The University of South Carolina is home to more than 200 years of history and tradition, rising from a single building in 1805 on what would become the heart of the campus, the Horseshoe. The 11 buildings that now make up the Horseshoe frame a lush lawn that is an irresistible gathering place.
The University is expanding west toward the Congaree River in support of its research initiatives in nanotechnology, health sciences, Future Fuels™, the environment, and information and knowledge technologies. Three separate sites, each specializing in its own research area, will comprise this new innovation district, called Innovista. It will initially cover 500,000 square feet spread over about six city blocks but is projected to grow to five million square feet, mixing University and private research buildings, parking garages, and commercial and residential units around a public plaza called Foundation Square. By creating space for residences, retail, restaurants, and recreation that will complement the research, Innovista will be a place to live, learn, and work.
Joining the flagship campus in Columbia, are four-year campuses in Aiken, Beaufort, and Upstate (Spartanburg-Greenville). Four two-year campuses-Lancaster, Sumter, Salkehatchie (Allendale and Walterboro), and Union-help the University cover the state.
In addition, the University of South Carolina's:
- Columbia campus has more than 350 degree programs through its 14 degree-granting colleges and schools.
- Students have been awarded more than $11.4 million for national scholarships and fellowships since 1994.
- Faculty generated $206 million in funding for research, outreach, and training programs in fiscal year 2008.
Snapshot: University hallmarks
Download a one-page PDF (104 KB) for a quick picture of the University of South Carolina, including top rankings and achievements, notable alumni, fast facts, and information about other University campuses.
Get the latest information about University rankings, outstanding students, faculty achievements, research and public service, facilities, and alumni.
Milestones:
2008 President's Report /
2007 Foundations' Report
A look at teaching, research, outreach, environmental responsibility, capital projects, and system campuses during President Andrew Sorensen's six-year tenure at the University.
The University has promoted its initiatives and progress nationally in a series of print and Web ads with the Chronicle of Higher Education and InsideHigherEd.com. Learn more about our great momentum, minds, recruits, discovery, and energy.
University statistical summary
The Office of Institutional Assessment and Compliance offers a variety of data, including a University fact book; statistics on enrollment, courses, and degrees awarded; results of surveys of the Columbia campus by national, regional, and state organizations; results of student and alumni surveys; and measures of University accountability, assessment, and effectiveness.
In 2001, the University celebrated the bicentennial of its charter, but 2005 also marks a watershed anniversary: 200 years since the first classes began at South Carolina College, as it was then known. Carolina has endured the Civil War and Reconstruction, closings, and name changes. Permanently chartered in 1906 as the University of South Carolina, it grew throughout the 20th century and today is building its reputation as a cutting-edge research institution.
The University of South Carolina's eight campuses and its alumni contribute $4 billion to South Carolina's economy, a study by the Research Division of the Moore School of Business for fiscal year 2003-2004 finds.
The University of South Carolina serves the state from its flagship Columbia campus, three senior campuses, and four regional campuses. The University is committed to serving the citizens of South Carolina through its academic excellence and outreach. It has forged a variety of cooperative relationships with other academic institutions and health systems throughout the state, and a number of international connections for academic exchange and collaborative research.
The University's mission is threefold: the education of the state's diverse citizens through teaching, research and creative activity, and service.
Accreditation of academic programs
A list of accreditations for the University's degree-granting colleges and schools.
