Mansi parihar Study Abroad Course Expert
Study Abroad Course Expert
University of South Carolina (Columbia) is a big public university in Columbia, South Carolina (the state capital area). It is a big school with an undergraduate population of around 28,470 students. Admissions are moderately selective, with an acceptance rate of around 61%. The four-year and six-year graduation rates are about 69% and 88%, respectively.
Louisiana State University (LSU-Baton Rouge) is a very large public university in Baton Rouge, Louisiana (the state capital area). It is indeed a very large university. Admissions are moderately selective, with an acceptance rate of approximately 74%. The six-year graduation rate is approximately 69%, with retention rates also around 85%, and overall graduation at 71%.
| University of South Carolina - Upstate | Louisiana State University | |
|---|---|---|
| Programs | UG Programs -25 PG Programs -5 | UG Programs -106 PG Programs -50 Doctorate Programs -42 |
| Acceptance Rate | 81.0 % | 74.0 % |
| Exam Score | SAT-920 | GRE-330 IELTS-6.5 SAT-1060 TOEFL-79 |
| Cost to Study | Average Tuition Fees 23536 [For UG Program] Average Tuition Fees 29312 [For PG Program] Hostel + Meal - 22374 Per Year | Average Tuition Fees 28635 [For UG Program] Average Tuition Fees 29443 [For PG Program] Hostel + Meal - 33182 Per Year |
Top Courses Comparison
| exam scores | Duolingo - 115/160IELTS - 6.5/9TOEFL - 71/120 | Duolingo - 100/160IELTS - 6.5/9TOEFL - 79/120 |
| cost to study | Total Cost (Tuition + Living) -23536 | Total Cost (Tuition + Living) -28635 |
| application dates | Aug 20, 2024 (Fall 2024 Semester Begins) Dec 31, 2024 (Scholarship Deadline For Priority 2024 Intake) Jan 8, 2025 (Spring 2025 Semester Begins) Mar 1, 2025 (Financial Aid Priority Opens For 2024 Session) | Oct 1, 2024 (Application Deadline For Spring Intake) Jul 15, 2025 (Application Deadline For Fall Intake) |
| General Facts | University of South Carolina - Upstate | Louisiana State University |
|---|---|---|
| Type of University | University | University |
| Established | 1967 | 1853 |
| Student:Faculty Ratio | 18:1 | 21:1 |
| Male:Female | 34% Male, 66% Female | 48% Male, 52% Female |
| Hostel | #Off campus (not with family) - $10484 #Off campus (with family) - $3556 #On campus - $8334 | #On campus - $11750 #Off campus (not with family) - $16012 #Off campus (with family) - $5420 |
| Weather |
University of South Carolina vs Louisiana State University
Academic Reputation and Rankings
The University of South Carolina, which was established in 1801 and based in Columbia, is a public flagship university renowned for its excellent business, public health, engineering, and international studies programs. In the 2025 U.S. News & World Report rankings, USC is ranked among the Top 120 National Universities and is particularly highly rated for its International Business program (#1 nationally).
Louisiana State University, established in 1860 and situated in Baton Rouge, is also a flagstone public research university. It is well known for engineering, petroleum science, agriculture, and mass communication programs. LSU also ranks in the Top 180 bracket in the 2025 U.S. News National University Rankings, with engineering and business always drawing attention.
General Information & Campus Life
USC has a student body of around 36,000, with over 6,000 graduate students. Campus life there is vibrant, based on Gamecock sports, Greek life, and student groups. LSU has a student body of 37,000 and a vibrant campus lifestyle fueled by its Tiger sports, marching band, and such traditions as football Saturdays at Tiger Stadium. Both institutions provide a large-campus setting with excellent school spirit and community involvement.
Acceptance Rate & Selectivity
USC has an acceptance rate of roughly 61%, and it is moderately selective. LSU's acceptance rate is approximately 74%, and it is slightly less selective. Both institutions are open to a broad pool of applicants but maintain high academic criteria for admission.
Cost of Study
University of South Carolina: The tuition fee is approximately $13,600 annually (in-state) and $34,500 (out-of-state). Louisiana State University: In-state tuition is approximately $12,600 annually and out-of-state is $29,700. Living expenses are comparable in both Baton Rouge and Columbia at $12,000–$15,000 yearly for housing, food, and personal spending.
Campus Culture & Lifestyle
Both USC and LSU are enthusiastic about sports and school spirit. USC students are surrounded by "Gamecock Nation," and Williams-Brice Stadium is a hotbed of energy. LSU boasts Tiger Stadium, also known as "Death Valley," which is considered one of the noisiest college football stadiums in America. Beyond athletics, USC features a blend of Southern hospitality and city-campus vibe in Columbia, and LSU features a lively campus life strongly rooted in Louisiana's traditions, music, and food.
