University of South Carolina Upstate SAT Scores, ACT Scores, Acceptance Rate, and Admissions Requirements
The admit rate is welcoming, but USC Upstate’s 43% graduation rate makes readiness and fit especially important. If you choose to submit scores, the SAT is the more common test here, and aiming near the top of the 940 to 1150 range can help reinforce your academic preparation.
⬡ LangSmith8dd48388-5703-4b5f-bdb0-7794309cee64Data on this page is sourced from our college data partners and was last updated on July 9, 2026.
University of South Carolina Upstate facts and stats
University of South Carolina Upstate enrolls 4,478 undergraduates in an urban campus setting. USC Upstate has a 70% freshman retention rate and a 43% six-year graduation rate. The student-to-faculty ratio is 15:1.
⬡ LangSmithd4ec55ce-032b-457f-b513-942a044f38fbSpartanburg, SC
How do your scores compare at USC Upstate?
Key University of South Carolina Upstate application dates
Key dates
Regular Decision
—
Early Action
Not offered
Early Decision
Not offered
Priority Deadline
—
Financial Aid Priority
March 1
Test dates
August 22, 2026
Registration deadline: August 7, 2026
September 12, 2026
Registration deadline: August 28, 2026
October 3, 2026
Registration deadline: September 18, 2026
September 19, 2026
Registration deadline: August 14, 2026
October 17, 2026
Registration deadline: September 11, 2026
December 12, 2026
Registration deadline: November 6, 2026
If you choose to submit scores to test-optional USC Upstate, take your first SAT or ACT by spring of junior year and save the summer before senior year and fall for retakes that could improve a superscore. Since USC Upstate does not offer Early Decision or Early Action, use the regular admission deadline as your anchor and make sure any fall retake scores will arrive in time.
⬡ LangSmith3384179c-8430-44a9-864e-5f2b7f3558bdWant to improve your scores and unlock scholarships at University of South Carolina Upstate?
Higher test scores can mean bigger merit awards. Acely helps you get there faster.
What you'll actually pay
USC Upstate is a public Big South Conference school with in-state tuition of $11,208 and out-of-state tuition of $22,710. About 68% of students receive aid, and the average merit award is $3,788. Submit the FAFSA by the March 1 priority deadline.
⬡ LangSmith5a8139bc-873e-4317-81cd-38bdb178edc6
At USC Upstate, tuition is $22,710 for students from outside South Carolina and $11,208 for in-state students. About 68% of students receive financial aid, with an average aid package of $13,515. Merit awards average $3,788 for students who receive them. Graduates leave with an average debt of $31,964.
⬡ LangSmith8f9a2f9a-6fd9-40a1-8c32-d13244f227ccStudent life at University of South Carolina Upstate
22% of undergrads live on campus
Freshman housing: Guaranteed
Fraternities and sororities are active on campus.
Similar schools
Lander University
Greenwood, SCAcceptance rate: 81.3%
SAT: 950–1190
ACT: 16–23
Francis Marion University
Florence, SCAcceptance rate: 86.4%
SAT: 870–1100
ACT: 16–24
The Citadel, The Military College of South Carolina
Charleston, SCAcceptance rate: 92.8%
SAT: 1100–1270
ACT: 22–27
Henderson State University
Arkadelphia, ARAcceptance rate: 81.9%
SAT: 903–1073
ACT: 18–24
Unlock your future with Acely
Adaptive SAT and ACT practice that meets you where you are and gets you to your target score.