College Comparison
RPI 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
RPI
Troy, NY
School
University of South Carolina-Columbia
Columbia, SC
Head-to-Head Stats
| Metric | RPI | South Carolina |
|---|---|---|
| Acceptance Rate | 58.5%wins | 61.5% |
| SAT Range (25th–75th) | 1330–1500wins | 1180–1380 |
| ACT Range (25th–75th) | 30–34wins | 26–32 |
| Tuition (Out-of-State) | $61,884 | $34,934wins |
| Avg Net Price | $33,139 | $24,532wins |
| Median Earnings (10 yr) | $102,051wins | $62,177 |
| Graduation Rate | 83.2%wins | 77.8% |
| Retention Rate | 88.7% | 90.7%wins |
| Student–Faculty Ratio | 14:1wins | 18:1 |
| Total Enrollment | 5,909 | 28,113wins |
Verdict
Based on the data above, RPI edges out South Carolina on 6 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.
RPI Strengths
- ✓Acceptance Rate: 58.5%
- ✓SAT Range (25th–75th): 1330–1500
- ✓ACT Range (25th–75th): 30–34
- ✓Median Earnings (10 yr): $102,051
South Carolina Strengths
- ✓Tuition (Out-of-State): $34,934
- ✓Avg Net Price: $24,532
- ✓Retention Rate: 90.7%
- ✓Total Enrollment: 28,113
Want a deeper comparison?
Our interactive compare tool lets you add more schools, filter by major, and see financial aid breakdowns by income level.