Best
Colleges in South Carolina in 2027

Business Administration

Studying business administration in South Carolina combines foundational coursework with practical experience in organizations. Courses typically include accounting, finance, marketing, management, economics, business law, and data analysis. Students may develop leadership, communication, and decision-making skills through projects, internships, or case studies. Popular choices include the University of South Carolina, Clemson University, College of Charleston, Coastal Carolina University, and Winthrop University. Graduates often pursue roles as marketing coordinators, financial analysts, human resources specialists, or business managers.

Psychology

Studying psychology in South Carolina combines research and practical experience. Typical courses include developmental psychology, cognitive psychology, social psychology, statistics, research methods, and abnormal psychology. Students explore human behavior through labs, internships, and projects. Options include the University of South Carolina, Clemson University, the College of Charleston, and Coastal Carolina University. Graduates pursue roles in human resources, case management, behavioral health support, market research, or social services; licensed psychologist positions require graduate training and licensure.

Computer Science

Studying computer science in South Carolina combines programming with practical problem-solving. Typical coursework includes algorithms, data structures, software engineering, databases, operating systems, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, and mathematics. Students complete projects, collaborate on teams, and may pursue internships with regional employers. Popular choices include Clemson University, the University of South Carolina, College of Charleston, and South Carolina State University. Graduates commonly become software developers, systems analysts, data analysts, cybersecurity specialists, or web developers across diverse industries.

Counseling

Studying a counseling program in South Carolina combines psychology, counseling theories, ethics, multicultural practice, assessment, group counseling, and supervised experience. Programs at the University of South Carolina, Clemson University, Winthrop University, and The Citadel prepare students for work in schools, agencies, hospitals, and private practices. Graduates may become school counselors, mental health counselors, marriage and family therapists, or substance-use counselors, depending on degree level, specialization, licensure requirements, and supervised experience. Compare curricula and accreditation before choosing.

Nursing

Studying nursing in South Carolina can prepare you for rewarding patient-care careers through classroom learning and clinical rotations. Courses typically include anatomy and physiology, microbiology, pharmacology, health assessment, nursing fundamentals, pediatrics, mental health, and community health. Popular options include the University of South Carolina, Clemson University, Medical University of South Carolina, and University of Charleston. Graduates commonly pursue registered nurse positions in hospitals, clinics, schools, long-term care facilities, or public health agencies, with licensure required.

Best Colleges in South Carolina Ranking Summary & Conclusions

• The median total cost of studying is 23,750.0, compared with 37,987.4 at schools in the top 10% - a difference of 14,237.4.
• Financial aid is received by an average of 100.0% of students across the schools, compared with 72.41% at schools in the top 10%.
• The average acceptance rate is 72.41%. Schools receive an average of 8,585.69 applicants, while those in the top 10% average 20,026.9.
• The median number of applicants is 1,435.0 for men and 2,338.5 for women.
• Average SAT and ACT scores are 1,111.38 and 22.9, respectively.
• Schools average 4,669.33 enrolled students, including averages of 376.91 enrolled men and 566.19 enrolled women.
• The average graduation rate is 46.87%, compared with 75.8% at schools in the top 10%. Median graduation rates are 38.0% for men and 51.0% for women.
• There are 14 institutions offering associate's degrees, 39 offering bachelor's degrees, 34 offering master's degrees, and 14 offering doctor's degrees.
• There are 39 coeducational schools, 0 schools for men, and 0 schools for women.
• When choosing a college, compare costs with the availability of financial aid, and consider how acceptance rates, applicant numbers, test-score averages, enrollment, degree offerings, and graduation rates align with your priorities. The figures show that the top 10% of schools have higher median study costs and graduation rates, but a lower average percentage of students receiving aid than the overall averages.

How much does studying at a college in South Carolina cost?

The average total cost of studying in South Carolina is $25,635.08, a benchmark for planning your degree. Treat this as an average study-cost figure, not a guaranteed bill for every year or a complete four-year price: your actual expenses depend on your school, program, residency, and housing choices. Students considering the University of South Carolina in Columbia, Clemson University, or the College of Charleston should compare each school's latest cost estimate and financial-aid offer. With a clear budget, earning a degree here can feel much more manageable.

