College Comparison
Florida State University vs University of South Carolina-Columbia: Which is Better?
Side-by-side comparison of acceptance rates, SAT scores, tuition, earnings, and more, updated with the latest College Scorecard data.
School
Florida State University
Tallahassee, FL
School
University of South Carolina-Columbia
Columbia, SC
Head-to-Head Stats
| Metric | Florida State | South Carolina |
|---|---|---|
| Acceptance Rate | 25.4%wins | 61.5% |
| SAT Range (25th–75th) | 1240–1390wins | 1180–1380 |
| ACT Range (25th–75th) | 27–31wins | 26–32 |
| Tuition (Out-of-State) | $18,786wins | $34,934 |
| Avg Net Price | $10,997wins | $24,532 |
| Median Earnings (10 yr) | $61,675 | $62,177wins |
| Graduation Rate | 83.0%wins | 77.8% |
| Retention Rate | 95.6%wins | 90.7% |
| Student–Faculty Ratio | 17:1wins | 18:1 |
| Total Enrollment | 31,812wins | 28,113 |
Verdict
Based on the data above, Florida State edges out South Carolina on 9 of 10 measurable categories, including key factors like acceptance rate, earnings, and graduation rate. That said, the right choice depends heavily on your major, financial situation, and campus culture fit.
Florida State Strengths
- ✓Acceptance Rate: 25.4%
- ✓SAT Range (25th–75th): 1240–1390
- ✓ACT Range (25th–75th): 27–31
- ✓Tuition (Out-of-State): $18,786
South Carolina Strengths
- ✓Median Earnings (10 yr): $62,177
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