The University of South Carolina's own registrar page confirms Commencement ceremonies for Friday, May 7 and Saturday, May 8, 2027, at Colonial Life Arena, split by college across four separate sessions.
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What’s confirmed so far
In Columbia, SC, the University of South Carolina’s own registrar page confirms Commencement for Friday, May 7 and Saturday, May 8, 2027 at Colonial Life Arena — real dates and per-session college assignments pulled directly from the university’s official schedule, not projected from a prior year’s pattern.
Four sessions, not one ceremony
USC splits its graduating class across four separate sessions by college: Friday 11 a.m. (School of Music, Darla Moore School of Business), Friday 4 p.m. (Nursing, Public Health, Social Work, Information and Communications, Pharmacy), Saturday 10 a.m. (Honors College, McCausland College of Arts and Sciences), and Saturday 3 p.m. (Palmetto College, Engineering and Computing, Hospitality and Sport Management, Education, and Law graduate programs).
Where this fits with your hotel plan
If you’re still deciding where to stay, see where to stay for what a named Columbia hotel general manager says about graduation-weekend demand, or sold out, now what for Lexington, SC and Rock Hill as fallback options.
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Frequently asked questions
What days does USC's 2027 Commencement cover?
Friday, May 7 and Saturday, May 8, 2027, confirmed directly on the University of South Carolina's own registrar page.
Is there one ceremony everyone attends?
No — USC splits Commencement into four separate sessions by college across the two days: two Friday sessions (11 a.m. and 4 p.m.) and two Saturday sessions (10 a.m. and 3 p.m.), each covering different colleges.
Where are the ceremonies held?
Colonial Life Arena, 801 Lincoln St, Columbia, SC 29208 — USC's basketball arena and its standing commencement venue.
Which session covers my graduate's college?
Friday 11 a.m. covers the School of Music and Darla Moore School of Business; Friday 4 p.m. covers Nursing, Public Health, Social Work, Information and Communications, and Pharmacy; Saturday 10 a.m. covers the Honors College and McCausland College of Arts and Sciences; Saturday 3 p.m. covers Palmetto College, Engineering and Computing, Hospitality and Sport Management, Education, and Law graduate programs.
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