South Carolina is an excellent state for higher education, with plenty of top-ranked colleges and universities. In fact, there are so many fantastic options that it can be tough to narrow down the list. If you seek the best of the best, these top 10 colleges and universities in South Carolina deserve credit.
10. Presbyterian College
Presbyterian College is a private college specializing in liberal arts located in Clinton, South Carolina. The college was founded in 1880 by the Rev. William Plumer Jacobs and currently enrolls around 1,000 students. The campus is on 86 acres of land; it has several historic buildings, including the Old County Courthouse and the Presbyterian Church. The college offers bachelor’s degrees in over 30 majors, as well as several master’s and doctoral programs. Like other institutions in this top 10 list, Presbyterian College receives accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools. The school is also a member of the National Association of Independent Colleges and Universities. Presbyterian College is committed to providing quality education at an affordable price. It offers many financial aid options to help make college accessible to all students. Popular majors include business administration, nursing, psychology, and elementary education. Presbyterian College offers a variety of extracurricular activities, including an NCAA Division I athletics program, campus ministry, and service organizations. If you feel like Presbyterian College is the perfect fit, take a tour!
9. Lander University
Lander University is a comprehensive public institution located in Greenwood, South Carolina. It was founded in 1872 as a men’s college and became coeducational in 1950. The university enrolls approximately 3,000 students and offers more than 50 undergraduate programs of study. Lander receives accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges. The university is also home to an NCAA Division II athletic program that competes in the Peach Belt Conference. Lander students have the opportunity to participate in a variety of extracurricular activities, including more than 30 clubs and organizations. The university also offers many study abroad programs, which allow students to experience different cultures while earning credit toward their degree. Lander University provides a well-rounded education that prepares students for success in their chosen field.
8. Winthrop University
Winthrop University is a leading public liberal arts institution in Rock Hill, South Carolina. The university offers undergraduate and graduate programs in various disciplines, with a strong focus on providing students with an excellent education. Winthrop University also is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges. The university has approximately 6,000 students, representing all 50 states and more than 60 countries. Winthrop University is strongly committed to providing students with a high-quality education that prepares them for successful careers. The university offers a variety of majors and minors, as well as opportunities for research and internships. In addition, Winthrop University provides support services for students, including tutoring, career counseling, and financial aid. So what are you waiting for? Check out Winthrop University!
7. The Citadel
The Citadel, located in Charleston, South Carolina, is a public college founded in 1842. Its mission is to “educate, develop and inspire leaders of character dedicated to serving others.” The school is best known for its Army ROTC program and Corps of Cadets. The Citadel has produced many notable alumni, including two astronauts, four Medal of Honor recipients, and a Nobel Prize winner. The school is also home to the oldest continuous honor system in the United States. The Citadel values integrity, self-discipline, and respect for others. These core principles are evident in everything from how cadets interact with each other to how they conduct themselves in training or around the classroom. The Citadel strives to instill these values in its students so they can leave their mark and positively impact the world.
6. College of Charleston
The College of Charleston is a public research university in historic Charleston, South Carolina. Founded in 1770, the college is another one of the oldest higher education institutions in the United States. The College of Charleston also offers many undergraduate and graduate programs with a strong emphasis on liberal arts and sciences. Another bonus is that the campus is in the heart of downtown Charleston, just steps from the city’s renowned historic district. The college is also home to a few research institutes, including the International Center for Education in the Arts and the Lowcountry Hazards Center. With its rich history and beautiful setting, the College of Charleston is ideal for pursuing your academic goals.
Fun fact: You might witness the cast of Outer Banks filming in Charleston while pursuing an education at the College of Charleston.
