Best Universities in South Carolina

By | October 25, 2024

1. Clemson University

Overview of Clemson University

Location: Clemson, South Carolina
Founded in 1889, Clemson University is a public land-grant research university known for its strong programs in engineering, agriculture, and business. Clemson has a vibrant campus life with a focus on innovation, research, and leadership. The university is also famous for its nationally ranked football team and commitment to experiential learning through internships and co-op programs.

Notable Aspects

  • U.S. News Ranking: #77 National Universities
  • Number of Students: Approximately 26,000
  • Degrees Offered: Over 80 undergraduate and 110 graduate programs
  • Acceptance Rate: 49%
  • Average SAT Score: 1230-1400

Extracurricular Activities

  • Clemson Tigers Athletics (NCAA Division I, ACC)
  • Greek Life
  • Clemson Undergraduate Student Government
  • Clemson Student Media (newspaper, radio)
  • Tiger Band

Famous Alumni

  1. Nikki Haley – Former U.S. Ambassador to the UN
  2. Dabo Swinney – Clemson football coach
  3. Nancy O’Dell – TV host and entertainment journalist
  4. Tyson Gay – Olympic sprinter
  5. Strom Thurmond – Former U.S. Senator

Top Employers of Graduates

  1. BMW
  2. Boeing
  3. General Electric
  4. Michelin
  5. Prisma Health

2. University of South Carolina (USC)

Overview of University of South Carolina

Location: Columbia, South Carolina
Founded in 1801, the University of South Carolina (USC) is the flagship public university of South Carolina. It is known for its strong programs in business, law, and public health, and the Darla Moore School of Business is one of the nation’s top business schools. The university is also home to the South Carolina Honors College, which is ranked among the best in the country.

Notable Aspects

  • U.S. News Ranking: #124 National Universities
  • Number of Students: Approximately 35,000
  • Degrees Offered: Over 300 undergraduate and graduate programs
  • Acceptance Rate: 68%
  • Average SAT Score: 1180-1370

Extracurricular Activities

  • USC Gamecocks Athletics (NCAA Division I, SEC)
  • Student Government Association
  • Greek Life
  • Garnet and Black (student newspaper)
  • Carolina Productions (entertainment and events)

Famous Alumni

  1. Lindsey Graham – U.S. Senator
  2. Ainsley Earhardt – Fox News anchor
  3. Darius Rucker – Musician, Hootie & the Blowfish
  4. Alex English – NBA Hall of Famer
  5. Leeza Gibbons – TV host and journalist

Top Employers of Graduates

  1. Deloitte
  2. Prisma Health
  3. Boeing
  4. BlueCross BlueShield of South Carolina
  5. Sonoco Products Company

3. College of Charleston

Overview of College of Charleston

Location: Charleston, South Carolina
Founded in 1770, the College of Charleston is one of the oldest universities in the U.S. Known for its beautiful historic campus and strong liberal arts programs, the college also excels in business, education, and marine biology. Its location in the historic city of Charleston provides students with access to rich cultural experiences and coastal research opportunities.

Notable Aspects

  • U.S. News Ranking: #9 Regional Universities South
  • Number of Students: Approximately 10,000
  • Degrees Offered: Over 60 undergraduate and 19 graduate programs
  • Acceptance Rate: 77%
  • Average SAT Score: 1090-1280

Extracurricular Activities

  • Cougar Athletics (NCAA Division I, CAA)
  • Student Government Association
  • The George Street Observer (student newspaper)
  • Outdoor Adventure Club
  • Dance Marathon

Famous Alumni

  1. Stephen Colbert – Comedian and TV host
  2. Philip Simmons – Master blacksmith
  3. John C. Frémont – U.S. Army officer, explorer
  4. Randolph Hall – Former U.S. Congressman
  5. Pat Conroy – Author of The Prince of Tides

Top Employers of Graduates

  1. Boeing
  2. Blackbaud
  3. Charleston County School District
  4. Roper St. Francis Healthcare
  5. Benefitfocus

4. Furman University

Overview of Furman University

Location: Greenville, South Carolina
Founded in 1826, Furman University is a private liberal arts university known for its rigorous academics and picturesque campus. It is especially strong in programs like business, political science, health sciences, and education. Furman emphasizes experiential learning through its student research and internship opportunities, making it a leader among liberal arts colleges in the Southeast.

