Best Colleges in South Carolina

South Carolina has 187 miles of coastline and a humid subtropical climate to go along with it. Summers are warm and winters are largely mild in the Palmetto State, especially close to the Atlantic ocean, which is also where most of the state’s population lives—in Charleston. There are 61 colleges in South Carolina, including 8 historically black colleges and universities. The largest institution in the state is the University of South Carolina, which resides in the state capital, Columbia. The most selective school is Claflin University. Automotive manufacturing, aerospace, biotechnology, energy, and logistics are the top industries in the South Carolina. The most prominent attractions in the state include Myrtle Beach, the Charleston Historic District, Hilton Head Island, and Fort Sumter.

How Were the Top Schools in South Carolina Chosen?

Appily determines “Best Colleges” based on publicly-available information from the US Department of Education. Several factors include, but are not limited to, data about admitted students’ academic calibers, students’ expected career outcomes after graduation, and colleges’ investments toward making their institution accessible to all students.

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University of South Carolina-Upstate

Nestled in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, the University of South Carolina Upstate is a public university in northwest South Carolina. USC Upstate features colleges of Education, Social Sciences, Business, Nursing, and Science offering...

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Academically, I have learned so much this semester. All of my courses were fairly hard, and I anticipated the challenge. I believe a firm education is based resisting the urge to take easy courses.

” – Detria from Florence, SC
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North Greenville University is a conservative liberal arts school affiliated with the South Carolina Baptist Convention. The school is situated at the base of the Appalachian mountains and offers a curriculum centered around the teachings of the...

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North Greenville is really well priced for a private university. It doesn't have a lot of hidden fees either. The paperwork is straightforward and you will know exactly what you are paying for and how much.

” – Samantha from North Charleston, SC
Coastal Carolina University

With campus a short drive from the Atlantic Ocean, Coastal Carolina University is a 4-year public liberal arts institution in South Carolina. CCU confers bachelor’s degrees in 74 academic areas of study. In addition to the academic facilities on its...

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Every class I walk out of, I feel that I have learned something new each day. Whether it be how to communicate in groups effectively to what began the civil war, I feel more knowledgeable.

” – Caroline
Charleston Southern University

Originally founded as Baptist College, Charleston Southern University is a Christian school in the greater Charleston area and the only Christian college in South Carolina’s Lowcountry region. CSU grants undergraduate degrees in over 50 academic...

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Great faculty and diversity in course selection.

” – Martin from Saint Louis, MO
Coker University

Coker College is a private liberal arts institution based in Hartsville, South Carolina. Coker College offers a Trans4mations four-year undergraduate program that focuses on a different aspect of learning each year. All students must finish a...

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Great School

” – Toiekka from Timmonsville, SC
Converse University

Founded in 1889, Converse College is a liberal arts institution with an all-female undergraduate program and coeducational graduate program. Most students choose to major in interior design, English, or psychology, and more than half double major...

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All the teachers and faculty that I came in contact with were extremely nice and of all the students, they could remember each and every students name, even mine and I was only visiting. I visited the library and it is a great facility, and the...

” – Christina from Aiken, SC
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Columbia College is a liberal arts college in South Carolina’s state capital. Columbia confers undergraduate degrees in eight academic areas and also makes certain programs available in coeducational formats. Throughout the school year, Columbia...

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The course is rigorous, but the teachers really care and are so willing to help and they want you to succeed. The education is well-rounded so that it's practical for life and creates a nice learning experience with different methods and fun classes...

” – Suzie from Simpsonville, SC
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Morris College is a private, historically black college located in Sumter, South Carolina. The college is career-focused, and offers a number of programs to prepare students for employment, including their Cooperative Education and Call Me Mister...

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Very motivating college

” – Britney from Kingstree, SC
Voorhees University

Voorhees College is a private, historically black institution located in Denmark, South Carolina. The school offers degree options that can be completed entirely in evening courses for students with scheduling limitations. Voorhees’ campus features...

