The US is a world-renowned destination for higher education. Every year, international students apply from different countries worldwide to snag a chance to study in any school in the United States. Like these international students, US nationals seek schools with high standards, low cost of tuition, and accessible campuses. The top colleges in South Carolina meet these criteria and more. They use a personalized approach, constantly update the curriculum, and seek ways to improve student’s learning conditions.
Here is a list of the top universities in South California and information about them.
2024’s Best Colleges in South Carolina
- Clemson University, Clinton, SC
- University of South Carolina Columbia, Columbia, SC
- Wofford College, Spartanburg, SC
- Erskine College, Due West, SC
- Converse College, Spartanburg, SC
- Citadel Military College of South Carolina, Charleston, SC
- Claflin University, Orangeburg, SC
- Furman University, Greenville, SC
- College of Charleston, Charleston, SC
Clemson University
Clemson University is a public institution of higher learning that was founded in 1889. It is a research university that awarded $106.3 million in external research funding as of 2019. Clemson University has 26,406 undergraduate and graduate students who have access to united alumni of leaders and mentors in different industries.
Clemson ranks 1st in top colleges in SC, 74th in National Universities, and 42nd in Most Innovative Schools. It ranks 44th in Best Undergraduate Teaching, 45th in Best Colleges for Veterans, and 29th in Top Public Schools.
It has a 51% acceptance rate and an 84.9% graduation rate. Students have an average SAT score between 1230 to 1400 and ACT scores between 27 to 32. In-state students pay $7,059 for tuition, while out-of-students pay $18,555 for tuition per semester. Clemson offers financial aid in the form of grants, scholarships, loans, and student employment. Graduates earn an average salary of $52,400 every year.
Here are some majors:
- Agribusiness
- Biological Sciences
- Construction Science and Management
- Early Childhood Education
- Forest Resource Management
- Health Science
- Landscape Architecture
- Materials Science and Engineering
- Nursing
- Parks, Recreation, and Tourism Management
- Religious Studies
- Secondary Education
- Turfgrass
- Wildlife and Fisheries Biology
University of South Carolina Columbia
UofSC is a public, coeducational institution that was founded in 1801. It offers undergraduate, graduate, and doctorate programs to its 35,364 students.
Students have access to the oldest free-standing library in the US.
UofSC ranks 2nd in top colleges in SC and 118th in National Universities in the US. It ranks 54th in Top Public Schools and 81st in Best Colleges for Veterans. UofSC ranks 178th in Best Value Schools and 102nd Best Undergraduate Engineering Programs.
UofSC has a 69% acceptance rate and a 74% graduation rate. Students have an average SAT score of 1600 and an ACT score between 25 to 31.
South Carolina residents pay $12,688 for tuition and technology, while nonresidents pay $33,928 for the 2021/2022 academic year. 97% of UofSC students receive some form of financial aid. Students have to fill out the FAFSA application form to determine which financial assistance option they can get. Financial aid options are grants, student employment, loans, and scholarships.
Here are some majors that students have access to:
- Advertising
- Biological Sciences
- Comparative Literature
- Education: Elementary Education
- French
- Geological Sciences
- Hospitality Management
- Integrated Information Technology (Computing)
- Journalism
- Marine Science
- Nursing
- Pharmacy
- Public Relations
- Sport and Entertainment Management
- Theatre
- Visual Communications
Wofford College
Wofford is an independent liberal arts college that was founded in 1854. Wofford offers intramural, 11 sports & recreation clubs, and other activities for recreation and physical exercise. Its 1,667 students benefit from one-on-one teaching because of their class sizes and direct access to their lecturers. Wofford has a religious and spiritual center to help students connect with God. It also takes diversity, equity, and inclusion seriously and seeks to create a comfortable environment for students and staff from all races and ethnicities.
Wofford ranks 4th in colleges in South Carolina. It ranks 69th in National Liberal Arts Colleges and 42nd in Most Innovative Schools. Additionally, Wofford ranks 49th in Best Value Schools and 94th in Top Performers on Social Mobility.
Wofford College has a 60% acceptance rate and an 80% graduation rate. The median SAT score at Wofford College is between 1190 to and18, and the median ACT scores were 27 to 31.
Tuition and fees for Fall 2021 cost $27,250, and that of Spring 2022 costs $22,300. 94.5% of Wofford students are receiving financial aid, which sums up to $67 million.
