Wondering if USC Aiken is the right fit for you? Let our students tell you why they love it here and you will too.
Senior Psychology Major
USC Aiken has become my second home from home! The experiences I’ve made and the people I’ve met have made my time here so far unforgettable. As a psychology major, my professors dedicate much of their time to ensuring my success in reaching my degree. Their individual personalities and teaching styles make learning such a fun and easy environment. I have also had the great pleasure of playing for Coach Poole and Coach Alicia on the USC Aiken softball team. My teammates are one of a kind and they made my transition from my junior college so welcoming. I can’t wait to see where the future takes me here at USCA!
Senior Marketing Major
In January 2020, I transferred from Newberry College to USC Aiken. I liked the campus the first time I saw it, and I was impressed by what I learned about the business department, which had a strong reputation. My junior and senior years were spent here, and I participated in two soccer seasons. Those two seasons did not go as planned since we did not accomplish our team and individual goals, but I grew as a person because of my exposure to adversity.
During my time at Aiken, I met some wonderful people who contributed to a positive experience. Academically, I learned a lot in my subjects, which helped me get and sustain good grades.
Senior Business Administration Major
For a long time, my biggest regret was dropping out of high school. I was a senior in an online high school program in Florida while working two jobs and there were not enough hours in the day to support all three. I chose to drop my education. It was a hard choice and I'll never know what would have happened if I chose differently, but it felt like the right choice. Watching all the Facebook posts of my friends graduating high school and going to college still stung.
I eventually got married and had a beautiful son. At 22 I decided I wanted to make myself and my family proud by getting my GED. I studied hard and passed the test with flying colors. The weight I carried on my shoulders for years of not finishing high school was lifted. Getting my GED lit a spark inside me that grew into my interest in getting a college education.
I set my sights on a career in human resources and began my higher education path at Aiken Technical College in the summer of 2018. During my time at ATC, I worked in the library and made tons of friends! I received my "business transfer certificate" within 2 years which allowed me to transfer all my credits to USCA.
Applying to USCA was stressful. At first, I felt like an imposter; why should a high school dropout be accepted into a university? The process was super simple, though and my dedication to my higher education must have showed, too because I received a letter in the mail welcoming me to USCA. I'm officially a Pacer!
The transition from ATC to USCA was seamless. My advisor, orientation, and countless other staff/faculty members were there to guide me through the process. After a couple of weeks USCA felt like home.
I continued to excel academically but I felt like I wanted to be more involved on campus. I joined the Student Government Association my second semester on campus and am currently serving my second year on the Senate. I also joined the Judicial board, honors societies, and sat on multiple committees. Being an involved student has not only helped me be a more dedicated student, but it also furthered my drive for professional success.
I'm now a senior planning to graduate in 4 short months. I have an amazing internship in human resources at Bridgestone. I've learned so many lessons that have allowed me to become my best self. The culture at USCA cannot be underestimated. I have made countless friends, I have had the pleasure of having several mentors, and I will never forget the memories I've made here at USCA. I'm so proud to be a Pacer and cannot wait for what comes next!
Senior Marketing Major
I have learned and enjoyed so many good things here at USC Aiken. My favorite thing is the diversity you see on campus. It makes it special and amazing. You meet people that come from all around the world.
Junior Psychology Major
I decided to transfer to USCA because I have always loved the state of South Carolina and I was blessed with the chance to be a part of the women's basketball team. I was not enjoying Murray State the way I had hoped when I committed there back in high school. I have played basketball my entire life, and it has always been my goal to play collegiate basketball! With that being said, now finishing up my third year of college basketball I have been extremely blessed to be able to play, but I have not had the best luck with injuries.
I have had knee issues which have not allowed me to play at times and which is why I am still a freshman athletically because I had to have knee surgery a couple years ago! This past year has without a doubt been the best year so far for my college experiences. Between the relationships I have made, my schoolwork being good, and basketball being the best it has been since high school, it has been such a good year! I was a tad nervous about transferring far away from home at first because I am from Missouri, but it has been the best decision I have ever made! I am blessed and excited to be here at USCA!
