University of South Carolina-Columbia vs University of California-Irvine

Columbia, SC — Irvine, CA

Metric
University of South Carolina-Columbia
Columbia, SC
University of California-Irvine
Irvine, CA
Location Columbia, SC Irvine, CA
Type Public Public
Total Enrollment 29,820 30,197
Acceptance Rate 60.2% 28.6%
SAT Average 1,297
In-State Tuition $12,688 $15,722
Out-of-State Tuition $35,972 $49,922
Avg Net Price $22,811 $14,251
Median Debt at Graduation $21,500 $15,000
4-Year Graduation Rate 78.3% 86.4%
Retention Rate 92.2% 94.0%
Median Earnings (6 yr) $50,621 $56,210
Median Earnings (10 yr) $62,177 $80,735
Loan Repayment Rate 751700.0% 635700.0%

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

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University of South Carolina-Columbia
Columbia, SC
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University of California-Irvine
Irvine, CA
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Frequently Asked Questions

How do University of South Carolina-Columbia and University of California-Irvine 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. University of California-Irvine (Irvine, CA) has an acceptance rate of 28.6%, in-state tuition of $15,722, and median 10-year earnings of $80,735.
Which school has higher graduate earnings, University of South Carolina-Columbia or University of California-Irvine?
University of California-Irvine graduates earn more at 10 years out, with a median of $80,735 vs $62,177. Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard.
Which school is more affordable, University of South Carolina-Columbia or University of California-Irvine?
Based on average net price (after grants and scholarships), University of California-Irvine is the more affordable option at $14,251 per year versus $22,811.
Which school has a better 4-year graduation rate?
University of California-Irvine has the higher 4-year graduation rate: 86.4% vs 78.3%.

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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