University of South Carolina-Columbia vs University of Iowa

Columbia, SC — Iowa City, IA

Metric
University of South Carolina-Columbia
Columbia, SC
University of Iowa
Iowa City, IA
Location Columbia, SC Iowa City, IA
Type Public Public
Total Enrollment 29,820 22,264
Acceptance Rate 60.2% 83.6%
SAT Average 1,297 1,200
In-State Tuition $12,688 $11,283
Out-of-State Tuition $35,972 $33,371
Avg Net Price $22,811 $22,531
Median Debt at Graduation $21,500 $22,500
4-Year Graduation Rate 78.3% 73.9%
Retention Rate 92.2% 90.4%
Median Earnings (6 yr) $50,621 $52,696
Median Earnings (10 yr) $62,177 $64,762
Loan Repayment Rate 751700.0% 749800.0%

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 Iowa
Iowa City, IA
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Frequently Asked Questions

How do University of South Carolina-Columbia and University of Iowa 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 Iowa (Iowa City, IA) has an acceptance rate of 83.6%, in-state tuition of $11,283, and median 10-year earnings of $64,762.
Which school has higher graduate earnings, University of South Carolina-Columbia or University of Iowa?
University of Iowa graduates earn more at 10 years out, with a median of $64,762 vs $62,177. Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard.
Which school is more affordable, University of South Carolina-Columbia or University of Iowa?
Based on average net price (after grants and scholarships), University of Iowa is the more affordable option at $22,531 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 73.9%.

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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