Notable Aspects

  • U.S. News Ranking: #45 National Liberal Arts Colleges
  • Number of Students: Approximately 2,700
  • Degrees Offered: 60 undergraduate programs
  • Acceptance Rate: 57%
  • Average SAT Score: 1250-1410

Extracurricular Activities

  • Furman Paladins Athletics (NCAA Division I, SoCon)
  • Student Government Association
  • Heller Service Corps (community service)
  • Outdoor Leadership Programs
  • Greek Life

Famous Alumni

  1. Richard Riley – Former U.S. Secretary of Education
  2. Charles H. Townes – Nobel Prize-winning physicist
  3. Beth Daniel – LPGA Hall of Famer
  4. Michael Boulware – NFL player
  5. Brad Cox – Thoroughbred horse trainer

Top Employers of Graduates

  1. BMW
  2. Greenville Health System
  3. Michelin
  4. Prisma Health
  5. Bank of America

5. Wofford College

Overview of Wofford College

Location: Spartanburg, South Carolina
Founded in 1854, Wofford College is a private liberal arts college with a reputation for academic rigor and close student-faculty relationships. Wofford is known for its strong programs in business, biology, and international affairs. The college offers extensive study abroad opportunities, and the historic campus is recognized for its commitment to sustainability.

Notable Aspects

  • U.S. News Ranking: #67 National Liberal Arts Colleges
  • Number of Students: Approximately 1,700
  • Degrees Offered: Over 25 undergraduate programs
  • Acceptance Rate: 54%
  • Average SAT Score: 1210-1360

Extracurricular Activities

  • Wofford Terriers Athletics (NCAA Division I, SoCon)
  • Campus Union (student government)
  • Wofford Outdoors Club
  • Greek Life
  • Theater Productions

Famous Alumni

  1. Jerry Richardson – Founder of the Carolina Panthers
  2. William W. Belk – President of Belk Department Stores
  3. David Harrelson – Former U.S. Ambassador
  4. Dean Howell – Professional soccer player
  5. J.L. Mann – Former U.S. Congressman

Top Employers of Graduates

  1. Michelin
  2. Spartanburg Regional Healthcare System
  3. Deloitte
  4. Bank of America
  5. Milliken & Company

6. Presbyterian College

Overview of Presbyterian College

Location: Clinton, South Carolina
Founded in 1880, Presbyterian College is a private liberal arts college that offers a close-knit campus experience. The college is known for its programs in pre-med, business, and education. Presbyterian emphasizes ethical leadership and community service, and students are actively involved in both local and global outreach programs.

Notable Aspects

  • U.S. News Ranking: #128 National Liberal Arts Colleges
  • Number of Students: Approximately 1,200
  • Degrees Offered: Over 30 undergraduate programs
  • Acceptance Rate: 71%
  • Average SAT Score: 1050-1260

Extracurricular Activities

  • Blue Hose Athletics (NCAA Division I)
  • Student Government Association
  • Service Learning Programs
  • Intramural Sports
  • Greek Life

Famous Alumni

  1. Ben Bernanke – Former Chairman of the Federal Reserve
  2. John Spratt – Former U.S. Congressman
  3. Jim Sutherland – Former NFL coach
  4. Mike Turner – College football coach
  5. Tommy Spangler – College football coach

Top Employers of Graduates

  1. Prisma Health
  2. South Carolina Public Schools
  3. Michelin
  4. Presbyterian College
  5. Duke Energy

7. Winthrop University

Overview of Winthrop University

Location: Rock Hill, South Carolina
Founded in 1886, Winthrop University is a public university known for its programs in education, fine arts, and business administration. Winthrop has a diverse student body and a focus on preparing students for leadership roles in their professions and communities. The campus is known for its historic buildings and active student life.

