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.

Click Here to See the Best Colleges in the US*Bureau of Labor Statistics *Wikipedia, “List of Colleges and Universities in South Carolina”, “Companies based in South Carolina” *www.southernliving.com/travel/south-best-bars

Best Four Year Universities in South Carolina

Clemson University
Clemson, SC

Clemson University offers 294 degree programs. It's a very large, public, four-year university in a large suburb. In 2022, 7,028 students graduated with students earning 4,934 Bachelor's degrees, 1,672 Master's degrees, 244 Doctoral degrees, and 178 Certificates.

Wofford College
Spartanburg, SC

Wofford College offers 29 degree programs. It's a small, private not-for-profit, four-year university in a small city. In 2022, 405 students graduated with students earning 405 Bachelor's degrees.

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Furman University
Greenville, SC

Furman University offers 80 degree programs. It's a small, private not-for-profit, four-year university in a large suburb. In 2022, 675 students graduated with students earning 608 Bachelor's degrees, 64 Master's degrees, and 3 Certificates.

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University of South Carolina-Columbia offers 314 degree programs. It's a very large, public, four-year university in a midsize city. In 2022, 9,180 students graduated with students earning 6,290 Bachelor's degrees, 1,735 Master's degrees, 865 Doctoral degrees, 289 Certificates, and 1 Associate's degree.

Converse University
Spartanburg, SC

Converse University offers 84 degree programs. It's a small, private not-for-profit, four-year university in a small city. In 2022, 324 students graduated with students earning 172 Bachelor's degrees, 108 Master's degrees, 36 Doctoral degrees, and 8 Certificates.

Presbyterian College
Clinton, SC

Presbyterian College offers 44 degree programs. It's a small, private not-for-profit, four-year university in a faraway town. In 2022, 266 students graduated with students earning 182 Bachelor's degrees, 52 Doctoral degrees, and 32 Master's degrees.

Claflin University
Orangeburg, SC

Claflin University offers 48 degree programs. It's a small, private not-for-profit, four-year university in a faraway town. In 2022, 460 students graduated with students earning 417 Bachelor's degrees, and 43 Master's degrees.

College of Charleston
Charleston, SC

College of Charleston offers 106 degree programs. It's a large, public, four-year university in a midsize city. In 2022, 2,192 students graduated with students earning 1,933 Bachelor's degrees, 230 Master's degrees, and 29 Certificates.

Citadel Military College of South Carolina offers 91 degree programs. It's a small, public, four-year university in a midsize city. In 2022, 1,116 students graduated with students earning 709 Bachelor's degrees, 322 Master's degrees, and 85 Certificates.

Anderson University
Anderson, SC

Anderson University offers 146 degree programs. It's a small, private not-for-profit, four-year university in a small city. In 2022, 986 students graduated with students earning 642 Bachelor's degrees, 289 Master's degrees, 47 Doctoral degrees, and 8 Certificates.

Best Community Colleges in South Carolina

Southeastern College-Charleston
North Charleston, SC

Southeastern College-Charleston offers 13 degree programs. It's a very small, private for-profit, two-year college in a midsize city. In 2022, 36 students graduated with students earning 33 Certificates, and 3 Associate's degrees.

Southeastern College-Columbia offers 13 degree programs. It's a very small, private for-profit, two-year college in a large suburb. In 2022, 35 students graduated with students earning 27 Certificates, and 8 Associate's degrees.

Miller-Motte College-Charleston offers 6 degree programs. It's a very small, private for-profit, two-year college in a midsize city. In 2022, 67 students graduated with students earning 56 Certificates, and 11 Associate's degrees.

University of South Carolina-Sumter offers 1 degree programs. It's a small, public, two-year college in a small city. In 2022, 159 students graduated with students earning 159 Associate's degrees.

Miller-Motte College-Conway offers 5 degree programs. It's a very small, private for-profit, two-year college in a midsize suburb. In 2022, 105 students graduated with students earning 66 Certificates, and 39 Associate's degrees.

University of South Carolina-Salkehatchie offers 1 degree programs. It's a very small, public, two-year college in a outlying rural area. In 2022, 95 students graduated with students earning 95 Associate's degrees.

Spartanburg Methodist College offers 10 degree programs. It's a small, private not-for-profit, four-year university in a midsize suburb. In 2022, 259 students graduated with students earning 233 Associate's degrees, and 26 Bachelor's degrees.

Orangeburg Calhoun Technical College offers 48 degree programs. It's a small, public, two-year college in a outlying rural area. In 2022, 319 students graduated with students earning 258 Associate's degrees, and 61 Certificates.

University of South Carolina-Lancaster offers 4 degree programs. It's a small, public, two-year college in a faraway town. In 2022, 177 students graduated with students earning 177 Associate's degrees.

University of South Carolina-Union offers 1 degree programs. It's a small, public, two-year college in a faraway town. In 2022, 77 students graduated with students earning 77 Associate's degrees.

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List of all colleges in South Carolina

School Average Tuition Student Teacher Ratio Enrolled Students
Clemson University Logo Clemson University Clemson, SC
4/5
20 : 1 28,466
Wofford College Logo Wofford College Spartanburg, SC
5/5
12 : 1 1,823
Furman University Logo Furman University Greenville, SC
5/5
9 : 1 2,443
University of South Carolina-Columbia Logo University of South Carolina-Columbia Columbia, SC
3/5
23 : 1 35,653
Converse University Logo Converse University Spartanburg, SC
4/5
14 : 1 1,284