USC Upstate vs Winthrop

When it comes to higher education in South Carolina, University of South Carolina-Upstate (USC Upstate) and Winthrop University stand out as two prominent choices. While both offer a diverse range of academic programs and a vibrant campus life, they also have distinct characteristics that set them apart. USC Upstate boasts a higher acceptance rate, making it a more accessible option for students. In contrast, Winthrop University has a slightly lower acceptance rate, indicating a more selective admissions process. When it comes to popular majors, USC Upstate excels in fields like business, nursing, and education, while Winthrop University shines in areas such as business, psychology, and communication. Explore the detailed comparison table below to delve into further differences, including student body demographics, graduation rates, and more, to help you make an informed decision about which university aligns best with your academic aspirations and personal preferences.

	University of South Carolina-Upstate	Winthrop University
Overview
Location	Spartanburg, South Carolina	Rock Hill, South Carolina
Campus setting	Suburb: Midsize	City: Small
College type	4 year	4 year
Control/business model	Public	Public
Calendar system	Semester	Semester
Degrees offered	Undergraduate and Graduate	Undergraduate and Graduate
Students retention rate	61.0%	68.0%
Common app member	No	Yes
Religious affiliation

Admission
Acceptance rate	75.7%	63.9%
Application fees	Undergraduate: $45 Graduate: $45	Undergraduate: $50 Graduate: $50
SAT range	950 - 1150	1000 - 1195
ACT range	19 - 23	20 - 26
Students submitting SAT score	26.0%	43.0%
Students submitting ACT score	19.0%	21.0%
Total number of applicants	2,893	5,582
Total number of admissions given out	2,190	3,567
Admitted students who chose to enroll	597	818
Yield rate	27.3%	22.9%
Test scores (SAT/ACT)	N/A	N/A
High school GPA	Not required	Required
Recommendation letters	Not required	Not required
High school transcript	Not required	Not required
English proficiency test (e.g. TOEFL)	Not required	Required

Tuition and Fees
Sticker price	In state: $28,648 Out of state: $39,610	In state: $34,720 Out of state: $49,050
Average net price	$14,816	$17,100
Tuition	In state: $11,208 Out of state: $22,170	In state: $15,306 Out of state: $29,636
Room & board	Room/dormitory: $5,614 Meal plan: $3,714	Room/dormitory: $6,302 Meal plan: $3,898
Available payment plans	Prepaid tuition plan Tuition payment plan	Tuition payment plan

Financial Aid
Students receiving financial aid (Grants & scholarships)	96.0% Average amount $8,974	99.0% Average amount $11,526
Students receiving federal student loan	62.0% Average amount $5,480	67.0% Average amount $5,581
Students taking out private loans	4.0% Average amount $8,248	14.0% Average amount $10,587

Students and Campus
Undergraduate students	4,981 Men 32.7% Women 67.3%	3,973 Men 32.5% Women 67.5%
Graduate students	457 Men 13.6% Women 86.4%	1,201 Men 17.8% Women 82.2%
Racial/ethnic diversity	Moderate	Moderate
Out-of-state students	8.2%	9.5%
International students	1.2%	1.3%
Campus local/setting	Suburb: Midsize	City: Small
Dormitory capacity	1,055	2,117
First year students are required to live on campus?	No	No
Top 5 states where most U.S. students come from	South Carolina Georgia North Carolina Florida Texas	South Carolina North Carolina Georgia Virginia New Jersey

Academics
Popular study areas	Health Professions Education Business Biological and Biomedical Sciences Psychology	Business Education Visual & Performing Arts Psychology Public Administration and Social Service
Students to faculty ratio	15:1	12:1
Institutional accreditation	Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges	Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

