University of South Carolina-Columbia vs California State University-Sacramento

Columbia, SC — Sacramento, CA

Metric
University of South Carolina-Columbia
Columbia, SC
California State University-Sacramento
Sacramento, CA
Location Columbia, SC Sacramento, CA
Type Public Public
Total Enrollment 29,820 28,350
Acceptance Rate 60.2% 94.0%
SAT Average 1,297
In-State Tuition $12,688 $8,018
Out-of-State Tuition $35,972 $20,618
Avg Net Price $22,811 $9,338
Median Debt at Graduation $21,500 $15,000
4-Year Graduation Rate 78.3% 56.1%
Retention Rate 92.2% 81.9%
Median Earnings (6 yr) $50,621 $51,074
Median Earnings (10 yr) $62,177 $64,876
Loan Repayment Rate 751700.0% 911700.0%

Values highlighted in green indicate the better metric. Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard.

Full Profile
University of South Carolina-Columbia
Columbia, SC
View full college profile →
Full Profile
California State University-Sacramento
Sacramento, CA
View full college profile →

Frequently Asked Questions

How do University of South Carolina-Columbia and California State University-Sacramento compare?
University of South Carolina-Columbia (Columbia, SC) has an acceptance rate of 60.2%, in-state tuition of $12,688, and median 10-year earnings of $62,177. California State University-Sacramento (Sacramento, CA) has an acceptance rate of 94.0%, in-state tuition of $8,018, and median 10-year earnings of $64,876.
Which school has higher graduate earnings, University of South Carolina-Columbia or California State University-Sacramento?
California State University-Sacramento graduates earn more at 10 years out, with a median of $64,876 vs $62,177. Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard.
Which school is more affordable, University of South Carolina-Columbia or California State University-Sacramento?
Based on average net price (after grants and scholarships), California State University-Sacramento is the more affordable option at $9,338 per year versus $22,811.
Which school has a better 4-year graduation rate?
University of South Carolina-Columbia has the higher 4-year graduation rate: 78.3% vs 56.1%.

More Comparisons

All data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. PlainCollege is not affiliated with any government agency.

Related

Source: U.S. Department of Education — College Scorecard College Scorecard institution outcomes (earnings, completion, debt) · 2025