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The classroom settings are very small so you can ask for help anytime. There are various opportunities to be taken advantage of. There are also many different programs on campus that help expand your cultural enrichment.

” – Karessa from Long Beach, CA
South Carolina State University

Founded in 1896, South Carolina State University is a 4-year public school in central South Carolina and the only public Historically Black College and University in the state. SCSU is home to six academic departments conferring undergraduate degrees...

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The learning environment at South Carolina State is very relaxed. Teachers are easily accessable and willing to help students understand course material.

” – Andrew from Florence, SC
University of South Carolina Beaufort

The University of South Carolina is a 4-year public institution and senior campus of the USC system in South Carolina’s Lowcountry region. USCB offers undergraduate degrees in 18 academic majors and 19 minors. For students interested in the media...

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SINCE I HAVE GOTEN HERE I HAVE BEEN LEARNING A PLETHORA OF NEW IDEAS AND THEORIES IN THE FIELDS OF PSYCHOLOGY AND SOCIOLOGY. MY PROFESSORS REALLY KNOW THEIR STUFF. YOU WILL LEARN EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO ADVANCE IN YOUR FIELD OF STUDY BECAUSE YOUR...

” – DAVINA from SAINT HELENA ISLAND, SC
University of South Carolina-Sumter

The University of South Carolina-Sumter is a junior college and a regional campus of the USC system in central South Carolina. USC Sumter confers bachelor’s degrees in Organizational Leadership, Liberal Studies, and Business Administration as well as...

Allen University

Allen University is a private HBCU founded in 1870 by ministers of the African Methodist Episcopal Church and located in Columbia, South Carolina. The school provides a liberal arts and professionally-focused education centered around Christianity...

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I give Allen university 8 on a scale of 1-10.

” – Ieesha from Wallace, SC
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Established in 1995, W. L. Bonner College is a private, 4-year institution located in Columbia, South Carolina. WLBC offers associate’s and bachelor’s degrees in Religious Studies, as well as a certificate in Christian Ministries, featuring six areas...

Spartanburg Methodist College

Spartanburg Methodist College is a private, 2-year institution established in South Carolina, and is the only independently-run, residential 2-year college in the state. SMC offers six associate’s degree-level fields of study, including Arts...

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they are a well organized school.
very small so there is a lot more one-on-one attention.
everyone is very friendly and fun!

” – Janell from Charleston, SC
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The University of South Carolina-Union is a regional campus in the USC system in the northwest part of the state. USC Union offers three bachelor’s degrees in Organizational Leadership, Nursing, and Liberal Studies entirely on campus as well as the...

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The University of South Carolina in Lancaster is a public university and regional USC campus. USC Lancaster students pursue the first two years of their education on campus and finish their undergrad careers at the local Palmetto College or at USC’s...

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The college I go to is very small which means that you have more one on one with the instructors. This school also have alot of student activities for example Spring Fling the school give out free food, a washable tattoo and other cool stuff. USCL...

” – Katrina from Lancaster, SC
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Midlands Technical College is a public two-year institution operating six campuses throughout South Carolina. The Academic Success Centers at Midlands Technical College offer academic help such as free tutoring and interactive educational programs...

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Like any college, you get your good and bad classes and professors. But at tech the classes are small and you really get to know your fellow students and professors. Most of the professors I've had privilege to study under have been excellent! I...

” – Lauren from SC
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The University of South Carolina-Salkehatchie is a regional campus in the USC system with two campuses in the lowcountry part of the state. USC-Salkehatchie offers 15 bachelor’s degree programs entirely on campus and students also have the option to...

Spartanburg Community College

Spartanburg Community College is a 2-year community college serving a three county area in northwestern South Carolina with five campus locations. SCC offers over 70 degrees and certificates from its seven schools of learning. The campus features an...

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The best most affordable college in the upstate. All of the personnel are very helppful.

” – Margaret from Landrum, SC