University of South Carolina-Columbia vs University of Arkansas: cost, admissions and outcomes compared
Verified federal figures for University of South Carolina-Columbia and University of Arkansas, side by side. Data verified Nov 2026 · CollegesRef 2026–27 edition.
University of South Carolina-Columbia vs University of Arkansas at a glance
University of South Carolina-Columbia admits 60.2% of applicants and University of Arkansas 74.3% (CollegesRef 2026–27 edition). The average net price after grants is $22,197 at University of South Carolina-Columbia and $17,571 at University of Arkansas. Six-year graduation rates are 78.7% and 70.9%, 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 University of Arkansas 74.3%, 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 $17,571 at University of Arkansas; University of Arkansas costs $4,626 less a year.
- For families earning up to $30,000, the net price is $13,832 at University of South Carolina-Columbia and $12,718 at University of Arkansas.
- 78.7% of students graduate within six years at University of South Carolina-Columbia, against 70.9% at University of Arkansas.
- Median earnings ten years after entry are $69,024 for University of South Carolina-Columbia and $63,588 for University of Arkansas; University of South Carolina-Columbia is $5,436 higher.
- Graduates leave with median federal debt of $20,500 at University of South Carolina-Columbia and $20,500 at University of Arkansas.
- University of South Carolina-Columbia enrolls 29,820 students (midsize city) and University of Arkansas 28,677 (small city).
Side by side
University of South Carolina-Columbia and University of Arkansas 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 | University of Arkansas |
|---|---|---|
| Admissions | ||
| Acceptance rate | 60.2% | 74.3% |
| Applicants | 42,045 | 21,462 |
| SAT middle 50% (composite) | 1180–1360 | 1030–1220 |
| ACT middle 50% | 26–32 | 21–28 |
| Cost | ||
| Average net price (after grants) | $22,197 | $17,571 |
| Tuition, in state | $12,688 | $10,496 |
| Tuition, out of state | $37,376 | $31,550 |
| Cost of attendance | $32,193 | $28,924 |
| Net price by family income | ||
| Family income up to $30,000 | $13,832 | $12,718 |
| $30,001–$48,000 | $14,286 | $12,559 |
| $48,001–$75,000 | $17,357 | $14,381 |
| $75,001–$110,000 | $23,410 | $19,256 |
| Over $110,000 | $28,504 | $23,211 |
| Outcomes | ||
| Graduation rate (six years) | 78.7% | 70.9% |
| First-year retention | 92.2% | 86.4% |
| Median earnings, 10 years after entry | $69,024 | $63,588 |
| Median federal debt at graduation | $20,500 | $20,500 |
| Typical monthly loan payment | $233 | $233 |
| Size and setting | ||
| Total students | 29,820 | 28,677 |
| Type | Public | Public |
| Setting | City: Midsize | City: Small |
| Location | Columbia, SC | Fayetteville, AR |
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 University of Arkansas 77; 48 are offered at both. The largest shared programs:
Questions about University of South Carolina-Columbia vs University of Arkansas
Every answer uses the figures in the table above.
Is it harder to get into University of South Carolina-Columbia or University of Arkansas?
University of South Carolina-Columbia is harder to get into by acceptance rate: University of South Carolina-Columbia admits 60.2% of applicants and University of Arkansas admits 74.3%. Middle 50% SAT scores: University of South Carolina-Columbia 1180–1360; University of Arkansas 1030–1220.
Which is cheaper, University of South Carolina-Columbia or University of Arkansas?
University of Arkansas has the lower average net price after grants: $22,197 a year at University of South Carolina-Columbia against $17,571 at University of Arkansas. For families earning up to $30,000 it is $13,832 and $12,718. Your own price depends on family income and aid.
Do University of South Carolina-Columbia or University of Arkansas 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 $63,588 for University of Arkansas. Median federal debt at graduation is $20,500 and $20,500.
Which has a higher graduation rate, University of South Carolina-Columbia or University of Arkansas?
University of South Carolina-Columbia does: 78.7% of University of South Carolina-Columbia students graduate within six years, against 70.9% at University of Arkansas.
How big are University of South Carolina-Columbia and University of Arkansas?
University of South Carolina-Columbia has 29,820 students in Columbia, SC and University of Arkansas has 28,677 students in Fayetteville, AR.