Overview of the University of South Carolina: Enrollment, Programs, and Recent Developments

The University of South Carolina (USC) is a prominent public research university located in Columbia, South Carolina. It is the flagship institution of the University of South Carolina System and the largest university in the state by enrollment. The main campus spans over 359 acres in downtown Columbia, close to the South Carolina State House.

Enrollment and Student Body

As of the fall 2024 semester, USC Columbia has set a new record for overall student enrollment, exceeding 38,300 students. This marks the first time the university's enrollment has surpassed 38,000 students. The freshman class for the fall 2024 semester includes 7,290 students, with 3,800 (52%) being South Carolina residents. The university also received a record number of applicants this year, totaling 52,708.

Academic Programs

USC offers a wide range of academic programs, including more than 350 programs of study leading to bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees. The university is classified among "R1: Doctoral Universities with Highest Research Activity" and houses significant collections such as the largest collection of Robert Burns and Scottish literature materials outside Scotland and the world's largest Ernest Hemingway collection.

Retention and Support Programs

USC has implemented several programs to support student retention and success. The Graduation and Retention Network helps students stay on track for degree completion, while the Scholarship Risk Intervention program assists students in maintaining their academic scholarships.

Diversity and Social Mobility

USC is committed to promoting economic and social mobility. More than 2,000 incoming freshmen (nearly 28%) are underrepresented minority students, an increase of 17% over the previous year. Additionally, approximately 1,500 freshmen are first-generation students.
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Athletics

USC's athletic teams, known as the Gamecocks, compete in various sports. The football team is set to open its season against Old Dominion on September 1, 2024. The university's athletic programs are well-supported and have a strong following among students and alumni.

Controversial Events

Recently, USC has been in the news due to a controversial event organized by the student organization Uncensored America. The event, a comedy roast of Vice President Kamala Harris, has sparked significant debate and criticism. The university administration has stated that it will not interfere with the event, respecting the First Amendment rights of the organizers and guests.

Campus and Facilities

USC's campus includes a variety of facilities and resources to support student life and academic success. The university is actively planning for future growth, with a master plan in place to manage this expansion.
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For more detailed information about specific programs, admissions, and campus life, you can visit the University of South Carolina's official website.