University of South Carolina-Upstate Admission Requirements

Admission Rate & Difficulty

Acceptance Rate

The acceptance rate at University of South Carolina-Upstate is 69.6%.  Its admission rate is the 14th lowest in South Carolina.

Admission Selectivity

How hard is it to get into University of South Carolina-Upstate and can you get accepted?

University of South Carolina-Upstate is a moderately competitive school to get into. You have a strong chance of acceptance if you meet the criteria. Last year, 2,476 out of the 3,557 who applied were admitted.

University of South Carolina Upstate typically accepts and attracts "C+" average high school students with an average GPA around 2.53. Most incoming freshmen graduate in the top half of their high school class. 27% of those admitted chose to enroll in the school.

Can you get into University of South Carolina-Upstate?

70% are accepted, can you get in? Use the admission calculator to see if you have the grades and test scores needed to get in. See your admission chances based on your extracurriculars, intended major, background, and more.

Admission Requirements in Brief

To have the best chance of getting into to University of South Carolina Upstate you should:

• Have a high school GPA of 2.53 or better
• Earn C+ grades in high school
• Score 1090 on the SAT
• Score 22 on the ACT
• Graduate in the top half of your high school class

GPA Requirements & Average GPA

What GPA do you need to get into University of South Carolina Upstate?

GPA Requirements

The GPA requirements for getting into University of South Carolina-Upstate are to have around a 2.53 high school GPA. You can get into University of South Carolina-Upstate with below average high school grades.

If your high school GPA meets these requirements, there is a good chance you will be accepted as University of South Carolina-Upstate accepts 70% of students who apply.

Average GPA

The average unweighted GPA at University of South Carolina-Upstate is 2.53 on the 4.0 scale. To achieve the average GPA for admission, you need to earn C+ letter grades and regularly score around 77-79 percent on tests and assignments in high school.  The school ranks #33 in South Carolina for highest average GPA.

Importance of GPA

Since University of South Carolina-Upstate is a test optional college, extra focus will be placed on your GPA when the school considers your application. As a result, it is very important that you meet the GPA requirements.

See additional colleges accepting applicants in the 2.5 GPA range.

Competitiveness by GPA Ranges

The table below outlines the number of admitted freshmen by GPA range as well as how competitive your GPA will be as compared with other applicants.

 What do these chances mean?

GPA Data Source, Peterson's Data 2024

Testing Requirements

Submission of SAT or ACT scores is not required for admission to University of South Carolina Upstate. If you optionally submit test scores, they will be considered with your application, but they are not mandatory. 6% of students submitted SAT scores and 3% submitted ACT scores for admission for the most recent academic year..

SAT Requirements & Average SAT Score

SAT Scores you need to get in

What are the SAT requirements for you to be admitted to University of South Carolina Upstate?

Average Score & Range

The average SAT score at University of South Carolina-Upstate is 1090 out of 1600 and the range for the middle 50% of accepted students is 1000-1170. Students who get into University of South Carolina Upstate score in the top 60 percent of all SAT test takers..  University of South Carolina-Upstate ranks #16 in the state of South Carolina for highest average SAT composite score.

Score for Acceptance

You should target scoring 1090 or above to be most competitive with other applicants. University of South Carolina-Upstate regularly admits students with SAT scores down to 1000 on a 1600 scale. However, three quarter of admitted students score higher. If you score below a 1000, admission should be considered a reach. Some students may be accepted with minimum SAT's as low as 910, but scores this low are outside the normal range.

Score Submission Requirements

University of South Carolina Upstate is a test optional school meaning do not have to submit SAT scores with your application. The position on SAT scores from the college is "not required for admission, but considered if submitted (test optional)".

View other colleges which accept students in the 1090 SAT score range.

Chance of Acceptance by SAT Score

The table below outlines your predicted admission chances based on SAT score alone. If you are an average applicant with a score of 1085, you have around a 70% chance of being admitted. A 1170 places you well ahead of most other applicants and gives you about a 82% chance of getting in.

ACT Requirements & Average ACT Score

ACT Scores needed to get accepted

What are the ACT requirements for students to get into University of South Carolina-Upstate?

Score Range

The average ACT score for admitted students to University of South Carolina-Upstate is 22, while the middle 50% of students (25th to 75th percentile) score between a 19 and 25.  The school ranks #14 in South Carolina for highest average ACT composite score.

Score for Acceptance

For the best chance of admission, you should have an ACT of 22. This will place you in solid competition against other applicants. At a minimum, you should aim for a 19 and score in the score in the top 56 percent nationally. The lowest ACT score likely to be admitted is a 16.

3 percent of applicants submit ACT scores to University of South Carolina Upstate.

Score Submission Requirements

You do not have to to submit ACT scores with your application as University of South Carolina Upstate is test optional. The policy from the school on ACT scores is "not required for admission, but considered if submitted (test optional)".

Find other colleges with similar ACT score requirements

Chance of Acceptance by ACT Score

Here are your predicted chances of getting into University of South Carolina-Upstate for different ACT score ranges. A typical applicant with a 22 score has around 70% chance of getting in. Your odds increase to about 82% with a 25 ACT score.

High School Class Rank

72% of University of South Carolina Upstate freshman are in the top half of their high school graduating class and 39% are in the top quarter.

Admission Statistics

Admission and enrollment rates by gender are detailed the the table below.

Application Fee

The cost for prospective students to apply to University of South Carolina Upstate is $45.

Application Requirements

What are the requirements for admission to University of South Carolina Upstate and what student information is used for admission decisions?

Credits Accepted

Admission Requirements Summary

Because University of South Carolina-Upstate is moderately competitive, you have a strong chance of acceptance with the right GPA and test scores. If you have a 2.53 GPA, you have a very good likelihood of getting in. A 1090 on the SAT and 22 on the ACT will further lock in your application.