
" I live in Pacer Downs and I love it. I love how I can go back to my room during the day if I have a break between classes. I also feel that I have met more people by living on campus. I do not think that I would have had a good college experience if I would not have lived on-campus."
- Katie Gerth , Early Childhood Education major

Did You Know?
USC Aiken has some of the best professional schools in South Carolina. All three - business, nursing, and education - have received the highest level of accreditation possible. This means more opportunities for you to learn from the best and brightest the University has to offer.

"After coming to USC Aiken, I was really able to get involved in alot of great community service projects tha benefit both the local community and beyond."
- Marcus Allen, Business Marketing major

"In each of our housing facilities, you'll find RAs like me, as well as professional staff members, who have undergone special training to help students deal with some of the common issues that may arise when living away from home for the first time."
- Erin Smith, Elementary Education major

"The best part of being a nursing major and actually being in the nursing program is the reputation USC Aiken nursing students carry. Many students and professors know that to get into the program here is competitive, and to be in the program is an accomplishment."
- Shelby Williams, Nursing major

"During the course of my freshman and sophomore years, I was a resident in the Pacer Downs. When I first met my roommate my freshman year, we became the best of friends from the get-go. We found out that we were so much alike in many ways. We connected like brothers, and we are still roommates today during our junior year. "
- Anthony (T.J.) Langford, Communications major

"Being a communication major at USC Aiken has definitely prepared me for effective communicating in a real world setting. I've even been able to communicate in a different language for guests at Disney, thanks to the French courses I’ve taken at USC Aiken. I constantly find myself using concepts that I’ve learned in the classroom; some of which I wouldn’t have been able to use until later after college. "
- Paige Jeffcoat, Communications major
Intern for The Walt Disney Company

"USC Aiken was my very first choice because it wasn't too far from home, but I still got to leave home and experience something new. There were other colleges that I looked at, such as Emory, Winthrop, and USC Columbia, but I'm glad that I chose USCA. "
- Shantivia Boneparte, Exercise & Sports Science major

"I enjoy the small campus environment. My professors know me and speak to me even when I’m not in class. I enjoy walking around the quad and seeing people I know, and I am able to meet new people everyday."
- Lehe Drawdy, Political Science major

"I chose USC Aiken because you have more time one-on-one time with your professors, and the beauty and cleanliness of the campus and its surroundings are great. Also, I received a scholarship to play baseball."
- Houston Taylor, Secondary Education (History) major

"Our campus is just the right size to get involved. You can get connected through Greek life, community service, sports, theatre, music, academic clubs, or student government - just to name a few. At USC Aiken, you'll develop relationships with other students, making our campus your perfect home away from home."
- Brittany Leverette, Communications major

"At USC Aiken, everything we do is with you in mind. Come to our campus, and you'll witness our professors, our staff, our students - the entire USC Aiken community - working together toward one common goal: your success. Our small class sizes offer a setting for personal attention from faculty - so you're an individual, not a number."
- Annie Zhao, Business major

"For many of our students, getting involved in community service is an essential piece of their college mosaic. Making a difference in the lives of others is what USC Aiken is all about."
- Jon Boyles, Business major

"We want to provide you with the tools for a successful future. From the moment you set foot on our campus, you'll discover a multitude of programs to mold you into a more engaged citizen and prepare you for success. Through opportunities like the First Year Experience or organizations like Peer Educators, you'll learn what it takes to be a more well rounded individual."
- Ken Kennedy, Nursing major
Prospective Students




























International Student Admission
The University of South Carolina Aiken welcomes the applications of qualified undergraduate international students.
As an international applicant it is important to apply as early as possible. You should apply at least six months before the semester you plan to begin your studies. You will need a great deal of time to obtain your official school records, to arrange for the required examinations, to have your bank send statements of your financial resources, to have your application reviewed, and to get your visa materials. Students applying for undergraduate study (to receive a bachelor's degree) must pay all expenses themselves, have sponsors or scholarships.
International Admissions:
Visit USCA's website for International Admissions by clicking here.
English as a Second Language (ESL)
An ESL class (English 111) is available to newly admitted and currently enrolled USCA students who would like to improve their language skills. Some students may be required to take this class as a condition of their acceptance.
For those students who must improve their English proficiency prior to enrolling at USCA, an intensive English program is offered by the University of South Carolina English Programs for Internationals (EPI) on the USC Columbia campus.
Scholarships
USCA offers a very limited number of institutional scholarships to new international students, however students should not count on these scholarships when planning their studies at USCA.
General Expenses
A list of approximate expenses for one academic year (August-May) may assist prospective international students in estimating costs for education and living in the United States.
| Tuition and Fees (For a full-time, two semester course load) | $13,363 |
| Housing, on campus | $3,400-$4,400 |
| Housing, off-campus | $2,000-$4,000 |
| Food | $1,300-$1,600 |
| Books | $600-$700 |
In addition, living expenses for June, July and August are approximately (U.S.) $2,500. If you register for summer course work, you can also expect to pay about (U.S.) $1,000 per 3-credit course. Additional expenses for dependents: $2,000 for a spouse and $1,000 for each child.
On-Campus Housing and Food
Pacer Downs consists of 91 four-person, fully furnished apartments. Students enjoy community living, the privacy of apartment living, and close proximity to the facilities and activities at USCA. All residents of Pacer Downs are required to purchase a meal plan. However each apartment is equipped with a kitchen, so students may purchase and prepare their own food in addition to a meal plan. Students are expected to supply their own bed linens, blankets, pillows and kitchen utensils (pots, pans, tableware, etc.). These supplies can be purchased in local stores. You should expect to spend approximately $150 for these items. For more information about housing go to http://www.usca.edu/housing
Athletics
USCA has a number of athletic teams including soccer, basketball, golf, tennis and baseball. If you are interested in learning more about USCA athletics click here.
International Club
International students at USCA are welcome to join the International Club, which meets regularly to plan activities and events of interest to both members and the University community. Each year they participate in International Week and Festival, International Potluck Dinner, trips to nearby cities, and other exciting events.
International Student Advisor
Amela Malkic amelam@usca.edu, Director of International Programs Office, is the advisor to international students. Newly admitted students should visit the International Programs Office before they register for classes. Ms. Terry will be available to students for help throughout their attendance at USCA. Ms. Malkic will also advise students of immigration guidelines so that they maintain legal student status while studying at USCA.
Apply for Admission Online
You can now submit your application for admission online. Click here to apply.
Have any Questions about life at USCA?
See what international students already at USCA have to say about life in South Carolina and at USCA. Provided is a list of countries that are represented here at USCA and the email addresses of the students who are from those countries. Email these students and ask them any questions you may have. Click here.