Junior Computer Science Major
I came to the US from Europe because I received an excellent scholarship through soccer. Being able to play Soccer while I am also going to college is a perfect opportunity to grow as a person, and I am grateful for this chance. At first, it was hard to adapt, but my teammates made me feel at home. I haven't explored much of the school yet because of my focus on my sport and education. Now that the season is over, I would like to go and explore a bit more.
Junior Interdisciplinary Studies Major
When I graduated high school, I decided I wanted to go to a tech school to save some money for university. The original plan was to stay 2 years, but I ended up only staying for 1. I realized that I wanted to experience a university campus sooner than I thought I did. Believe it or not, USC Aiken was the only school I applied to. Once I set foot on this campus, I knew it was right for me. I’m glad I took my time before coming to a university. It helped me gain more confidence. I am now involved in several organizations, became Student of the Month for September, and made so many friendships.
Interested in transferring to USC Aiken? Come see what we have for you!
Senior Psychology Major
Senior Marketing Major
Things to keep in mind when you apply
After graduating high school, if you have attended another college or university and attempted one or more courses, regardless of credit earned, you are a transfer student.
In order for an academic course from a previous institution to be accepted at (transferred to) USC Aiken, there must be an equivalent course within the USC Aiken Academic Bulletin. Credits associated with accepted courses are called transferable credit hours.
If you have completed 12 or more transferable semester credit hours, your college academic performance will determine your eligibility for admission. If you have completed less than 12 transferable semester credit hours of college level work, your college and high school academic performance will determine your eligibility for admission.
To be considered for admission, transfer students are required to have a minimum 2.0 cumulative GPA (on a 4.0 GPA scale) in all previous college-level course work.
Transfer applicants must be in academic good standing and eligible to return to the institution last attended. Therefore, applicants who are on academic suspension or dismissal from the institution that they last attended are not eligible for admission.
Ready to submit an application? Follow these steps and you’ll be done in no time
Head over to our Apply Now page and click the Apply Now button to complete an online application. A complete application includes the application, $45 non-refundable application fee and official college transcripts (high school transcripts, if applicable).
Students who previously attend any UofSC campus, are not required to submit transcripts from any UofSC locations or institutions previously attended prior to their last UofSC acceptance.
Students must request and submit official final transcripts directly to UofSC Aiken from each previously attended academic institution. Hand delivered transcripts will be considered unofficial. Applicants must submit transcripts of all previous college courses attempted whether or not credit was earned and regardless of whether the applicant wishes to transfer any credit. Failure to report all attempted college courses may constitute sufficient cause for later dismissal from the University.
The application review process begins after a complete application has been submitted. To log into the Pacer Application Portal and check the status of an application, click the Check Status button on our Apply Now page and log in with the email address and password that was used to create the application account.
For additional information, please contact the Office of Admissions.
The transfer credit review process
Effective June 1, 2022, the University of South Carolina Aiken in alignment with Proviso 117.152 (CHE: Transfer of Student Credit), will guarantee that students who have earned an Associate of Arts or Associate of Science degree from a public two-year institution of higher learning shall receive a minimum of sixty transfer credit hours at a public four-year college or university and shall be given a junior status at the college or university. Course prerequisites and minimum credit requirements for awarding degrees shall still apply.
The acceptable credits will apply to each student’s degree program differently and in accordance with the requirements of the major area of study.USC Aiken publishes and consistently updates tables of transferable credits for student use in determining how each course will transfer into USC Aiken.
Accepted credit from previous college work is determined through a transcript review prepared by the Office of Transfer Student Initiatives and Services. After being admitted to the university, students can view a list of accepted courses in their Self Service Carolina portal (Advising Transcript section) in approximately 3 weeks after their acceptance. Each course will be evaluated by the appropriate department chair/dean to determine whether to award credit towards the student's major.
