scores (same estimates as in the table above), middle 50% test ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between Southern Adventist University and UofSC.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at University of South Carolina Columbia (1270) is 110 points higher than at Southern Adventist University (1160).
• Incoming UofSC students have a 7 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (29 vs. 22 at Southern Adventist University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of South Carolina Columbia 1180/1360; Southern Adventist University 1020/1300.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of South Carolina Columbia 26/32; Southern Adventist University 19/25.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: UofSC - Test optional; Southern Adventist University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: UofSC Dec 1, 2026.
• Accepted freshman UofSC students have a 0.1 point higher average high school GPA (3.69) than students at Southern Adventist University (3.59).
• Southern Adventist University has a higher acceptance rate (65.5%) than UofSC (60.2%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 22.9% at UofSC vs. 36.9% at Southern Adventist University.

UofSC vs. Southern Adventist University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for UofSC and Southern Adventist University? Graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt are common indicators. The bullets below summarize the same federal outcomes fields as the comparison table (College Scorecard / IPEDS where applicable).

• University of South Carolina Columbia's six-year graduation rate (70%) is higher than Southern Adventist University's (51%).
• Graduates from University of South Carolina Columbia earn a median of about $7,100 more per year than Southern Adventist University graduates about ten years after starting college ($51,700 vs. $44,600), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, University of South Carolina Columbia graduates have a $3,250 lower median loan debt than Southern Adventist University graduates ($23,250 vs. $26,500).
• Among borrowers, UofSC graduates have an estimated $34 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Southern Adventist University graduates ($240 vs. $274).
• More UofSC graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Southern Adventist University students, three years after graduation. (69% vs. 63%)

Sources: U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov IPEDS and College Scorecard https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/. Values reflect the most recent year available in our dataset.