Some majors at Wofford include:
- Art History
- Business Economics
- Computer Science
- English
- Finance
- Government
- Humanities
- International International Affairs
- Mathematics
- Physics
- Religion
- Studio Art
- Theatre
Erskine College
Erskine College is a private college that is centered on Christianity and was founded in 1839. Erskine is one of the highest-status Christian institutions that prioritize Christian authenticity and academic excellence. Lecturers use a rigorous curriculum that provides high-class education that sets their students apart from the rest. Erskine is against all discriminatory policies and is constantly working to build a more inclusive community.
Erskine College ranks 7th in best South Carolina colleges and 7th in Regional Colleges South. It ranks 4th in Best Undergraduate Teaching and 8th in Top Performers on Social Mobility.
The average SAT score of students at Erskine is between 920 to 1140. Average ACT scores are between 17 to 23. Students have to pay $36,510 for tuition and fees for the academic year. Erskine offers need-based and merit-based financial aid.
Erskine College has a 70% acceptance rate and a 61% graduation rate. Graduates have an average salary of $37,400 annually.
Here are some majors:
- Actuarial Science and Finance
- Bible and Religion
- Business Administration
- Chemistry
- Education
- Health Science
- History
- Music Education
- Political Science
- Psychology
- Sport Management
Converse College
Converse College was established in 1889 as a private university. It has programs and amenities that are accessible to all and sundry. Converse provides an environment that fosters self-determination and ensures that students living with disabilities get equal education opportunities. Students can participate in any of the clubs and organizations. Converse offers first-generation support through the Trailblazer Program for first-year students. It introduces these students to graduate Trailblazers who serve as mentors.
Converse College ranks 14th in good colleges in South Carolina and 22nd in Regional Universities South. Additionally, it ranks 52nd in Top Performers on Social Mobility.
Converse has an 89% acceptance rate and a 54% graduation rate. Students have SAT scores between 1000 to 1210 and ACT scores between 16 to 22.
Students have to pay $19,500 for fees and tuition for the 2021/2022 academic year. The cost of tuition is 58% less than the amount that other top colleges in South Carolina demand. Students can apply for financial assistance using the FAFSA form. They can receive federal grants, work-study, loans, and scholarships. The average graduate salary is $33,900 based on data from 2018.
Here are some majors:
- Accounting
- Art History
- Business Administration
- Child and Family Studies
- Deaf and Hard of Hearing Education
- Elementary Education
- French and Francophone Studies
- Healthcare Administration
- Human Resource Management
- Interior Design
- Medica;l Technology
- Politics
- Religion
- Sports Management
- Theatre
- Women’s Studies
Citadel Military College
It is a public senior military college that was founded in 1842 and is commonly called The Citadel. It is a co-educational school that the state supports and has 2000+ enrolled students. These students live in a military-style setting, following routines that help build character and stamina. The Citadel has a reputation for its high educational standards and excellent outdoor training. Students are trained based on honor, duty, and respect, which are The Citadel’s core values.
The Citadel ranks 1st in Public College in South Carolina, offering master’s degree programs. It is 6th in SC college rankings and 2nd in Regional Universities South. 1st in Best Colleges for Veterans and 1st in Top Public Schools. The Citadel ranks 11th in Best Value Schools and 6th in Best Undergraduate Teaching.
South Carolina residents in their freshman year pay $30,692, while Sophomores, Juniors, and Seniors pay $25,388 annually for fees and tuition. Non-South Carolina residents in their freshman year pay $53,948, while Sophomores, Juniors, and Seniors pay $48,644 annually for fees and tuition. The Citadel offers financial aid and Veteran benefits.
The United States Armed Forces award a commission to about 33% of The Citadel cadets when they graduate.
The Citadel students have access to a host of majors, and here are a few:
- Accounting
- Business Administration
- Cyber Operations
- Construction Engineering
- English
- Exercise Science
- Finance
- Intelligence and Security Studies
- Mathematics
- Marketing and Business Development
- Nursing
- Psychology
- Physics
- Social Studies Education
- Supply Chain Management
Claflin University
Claflin University is a historically black private university that was founded in 1869. Claflin was the 1st university in South Carolina that opened its doors to people of all races. Claflin students receive an outstanding education that helps them as students, graduates, and workers in whatever field they choose in the future. Enrolled students are challenged to become their best selves and have the chance to learn from lecturers who are experts in their area of work. Claflin is concerned about global warming and has since adopted sustainable ways to live and reduce the carbon footprint.