In general, transfer credit is awarded when:
Keep in mind that although a course may be transferable, it may not necessarily apply to all majors, programs, or degrees.
Applicants may use the resources below to conduct an unofficial transcript review. The information provided through the self-review is UNOFFICIAL, but can provide insight into the transfer process. The transfer equivalencies identified through this source are not a guarantee of transfer credit, which can only be provided after an official review by the university.
How to Use the Table
Select UofSC Aiken from the drop down menu and then select your institution. Next, find the subject code and course number for the course you would like to confirm. The table will list your course on the left side of the table, and its UofSC equivalency courses on the right.
The senior year of work (30 semester hours) must be completed in residence at UofSC Aiken and at least 12 hours of the student's major courses must be earned at UofSC Aiken. At least 25 percent of semester credit hours applicable toward the degree must be earned at UofSC Aiken. 120-semester credit hours with a minimum system grade point average of 2.0 are required for most baccalaureate degrees.
Currently enrolled USC Aiken students who would like to complete courses at another college and transfer the credit back to USC Aiken, must request approval to do so by completing the SERF and procedures outlined in the SERF instructions.
Special Enrollment FormOther types of credits that are accepted at UofSC Aiken
In some disciplines, students may receive credit for a course by requesting and earning a B or better on a challenge exam. Departments and Schools determine which of their courses may be challenged and the number of challenge exams that may be applied to major course requirements. Department chairs/school heads should be consulted concerning individual unit guidelines.
Academic credit may be awarded for educational experiences in the military if they are in accordance with recommendations published by the American Council on Education (ACE) and are consistent with University policy on transfer of credit. Credit will be applied to a degree program upon the approval of the Department Chair or School Head from which the degree is to be awarded.
The University of South Carolina Aiken supports the College Board’s Advanced Placement Program, which allows high school students the opportunity to pursue college-level courses in their own schools and to be taught the material by their own teachers.
IB graduates who score well (4-7) on their Higher Level exams will be awarded college credit as determined by the academic departments. No credit is awarded for subjects passed at the Subsidiary level of IB, nor for scores below 4 on the higher level exams.
The University awards credit by examination for College-Level Examination Program (CLEP) SUBJECT exams. By attaining an acceptable score, a student may receive credit equal to that normally earned in the comparable University course.
Pathway programs designed for seamless transfer
Pathway agreements developed between technical colleges in South Carolina and the University of South Carolina Aiken are available through the link above.
Pathway agreements developed for future education transfer students who begin their studies at Aiken Technical College.
An online degree completion program that's designed for students who have already completed their general education requirements and need to finish their undergraduate degree online.
The University of South Carolina Aiken's 100% online RN to BSN program is designed to help working nurses transform their nursing practice in as few as 12 months.
Ways for Transfer Students to get more involved on campus
Held annually in October
Join us for this annual event to celebrate and welcome members of the Pacer Transfer Nation!
There will be events through the week, from virtual sessions with the Transfer Center team to in-person social and educational events. Click here to view the schedule and learn more about National Transfer Student Week.
Some next steps and resources that you might find helpful
After submitting your application, you can check the status of your application in the Pacer Application Portal
In addition to receiving the final admission decision, applicants may send and receive messages from the Admissions Office and review a checklist of which documents have been received or are needed before an admissions decision is made from within the portal. Admissions decisions are typically available three to four weeks after a complete application has been submitted.
Interested in seeing the campus for yourself? Whether it's our beautiful quad, state-of-the-art esports facility, or small classroom sizes, you're sure to be impressed. Schedule a visit today!
Reach out to the Office of Transfer Student Initiatives and Services
Penland 101
M - F, 8:30 am - 5:00 pm
803-641-3613
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
The Admissions staff at the University of South Carolina Aiken understands that the college selection process can be overwhelming. Our staff is dedicated and prepared to help you with information about the University and our admissions process.
Your enrollment counselor is your personal contact at USC Aiken. If you have a specific question, please feel free to contact him/her.