Most
Popular Colleges in Columbia in 2027

Business Administration

Studying business administration in Columbia, SC, offers access to a vibrant business community and internships with local employers. Coursework commonly includes accounting, finance, marketing, management, economics, business law, and organizational behavior. Graduates pursue careers as business analysts, marketing coordinators, human resources specialists, sales managers, or operations supervisors. Popular colleges include the University of South Carolina, Columbia College, and Benedict College, each offering business-focused undergraduate study and opportunities to build professional networks in the state capital.

Psychology

Studying psychology in Columbia, SC offers students opportunities to explore human behavior, cognition, development, and mental health. Typical courses include introductory psychology, statistics, research methods, abnormal psychology, social psychology, neuroscience, and personality. Popular local options include the University of South Carolina, Columbia College, and Benedict College. Graduates may pursue roles such as behavioral health technician, case manager, research assistant, human resources specialist, or community outreach worker; many clinical and counseling careers require graduate study.

Computer Science

Studying computer science in Columbia, South Carolina, combines programming theory with practical problem-solving. Students typically study programming languages, data structures, algorithms, databases, operating systems, cybersecurity, software engineering, and artificial intelligence. Popular local options include the University of South Carolina and Benedict College, where students explore computing through coursework and projects. Graduates commonly pursue careers as software developers, systems analysts, cybersecurity specialists, database administrators, or data analysts. Columbia employers offer varied opportunities for internships and employment.

Counseling

Studying a counseling program in Columbia, SC combines coursework with supervised practice. Students typically study counseling theories, ethics, human development, assessment, group counseling, multicultural practice, and crisis intervention. Programs commonly include internships or practicums. Graduates may pursue roles as school counselors, clinical mental health counselors, substance use counselors, or case managers, subject to degree and licensure requirements. Columbia options include the University of South Carolina and Columbia College, both offering counseling-related graduate study and training.

Nursing

Studying a nursing program in Columbia, SC prepares students for nursing careers. Typical coursework includes anatomy, physiology, microbiology, pharmacology, health assessment, maternal-child nursing, mental health, and clinical practice. Students develop patient-care, communication, and evidence-based decision-making skills through placements. Graduates commonly work as registered nurses in hospitals, clinics, long-term care, and community health settings, or pursue roles in public health and care coordination. Schools include the University of South Carolina, Columbia College, and Midlands Technical College.

Best Colleges in Columbia, SC Ranking Summary & Conclusions

• The total median cost of studying is 19,276.0; for schools in the top 10%, it is higher at 32,218.8.
• An average of 99.2% of students receive financial aid, compared with 83.4% at schools in the top 10%.
• The average acceptance rate is 83.4%. Schools receive an average of 12,876.0 applicants, while schools in the top 10% average 33,661.0 applicants.
• The median number of applicants is 1,284.0 men and 2,245.0 women.
• The average SAT score is 1,146.5, and the average ACT score is 25.0.
• The average number of enrolled students is 9,574.6, including an average of 632.8 men and 999.8 women.
• The average graduation rate is 40.0%, compared with 66.2% at schools in the top 10%. The median graduation rate is 28.5% for men and 37.0% for women.
• Three institutions offer associate's degrees, five offer bachelor's degrees, five offer master's degrees, and three offer doctor's degrees.
• There are five coeducational schools, no schools for men, and no schools for women.
• When choosing a college, compare study costs and financial aid alongside admissions selectivity, academic programs, and student outcomes. The figures show that top 10% schools have higher costs and lower average financial-aid participation, but also more applicants and a higher average graduation rate; consider how these trade-offs fit your needs.

How much does studying at a college in Columbia, SC cost?

The average total cost of studying in Columbia, SC, is $22,024.40. That figure offers a useful starting point as you compare local options such as the University of South Carolina Columbia, Columbia College, and Allen University. These campuses give you different academic environments to explore, and your actual bill will depend on your program, housing choice, financial aid, and whether you study full time.

• Average tuition and fees: $19,606.20.
• Average room and board: $10,993.00.
• Average books and supplies: $1,422.00.

These are reported averages, so categories may not add up to the stated total; treat them as benchmarks rather than a guaranteed quote. Columbia's range of colleges can make the search feel exciting, while scholarships, grants, commuting, and comparing aid offers may help make a degree more affordable. Before enrolling, check each school's current cost estimate and ask its financial-aid office what your net price could be. That personalized number is the best guide for building a realistic budget and choosing a campus where you can thrive with greater confidence as you plan ahead.

