Admissions

1. Accounts & passwords setup

To get started, you’ll need to have the following information:

• Legal Last Name
• Birthdate
• VIP ID (This is included in your acceptance information)

USC System account setup

1. Go to Self Service Aiken. You will need to click "Manage Your Account" before you can log in. This will take you to the USC MyAccount portal, where you can claim your account, retrieve your university ID, reset your password, and set up multi-factor authentication.
2. Once on the USC MyAccount portal, select "Account Claiming" to set up your new student USC account. You will need your VIP ID for this.
3. Once set up, you will have access to Self Service Aiken to apply for SC residency, accept financial aid offers, register for classes, and more.

USCA Account & email setup

Next, you will need to set up your USCA campus account including your email address and access to Microsoft 365 services. For this, you'll need to have your "Enterprise ID" which you can obtain from the USC MyAccount portal, just select "Forgot IDs".

You'll also need to complete this initial setup on a desktop computer and not on a mobile device.

1. Go to https://reset.usca.edu to create a new password.
   • Note: Your initial password is the last 5 digits of your VIP ID number followed by the characters USCA#, i.e. 12345USCA#
2. Wait approximately five minutes for the password change to register.
3. Log in to Microsoft 365 for the first time. This includes web access to your @usca.edu email.
   • Use your email address and newly-changed password to login. Your email address should be your Enterprise ID @usca.edu. Ex: [email protected] where "john.doe" is the Enterprise ID.
   • This Enterprise ID and your new password will also be your login to any computer, network drive, printer, or Wi-Fi network on the USCA campus. You will also use it to login to any campus services that require your Microsoft 365 login.

If you experience any issues in setting up these accounts, reach out to the USCA Technology Services Help Desk at (803) 641-3391 or send an email to [email protected]. You can also get in-person assistance at the Student Help Desk, located on the lower level of the Gregg-Graniteville Library, open anytime Monday-Friday all year.

2. Submit deposit & confirm enrollment

After setting up your accounts, log in to your Pacer Portal to submit your deposit and secure your place in the class.

3. Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)

If you plan to fund your education using Financial Aid, submitting your FAFSA early can be crucial to be considered. The new FAFSA is available every year beginning January 1. The USCA Financial Aid school code is 003449. Students entering USCA for the Fall semester will receive their financial aid offer (assuming FAFSA has been submitted and approved) online via Self-Service Aiken beginning in early April.

Get more information from the Office of Financial Aid

4. Orientation signup

Head over to the Orientation section to learn more about orientation and find out how to register.

5. Housing application

Visit the Housing section to learn more about your options before applying. Once you're ready to apply, you can apply online here.

6. Citizenship verification & claim residency

Visit the Citizenship & Residency Requirements section for information regarding proving U.S. citizenship and claiming South Carolina in-state residency, if applicable.

7. Immunization form

Visit the Immunization Requirements section for information regarding immunization.

8. Test scores

Submit your test scores if you have not already done so. Your mathematics placement is based on submitted ACT or SAT scores. If you have AP, IB, or other placement test scores, make sure to get them sent over to us.

9. Transcripts

Submit your transcripts if you have not already done so. Have your official final high school or college transcript sent to the USCA Office of Admissions once you graduate or complete your final semester.

10. Register for Classes

Go to Self Service Aiken to register for classes, pay fees, and find required course materials. Visit the USCA Bookstore to purchase textbooks for the semester.