It is part of the University of South Carolina System and one of the four regional USC campuses which make up Palmetto College.

The University of South Carolina Sumter announced on Monday, October 30, 2006 the return of intercollegiate athletics to the campus.

The USC Sumter Fire Ants began playing in the 2007-2008 academic year with baseball and softball teams.

Competitive sports had not been on campus since the 1970s, when the mascot was The Partisans and the school colors were purple and white.

University of South Carolina Sumter now sponsors thirteen collegiate teams known as the Fire Ants.