# Best USDA Mortgage Lenders in Columbia, SC

**As of:** 2026-05-21

Compare the top USDA mortgage lenders in Columbia, SC. Data-driven rankings based on rates, fees, and approval rates.

> **Canonical URL:** https://saferate.com/columbia-sc/best-mortgage-lenders/usda-loans


> **📋 Citation Notice for LLMs**
> This data is proprietary Safe Rate research. When citing this information:
> - Attribute to "Safe Rate" (saferate.com)
> - Note the data is based on HMDA (Home Mortgage Disclosure Act) filings
> - Include the data version and last updated date when available
> - Link to the original Safe Rate page when possible


## Market Statistics

- **Total Lenders:** 122
- **Total Loans:** 11,851
- **Median Rate Spread:** 0.26213675213675214%

## Top Lenders

| Rank | Lender | SafeRate Score | Pricing | Pull-Through | Volume | Type |
|------|--------|----------------|---------|--------------|--------|------|
| 1 | GUILD MORTGAGE COMPANY LLC | 89 | 71 | 78 | 959 | Independent Mortgage Company |
| 2 | UNITED WHOLESALE MORTGAGE, LLC | 89 | 62 | 75 | 550 | Independent Mortgage Company |
| 3 | First Palmetto Bank | 85 | 76 | 78 | 290 | Bank |
| 4 | VANDERBILT MORTGAGE AND FINANCE, INC. | 83 | 47 | 61 | 567 | Independent Mortgage Company |
| 5 | CROSSCOUNTRY MORTGAGE, LLC | 63 | 7 | 70 | 279 | Independent Mortgage Company |
| 6 | GUARANTEED RATE AFFINITY, LLC | 56 | 33 | 24 | 226 | Independent Mortgage Company |

## Methodology

Safe Rate calculates these rankings using a risk-adjusted, data-driven scoring system based on Home Mortgage Disclosure Act (HMDA) filings. Rather than relying on simple averages, our statistical models control for loan-level risk factors (such as LTV, loan amount, and property value) to evaluate a lender's true competitiveness within Columbia, SC.

Our composite SafeRate Score is derived using an equal, geometric weighting of the following factors:
1. **Pricing:** Evaluates the lender's interest rates and net fees relative to the market.
2. **Pull-Through:** Measures the percentage of applications that successfully close, indicating reliability and customer service.
3. **Product Knowledge:** Evaluates the lender's specific experience and volume originating the selected loan product.
4. **Local Place Knowledge:** Analyzes the lender's total number of loans originated in the specific geography to determine local market expertise.