University of South Carolina Beaufort
USC Beaufort
Bluffton, South Carolina 29909
Campus Vibe
Known for business — excellent value
University of South Carolina Beaufort is a public institution in Bluffton with particular strength in business and health sciences.
A small campus of 2K undergraduates with a 14:1 student-faculty ratio. The town location creates a classic college-town feel.
39% of students graduate within four years, and graduates earn a median of $48,088 a decade after enrollment. Net price after aid averages $15,309.
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News & Alerts
University of South Carolina Beaufort Launches New Data Science Minor
Starting Fall 2026, students can pursue an interdisciplinary data science minor combining CS, statistics, and domain courses.
Tuition Increase Announced for 2026-27
The board of trustees approved a 3.2% tuition increase for the upcoming academic year, in line with peer institutions.
Admissions
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard / IPEDS.
Cost & Financial Aid
Sticker Price
Net Price by Family Income
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Net price reflects most recent cohort of federally-aided undergraduates.
Debt & Aid Detail
Net Price Trend
Tuition Trend
Graduate w/ Zero Debt
50.4%
Avg Tuition Increase
3.2%/yr
Median Debt at Grad
$13,750
Campus Safety
Total Incidents (2024)
14
Peer Average
13
3-Year Trend
Emergency System
Campus security, emergency notification system
Incident Breakdown (2024)
Burglary
Aggravated Assault
Robbery
Motor Vehicle Theft
Sex Offenses
Arson
Drug Arrests
Liquor Arrests
Source: U.S. Department of Education Campus Safety & Security data (Clery Act, 2024 reporting year).
Programs (25)
Student Life
Student Satisfaction
Retention Rate
61%
- •61% first-year retention rate
- •Active student organizations
- •Engaged campus community
Mental Health Services
Counselor Ratio
1:350
24/7 Crisis Line
Yes
Free Sessions
12 per year
Avg Wait
5 days
Walk-in hours available weekdays
Disability Services
ADA-compliant campus with ongoing accessibility improvements
Dining
Rating
★★★★☆
Score
4/5
Meal Plan
$6,200/yr
Multiple dining halls with farm-to-table options
Student Body
Race & Ethnicity
Outcomes
Median Earnings After Graduation
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Earnings reflect federally-aided students 6 and 10 years after entry.
Rankings
More About This School
History & Fun Facts
- •History In 1795, a preparatory school and college in Beaufort was chartered as the Beaufort College to serve the families of local residents.
- •Classes began in 1802, and the college reached a prominent status in the community during the antebellum period.
- •The college was forced to close in 1861 at the beginning of the Civil War and the Beaufort College building, constructed in 1852, was occupied by the Union forces for use as a hospital.
- •The college building was used by the Freedmen's Bureau during Reconstruction, and it was an elementary school from 1909 to 1959.
- •A branch campus of the University of South Carolina was established in 1959 at the site of the old Beaufort College, but the official opening was delayed by Hurricane Gracie.
Source: Wikipedia
Location & Lifestyle
Cost of Living
Housing and food costs are higher than national average
Climate (School Year)
Nearest Cities
Transit Scores
Local Economy
Getting There
Nearest Airports
Distance to Cities
Visit Planning
Suggested Itinerary
Nearby Hotels
Airport Transit
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