Enrollment on the rise at USCA

USCA enrollment numbers are up more than 5 percent for fall 2025, resulting in a student population of more than 4,200.

This growth includes an almost 33 percent increase in new transfer students, an almost 17 percent increase in graduate students and a 5 percent increase in continuing undergraduate students.

“The admissions team has aggressively engaged prospective incoming students, including transfers,” said Nathan Rice, vice chancellor for enrollment management.

Looking ahead to fall 2026, USCA’s admissions team has already received more applications than this time last year.  To date, more than 1,600 freshman applications have been received.  Of those, 1,000 have been admitted.

This increase continues an upward enrollment trend the university has experienced the last several years.  The student population includes those from almost 40 states and more than 20 countries.

The University of South Carolina Aiken is a regional university offering bachelor’s and master’s degrees and certifications across more than 70 academic concentrations to approximately 4,000 students.

Rice says students choose USCA for myriad reasons, including small class sizes, affordable tuition, enriching student programs, championship athletic teams, Greek life experiences and extensive financial aid.  With a commitment to providing a high-quality education at an affordable cost, USCA offers tuition rates well below the national average. More than 30% of undergraduate students receive full tuition support, and in recent years, more than 40% complete their degrees debt-free from USCA thanks to scholarships and financial aid.

Partnerships with local industry leaders provide dynamic experiential learning and internship opportunities.  Students can conduct undergraduate and graduate research with faculty members.

“I originally went to Charleston to get my associate’s,” said Lucy Tyrteos, Class of ’26, who is majoring in applied computer science with a concentration in cybersecurity.

“I chose USCA to finish my bachelor’s degree because it is an exceptionally rated school and the Aiken-Augusta area is the cyber and energy capital of the south.”

In addition to computer science and cybersecurity, the College of Sciences and Engineering offers degrees and concentrations in biology, environmental science, biochemistry, chemistry, cryptography, game and simulation, data science, software engineering, mechanical engineering, process engineering, electrical engineering, pre-medical, pre-pharmacy, pre-vet, exercise science, psychology and public health.  The college offers two master’s programs: computer and information sciences, with a concentration in cybersecurity and applied clinical psychology.  Undergraduate students can also earn workforce development certificates in cybersecurity, cloud computing and security and network security and information technology.   

The School of Business Administration is accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business.  USCA is among only 5 percent of business schools worldwide who have earned this distinction.  Undergraduate, graduate, online and professional certification programs are available.  Students can earn bachelor’s degrees with concentrations in accounting, finance, management and marketing.  Graduate students can choose to pursue advanced degrees with concentrations in accounting, finance, sports management, project management, corporate governance, healthcare administration, human resource management and supply chain management.

The School of Education offers undergraduate degrees in early childhood, middle level, music, secondary and special education.  A master’s degree in educator leadership prepares students for leadership roles in the field of education.

USCA offers a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) and an online RN-BSN program.  The first-time NCLEX-RN pass rate consistently exceeds both state and national averages.  The School of Nursing also boasts that 100 percent of graduates are employed or enrolled in graduate education within six months of graduation.

The College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences offers undergraduate programs in communication and emerging media; English; languages, literatures and cultures; history, political science and philosophy; sociology; and visual and performing arts.  In addition, students can select a variety of academic minors and workforce certificates

The Office of Veterans and Military Student Success assists students who are military veterans, currently serving service members and military family members.  The growing ROTC program helps students gain leadership skills and provides a pathway for a career as a military officer. 

The USCA website provides more information on how to apply, degree programs available, student life and financial aid.

For more information, contact USCA Marketing & Communication at news@usca.edu.