USC Aiken continues to provide the high-demand majors that meet the needs of CSRA business and industry.
Founded in 1961, USC Aiken is a public university offering both undergraduate and graduate degrees.
Serving Our Region: USC Aiken educates the next generation of professionals, so they have the broad understanding and critical capabilities necessary to succeed in their careers, enjoy a full life, and contribute as citizens and neighbors, building vibrant communities for decades to come.
Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
Economic Impact: USC Aiken pumps more than $350.7 million annually into the South Carolina economy, most of which benefits Aiken and Aiken County. (Estimate from the Darla Moore School of Business, 2021.)
Enrollment: Largest enrollment in USC Aiken history means more highly prepared citizens, professionals, and workforce.
- 3,865 students enrolled in 72 academic programs (Fall 2021)
- 39 states represented
- 32 countries represented
- 86% South Carolinians
- 38.6% represent racial-ethnic minorities*
- 22% known first-generation students
- 10% veteran and military students
- 29% non-traditional (age 25 and older)
*federal definition of all non-white is used, including non-resident alien
Student Debt: 31% of the students who start college at UofSC Aiken and graduate do so with no debt. The average debt load of UofSC Aiken students is $19,415, which is far lower than the national average of $32,731 as of January 4, 2021, according to the Federal Reserve.
Alumni: 20,000 Alumni of record
NCAA Athletics: 6 men’s teams and 6 women’s teams consistently ranked among the nation’s best.
Student-Faculty ratio: 17:1 creates opportunities for individualized learning
Talented faculty including recipients of the Governor’s Award for Excellence in Scientific Research, the Governor’s Professor of the Year, and a Grammy-Award winning Artist-in-Residence
Honors and Distinctions
U.S. News and World Report (2021): #3 Regional Comprehensive Public College in the South. This 2022 distinction marks USC Aiken’s 24th consecutive ranking among the top three in this category. The university has won the first place ranking fifteen times.
College of Distinction (2021): By demonstrating continued dedication to high-impact educational practices that influence both student learning and student success, USC Aiken has been named as one of the nation's Colleges of Distinction.
The selection process at Colleges of Distinction requires that institutions adhere to the four distinctions: engaged students, great teaching, vibrant community, and successful outcomes. This process also includes a review of each institution's freshman experience as well as its general education program, strategic plan, alumni success, satisfaction measures, and more.
Additionally, USC Aiken has been further recognized in the fields of Business, Education, and Nursing for 2021-22. The University received “Field of Study” badges in these areas from Colleges of Distinction. These additional awards are based on qualities such as accreditation, breadth of program, and the track record of success for the individual programs. USC Aiken was also recognized for excellence in career development and military support.
Military Times (2021): USC Aiken once again ranks as one of the top institutions committed to the success of military and veteran students, according to Military Times, a highly ranked source among the armed forces. The rankings are based on the results of Military Times' annual survey - the most comprehensive school-by-school assessment of veteran and military student services and rates of academic achievement - as well as a detailed review of public data collected by federal agencies.
Tree Campus USA (2021): The Arbor Day Foundation has once again designated the University a Tree Campus USA®.
