University Primary Mission
The primary mission of the University of South Carolina, a multi-campus public institution serving the entire state of South Carolina, is the education of the state's diverse citizens through teaching, research, creative activity, and service. Founded in 1801 in Columbia, the University of South Carolina began providing programs in communities statewide in the 1950s and 1960s. At that time, a network of campuses was established in response to community initiative and support for accessible, affordable educational programs principally for local citizens. The University of South Carolina System confers nearly 40% of all bachelors and graduate degrees awarded at public institutions in South Carolina. The University of South Carolina Columbia campus is ranked in the top 20 in start-up company creation among US public research institutions, and was placed in the highest research and public service categories by the Carnegie Foundation. The University of South Carolina System strives to have a large impact on the future of South Carolina in terms of education, technology, services, and commerce.

Flagship Campus in Columbia
The largest campus of the University of South Carolina system has a profound relevance, reach and impact on the people of the state. As a major teaching and research institution, and located in the state capitol in Columbia, USC Columbia bears a special responsibility to state and society to promote the dissemination of knowledge, cultural enrichment, and an enhanced quality of life. The University has long offered a comprehensive range of undergraduate and graduate programs through the doctoral level. USC Columbia employs a selective admissions policy, enrolling approximately 25,000 undergraduates, and approximately 8,000 students in graduate and professional program. Approximately 20% of the student body consists of minority students.

Palmetto College Campuses
Accredited with USC Columbia by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, the Palmetto College campuses in Lancaster, Allendale and Walterboro (both served by USC Salkehatchie), Sumter, and Union principally provide the first two years of undergraduate education, as well as selected associate degree programs mainly for their locales. The Palmetto College campuses also provide for the completion of bachelor degrees by offering selected upper division course work in conjunction with the Aiken, Beaufort, Columbia, and Upstate campuses. Combined, the Palmetto College campuses enroll over 4,200 students, approximately 35% of whom are minority students.

Statement of Accreditation

The University of South Carolina Columbia is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges to award associate, baccalaureate, master's, and doctoral degrees. The regional Palmetto College campuses (Lancaster, Salkehatchie, Sumter, and Union) are branch campuses of the University of South Carolina Columbia; the branch campuses’ accreditation is dependent on the continued accreditation of the University of South Carolina Columbia. Contact the Commission on Colleges at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, Georgia 30033-4097 or call 404-679-4500 for questions about the accreditation of the University of South Carolina Columbia.