University of South Carolina vs Vanderbilt University

University of South Carolina vs Vanderbilt University

Subject Strength & Global Rankings (2025/2026)

Vanderbilt University is commonly listed in the global rankings 100-120, with understood strengths in Education, Medicine, Business, Engineering and Social Sciences. University of South Carolina (UofSC) ranks generally in the global 500-600, with program strengths in International Business, Hospitality, Public Health, and Engineering. While Vanderbilt has higher respective global prestige and academic standing, South Carolina has stronger regional recognition and localized esteem specifically for select programs.

General Information

Vanderbilt was founded in 1873, is a private research university located in Nashville, Tennessee with approximately 13,800 students, known for its rigorous academic programs, selective admissions, and commitment to both undergraduate education and graduate research. The University of South Carolina, founded in 1801 in Columbia, South Carolina, is a large public flagship university, with approximately 36,000 students, that prioritizes access, professional preparation and emphasis on regional economic impact.

Acceptance Rate & Admissions

Vanderbilt is very selective with a reported acceptance rate of approximately 6.3%. Vanderbilt attracts highly qualified students from across the United States and internationally. The University of South Carolina has more access to an average acceptance rate of approximately 61.5%- although admissions access is competitive for honorable programs and entry into majors such as International Business and Nursing. Vanderbilt admission criteria are focused on academic excellence, demonstrated leadership in extracurricular activities, and rely on a holistic review of the student. The University of South Carolina balances access with strong offerings for motivated students.

Research Impact & Facilities

Both institutions are classified as R1 research universities. Vanderbilt is globally recognized for its research in the fields of education, medicine, business, and engineering. It has strong institutional and federal support for its research efforts, as well as one of the leading medical centers in the country. While South Carolina engages in a fair amount of research relevant to the public health of its citizens, energy efficiency, and international business, most of its research agenda focuses on the regional and national impact of its work. Overall, both universities approach research with local, regional, and international impact in mind; however, Vanderbilt will generate a broader scope of international research, while South Carolina will focus more on applied, community-based research.

Cost & Financial Aid

With respect to international tuition costs, Vanderbilt’s tuition is about $62,000–65,000 per year, which is relatively expensive to come to the U.S. for an institution; however, South Carolina is considerably less at approximately $34,000-37,000. Living costs are higher in Nashville compared to Columbia, but they are still relatively moderate compared to many coastal metro locations in the U.S. While both institutions provide some form of need-based financial aid, Vanderbilt is quite generous in its awards, and merit scholarships help make Vanderbilt tuition competitive for incoming students. South Carolina represents good value in undergraduate education and also offers good merit awards, especially for students pursuing international business or within the honors college.

Career Destinations & Graduates' Success

Graduates from Vanderbilt are generally very successful after graduation and are employed in many fields, including business, medicine, education, law, and engineering, thanks in part to the institution’s strong reputation in academia and professional success among its alumni. Graduates of South Carolina often go into careers in business, healthcare, public service, and hospitality; South Carolina is strong in regional placement and has established a strong national placement in awareness among many graduates. As to recognition and progress in elite career fields, Vanderbilt graduates are more frequently recognized with their education; however, South Carolina prepares students well for practical and cost-effective work in its career preparation.