The University of South Carolina welcomed new and returning students back to the Columbia campus, kicking off a new semester on Aug. 19 with more new students from South Carolina than ever before.
Of the record 7,829 new freshmen enrolled at USC Columbia for the fall 2025 semester, more than 4,000 (51 percent) are South Carolina residents, with new students from each of the state’s 46 counties represented. And this year, nearly twice as many students from South Carolina were offered enrollment to the Columbia campus compared to a decade ago.
Overall student enrollment at USC Columbia also has reached a historic high, exceeding 40,000 students, according to preliminary figures. The enrollment increase has been aided by USC’s growing national reputation for offering a world-class student experience, as well as the university’s efforts to retain more students through academic support.
“More and more students are recognizing the unmatched experiences and opportunities that Carolina offers, and they are making the choice to become part of our Gamecock community,” said USC President Michael Amiridis.
USC has introduced several initiatives to make college more affordable for Palmetto State residents and to support them on their degree-seeking journey. These include the Gamecock Guarantee, the state’s first financial and academic support program for outstanding low-income, first-generation college students. The USC Commitment provides free tuition and covers academic fees for S.C. students who are in the top 10 percent of their high school class and who come from lower-income families.
USC also joined the STARS College Network, an effort designed to recruit, enroll, support and graduate more students from small towns and rural areas of South Carolina, reaching into every corner of our state.
“We are thrilled with our continued and unprecedented growth in student enrollment,” said Scott Verzyl, vice president for enrollment management. “The top-tier education that the University of South Carolina offers has once again attracted the largest freshman class in the university’s history. Our dedication to providing an exceptional education, vibrant student life, and a supportive community is driving student success and is evident in our high retention rates.”