College Comparison
Rutgers 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
Rutgers University
New Brunswick, NJ
School
University of South Carolina-Columbia
Columbia, SC
Head-to-Head Stats
| Metric | Rutgers | South Carolina |
|---|---|---|
| Acceptance Rate | 65.3% | 61.5%wins |
| SAT Range (25th–75th) | 1270–1480wins | 1180–1380 |
| ACT Range (25th–75th) | 28–33wins | 26–32 |
| Tuition (Out-of-State) | $36,001 | $34,934wins |
| Avg Net Price | $23,519wins | $24,532 |
| Median Earnings (10 yr) | $74,479wins | $62,177 |
| Graduation Rate | 85.0%wins | 77.8% |
| Retention Rate | 92.6%wins | 90.7% |
| Student–Faculty Ratio | 15:1wins | 18:1 |
| Total Enrollment | 36,357wins | 28,113 |
Verdict
Based on the data above, Rutgers edges out South Carolina on 8 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.
Rutgers Strengths
- ✓SAT Range (25th–75th): 1270–1480
- ✓ACT Range (25th–75th): 28–33
- ✓Avg Net Price: $23,519
- ✓Median Earnings (10 yr): $74,479
South Carolina Strengths
- ✓Acceptance Rate: 61.5%
- ✓Tuition (Out-of-State): $34,934
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