College Comparison
University of South Carolina-Columbia vs Auburn University: Which is Better?
Side-by-side comparison of acceptance rates, SAT scores, tuition, earnings, and more, updated with the latest College Scorecard data.
School
University of South Carolina-Columbia
Columbia, SC
School
Auburn University
Auburn, AL
Head-to-Head Stats
| Metric | South Carolina | Auburn |
|---|---|---|
| Acceptance Rate | 61.5% | 50.5%wins |
| SAT Range (25th–75th) | 1180–1380 | 1240–1380wins |
| ACT Range (25th–75th) | 26–32wins | 25–31 |
| Tuition (Out-of-State) | $34,934 | $33,944wins |
| Avg Net Price | $24,532 | $23,897wins |
| Median Earnings (10 yr) | $62,177 | $65,337wins |
| Graduation Rate | 77.8% | 79.2%wins |
| Retention Rate | 90.7% | 93.2%wins |
| Student–Faculty Ratio | 18:1wins | 21:1 |
| Total Enrollment | 28,113wins | 25,732 |
Verdict
Based on the data above, Auburn edges out South Carolina on 7 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.
South Carolina Strengths
- ✓ACT Range (25th–75th): 26–32
- ✓Student–Faculty Ratio: 18:1
- ✓Total Enrollment: 28,113
Auburn Strengths
- ✓Acceptance Rate: 50.5%
- ✓SAT Range (25th–75th): 1240–1380
- ✓Tuition (Out-of-State): $33,944
- ✓Avg Net Price: $23,897
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