How long does it take to finish college in Columbia, SC?

In Columbia, SC, a bachelor's degree usually takes about four years of full-time study; an associate degree typically takes two. At the University of South Carolina, Benedict College, or Columbia College, your timeline depends on program requirements, course availability, and enrollment pace. Clinical, lab, and student-teaching majors may take longer.

You may finish sooner by:

• Applying AP/IB or dual-enrollment credits and transferring eligible coursework.
• Taking summer courses or choosing an accelerated schedule.
• Asking whether prior learning can earn degree credit.

Graduation figures provide useful local context: the average graduation rate is 40.0%, versus 66.2% for the top 10% of schools. Rates average 35.25% for men and 44.8% for women. These figures show many students do not finish, so regular advising and a manageable course load can help you stay on track.

Check with an adviser early to ensure each transferred or earned credit fulfills a requirement in your chosen program.

Salary

After graduating from college in Columbia, SC, you can use about $34,042 as a median alumni salary benchmark. Graduates of schools in the top 10% have a median alumni salary of about $47,223. These figures are useful starting points, not guaranteed salaries; your degree field, experience, and employer can make a big difference.

Columbia offers several options for pursuing a degree, including the University of South Carolina, Benedict College, and Columbia College. As you compare programs, consider how each one connects your chosen field to local internships and job opportunities - those connections can help you feel more confident about your next step after graduation.

People also ask

What is the most attended college in Columbia?

The University of South Carolina's Columbia campus is the city's largest college by student enrollment. As the state's flagship public university, it draws students from across South Carolina, the United States, and abroad. For a prospective student, that means a large campus community, a wide range of academic programs, and plenty of ways to get involved.

What is the richest university in Columbia?

There is no single official "richest university" ranking, since wealth could mean endowment, annual budget, or total assets. If you mean endowment and institutional resources, the University of South Carolina is generally the strongest answer among Columbia, South Carolina, universities. Its scale can support extensive programs and facilities, while individual student costs and financial aid vary.

Top 5 Colleges in the Most Popular Colleges Ranking in Columbia, SC Ranking in 2026-2027

University of South Carolina-Columbia is a large public university in Columbia, offering a broad campus experience and many academic paths. Its 40,357 enrolled students create a sizable student community for someone hoping to study close to home. The 79% graduation rate and 60% acceptance rate offer useful measures of progression and admission. Total study cost is $35,898, while median alumni salary is $49,441. For a Columbia, SC resident, staying local may make campus access and community connections especially convenient daily.

Columbia College is a smaller college in Columbia, suited to students who may prefer a more close-knit setting than a large university. Enrollment is 1,856, and its 94% acceptance rate indicates broad access for applicants. Its graduation rate is 37%, so compare academic support and completion outcomes as you weigh options. The total cost of studying is $19,276, and median alumni salary is $43,897. For a prospective student already in Columbia, SC, its local setting can simplify visits and commuting.

Columbia International University is a Columbia-based institution whose name signals an international focus, offering a distinct alternative among local college choices. It enrolls 3,357 students and has a 94% acceptance rate. Its graduation rate is 47%, a useful point to consider alongside program fit and student support. The total cost of studying is $26,700, and median alumni salary is $34,042. If you live in Columbia, SC, studying nearby can keep you connected to local resources while pursuing your degree here.

Benedict College is a college in Columbia that offers local students another option for earning a degree without leaving the area. Its enrollment of 1,693 suggests a smaller campus community than the region's largest university. The acceptance rate is 96%, while the graduation rate is 24%; consider these figures together with your academic goals and available support. Total study cost is $15,708, and median alumni salary is $33,965. For Columbia, SC residents, proximity may make campus visits and travel easier.

Allen University provides a smaller-college option in Columbia for students seeking a degree within the local community. Its 610 enrolled students make it the smallest institution in this group by enrollment. The acceptance rate is 73%, and the graduation rate is 13%, figures worth discussing with admissions staff alongside program requirements and student support. Total cost of studying is $12,540, the lowest listed here, while median alumni salary is $30,193. For Columbia, SC students, nearby study can reduce travel demands.