University of South Carolina Union: A Comprehensive Overview

The University of South Carolina Union (USC Union) stands as a vital component of the University of South Carolina System, extending educational opportunities to the citizens of Union, South Carolina, and beyond. As one of the four regional USC campuses comprising Palmetto College, USC Union plays a crucial role in providing accessible and affordable higher education. This article delves into the various aspects of USC Union, including its history, academic offerings, student life, and transfer opportunities.

History and Establishment

In the 1960s, the citizens of Union recognized the need for a local higher education institution. To address this, they formed the Union County Commission for Higher Education, with the primary goal of attracting a college to the area. Simultaneously, the University of South Carolina sought to expand its reach throughout the state, aligning perfectly with the aspirations of Union County. This synergy led to an agreement to establish an extension campus in Union, marking the birth of USC Union.

Accreditation and Academic Programs

USC Union holds accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, ensuring the quality and credibility of its academic programs. The university awards associate degrees in both art and science, providing students with a solid foundation for further studies or entry into the workforce.

USC Union's primary purpose is to provide the first two years of a Liberal Arts university education to traditional and nontraditional students and to confer the Associate in Arts and the Associate in Science degrees.

Beyond associate degrees, USC Union also offers baccalaureate degree options. Students have the option to enroll in a four-year multi-disciplinary degree (Bachelor of Liberal Studies). This degree option helps bridge the gap between an Associate's degree and upper-division study in order to better prepare students for life after college. Beginning Fall 2009, students at USC Union had a second baccalaureate degree option (Bachelor of Organizational Leadership). The BOL is designed for students who want a degree with an applied workplace leadership focus.

Campus and Locations

The main campus of USC Union is located in Union, South Carolina. Recognizing the importance of accessibility, the university also operates a branch campus in Laurens, South Carolina, further extending its reach to students in the surrounding areas.

Athletics

USC Union Bantam Athletics is home to a variety of competitive sports teams including men's soccer and baseball as well as women's volleyball and softball, all of which compete at the junior college level. USC Union's athletics department, USC Union Bantam Athletics (or simply Bantam Athletics).

Student Life and Activities

USC Union offers a variety of clubs and organizations to enrich the student experience.

Upcountry Literary Festival

Created and directed by Randall Ivey, the Upcountry Literary Festival allows poets, musicians, storytellers, playwrights, essayists, and short-story writers the opportunity to gather and share their works.

Latin American Film Festival

USC Union also hosts a Latin American Film Festival.

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Admissions and Enrollment

USC Union is a public institution with a total enrollment of 1,071 students. The school utilizes a semester-based academic year. The student-faculty ratio is 15-to-1. The highest degree offered at University of South Carolina-Union is an associate degree. The application fee is $40.

Applying

The application fee is $40. Admissions interviews are not conducted.

Tuition and Fees

The in-state tuition and fees for 2020-2021 were $7,558, and out-of-state tuition and fees were $18,238.

Paying for School

At University of South Carolina-Union, 89 percent of undergraduates receive grant or scholarship aid and the average scholarship or grant award is $3,081.

Transfer Opportunities

A large number of USC Union students go on to successfully complete their degrees at a four-year institution. Many students choose to stay within the USC system, but others transfer their credits to colleges and universities throughout the nation.

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Transfer students are eligible for scholarships and financial aid at USC Union. USC Union accepts transfer students for fall, spring, and summer semesters. Transfer applicants from regionally accredited colleges and universities are required to have a minimum grade point average of 2.25 (on a 4.00 scale) on all college-level courses attempted.

In addition to the general requirements for admission outlined in this section, some departments and colleges within the University set additional requirements that may be higher than the University's minimum standards. Students must submit complete official transcripts from all post-secondary institutions through the time of application. If less than 30 semester hours (45 quarter hours) of college-level work have been attempted in a regionally accredited college or university, a student must submit complete high-school records, including SAT or ACT scores.

Transfer credits to USCU must be for academic courses completed with grades of C or better from regionally accredited institutions. A maximum of 76 semester hours from a regionally accredited junior or two-year college may be transferred to the University for degree credit.

Campus Info and Services

Employment services for students are available. Academic/career counseling service are available. Placement services for completers are available.

Student Demographics

Ethnicity Distribution

Black or African American
American Indian or Alaska Native
Native Hawaiian or other Pacific Islander

Gender Distribution

Age Distribution

Under 18: 70%
18-24: 25%
25-64: 4%
Over 65: 0%

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