College Comparison
Wake Forest 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
Wake Forest University
Winston-Salem, NC
School
University of South Carolina-Columbia
Columbia, SC
Head-to-Head Stats
| Metric | Wake Forest | South Carolina |
|---|---|---|
| Acceptance Rate | 21.6%wins | 61.5% |
| SAT Range (25th–75th) | 1390–1510wins | 1180–1380 |
| ACT Range (25th–75th) | 32–34wins | 26–32 |
| Tuition (Out-of-State) | $64,758 | $34,934wins |
| Avg Net Price | $28,746 | $24,532wins |
| Median Earnings (10 yr) | $78,158wins | $62,177 |
| Graduation Rate | 90.9%wins | 77.8% |
| Retention Rate | 94.7%wins | 90.7% |
| Student–Faculty Ratio | 9:1wins | 18:1 |
| Total Enrollment | 5,471 | 28,113wins |
Verdict
Based on the data above, Wake Forest 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.
Wake Forest Strengths
- ✓Acceptance Rate: 21.6%
- ✓SAT Range (25th–75th): 1390–1510
- ✓ACT Range (25th–75th): 32–34
- ✓Median Earnings (10 yr): $78,158
South Carolina Strengths
- ✓Tuition (Out-of-State): $34,934
- ✓Avg Net Price: $24,532
- ✓Total Enrollment: 28,113
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