On Feb. 11, University of South Carolina alumni and advocates will gather at the S.C. State House for Carolina Day to demonstrate how the state flagship is building momentum in producing a more prosperous and healthier South Carolina.
Carolina Day also is a chance to thank state legislators for helping the university continue to fulfill its mission to provide an affordable and accessible education. With generous investments from the General Assembly, the University of South Carolina has been able to freeze tuition for the past six years on the Columbia campus and seven years at system campuses. The university has requested additional funding to freeze tuition for another year.
“Carolina Day is an annual opportunity for all USC institutions to come together in Columbia and thank our state’s leaders for supporting our students and investing in the future,” USC President Michael Amiridis said. “Our USC system is uniquely positioned to address educational and economic needs across South Carolina. Sharing our vision and impact with the state’s legislators helps us work together for the benefit of the entire state.”
USC is working on plans to build the Southeast’s first combined neurological and rehabilitation hospital on the university’s Health Sciences Campus in downtown Columbia. The hospital will go next to USC’s planned new School of Medicine facility, which along with a new Brain Health Center nearby will create a transformational health sciences hub.
The university also is pushing ahead on developing next-generation batteries through the federally designated SC Nexus advanced energy tech hub. USC is seeking legislative backing for a new battery center that would support the state’s $10 billion electric vehicle and battery industry investments.
The university’s growing emphasis on brain health and battery innovation comes after USC generated a school-record $309 million in research awards during 2023-24.
“Our USC system is uniquely positioned to address educational and economic needs across South Carolina. Sharing our vision and impact with the state’s legislators helps us work together for the benefit of the entire state.”
USC is also seeking continued backing for stipends through the South Carolina Internship Program, which allows students to take in-state internships in high-demand fields. The program, which helps bolster the state workforce by retaining talent in-state, has already drawn nearly 1,000 USC students in less than two years.
Supporting these projects and initiatives will build on USC’s momentum as a major engine for the state. USC is generating $7.4 billion in annual economic impact with purchases, payroll and taxes — a 35 percent increase from eight years ago.
The state flagship's enrollment continues to grow with USC recognized as the top public college nationally for its first-year student experience. USC has more than 60 nationally ranked academic programs — more than any other institution in the state.
USC continues to be attractive by offering educational opportunities to diverse groups of students. The university ranks No. 7 nationally on a recent “Best for Vets Colleges” list and recently opened a specialized center and living community to assist first-generation students. Overall, USC’s living and learning communities are ranked No. 10 nationally.
During Carolina Day 2025 on Feb. 11, faculty, staff and students are invited to join by sharing their own stories of how the university has impacted their life.
Follow online at @UofSCImpact on X and share success stories by using the Carolina Day social media toolkit and adding the hashtag, #USCImpact.