I’m a high school senior who is working on making a final college decision. Right now the University of South Carolina is at the top of my list due to the fantastic scholarship they’re offered me!
I was almost ready to commit before I went down the rabbit hole of college rankings and noticed that it isn’t even in the top 100 Universities in the nation. However, I also know that rankings aren’t everything. Is UofSC generally well regarded among employers and grad/law schools? Is it viewed as a good university by the general population? I’d appreciate any insight!
USC is an excellent big state school. It’s not in the top tier like Michigan or Cal but it’s very good. Honestly, some people will be down on it because it’s in the South, but it places students very well throughout the South and to a slightly lesser extent nationally.
But these things can be fields dependent. What are you thinking of majoring in? Do you have any current career plans or grad school plans?
USC is ranked 104 in the nation. Last year it was ranked 106, so it is definitely moving in the right direction. It has an acceptance rate of about 60% which may seem high to some, but the school accepts mostly A to A- students. So to me, those stats are pretty impressive. Congrats on your scholarship. Good luck with whatever decision you make.
@mkms2020 We are not from SC but it definitely has some great aspects to it. Business school is very good esp their international business program. One of the top honors college in the country. Capstone Scholar program which is invite only but great opportunity to enhance your experience
If you are looking to go to grad school, unless you are dying to go Ivy league as long as you do well, you will go somewhere.
Your first thing is being offered a fantastic scholarship should be the bell that goes off in your head. Unless you have a similar offer somewhere else, you shouldnt even think twice. I know that over the last few years the stats to get merit scholarships has gone way up along with getting in to the school in general. 45% OOS for a reason because they give money and for some in the north, its cheaper than going in state within their home state.
We have visited 2X and i already feel like i know the school well and my son hasnt even started.
If you have any specific questions , you can private email me and i will try to answer
Would also love to know what other schools you are deciding between
Also remember rankings are different everywhere. You can see one ranking say US News and World report and another Princeton Review and they use different ways to get their stats I wouldnt always listen to those
Very informative info. Where did you get the 45% OOS rate? We are OOS but I have not been able to find those stats.
Thanks!
Thank you to everyone for your replies so far! They are very helpful!
To give more context, I did not get into honors but I am a Capstone scholar. I was told that I could transfer into honors my sophomore year as long as I maintain a 3.6 gpa. Additionally, the scholarship I received makes the school slightly cheaper than even my in-state flagship university which is simply fantastic! I’m entering undeclared but I’m really interested in the International Relations major with a concentration in International Security
My dilemma right now is that I’ve also been offered admission and a decent scholarship to a university which ranks in the top 50 nationally. I could attend this university for about $3000 more annually. I’m just torn! If anyone else has advice I’d greatly appreciate it!
Congratulations! If you don’t mind me asking, what’s the other school? Can you/your family afford the extra 3 grand a year?
3K for a top school may be worth it, depending on the school, considering you’re not in the Honors college (and 3.6 in college is much harder than in HS). What school is it? Is 3K a big deal for your family ?
I actually thought it was a few points higher but I was on a webinar today that U of SC is offering to prospective students and they stated that figure. That’s one of the things I liked about SC vs say UGA or N.C. state which both have about 20% OOS
@mkms2020 if you are interested in a major with an international subject SC really puts a lot of emphasis too in study abroad. Their IB program is one of the best in the country and they really push study abroad. They even give instate tuition for SA programs. Language is a requirement as well unless you test out. It wold be helpful if you mentioned which school you are looking at esp since someone on here may have some specific knowledge Top 50 in what way ? And by whom ?
My daughter is currently waffling between South Carolina and Syracuse. The stats seem to imply Syracuse is like a top 50 school and Carolina is a top 100. In her field of study (sport management) however they seem to be much closer. SC was my daughters #1 choice for the past year but an early deferral and the. Waitlist put a bad taste in her mouth. She got accepted to Syracuse (w modest merit) which we were shocked about as her stats were spot on for SC but seemed on the low end for Syracuse. We put a deposit on Syracuse in mid March (once all accepted student days were cancelled due to corona). Now SC is offering her a spot off the waitlist.
In light of the current world we live In Mom wants her to stick w Syracuse (as its drivable for us - we are Downstate NY). I’m fine w her going where she wants to go. Even w merit from Syracuse and (assuming) no money from SC - SC is $10k less. (Money is not a factor as we have saved enough for either). Decisions decisions.
@MYOS1634 @jgwolf
For those wondering, the other program I am considering is Ohio State. Nationally they’re ranked 54 by U.S World News, but in terms of their world politics program they are 8th in the nation. Considering that this is what I want to study, the ranking is very enticing.
My family has told me that they can pay for in state tuition. If I want to go out of state I will be responsible for the difference. It will cost me approximately $20k over 4 years to attend Ohio State, even with the scholarship I received. If I attend UofSC I will graduate debt free. It’s a game of ranking vs price for me currently and I’m completely torn.
@mkms2020 graduating debt free is big especially if there is a possibility of grad school.
I think Syracuse is similar tanked to Ohio state, so my daughter has a similar struggle.
@mkms2020 Agree with above . Coming out of school debt free is something you wouldn’t regret . Is it 20k per year or for all 4.? 20k is not awful compared to 80k. Over heard great things about OSU . I would make a chart of pros/cons for each and see if anything comes from that
Where would the 20k come from?
Is that 20K for 4years including the federal loans, or on top of it? Do you have a job (I know it’s hard right now), savings?
If it’s without federal loans, 5K a year is doable especially if you can earn $1,500 or so, and just take $3,500 in federal loans.
What foreign language do you know?
For history, you need at least a minor in a language that relates to the area or period considered.
What advantages do you have with Capstone scholars?
Any honors program or special program at tOSU?