Claflin ranks 9th in Regional Colleges South and 9th in Historically Black Colleges and Universities. It ranks 14th in Top Performers on Social Mobility. It is one of the finest among all colleges in South Carolina.
Claflin University has a 55% acceptance rate and a 57% graduation rate. Students are required to have a minimum SAT score of 900 and a minimum ACT score of 17. Claflin students pay $17,192 for tuition and fees annually. Claflin University offers financial aid to help students meet the cost of their education.
Some majors at Claflin University include:
- African and African-American Studies
- Bioinformatics
- Criminal Justice
- Digital Design
- Early Childhood Education
- Foreign Language
- Human Performance and Recreation
- Management Information Science
- Organizational Management
- Performing Ensembles
- Sociology
Furman University
Furman University is a private liberal arts college that offers an unparalleled 4-year education that prepares students for life after graduation. It was founded in 1826 and has since earned a reputation for its innovative ways and high academic standards coupled with field-based learning. Furman University has 70+ areas of study, and 92% of students participate in undergraduate research/internships.
Furman University has a 57% acceptance rate and an 84% graduation rate. 50% of enrolled students have SAT scores between 1240 to 1420 and ACT scores between 28 to 32.
Furman University ranks 3rd in South Carolina Universities and 52nd in National Liberal Arts Colleges. It ranks 3rd in Best Colleges for Veterans, 14th in Most Innovative Schools, and 69th in Best Value Schools. Additionally, Furman University ranks 30th in Best Undergraduate Teaching.
Furman students pay $52,992 for tuition and $380 for fees annually. They can apply for financial aid at the office of financial assistance. Graduates from Furman University earn an average starting salary of $41,000 annually.
Some majors include:
- Applied Mathematics
- Biology
- Communication Studies, Media Studies Track
- Earth and Environmental Science
- Health Sciences
- Information Technology
- Mathematics
- Public Health
- Spanish
- Teaching in Grades 9-12 or PK-12
- Urban Studies
- Women’s, Gender, & Sexuality studies
College of Charleston
It is a public sciences and liberal arts college that was founded in 1770. It offers cutting-edge programs and has a beautiful campus that is suitable for learning. College of Charleston has 10,384 students coming from 57 countries of the world. These students have access to modern faculties and labs that are well equipped. Students can go for internships to practice what they learned in the classroom.
College of Charleston has a 79% acceptance rate and a 69% graduation rate. Admitted students have average SAT scores between 1060 to 1230, ACT scores between 20 to 28, and average GPAs between 3.5 to 4.35.
It ranks 8th in Regional Universities South, 3rd in Most Innovative Schools, and 5th in Top Public Schools. It ranks 4th in Best Colleges for Veterans and 53rd in Best Value Schools.
South Carolina residents pay $12,978, while out-of-state students pay $33,308 for tuition and fees for an academic year. College of Charleston offers scholarships and financial aid. Graduates have an average starting salary of $40,700 annually.
Here are some majors at the College of Charleston:
- Archeology
- Biochemistry
- Commercial Real Estate Finance
- Data Science
- Elementary Education
- French
- Hospitality and Tourism Management
- Meteorology
- Latin American and Caribbean Studies
- Physical Education
- Religious Studies
- Special Education
- Theatre
- Urban Studies
- Women’s and Gender Studies
Why Study in South Carolina?
South Carolina is a beautiful state with warm people and a rich culture. It has an ethereal landscape with beautiful coastal landscapes, lovely islands, and National Monuments. It is home to Ninety Six National Historic Site and Overmountain Victory National Historic Trail. It has splendid golf courses with beautiful scenery to help students relax while improving their health. South Carolina has significant cities such as Charleston, a hub for culture and arts inspired by agelong South traditions.
Conclusion
South Carolina universities have a rich history and beautiful campuses. They respect individual beliefs and forge a spirit of community among the students. College in SC is affordable, and students have access to numerous internship opportunities. These colleges have vibrant traditions that are passed on from one generation to the next. They instill values such as respect, hard work, and responsibility in students. Additionally, they are reputable, and graduates become leaders in their field of work.
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