Best
Colleges in Columbia in 2027

Business Administration

Studying business administration in Columbia, SC, offers preparation in management, finance, marketing, and entrepreneurship. Typical courses include accounting, economics, business law, statistics, organizational behavior, and strategic management. Graduates commonly pursue roles such as business analyst, marketing coordinator, human resources specialist, operations supervisor, or sales manager. Popular options include the University of South Carolina, Columbia College, and Benedict College, each offering business-related undergraduate study and opportunities to build practical skills through projects, internships, and campus organizations.

Psychology

Studying psychology in Columbia, South Carolina, combines classroom learning with opportunities to explore human behavior and mental health. Typical coursework includes developmental psychology, social psychology, cognitive processes, research methods, statistics, and abnormal psychology. Students can pursue psychology degrees at the University of South Carolina, Columbia College, and Benedict College. Graduates commonly work in case management, human resources, community services, behavioral health support, or research assistance. Advanced clinical or counseling roles require graduate study and licensure.

Computer Science

Studying computer science in Columbia, South Carolina, combines programming theory with practical problem-solving. Typical courses include algorithms, data structures, software engineering, databases, operating systems, cybersecurity, and artificial intelligence. Students build coding and teamwork skills through projects and internships. Graduates commonly pursue roles such as software developer, systems analyst, data analyst, cybersecurity specialist, or IT consultant. Popular local options include the University of South Carolina, Benedict College, and Columbia College, which offer computer science study opportunities.

Counseling

Studying counseling in Columbia, SC can lead to careers supporting people through mental health, school, or community challenges. Programs typically cover counseling theories, ethics, human development, assessment, group counseling, multicultural practice, and supervised clinical work. Graduates may become licensed professional counselors, school counselors, substance-use counselors, or mental-health case managers, depending on degree and licensure. Popular local options include the University of South Carolina and Columbia International University, both offering counseling study paths in the city.

Nursing

Studying nursing in Columbia, South Carolina, combines clinical placements in health settings. Courses include anatomy and physiology, microbiology, pharmacology, nutrition, medical-surgical nursing, pediatrics, maternal health, mental health, and community nursing. Students develop assessment, communication, and patient-care skills while preparing for licensure. Columbia options include the University of South Carolina, Benedict College, and Midlands Technical College. Graduates work as registered nurses, licensed practical nurses, clinical assistants, or community health nurses in hospitals, clinics, and long-term-care facilities.

Best Colleges in Columbia, SC Ranking Summary & Conclusions

• The median total cost of studying is $18,188 overall, compared with $31,299 at schools in the top 10%, making the top 10% figure $13,111 higher.
• An average of 100% of students receive financial aid overall, compared with 83.4% at schools in the top 10%.
• The average acceptance rate is 83.4%. Schools receive an average of 12,876 applicants, while schools in the top 10% average 33,661 applicants. The median number of male applicants is 1,284, compared with 2,245 female applicants.
• Average test scores are 1,146.5 on the SAT and 25.0 on the ACT.
• The average number of enrolled students is 8,062.83; averages are 632.8 enrolled men and 999.8 enrolled women.
• The average graduation rate is 37.17%, compared with 63.0% at schools in the top 10%. Median graduation rates are 22.0% for men and 31.5% for women.
• Four institutions offer associate's degrees, six offer bachelor's degrees, six offer master's degrees, and three offer doctor's degrees. There are six coeducational schools, zero schools for men, and zero schools for women.
• When choosing a college, compare total cost and financial aid alongside admissions figures, test scores, enrollment, and graduation rates. Consider which degree level and school setting suit your goals, and weigh overall averages against the figures for top 10% schools.

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

The average total cost of studying toward a degree in Columbia, SC, is $21,203.67. For a local student, treat this as a useful planning benchmark, not a guaranteed bill, because actual expenses vary by college, program, housing choice, and financial aid.

Reported averages are:

• Tuition and fees: $19,308.50
• Room and board: $10,797.33
• Books and supplies: $1,245.60

These are separate averages and do not sum to the stated total, so compare each college's current cost of attendance before building your budget.

Columbia students can explore the University of South Carolina, Benedict College, and Columbia College, then check each school's tuition, housing, meal, and materials estimates. Your total may be lower after grants or scholarships, or higher with campus housing and program-specific fees. Asking financial-aid offices about aid eligibility, payment plans, and transfer credits can make the path feel manageable and help you focus on finding a program that fits.

