University of South Carolina Columbia campus

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UofSC Demographics & Diversity

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Racial Demographics & Diversity

Racial Diversity

Racial Diversity

Low

Racial Diversity Index: 38%

Racial diversity is the chance that two students chosen at random are from different racial or ethnic groups, using the U.S. Census Bureau Diversity Index. Students at UofSC are mostly White with a small Black population. The school has low racial diversity. 23% percent of students are minorities or people of color (BIPOC). The ethnic breakdown is detailed in the following table.

Racial demographics of University of South Carolina Columbia students
Race Percent of Students
White
77%
Black
10%
Hispanic
4%
Asian
3%
American Indian / Alaskan
0%
Hawaiian / Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
4%
International
1%
Race Unknown
1%

Gender Demographics & Diversity

Gender Diversity

Gender Diversity

Very High

Gender Diversity Index: 48%

There are 49% more female students than male students enrolled at University of South Carolina Columbia with a gender ratio of 60% women to 40% men. Compared to the US average of 56% female students, UofSC has a higher gender diversity than other US colleges and is very inclusive of both genders.

Male to female gender ratio for University of South Carolina Columbia students
Gender Percent of Students
Men
40%
Women
60%
Enrollment by gender for University of South Carolina Columbia students
Gender Number of Students
Men
15,466
Women
23,066

Geographic Diversity

Geographic Diversity

Geographic Diversity

Low

Geographic Diversity Index: 46%

UofSC draws 54 percent of students from South Carolina, 45 percent from other states, and 1 percent from other countries. Geographic diversity is the share of students from outside South Carolina, including other U.S. states and other countries.

Enrollment by geographic location for University of South Carolina Columbia students
Origin Percent of Students
In State
54%
Out of State
45%
Foreign
1%
Unknown Location
1%

Economic Diversity

Median Household Income

Median Household Income

$62,188 per year

20% of students can be considered low-income as indicated by their receipt of Federal Pell Grant Aid.

Total Enrollment

Total Enrollment

Total enrollment

38,532
Share of undergraduates by age and part-time status
Segment Percent of Students
Students Over 25 Years Old 5.9%
Part-time undergraduates 6.5%

Other Colleges to Consider

Students applying to University of South Carolina Columbia often consider these colleges

Data source: NCES / IPEDS https://nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator/?id=218663.

Racial and gender diversity ratings use the U.S. Census Bureau Diversity Index (Gini-Simpson): the probability that two students chosen at random belong to different groups. See the Census method note, Measuring Racial and Ethnic Diversity for the 2020 Census. Geographic diversity is the share of students from outside the college's home state (other U.S. states plus international). IPEDS does not publish enrollment by individual state of residence.

Last updated: August 2026