University of South Carolina-Columbia vs UMass Amherst: cost, admissions and outcomes compared
Verified federal figures for University of South Carolina-Columbia and University of Massachusetts-Amherst, side by side. Data verified Nov 2026 · CollegesRef 2026–27 edition.
University of South Carolina-Columbia vs UMass Amherst at a glance
University of South Carolina-Columbia admits 60.2% of applicants and UMass Amherst 59.7% (CollegesRef 2026–27 edition). The average net price after grants is $22,197 at University of South Carolina-Columbia and $22,857 at UMass Amherst. Six-year graduation rates are 78.7% and 81.2%, 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 UMass Amherst 59.7%, so both are about equally selective.
- The average net price after grants is $22,197 a year at University of South Carolina-Columbia and $22,857 at UMass Amherst; University of South Carolina-Columbia costs $660 less a year.
- For families earning up to $30,000, the net price is $13,832 at University of South Carolina-Columbia and $10,294 at UMass Amherst.
- 78.7% of students graduate within six years at University of South Carolina-Columbia, against 81.2% at UMass Amherst.
- Median earnings ten years after entry are $69,024 for University of South Carolina-Columbia and $80,486 for UMass Amherst; UMass Amherst is $11,462 higher.
- Graduates leave with median federal debt of $20,500 at University of South Carolina-Columbia and $21,500 at UMass Amherst.
- University of South Carolina-Columbia enrolls 29,820 students (midsize city) and UMass Amherst 23,671 (large suburb).
Side by side
University of South Carolina-Columbia and UMass Amherst 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 | UMass Amherst |
|---|---|---|
| Admissions | ||
| Acceptance rate | 60.2% | 59.7% |
| Applicants | 42,045 | 42,540 |
| SAT middle 50% (composite) | 1180–1360 | 1310–1500 |
| ACT middle 50% | 26–32 | 30–33 |
| Cost | ||
| Average net price (after grants) | $22,197 | $22,857 |
| Tuition, in state | $12,688 | $18,487 |
| Tuition, out of state | $37,376 | $41,759 |
| Cost of attendance | $32,193 | $36,842 |
| Net price by family income | ||
| Family income up to $30,000 | $13,832 | $10,294 |
| $30,001–$48,000 | $14,286 | $10,343 |
| $48,001–$75,000 | $17,357 | $12,020 |
| $75,001–$110,000 | $23,410 | $17,769 |
| Over $110,000 | $28,504 | $33,795 |
| Outcomes | ||
| Graduation rate (six years) | 78.7% | 81.2% |
| First-year retention | 92.2% | 91.9% |
| Median earnings, 10 years after entry | $69,024 | $80,486 |
| Median federal debt at graduation | $20,500 | $21,500 |
| Typical monthly loan payment | $233 | $244 |
| Size and setting | ||
| Total students | 29,820 | 23,671 |
| Type | Public | Public |
| Setting | City: Midsize | Suburb: Large |
| Location | Columbia, SC | Amherst, MA |
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 UMass Amherst 73; 47 are offered at both. The largest shared programs:
Questions about University of South Carolina-Columbia vs UMass Amherst
Every answer uses the figures in the table above.
Is it harder to get into University of South Carolina-Columbia or UMass Amherst?
UMass Amherst is harder to get into by acceptance rate: University of South Carolina-Columbia admits 60.2% of applicants and UMass Amherst admits 59.7%. Middle 50% SAT scores: University of South Carolina-Columbia 1180–1360; UMass Amherst 1310–1500.
Which is cheaper, University of South Carolina-Columbia or UMass Amherst?
University of South Carolina-Columbia has the lower average net price after grants: $22,197 a year at University of South Carolina-Columbia against $22,857 at UMass Amherst. For families earning up to $30,000 it is $13,832 and $10,294. Your own price depends on family income and aid.
Do University of South Carolina-Columbia or UMass Amherst graduates earn more?
UMass Amherst graduates earn more at the median: $69,024 ten years after entry for University of South Carolina-Columbia and $80,486 for UMass Amherst. Median federal debt at graduation is $20,500 and $21,500.
Which has a higher graduation rate, University of South Carolina-Columbia or UMass Amherst?
UMass Amherst does: 78.7% of University of South Carolina-Columbia students graduate within six years, against 81.2% at UMass Amherst.
How big are University of South Carolina-Columbia and UMass Amherst?
University of South Carolina-Columbia has 29,820 students in Columbia, SC and UMass Amherst has 23,671 students in Amherst, MA.