University of South Carolina-Columbia vs LSU: cost, admissions and outcomes compared
Verified federal figures for University of South Carolina-Columbia and Louisiana State University and Agricultural & Mechanical College, side by side. Data verified Nov 2026 · CollegesRef 2026–27 edition.
University of South Carolina-Columbia vs LSU at a glance
University of South Carolina-Columbia admits 60.2% of applicants and LSU 73.3% (CollegesRef 2026–27 edition). The average net price after grants is $22,197 at University of South Carolina-Columbia and $19,286 at LSU. Six-year graduation rates are 78.7% and 68%, respectively.
Source: U.S. Department of Education IPEDS and College Scorecard, reporting years 2025
What the data shows
Key differences
- University of South Carolina-Columbia admits 60.2% of applicants and LSU 73.3%, so University of South Carolina-Columbia is the more selective.
- The average net price after grants is $22,197 a year at University of South Carolina-Columbia and $19,286 at LSU; LSU costs $2,911 less a year.
- For families earning up to $30,000, the net price is $13,832 at University of South Carolina-Columbia and $14,670 at LSU.
- 78.7% of students graduate within six years at University of South Carolina-Columbia, against 68% at LSU.
- Median earnings ten years after entry are $69,024 for University of South Carolina-Columbia and $64,338 for LSU; University of South Carolina-Columbia is $4,686 higher.
- Graduates leave with median federal debt of $20,500 at University of South Carolina-Columbia and $19,500 at LSU.
- University of South Carolina-Columbia enrolls 29,820 students (midsize city) and LSU 30,594 (midsize city).
Side by side
University of South Carolina-Columbia and LSU in numbers
The stronger figure in each cost and outcome row is in bold. Net price is what students who receive aid pay after grants; your own price depends on family income.
| Measure | University of South Carolina-Columbia | LSU |
|---|---|---|
| Admissions | ||
| Acceptance rate | 60.2% | 73.3% |
| Applicants | 42,045 | 36,561 |
| SAT middle 50% (composite) | 1180–1360 | 1180–1340 |
| ACT middle 50% | 26–32 | 24–30 |
| Cost | ||
| Average net price (after grants) | $22,197 | $19,286 |
| Tuition, in state | $12,688 | $12,551 |
| Tuition, out of state | $37,376 | $29,228 |
| Cost of attendance | $32,193 | $35,774 |
| Net price by family income | ||
| Family income up to $30,000 | $13,832 | $14,670 |
| $30,001–$48,000 | $14,286 | $15,598 |
| $48,001–$75,000 | $17,357 | $18,807 |
| $75,001–$110,000 | $23,410 | $23,421 |
| Over $110,000 | $28,504 | $27,239 |
| Outcomes | ||
| Graduation rate (six years) | 78.7% | 68% |
| First-year retention | 92.2% | 84.7% |
| Median earnings, 10 years after entry | $69,024 | $64,338 |
| Median federal debt at graduation | $20,500 | $19,500 |
| Typical monthly loan payment | $233 | $222 |
| Size and setting | ||
| Total students | 29,820 | 30,594 |
| Type | Public | Public |
| Setting | City: Midsize | City: Midsize |
| Location | Columbia, SC | Baton Rouge, LA |
Source: U.S. Department of Education IPEDS and College Scorecard, reporting years 2025. Data verified Nov 2026 · CollegesRef 2026–27 edition.
Bachelor's programs both offer
University of South Carolina-Columbia reports 72 bachelor's programs and LSU 68; 43 are offered at both. The largest shared programs:
- Biology, General
- Finance and Financial Management Services
- Marketing
- Business Administration, Management and Operations
- Sports, Kinesiology, and Physical Education/Fitness
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas
- Political Science and Government
- Communication and Media Studies
Questions about University of South Carolina-Columbia vs LSU
Every answer uses the figures in the table above.
Is it harder to get into University of South Carolina-Columbia or LSU?
University of South Carolina-Columbia is harder to get into by acceptance rate: University of South Carolina-Columbia admits 60.2% of applicants and LSU admits 73.3%. Middle 50% SAT scores: University of South Carolina-Columbia 1180–1360; LSU 1180–1340.
Which is cheaper, University of South Carolina-Columbia or LSU?
LSU has the lower average net price after grants: $22,197 a year at University of South Carolina-Columbia against $19,286 at LSU. For families earning up to $30,000 it is $13,832 and $14,670. Your own price depends on family income and aid.
Do University of South Carolina-Columbia or LSU graduates earn more?
University of South Carolina-Columbia graduates earn more at the median: $69,024 ten years after entry for University of South Carolina-Columbia and $64,338 for LSU. Median federal debt at graduation is $20,500 and $19,500.
Which has a higher graduation rate, University of South Carolina-Columbia or LSU?
University of South Carolina-Columbia does: 78.7% of University of South Carolina-Columbia students graduate within six years, against 68% at LSU.
How big are University of South Carolina-Columbia and LSU?
University of South Carolina-Columbia has 29,820 students in Columbia, SC and LSU has 30,594 students in Baton Rouge, LA.