The University of South Carolina’s Columbia campus is welcoming thousands of new college students from across South Carolina, the nation and the world. With an increase of overall enrollment, now approaching 42,000, USC is serving more students today than at other time in its 225-year history.
USC’s new freshman class includes approximately 7,800 new first-year students, with more than 4,100 hailing from the Palmetto State.
The freshman class includes:
- First-time students from each of South Carolina’s 46 counties
- 1,110 South Carolina students in the top 10 percent of their graduating class
- Students from 45 states and 41 countries
- Students representing more than 2,100 different high schools
- Approximately 100 high school valedictorians
“Record-setting numbers indicate that students and their families recognize the value of a USC degree,” President Michael Amiridis said. “We are providing what our students need and want – accessible, affordable and high-quality education, focused degree-to-career pathways, and the best student experience in the country.”
More than 69,000 prospective students applied for admission to USC Columbia this year, an increase of 64 percent compared with five years ago.
Preliminary total undergraduate enrollment in Columbia this fall reached more than 33,000, with an overall student population of approximately 41,650. This represents an increase of 3.3 percent and 2.5 percent, respectively, over fall 2025.
Preliminary enrollment figures at USC’s two-year and four-year institutions also show increases over last year. More than 6,700 are enrolled at USC Lancaster, Salkehatchie, Sumter and Union; and approximately 12,000 are enrolled at USC Aiken, Beaufort and Upstate. Including Columbia, overall system enrollment tops a record 60,300 students served this year.
“Drawing students from all 46 counties in South Carolina is a powerful reflection of USC’s role as the state’s flagship university and our commitment to serving students and families in every corner of the Palmetto State,” said Scott Veryzl, vice president for enrollment management and dean of undergraduate admissions.
“At the same time, more and more students from across the country and around the world are choosing USC because they recognize the exceptional academic opportunities, student experience, and sense of belonging we offer. We are proud to be both South Carolina’s university and an increasingly sought-after destination for students outside of the state who want to be part of the Gamecock family.”