5. Wofford College
Wofford College is a private college specializing in liberal arts in Spartanburg, South Carolina. Founded in 1854, Wofford is also one of the oldest colleges in the state. The college enrolls about 1,700 students across the country and offers more than 40 majors and minors. Wofford is known for its rigorous academic programs, a competitive NCAA Division I athletic program, and vibrant campus life. The college is home to many student organizations, including clubs devoted to arts and culture, service and leadership, politics and advocacy, and many others. Wofford also offers an array of study abroad opportunities, allowing students to experience different cultures and learn new languages. With its beautiful campus and rich history, Wofford College is an excellent choice for any student seeking a well-rounded college experience.
4. Furman University
Furman University is a private university that specializes in liberal arts located in Greenville, South Carolina. Founded in 1826, Furman is the state’s oldest institution of higher learning. The university is nonsectarian and does not require students to adhere to any particular religious creed. Furman offers bachelor’s degrees in over forty majors and minors, as well as several graduate programs. The university is primarily known for its business, education, and sciences programs. Furman also has a highly regarded performing arts program and is home to the Paladins, a Division I NCAA athletic team. Furman ranks as one of the top universities in the United States by several publications, including the U.S. News & World Report and Forbes magazine.
3. University of South Carolina
The University of South Carolina, commonly referred to as USC, is a public research university located in Columbia, South Carolina. Founded in 1801 as South Carolina College, the institution was renamed the University of South Carolina in 1865. The university enrolls more than 30,000 students from all 50 states and over 100 countries. USC offers more than 350 degree programs through its 14 colleges and schools. The university is also home to several research centers and institutes, including the Darla Moore School of Business, the Honors College, and the International Center for Automotive Research. USC’s athletic teams compete in Division I of the NCAA and are known as the Gamecocks. The university’s mascot is a costumed cocky named Cocky. USC’s sports teams have won numerous national championships, including titles in football, Men’s basketball, Women’s basketball, and baseball.
2. Clemson University
Clemson University is a public university specializing in land-grant research in Clemson, South Carolina. Founded in 1889, Clemson is the state’s oldest and largest public university. The university consists of seven colleges: Agriculture, Forestry and Life Sciences; Architecture, Arts and Humanities; Business; Education; Engineering and Science; Health, Education and Humanities; and Social Sciences. Clemson’s campus is in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains and includes Lake Hartwell, a 49,000-acre reservoir. The university also operates several research facilities, including the Baruch Institute for Coastal Ecology and Forest Science, the Belle W. Baruch Institute for Marine and Coastal Sciences, the International Center for Automotive Research, and the restoration ecology lab at nearby Moss Creek Plantation. The university features more than 80 undergraduate majors and 130 graduate programs. In addition, the Carnegie Foundation classifies Clemson University as a Doctoral/Research University-Extensive. This designation reflects their commitment to research and graduate education. Finally, Clemson University has phenomenal clubs and an NCAA Division I sports program.
1. Coastal Carolina University
Coastal Carolina University is a public institution founded in 1954. It is located in Conway, South Carolina, just minutes from the beach. Coastal Carolina University offers bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees in various disciplines. The university is well-known for its strong academics, beautiful campus, passionate students, and fantastic NCAA Division I sports programs. Coastal Carolina University strives to provide an exceptional educational experience for all its students. The school’s faculty members are experts in their fields and are committed to teaching their students the skills they can utilize to succeed in their chosen career paths. Coastal Carolina University offers a wide array of programs and services that support its students’ academic success. The school also provides many extracurricular activities and organizations that allow students to get involved on campus and connect with their peers. Coastal Carolina University is an excellent choice for students seeking a challenging and rewarding academic experience.
I am a third-year student at Coastal Carolina University, and I love this school! My professors have been outstanding and truly value the quality of my education. I advise incoming first-year students to work diligently in school and join clubs, sororities, or fraternities to meet others and help the community. Also, come out and support our sports programs! Our football team recently won the Cure Bowl in December 2021. Then, our baseball team won the College World Series in Omaha, Nebraska, in 2016. Another fact about CCU is that we have a longtime tradition of wearing teal on Tuesday. You might spot our university mascot, Chauncey, on Teal Tuesday!