Student Enrollment

Current student body demographics and enrollment patterns at University of South Carolina-Columbia

Columbia, SC

Total Enrollment

36,579

Currently enrolled students

Program Options

343

343 programs

Full-Time Students

27,430

1,040 part-time

Total FTE

32,854

Full-time equivalent students

Student-Faculty Ratio

18:1

Students per faculty member

What Is the Student Body Size?

Training Program Focus

441

Certificate Graduates

Short-term specialized training

10467

Total Recent Graduates

With 36,579 students, University of South Carolina-Columbia is a large institution offering diverse educational programs and extensive facilities. The school offers 343 specialized programs designed for immediate workforce entry.

How Do Students Attend?

Attendance Status Distribution

Full-Time Students 27,430 (96.3%)

96.3%

Part-Time Students 1,040 (3.7%)

Total Students 28,470

Predominantly full-time students (96.3%), typical of traditional academic programs.

Full-Time

Part-Time

A majority of students (75.0%) attend full-time, with a significant part-time population balancing work and studies.

Who Are the Students?

Student Demographics

Gender Distribution

Women

59.0%

21,586 students

Men

41.0%

14,993 students

Race/Ethnicity Distribution

Primary Ethnic Group

White

69.7%

25,491 students

White

69.7% (25,491)

Black/African American

10.1% (3,689)

Hispanic/Latino

5.6% (2,057)

International Students

4.5% (1,661)

Asian

4.2% (1,526)

Two or More Races

4.0% (1,451)

American Indian/Alaska Native

0.1% (45)

Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander

0.1% (25)

Demographics Summary

Gender: Balanced gender distribution across 36,579 students

Largest Ethnic Group: White students make up 70% of the student body (25,491 students)

The student body reflects diverse backgrounds and demographics.

Interested in Academic Quality & Learning Environment?

Explore retention rates, student-faculty ratios, distance education options, and academic intensity on our dedicated Academics page.

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How Are Students Distributed by Level?

Undergraduate students

28,470 students

42% Men, 58% Women

27,430 Full-time 1,040 Part-time

Diversity Index: 45% • Minority Students: 20%

Graduate students

8,109 students

37% Men, 63% Women

5,126 Full-time 2,983 Part-time

Diversity Index: 62% • Minority Students: 21%

What Are the Attendance Patterns?

Full-Time Students

All Full-Time

32,556

All full-time students

13,556 men, 19,000 women

Diversity: 48%

FT Undergraduate

27,430

Full-time undergraduate

11,462 men, 15,968 women

Diversity: 45%

FT Degree-Seeking

27,245

Full-time degree/certificate-seeking

11,358 men, 15,887 women

Diversity: 44%

FT First-Time

7,311

Full-time first-time students

2,765 men, 4,546 women

Diversity: 42%

FT Continuing

19,934

Full-time continuing students

8,593 men, 11,341 women

Diversity: 45%

FT Transfer

1,321

Full-time transfer students

631 men, 690 women

Diversity: 54%

FT Continuing

18,613

Full-time other continuing

7,962 men, 10,651 women

Diversity: 44%

FT Non-Degree

185

Full-time non-degree seeking

104 men, 81 women

Diversity: 26%

FT Graduate

5,126

Full-time graduate students

2,094 men, 3,032 women

Diversity: 64%

Part-Time Students

All Part-Time

4,023

All part-time students

1,437 men, 2,586 women

Diversity: 58%

PT Undergraduate

1,040

Part-time undergraduate

559 men, 481 women

Diversity: 56%

PT Degree-Seeking

868

Part-time degree/certificate-seeking

479 men, 389 women

Diversity: 56%

PT First-Time

Part-time first-time students

5 men, 3 women

Diversity: 22%

PT Continuing

860

Part-time continuing students

474 men, 386 women

Diversity: 56%

PT Transfer

Part-time transfer students

28 men, 44 women

Diversity: 52%

PT Continuing

788

Part-time other continuing

446 men, 342 women

Diversity: 56%

PT Non-Degree

172

Part-time non-degree seeking

80 men, 92 women

Diversity: 59%

PT Graduate

2,983

Part-time graduate students

878 men, 2,105 women

Diversity: 58%

Understanding Student Categories

First-Time: Students starting their first postsecondary program

Continuing: Students who previously enrolled and are returning

Transfer: Students who transferred from other institutions

Degree-Seeking: Students enrolled in certificate or degree programs

Non-Degree: Students taking courses without pursuing a formal credential

What Is the Diversity Picture?

Undergraduate students

20,746

White

2,644

Black/African American

1,681

Hispanic/Latino

1,260

Asian

590

International

Diversity Index: 45% Minority Students: 20%

Graduate students

4,745

White

1,045

Black/African American

376

Hispanic/Latino

266

Asian

1,071

International

Diversity Index: 62% Minority Students: 21%

Want to See Student Success & Outcomes?

Explore completion rates, transfer patterns, and detailed 8-year student outcome tracking on our dedicated Student Outcomes page.

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Student Life & Campus Experience

Diverse Student Community

Students from various backgrounds come together to learn career-focused skills in a supportive environment.

Flexible Scheduling

Many students balance work and family commitments with their studies through part-time and evening programs.

Career-Focused Learning

Students are goal-oriented, seeking practical skills and credentials that lead directly to employment opportunities.

Explore More About University of South Carolina-Columbia

College Overview

General information

Programs & Degrees

Available study options

Admissions

Requirements & process

AI-generated illustration of diverse students on a college campus with enrollment statistics, charts showing student demographics, attendance patterns, and campus life activities

Key Takeaways About University of South Carolina-Columbia's Student Body

• Training Environment: Large institution with 36,579 students offering extensive programs and state-of-the-art facilities.

• Study Patterns: Primarily full-time students (75.0%) in a traditional academic setting.

• Academic Intensity: 32,854 FTE students indicates mix of full-time and part-time study patterns.

• Learning Format: Hybrid learning approach with 67% taking some online courses.

• Academic Environment: Good student-faculty ratio (18:1) allows for meaningful instructor interaction.

• Student Diversity: Moderately diverse student community fostering inclusive learning environment.

• Learning Environment: Students benefit from career-focused education with hands-on training, experienced instructors, and support services designed to help them achieve their professional goals.

• Community: The student body includes diverse learners from various backgrounds, creating a rich learning environment where students can network and learn from each other's experiences.

Get Information

Visit Website Admissions Office College Overview

Contact Information

Phone

8037777000

Address

Columbia-Campus

Columbia, SC 29208

Student Success

The student body at colleges often includes:

• Working adults seeking career changes
• Recent high school graduates
• Military veterans using education benefits
• Students upgrading skills in their field
• Individuals seeking fast-track credentials