- The University of South Carolina Lancaster is a public college in Lancaster, South Carolina. It is one of the four regional campuses which make up Palmetto College in the University of South Carolina System.
School Highlights
University of South Carolina-Lancaster serves 2,687 students (38% of students are full-time).
The college's student-teacher ratio of 43:1 is higher than the state community college average of 29:1.
Minority enrollment is 33% of the student body (majority Black), which is less than the state average of 48%.
Quick Facts (2026)
- Enrollment: 2,687 students
- In-state tuition: $6,686
- Out-state tuition: $16,130
- Acceptance Rate: 83%
- Student-teacher ratio: 43:1
- Minority enrollment: 33%
- Source: Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS)
School Overview
The teacher population of 62 teachers has declined by 50% over five years.
University of South Carolina-Lancaster
(SC) Community College Avg.
Carnegie Classification
Associate's Colleges
Associate's Colleges
Institution Level
At least 2 but less than 4 years
At least 2 but less than 4 years
Institution Control
Public
Public
Total Faculty
62 staff
71 staff
School Calendar
Student Body
The student population of University of South Carolina-Lancaster has grown by 48% over five years.
The student-teacher ratio of 43:1 has increased from 13:1 over five years.
The University of South Carolina-Lancaster diversity score of 0.52 is more than the state average of 0.00. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five years.
Total Enrollment
2,687 students
1,975 students
Student-Teacher Ratio
43:1
29:1
# Full-Time Students
1,011 students
661 students
# Part-Time Students
1,676 students
1,209 students
# Enrollment Undergraduate
2,687 students
1,975 students
# Full-Time Undergraduate Students
1,011 students
661 students
# Part-Time Undergraduate Students
1,676 students
1,209 students
% Asian
3%
2%
% Hispanic
9%
9%
% Black
13%
29%
% White
67%
52%
% Two or more races
4%
4%
% Non Resident races
1%
n/a
% Unknown races
2%
4%
Diversity Score
0.52
0.00
College Completion Rate (Students who graduate in less than 4 years)
16%
26%
Average Graduate Earnings (10 Years)
$50,100
$28,800
Tuition and Acceptance Rate
The public in-state tuition of $6,686 is more than the state average of $5,692. The in-state tuition has declined by 11% over four years.
The public out-state tuition of $16,130 is more than the state average of $10,568. The out-state tuition has declined by 11% over four years.
In-State Tuition Fees
$6,686
$5,692
Out-State Tuition Fees
$16,130
$10,568
% Students Receiving Some Financial Aid
93%
95%
Median Debt for Graduates
$10,387
$11,729
Median Debt for Dropouts
$5,500
$5,500
Acceptance Rate
83%
77%
SAT Total Avg.
893
888
SAT Reading
435
430
SAT Math
458
458
ACT Total Avg.
54
53
ACT Composite
18
18
ACT English
18
17
ACT Math
18
18
Source: 2025 (or latest year available) Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS)
School Notes
- Established in 1959, USC Lancaster admits all students who show promise of academic success. Most of USCL's students are first generation college students from rural areas, small towns, and cities across the central Piedmont area of the Carolinas. Through a broad commitment to equity, an extensive scholarship and financial aid program, and a variety of weekday and evening course offerings, USC Lancaster seeks to make education accessible, affordable, and convenient to the residents of this area.We are more than proud of our history, we are also excited about the future. In 2000, USC Lancaster opened a $10.7 million building, the James A. Bradley Arts and Sciences Building. In 2003, the campus completed another major building project with the expansion and renovation ofMedford Library. In 2005, the campus opened the Carole Ray Dowling Health Services Center on newly acquired property adjacent to the campus. In 2013, the campus broke ground on a new classroom building, Founders Hall, to be opened in 2014.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does University of South Carolina-Lancaster cost?
University of South Carolina-Lancaster's tuition is approximately $6,686 for In-State students and $16,130 for Out-State students.
What is the acceptance rate of University of South Carolina-Lancaster?
The acceptance rate of University of South Carolina-Lancaster is 83%, which is higher than the state average of 77%.
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