The University of South Carolina Upstate is a positive, diverse, and empowering institution for motivated, success-minded students who want to be challenged academically, supported personally, and pushed to the boundaries of their potential in an opportunity-rich environment.
From its founding in 1967, the University has bound its fortunes to one of the fastest growing regions in the nation, the I-85 corridor connecting Atlanta and Charlotte. Much of what sets USC Upstate apart is its position in one of the most dynamic, opportunity-rich locations in the South. Home to more than one million people and boasting the highest per capita international investment of any county in the nation, the Upstate region provides boundless academic, professional, and cultural outlets for students to develop skills and establish meaningful connections.
Comprised of a diverse and dynamic community of about 6,000 students from 26 states and 17 countries, USC Upstate is a wonderful blend of traditional and nontraditional students who reflect the Upstate’s rich international character. USC Upstate offers a balance of strengths that, when added up, results in a learning experience that’s hard to match. The academic programs are accredited and highly ranked, with amazing research and internship opportunities for students.
USC Upstate is committed to fulfilling regional and state workforce needs and thus the university is a major engine of social and economic development. The university offers more than 40 bachelor’s degree programs in the liberal arts and sciences, business administration, nursing, and teacher education, and master’s degrees in education, informatics, and nursing. These are degrees that help students to transition easily to careers in the Upstate region.By continually adding new academic programs that prepare graduates to take leadership roles in companies and in their communities, USC Upstate is helping the region to prosper. The faculty and staff are dedicated to maintaining high academic standards and to student success. Their commitment to transforming the lives of students who are usually the first ones in their families to seek higher education shines through in every interaction at USC Upstate.
Regional, comprehensive universities are marked by their commitment and contributions to the region and their service and engagement with the community. There is an impressive spirit of service at USC Upstate that allows students, under the direction of a faculty member, to apply what they have learned in the classrooms and laboratories on some of the challenges facing our communities. In one year alone the students volunteered more than 18,000 hours to serving others in a number of ways.
Substance and beauty is a powerful combination and it perfectly describes the USC Upstate campus in Spartanburg, South Carolina, where the most modern and cutting-edge learning facilities, technology, and resources are offered within a pristine, 330-acre campus that features rolling hills, creeks, groves of trees, and beautiful green space. The spirit of competition permeates the campus with the USC Upstate Spartans competing on the NCAA Division I level as a member of the Atlantic Sun Conference. The Spartans field 17 varsity sports: Basketball, soccer, tennis, golf, cross country, and track and field for both women and men; baseball for men; and softball and volleyball for women.
Nearly 30,000 students have earned their degrees from USC Upstate and are now representing the University as alumni. Nearly 85 percent of the alumni choose to remain in the Upstate to build their lives and careers, making a significant impact on the region’s economy and quality of life.
Now in its 50th year, the University continues to be recognized nationally among its peer institutions for its excellence in education and commitment to its students, for its involvement in the Upstate, for its operational and managerial effectiveness, for its civility and common purpose and for the clarity and integrity of its mission. U.S. News & World Reportrecently recognized USC Upstate as No. 2 Top Public Regional Colleges in the South and No. 4 for Best College in the South for Veterans. Additionally, USC Upstate’s tied for No. 11 in Ethnic and Racial Diversity among Regional Colleges in the South.
USC Upstate has enjoyed working with the Spartanburg community for the past 50 years and is looking forward to enriching the Spartanburg community in partnerships for the next 50 years and beyond. Together, we will create a future that is enriching, engaged and healthy. The University’s reputation as a leader in education for the entire Upstate region is one that gets stronger each day.