University of South Carolina--Beaufort

Established in 1959 in Bluffton, SC, University of South Carolina--Beaufort is a public institution with a long-standing tradition of academic excellence. In the 2026 U.S. News & World Report Best Colleges rankings, it is ranked #38 among Regional Colleges South (tie). It is also recognized as #11 in Top Public Schools. The school serves approximately 2,162 undergraduate students. With an acceptance rate of 74%, University of South Carolina--Beaufort is moderately competitive. Admitted students typically present SAT scores of 900-1170 and ACT scores of 18-23. The average high school GPA of incoming freshmen is 3.1. With a 16:1 student-faculty ratio, students benefit from close interaction with professors and hands-on learning opportunities. About 57% of classes enroll fewer than 20 students, fostering an intimate learning environment. The most popular areas of study include Psychology, General (18%), Business Administration and Management, General (13%), and Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse (13%). Graduates in Psychology, General earn a median salary of $40,065 after entering the workforce. The average net price for students receiving financial aid is $15,848. University of South Carolina--Beaufort achieves a four-year graduation rate of 29%.