Outcome
Graduation rate	47.4%	58.2%
Dropout rate	19.2%	21.4%
Transferred out	31.9%	20.1%
Alumni salary by major (Top 10)	Engineering-Related Fields (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $60,614 Year 2: $59,124 Year 3: $70,562 Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $61,719 Year 2: $57,512 Year 3: $60,107 Information Science/Studies (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $43,885 Year 2: N/A Year 3: $52,577 Computer and Information Sciences, General (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $42,033 Year 2: $45,500 Year 3: $50,407 Business Administration, Management and Operations (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $37,902 Year 2: $37,088 Year 3: $43,565 Biology, General (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: N/A Year 2: $28,960 Year 3: $37,957 Criminal Justice and Corrections (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $31,958 Year 2: $32,439 Year 3: $37,264 History (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $21,254 Year 2: $32,284 Year 3: $37,102 Health and Physical Education/Fitness (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: N/A Year 2: $32,772 Year 3: $35,463 Fine and Studio Arts (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $27,350 Year 2: $23,649 Year 3: $33,671	Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $54,004 Year 2: $54,724 Year 3: $68,513 Educational Administration and Supervision (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $55,366 Year 2: $56,641 Year 3: $57,249 Dietetics and Clinical Nutrition Services (Graduate/Professional Certificates) Year 1: $45,414 Year 2: $43,240 Year 3: $45,338 Business Administration, Management and Operations (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $36,918 Year 2: $40,269 Year 3: $44,705 Foods, Nutrition, and Related Services (Master's Degrees) Year 1: N/A Year 2: $38,829 Year 3: $44,224 Social Work (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $41,684 Year 2: $42,123 Year 3: $44,015 Political Science and Government (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $26,207 Year 2: $19,227 Year 3: $42,116 Student Counseling and Personnel Services (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $39,190 Year 2: $39,074 Year 3: $41,551 Design and Applied Arts (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $37,116 Year 2: $35,274 Year 3: $41,363 Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $38,564 Year 2: $38,700 Year 3: $40,624

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main differences between USC Upstate and Winthrop University?

USC Upstate, located in Spartanburg, is a public university known for its strong focus on career-oriented programs and its commitment to serving the Upstate region of South Carolina. Winthrop University, situated in Rock Hill, is also a public university but has a broader liberal arts focus and a longer history, contributing to a more traditional campus feel. Winthrop is also known for its strong College of Visual and Performing Arts.
Where are USC Upstate and Winthrop University located?

USC Upstate is located in Spartanburg, South Carolina, in the northwestern part of the state, often referred to as the Upstate. Winthrop University is located in Rock Hill, South Carolina, which is in the north-central part of the state, closer to Charlotte, North Carolina.
What types of academic programs are each university known for?

USC Upstate is recognized for its programs in business, nursing, education, and information management and technology. Winthrop University is well-regarded for its programs in education, fine arts, communication, and business administration. Both offer a variety of undergraduate and graduate programs.
What is the typical student body size at each university?

USC Upstate generally has a smaller student body, typically around 6,000 students, creating a more intimate learning environment. Winthrop University has a slightly larger student body, usually around 6,000 students, offering a wider range of perspectives and experiences.
How do the campus environments compare?

USC Upstate has a more modern, commuter-focused campus, reflecting its growth and responsiveness to the needs of the Upstate region. Winthrop University boasts a more traditional, historic campus with beautiful architecture and a strong sense of community, fostering a classic college experience.
What are the athletic programs like at USC Upstate and Winthrop University?

Both USC Upstate and Winthrop University are NCAA Division I institutions. USC Upstate's Spartans compete in the Big South Conference. Winthrop's Eagles also compete in the Big South Conference, creating opportunities for spirited rivalries between the two schools.
What is the cost of attendance at each university?

Tuition and fees can vary, but generally, as public universities in South Carolina, both USC Upstate and Winthrop University offer competitive tuition rates, especially for in-state residents. It's best to check each university's website for the most up-to-date information on tuition, fees, and financial aid opportunities.
What kind of student life and extracurricular activities are available?

Both universities offer a range of student life activities, including clubs, organizations, intramural sports, and cultural events. Winthrop University, with its longer history, may have a more established Greek life presence. USC Upstate provides opportunities for students to engage in community service and leadership development, reflecting its commitment to the Upstate region.
Which university is better for students interested in a specific career path?

The 'better' university depends on your specific career interests. If you're interested in a career in business, nursing, education, or information technology, USC Upstate's career-focused programs might be a good fit. If you're drawn to education, fine arts, communication, or business administration, Winthrop University's strengths in these areas could be more appealing. Research the specific programs within each university to see which aligns best with your goals.
How do the admission requirements compare between USC Upstate and Winthrop University?

Admission requirements are generally similar for both universities, including a review of high school transcripts, standardized test scores (though many universities are test-optional), and letters of recommendation. It's advisable to check each university's admissions website for the most current and specific requirements, as they may vary slightly.

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