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The University of South Carolina Upstate is a lively, diverse, and empowering institution for motivated, success-minded students who want to be challenged academically, supported personally and pushed to the boundaries of their potential in an opportunity-rich environment. From its founding in 1967, the University has bound its fortunes to one of the fastest-growing regions globally, the I-85 corridor connecting Atlanta and Charlotte. Much of what sets USC Upstate apart is its position in one of the most dynamic, opportunity-rich locations in the South. Home to more than one million people and boasting the highest per capita international investment of any county in the nation, the Upstate region provides boundless academic, professional, and cultural outlets for students to develop skills and establish meaningful connections. Comprised of a diverse and dynamic community of about 6,000 students from 26 states and 17 countries, USC Upstate is a beautiful blend of traditional and nontraditional students who reflect the Upstate's rich international character. USC Upstate offers a balance of strengths that, when added up, results in a learning experience that's hard to match. The academic programs are accredited and highly ranked, with excellent research and internship opportunities for students. USC Upstate is committed to fulfilling regional and state workforce needs, and thus the University is a major engine of social and economic development. The University offers more than 40 bachelor's degree programs in the liberal arts and sciences, business administration, nursing, teacher education, and master's degrees in education, informatics, and nursing. These are degrees that help students to transition easily to careers in the Upstate region. By continually adding new academic programs that prepare graduates to take leadership roles in companies and their communities, USC Upstate is helping the region to prosper. The faculty and staff are dedicated to maintaining high academic standards and student success. Their commitment to transforming students' lives who are usually the first ones in their families to seek higher education shines through in every interaction at USC Upstate. Regional, comprehensive universities are marked by their commitment and contributions to the region and their service and community engagement. There is an impressive spirit of service at USC Upstate that allows students, under the direction of a faculty member, to apply what they have learned in the classrooms and laboratories on some of the challenges facing our communities. In one year alone, the students volunteered more than 18,000 hours to serving others in several ways. Nearly 30,000 students have earned their degrees from USC Upstate and are now representing the University as alumni. Nearly 85 percent of the alumni choose to remain in the Upstate to build their lives and careers, significantly impacting the region's economy and quality of life. USC Upstate has enjoyed working with the Spartanburg community for the past 50 years and is looking forward to enriching the Spartanburg community in partnerships for the next 50 years and beyond. Together, we will create a future that is enriching, engaged, and healthy. The University's reputation as a leader in education for the entire Upstate region is one that gets stronger each day. This is where it all starts for you! Applying for college can be challenging and exciting, so we have made every attempt to make it easy for you to take the first step. Our academic programs – both undergraduate and graduate – are characterized by their excellence, whether your major is in the College of Arts and Sciences, the School of Education, the Mary Black School of Nursing, or the George Dean Johnson, Jr. College of Business and Economics. The key to this excellence is an incredibly talented and dedicated faculty of teacher-scholars who provide students with an engaged, state-of-the-art teaching and learning approach. Unlike other universities, our students receive individualized attention from faculty who are accessible and who genuinely care about them as students and as people. We also provide students with opportunities to have a host of meaningful experiences that connect them with their discipline, peers, and community, thereby preparing them for careers, graduate school, and life. Whether it is taking service-learning classes where students gain valuable experience as well as academic credit through partnerships with community agencies, conducting research alongside a faculty member and presenting their findings at a professional symposium, participating in our honors program or study abroad, or pursuing a more traditional approach to an academic program, our commitment to excellence is evident, and student success is our highest priority. When students visit USC Upstate, they expect to find the best in academics and campus life. First, USC Upstate is a great place to get a quality education, but we know that you learn both inside and outside the classroom. We strive to offer the best in housing, dining, transportation, health services, and activities that will help you to feel a little more at home. Whether you are looking for a club, career advice, or volunteer opportunities, it is easy to get involved and become a part of our vibrant campus community. 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