The University of South Carolina (USC) Aiken is well-known for it's top ranking each year by US News and World Report as the #1 Public College in the South. USC Aiken was honored with that ranking again for 2019.

USC Aiken provides all of the benefits of a large university, but does it in a small, caring setting. Students get individual attention in very small class sizes (average 15) from faculty who are invested in their future. Majors span the traditional to cutting-edge with many new programs of study recently added in high-demand career areas.

Outside the classroom, USC Aiken has a rich campus life. Students live on campus in spacious apartments designed to provide for productive study space and offer great social and recreational opportunities. USC Aiken Pacer Athletics (11 NCAA sports) provide athletes and fans with the chance to see highly competitive games and matches in our first-rate facilities. The campus offers 100+ clubs including 14 fraternities and sororities.

Admissions Requirements

High School Student Information   

High School Course Requirements  

Students should prepare for the challenges at USC Aiken by taking a strong college preparatory curriculum in high school.  High school course selection, standardized test scores, and an Admissions Index are all used to determine admissibility.  For more information see Admissions Requirements for Freshmen.

What Students Need to Apply

• USC Aiken Application for Admission (Online Preferred)  
• $45 Application Fee (We do accept SAT/ACT fee waivers.  However, we only waive $25 of the application for admission fee.  A student will have to submit $20 for the application fee)
• Official High School transcript  
• Official test score 

Apply Now!

USC Aiken welcomes your application for admission.

Online Application:

Application is for Freshman, Transfer, Re-admit, Change of Campus, Transient, Non-Degree, International (Freshman and Transfer), Graduate and Palmetto College.

First Time User

Returning User

Important Notice:  Our system can only process one application per person for the same term to USC Aiken.  Do not apply more than once for the same semester.  Also, Windows 10/Edge users are advised to use another browser to access the application

Palmetto College application deadlines and instructions

Application deadlines for Palmetto College are July 15 for the Fall semester and December 1 for the spring semester.  Any applications submitted after these dates will automatically be rolled over for consideration for the next available semester.  All students interested in Palmetto College should consult with an advisor in order to determine eligibility. 

Palmetto College Application Instructions