Notable Aspects

  • U.S. News Ranking: #19 Regional Universities South
  • Number of Students: Approximately 6,000
  • Degrees Offered: Over 100 undergraduate and graduate programs
  • Acceptance Rate: 64%
  • Average SAT Score: 1030-1220

Extracurricular Activities

  • Winthrop Eagles Athletics (NCAA Division I, Big South)
  • Greek Life
  • Winthrop Student Government Association
  • Arts and Music Organizations
  • Model United Nations

Famous Alumni

  1. Andie MacDowell – Actress
  2. Chadwick Boseman – Actor, Black Panther
  3. Shanola Hampton – Actress, Shameless
  4. Timothy Ray Brown – First person cured of HIV
  5. Kathleen Parker – Pulitzer Prize-winning columnist

Top Employers of Graduates

  1. Wells Fargo
  2. Bank of America
  3. Duke Energy
  4. Carolinas Healthcare System
  5. Comporium

8. The Citadel, The Military College of South Carolina

Overview of The Citadel

Location: Charleston, South Carolina
Founded in 1842, The Citadel is a public military college that combines academic rigor with military discipline. It is known for its strong programs in engineering, business, and political science, as well as its Corps of Cadets, which prepares students for leadership in the military, government, and business sectors. The Citadel is recognized for producing a high percentage of officers in the U.S. military.

Notable Aspects

  • U.S. News Ranking: #1 Regional Colleges South
  • Number of Students: Approximately 3,500
  • Degrees Offered: Over 50 undergraduate and graduate programs
  • Acceptance Rate: 80%
  • Average SAT Score: 1050-1250

Extracurricular Activities

  • Citadel Bulldogs Athletics (NCAA Division I, Southern Conference)
  • Corps of Cadets Leadership Programs
  • Citadel Republican Society
  • ROTC Programs
  • Cadet Chorale

Famous Alumni

  1. Ernest Hollings – Former U.S. Senator
  2. John O. Marsh – Former U.S. Secretary of the Army
  3. Pat Conroy – Author of The Lords of Discipline
  4. William H. Grady – Former U.S. Ambassador
  5. Jim Hodges – Former Governor of South Carolina

Top Employers of Graduates

  1. U.S. Army
  2. U.S. Marine Corps
  3. Boeing
  4. Lockheed Martin
  5. Honeywell

9. Coastal Carolina University

Overview of Coastal Carolina University

Location: Conway, South Carolina
Founded in 1954, Coastal Carolina University is a public university known for its programs in marine science, business, and education. The university’s proximity to the Atlantic Ocean provides unique opportunities for research in coastal and marine environments. Coastal Carolina has experienced rapid growth and is known for its vibrant student life and active sports programs.

Notable Aspects

  • U.S. News Ranking: #45 Regional Universities South
  • Number of Students: Approximately 10,000
  • Degrees Offered: Over 80 undergraduate and graduate programs
  • Acceptance Rate: 70%
  • Average SAT Score: 1020-1190

Extracurricular Activities

  • Coastal Carolina Chanticleers Athletics (NCAA Division I, Sun Belt)
  • Student Government Association
  • Surf Club
  • Outdoor Adventure Trips
  • Greek Life

Famous Alumni

  1. Dustin Johnson – Professional golfer
  2. Mike Tolbert – NFL player
  3. Michael Kelly – Actor, House of Cards
  4. Josh Norman – NFL player
  5. Amber Campbell – U.S. Olympic hammer thrower

Top Employers of Graduates

  1. Myrtle Beach Public Schools
  2. Conway Medical Center
  3. Coastal Carolina University
  4. Burroughs & Chapin Company
  5. Horry County Government

10. Charleston Southern University

Overview of Charleston Southern University

Location: Charleston, South Carolina
Founded in 1964, Charleston Southern University is a private Christian university known for its strong programs in nursing, business, and education. The university integrates faith with learning, preparing students for professional success with a foundation in Christian values. CSU also has a close-knit campus community and offers numerous service opportunities for students.

Notable Aspects

  • U.S. News Ranking: #62 Regional Universities South
  • Number of Students: Approximately 3,500
  • Degrees Offered: Over 50 undergraduate and graduate programs
  • Acceptance Rate: 52%
  • Average SAT Score: 960-1140

Extracurricular Activities

  • Charleston Southern Buccaneers Athletics (NCAA Division I)
  • Student Government Association
  • Campus Ministries
  • Greek Life
  • Nursing and Health Sciences Clubs

Famous Alumni

  1. Rick Brewer – University president and educator
  2. Tim Scott – U.S. Senator
  3. Brittany Mitch – Miss South Carolina
  4. Edwin McCain – Singer-songwriter (attended briefly)
  5. Justin Bethel – NFL player

Top Employers of Graduates

  1. Roper St. Francis Healthcare
  2. Boeing
  3. Charleston Southern University
  4. Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC)
  5. Prisma Health