Best colleges in South Carolina
Find a College That’s Just Right
Not too big and not too small, not too hot and not too cold…
South Carolina is rich with heritage and proudly self-describes as “just right.” If you have always wanted to explore the Deep South but didn’t have a reason, going to one of the dozens of colleges in South Carolina is the perfect excuse. Here you’ll find a chiropractic college, 8 historically black colleges and the oldest institution in the region – built in 1770.* Majors of choice are as individual as the students themselves, but some popular options include Cardiovascular Technology, Computer Engineering, and Women’s Studies. Of the top 10 highest paid occupations in the Palmetto State, 100% are in the healthcare industry, so a healthcare degree will do well for your future career. Many South Carolina graduates go on to work at other local businesses like the Liberty Corporation, Bud Moore Engineering, and Ambassador International.*
During your downtime, eat some award-winning barbecue, explore a carnival or the ever-popular state fair when the season’s right, or enjoy the various beaches. Looking for a way to unwind and meet some locals? Head over to The Griffon in Charleston, where you’ll get a semi-authentic English pub feel with a definitive Southern Twist. Or, head over to the Bar at Husk, where one can try 80 different types of whisky.* South Carolina makes for truly memorable college years, whether you’re heading over as a freshman or looking for a fresh start in life that feels….just right.
*Bureau of Labor Statistics *Wikipedia, “List of Colleges and Universities in South Carolina”, “Companies based in South Carolina” *www.southernliving.com/travel/south-best-barsBest Four Year Universities in South Carolina
Wofford College offers 31 degree programs. It's a small, private not-for-profit, four-year university in a small city. In 2019, 379 students graduated with students earning 379 Bachelor's degrees.
Furman University offers 66 degree programs. It's a small, private not-for-profit, four-year university in a large suburb. In 2019, 680 students graduated with students earning 600 Bachelor's degrees, and 80 Master's degrees.
Clemson University offers 298 degree programs. It's a very large, public, four-year university in a large suburb. In 2019, 6,618 students graduated with students earning 4,536 Bachelor's degrees, 1,518 Master's degrees, 321 Certificates, and 243 Doctoral degrees.
University of South Carolina-Columbia offers 350 degree programs. It's a very large, public, four-year university in a midsize city. In 2019, 8,946 students graduated with students earning 5,988 Bachelor's degrees, 1,742 Master's degrees, 919 Doctoral degrees, and 297 Certificates.
Citadel Military College of South Carolina offers 98 degree programs. It's a small, public, four-year university in a midsize city. In 2019, 1,010 students graduated with students earning 603 Bachelor's degrees, 301 Master's degrees, and 106 Certificates.
Presbyterian College offers 42 degree programs. It's a small, private not-for-profit, four-year university in a faraway town. In 2019, 274 students graduated with students earning 199 Bachelor's degrees, and 75 Doctoral degrees.
Claflin University offers 47 degree programs. It's a small, private not-for-profit, four-year university in a faraway town. In 2019, 381 students graduated with students earning 337 Bachelor's degrees, and 44 Master's degrees.
Southern Wesleyan University offers 47 degree programs. It's a small, private not-for-profit, four-year university in a large suburb. In 2019, 434 students graduated with students earning 286 Bachelor's degrees, 116 Master's degrees, and 32 Associate's degrees.
College of Charleston offers 98 degree programs. It's a large, public, four-year university in a midsize city. In 2019, 2,376 students graduated with students earning 2,143 Bachelor's degrees, 205 Master's degrees, and 28 Certificates.
Newberry College offers 51 degree programs. It's a small, private not-for-profit, four-year university in a faraway town. In 2019, 231 students graduated with students earning 231 Bachelor's degrees.
Best Community Colleges in South Carolina
Spartanburg Methodist College offers 7 degree programs. It's a very small, private not-for-profit, four-year university in a midsize suburb. In 2019, 198 students graduated with students earning 198 Associate's degrees.
Fortis College-Columbia offers 5 degree programs. It's a very small, private for-profit, two-year college in a midsize city. In 2019, 159 students graduated with students earning 145 Certificates, and 14 Associate's degrees.
University of South Carolina-Sumter offers 2 degree programs. It's a small, public, two-year college in a small city. In 2019, 122 students graduated with students earning 122 Associate's degrees.
University of South Carolina-Salkehatchie offers 2 degree programs. It's a very small, public, two-year college in a outlying rural area. In 2019, 132 students graduated with students earning 132 Associate's degrees.
University of South Carolina-Lancaster offers 5 degree programs. It's a small, public, two-year college in a faraway town. In 2019, 135 students graduated with students earning 135 Associate's degrees.
Denmark Technical College offers 26 degree programs. It's a very small, public, two-year college in a outlying rural area. In 2019, 121 students graduated with students earning 84 Certificates, and 37 Associate's degrees.
Forrest College offers 10 degree programs. It's a very small, private for-profit, two-year college in a small city. In 2019, 25 students graduated with students earning 15 Associate's degrees, and 10 Certificates.
Orangeburg Calhoun Technical College offers 61 degree programs. It's a small, public, two-year college in a outlying rural area. In 2019, 519 students graduated with students earning 295 Certificates, and 224 Associate's degrees.
Spartanburg Community College offers 64 degree programs. It's a small, public, two-year college in a midsize suburb. In 2019, 658 students graduated with students earning 521 Associate's degrees, and 137 Certificates.
Platt College-Miller-Motte Technical-Charleston offers 9 degree programs. It's a very small, private for-profit, two-year college in a midsize city. In 2019, 254 students graduated with students earning 184 Certificates, and 70 Associate's degrees.
List of all colleges in South Carolina
| School | Average Tuition | Student Teacher Ratio | Enrolled Students | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Wofford College Spartanburg, SC | 12 : 1 | 1,720 | |
|
Furman University Greenville, SC | 10 : 1 | 2,828 | |
|
Clemson University Clemson, SC | 19 : 1 | 25,822 | |
|
University of South Carolina-Columbia Columbia, SC | 24 : 1 | 35,364 | |
|
Citadel Military College of South Carolina Charleston, SC | 18 : 1 | 3,767 | |
|
Presbyterian College Clinton, SC | 13 : 1 | 1,353 | |
|
Claflin University Orangeburg, SC | 17 : 1 | 2,070 | |
|
Southern Wesleyan University Central, SC | 28 : 1 | 1,430 | |
|
College of Charleston Charleston, SC | 20 : 1 | 10,545 | |
|
Newberry College Newberry, SC | 19 : 1 | 1,271 | |
|
Anderson University Anderson, SC | 22 : 1 | 3,543 | |
|
Winthrop University Rock Hill, SC | 20 : 1 | 5,865 | |
|
Converse College Spartanburg, SC | 18 : 1 | 1,455 | |
|
North Greenville University Tigerville, SC | 15 : 1 | 2,426 | |
|
Southeastern Institute-Columbia Columbia, SC | 22 : 1 | 196 | |
|
Limestone College Gaffney, SC | 24 : 1 | 2,206 | |
|
Lander University Greenwood, SC | 23 : 1 | 3,226 | |
|
Charleston Southern University Charleston, SC | 16 : 1 | 3,477 | |
|
South Carolina State University Orangeburg, SC | 18 : 1 | 2,479 | |
|
Columbia International University Columbia, SC | 43 : 1 | 1,649 | |