We make South Carolina more prosperous.

Through innovative partnerships with corporations like Boeing and Michelin, the University of South Carolina system plays a critical role in training highly skilled professionals, spurring investment and generating career opportunities throughout South Carolina. With eight universities across the state, we are increasing economic activity and improving the prosperity of South Carolinians.

Educated and In Demand

If you live in South Carolina, chances are your doctor, lawyer, librarian or accountant got their degree from USC. We prepare our graduates for the careers they want and create a workforce ready to meet the current and future needs of our state, nation and world.

Access and Affordability

We strive to make a college education a real option for S.C. residents. Our many locations around the state — as well as our online presence — make it easier than ever for you to get a quality college education close to home.

With expanded summer and online offerings through Palmetto College, you have more scheduling flexibility than ever before. And with innovative programs that focus on dual enrollment, first-generation college students, nontraditional students and even retirees, we make sure S.C. citizens of all ages can pursue their educational needs.

Partnerships

Whether it’s USC Columbia’s partnerships with IBM and Boeing, USC Upstate’s collaboration with German manufacturer SEW Eurodrive or agreements with businesses throughout South Carolina, the university is an active partner in creating opportunities for economic growth through forward-thinking research and development.

Entrepreneurship

Today’s economy demands professionals who can strike out on their own, creating and expanding new technologies, products and services. Programs like the Columbia/USC Technology Incubator, the Salkehatchie Leadership Institute and USC Beaufort’s Small Business Development Center help South Carolinians realize their economic potential.

K-12 Education

Tomorrow’s prosperity requires educating our children today. The university trains many of the state’s K-12 teachers, and our campuses provide unique opportunities for teacher development. But the university also does much more than that. Programs like Cocky’s Reading Express, Midway Physics Day and the offerings of USC Aiken’s Ruth Patrick Science Education Center are all aimed at improving the quality of K-12 education statewide.

 

We make South Carolina healthier.

The University of South Carolina system is dedicated to improving health and quality of life in our state, whether we’re educating the next generation of health care professionals or discovering new treatments and cures through cutting-edge research.

Health Care Professionals

When your life is in someone else’s hands, it’s vitally important to know that your caregivers are properly trained and highly skilled in their disciplines. Physicians, nurses, pharmacists, therapists — all of these health care professionals play a vital role in keeping South Carolina families healthy and productive. From the School of Medicine Greenville to nursing programs on all of our campuses, we are addressing the growing demand for qualified professionals.

Medical Research

Whether we’re conducting research in the lab or in the field, the university is making a direct impact on the advancement of medicine. We are developing technology that helps physicians properly diagnose and treat a variety of conditions, and we are improving health in your community through prevention, treatment and screening opportunities.

With dozens of health-related research centers and institutes that generate more than $100 million in annual funding, we are creating a foundation for a better future.

Community Outreach and Education

Our work in healthcare initiatives extends beyond our campus borders, as we bring many programs directly to your community. The Palmetto Poison Center serves all 46 counties and receives 37,000 calls annually, nursing faculty serve low-income families alongside USC students at Columbia’s Children and Family Healthcare Center, and the USC Upstate Child Protection Training Center ensures the well-being of children through local and national training programs.

Social Work

Every South Carolina citizen deserves the basic rights and privileges of good health and a safe living environment. The champions of these rights are social workers. These advocates are so ingrained in our communities, that we sometimes forget the diverse roles they play, from supporting our military families to transitioning family members from a health care facility to a home environment. USC is poised to train qualified social work professionals to fill these essential roles.

 

We make South Carolina more vibrant.

From Native American pottery in Lancaster and contemporary visual arts in Beaufort to world-class piano performances in Columbia and lots of team spirit on eight universities, the University of South Carolina system offers a treasure trove of exhibits, performances and sports, all making the Palmetto State a more vibrant place to call home.

History and Culture

The University of South Carolina is the only institution in the state that collects, documents, preserves and showcases so many aspects of our rich history and diverse cultures. Our prehistoric artifacts, political papers and notable manuscripts not only help shape the state but also inform the world.

Lancaster’s Catawba pottery, Columbia’s Audubon Collection and Upstate’s Southern Literature and History Collection are just a few of the important items entrusted to Carolina.

 Visual and Performing Arts

Throughout South Carolina, faculty artists, students and nationally renowned touring musicians, dancers and visual artists share their talents with us, greatly enhancing the quality of life in cities large and small. Our campuses host hundreds of concerts, exhibitions, demonstrations, film screenings and lectures each year in both historic and state of the art venues.

Sports

Fire Ants! Sand Sharks! Spartans! Gamecocks! The university boasts national ranked men’s and women’s athletic programs at all levels that bring us together to root for the home team. But wins and losses only tell half the story. Whether we are Lancers, Indians, Pacers or Bantams, our school pride is also rooted in friendship, tradition and community support.