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

In Columbia, SC, plan on about four years for a bachelor's degree, while an associate degree takes two. At the University of South Carolina, Columbia College, Benedict College, and Allen University, your timeline varies with program requirements, course availability, and credits completed each term. Part-time study, changing majors, or repeating courses can extend the journey; steady planning can make it manageable.

Local graduation-rate figures show that earning a degree is achievable, though completion takes persistence: the average rate is 37.17%, compared with 63% among the top 10% of schools. The reported averages are 32.2% for men and 41.33% for women. Your result may differ; advising and early registration help you stay on track.

To finish sooner, ask your Columbia adviser about:

• Take summer courses or heavier course loads when feasible.
• Transfer approved credits, including AP, dual-enrollment, or prior college coursework.
• Use accelerated or competency-based options if your program offers them.

Salary

After graduating from college in Columbia, SC, you can expect a median alumni salary of about $38,970. For graduates of top-performing schools, the median is about $51,335 - a promising benchmark as you plan your next step.

Columbia offers several options, including the University of South Carolina, Columbia College, Benedict College, and Allen University. What you earn after graduating can vary substantially based on your degree, occupation, experience, and employer, so these figures are useful general benchmarks rather than a guarantee of what any one school's graduates will earn.

• General median: About $38,970 for alumni.
• Top-school median: About $51,335 for graduates of top 10% schools.
• When comparing colleges: Look at the programs you're considering and the career paths they can lead to, alongside salary figures.

People also ask

How many colleges are in Columbia

There isn't one universally agreed count, because it depends on whether you include technical schools, specialized institutions, and campuses just outside city limits. In the Columbia area, students can choose from roughly eight notable colleges and universities, including the University of South Carolina, Allen University, Benedict College, Columbia College, and Columbia International University.

What is the main college in Columbia?

The University of South Carolina's Columbia campus is the city's flagship public university and its largest, best-known college. Its central campus is woven into downtown, giving students convenient access to restaurants, events, and city life. With a broad range of academic options and a lively Gamecock community, it's a major part of Columbia's identity.

Where do college students go in Columbia?

Students often spend time around campus, Five Points, the Vista, and Main Street. These areas offer places to eat, meet friends, browse shops, or enjoy an evening out, while campus itself hosts student activities and events. The best fit depends on your mood: Five Points feels youthful and social, while the Vista has a polished, arts-and-dining atmosphere.

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

Columbia College is a private liberal arts college in Columbia, South Carolina, offering a close-knit setting for students who want to study locally. Its enrollment is 1,856, and the acceptance rate is 94%, making admission comparatively accessible. The graduation rate is 37%. Total study cost is $19,276, while median alumni salary is $43,897. For Columbia-based students, living locally may simplify commuting and help you connect with the city's cultural, civic, and professional opportunities while pursuing a degree close to home.

Allen University is a historically Black university in Columbia, SC, with a small campus community and a tradition of educating students for leadership and service. Enrollment is 610, and its 73% acceptance rate may make it an approachable local option. Its graduation rate is 13%; total study cost is $12,540, and median alumni salary is $30,193. For Columbia, SC residents, studying here can keep daily life close to home while you pursue a degree and build relationships in the city.

Benedict College, a historically Black liberal arts college in Columbia, SC, offers a city-based campus and a community-centered student experience. It enrolls 1,693 students, accepts 96% of applicants, and reports a 24% graduation rate. Total study cost is $15,708, and median alumni salary is $33,965. For students already in Columbia, staying local may make it easier to access campus, explore internships, and participate in the region's cultural and civic life while working toward a degree without moving far from home.

The University of South Carolina-Columbia is the state's flagship public research university, located in downtown Columbia and offering a broad range of academic programs. With 40,357 students, it is much larger than the other schools listed. Its graduation rate is 79%, acceptance rate 60%, total study cost $35,898, and median alumni salary $49,441. For Columbia, SC residents, the campus offers the convenience of studying in the city alongside extensive resources, student organizations, and connections to state government and local employers nearby.

Columbia International University is a private Christian university in Columbia, SC, known for faith-centered education and programs shaped by a global perspective. It enrolls 3,357 students, with a 94% acceptance rate and a 47% graduation rate. Total study cost is $26,700, and median alumni salary is $34,042. For students living in Columbia, choosing CIU can mean studying close to home while joining a campus community focused on spiritual development, service, and preparation for meaningful, purposeful work in the wider world.