Even as a wave of new apartment construction rises across downtown Columbia, college students continue to struggle with affordability and access, paying some of the highest off-campus rents in the state.
Four student-targeted housing complexes are under construction or newly opened near the University of South Carolina. But instead of easing prices, the additional buildings appear to be pushing rents even higher because supply still can’t keep up with demand.
UHomes, a national student housing marketplace, reports that the average USC student now pays about $1,100 per month for off-campus housing — per person, not per unit. The trend extends statewide, too: Clemson University student rents range from $750 to $1,000, while College of Charleston students see $1,500 to $1,850 monthly prices.
Developers are betting heavily on Columbia’s growth. The Verve, a new community at Huger and Assembly, opens Fall 2026 with four-bedroom units priced at $1,275 per student. Across the street, Palmetto Place is also underway, where early starting rents hit $3,300 for a three-bedroom.
“USC is in high demand, and more and more students who are admitted are choosing to attend,” said USC’s internal communications manager, Collyn Taylor.
Enrollment numbers back that up: USC’s student population has surged 26.8% over the past five years, adding thousands of renters into a market that was already tight. Nearby colleges are also growing, widening the mismatch between available units and students searching for housing.
Student housing isn’t only driven by leasing companies. Wealthy families are increasingly purchasing entire homes as a long-term investment strategy.
“Parents are buying these $400,000 homes for their college students and then renting out when they graduate,” Berkshire Hathaway Homes real estate agent Paige Edward said. “They worry about a shortage in housing availability.”
Graduates themselves may also be staying longer in Columbia, drawn by job opportunities and a vibrant city core — prolonging the rental squeeze.
The Columbia metro area now has more than 856,000 residents, with 14% aged 20–29 — a demographic heavily reliant on rentals near college or work.
Developers say demand remains so intense that new buildings lease out quickly, even at premium prices. Meanwhile, students accept the higher cost as the tradeoff for independence.
“Rent is a little high, but I think it is worth it,” said USC senior Maggie Eva. “… There has definitely been an increase in rent since moving off campus. But I think it has gone up because there is more freedom when living off campus.”
✔ New buildings keep opening
✔ Students still outnumber available bedrooms
✔ Rents continue to climb
Young people are finding ways — often expensive ones — to live close to campus. As one student put it:
If they want the college experience, the price might just come with it.
Originally reported by Abby Strating in Carolina News Reporter.