The reported averages include:

• Tuition and fees averaged $22,050.67.
• Room and board averaged $12,563.39.
• Books and supplies averaged $1,539.04.

Your bill will vary, but scholarships, grants, commuting, or housing choices may lower what you pay. Ask your college's financial-aid office for an estimate, including transportation and personal expenses. Planning brings peace of mind and makes studying in South Carolina feel exciting and achievable.

How long does it take to finish college in South Carolina?

In South Carolina, plan on about four years for a full-time bachelor's degree and about two years for an associate degree, though your pace depends on credits, major, and enrollment. At Clemson University, the University of South Carolina, or the College of Charleston, required courses and clinical or lab schedules can affect timing. Part-time study usually takes longer, but a clear course plan can keep you moving confidently.

Graduation rates offer a reality check: the average is 46.87%, compared with 75.8% among the top 10% of schools. The averages are 41.49% for men and 49.69% for women; these figures indicate completion outcomes, not a guaranteed timeline for you.

You may finish sooner by:

• Bringing in AP, IB, dual-enrollment, or transfer credits accepted by your college.
• Taking summer classes or heavier course loads when manageable.
• Choosing an accelerated or year-round program and meeting an adviser early to map prerequisites.

Salary

Graduates of colleges and universities in South Carolina have a median alumni salary of about $41,204. For graduates of schools in the top 10%, the median is about $52,640 - an encouraging benchmark as you consider what a degree might make possible.

Your own earnings can vary with your field, experience, location, and employer. Whether you study at Clemson University, the University of South Carolina, or the College of Charleston, comparing programs and career paths can help you find a route that fits your goals and earning ambitions.

• Median alumni salary: about $41,204
• Median alumni salary for graduates of top 10% schools: about $52,640

People also ask

What are the three biggest colleges in South Carolina?

If "biggest" means student enrollment at a single campus, the University of South Carolina-Columbia and Clemson University are the state's two largest. Trident Technical College is also among the largest, with enrollment that can put it in third place depending on the year and how students are counted. Rankings may vary across sources.

How many colleges are there in South Carolina?

A commonly cited count is about 60 colleges and universities in South Carolina. The exact number varies depending on whether the count includes community and technical colleges, specialized schools, and institutions with multiple campuses. For a prospective student, that range means plenty of options - from large research universities to smaller colleges and career-focused programs.

Top 5 Colleges in the Best Colleges Ranking in South Carolina Ranking in 2026-2027

Clemson University is a large public research and land-grant institution in South Carolina, offering a broad campus experience for students seeking undergraduate study. It enrolls 29,077 students, with an 87% graduation rate and a 38% acceptance rate. The listed total study cost is $39,350, while median alumni salary is $58,595. For a South Carolina resident, Clemson combines an in-state setting with strong reported completion and earnings outcomes; compare the total cost with your aid offer and intended program before deciding.

Columbia College is a private liberal arts institution in South Carolina's capital, offering an urban setting and access to civic and cultural life. It enrolls 1,856 students, with a 37% graduation rate and a 94% acceptance rate. Its listed total study cost is $19,276, and median alumni salary is $43,897. For South Carolina students, these figures indicate broad admission access and a lower listed cost than several peers; compare aid and programs before deciding whether it fits your own plans.

South Carolina State University is a public historically Black university in Orangeburg, with a distinct institutional identity and a campus-based option for students in the state. It enrolls 3,424 students; graduation and acceptance rates are 37% and 83%, respectively. Its listed total study cost is $20,218, and median alumni salary is $35,260. South Carolina applicants can consider its relatively accessible admissions profile and lower listed cost, while comparing program availability, financial aid, and likely career outcomes with their personal goals.

Anderson University-South Carolina is a private university in Anderson, offering students a smaller-enrollment alternative within the state. It has 4,607 enrolled students, a 66% graduation rate, and a 55% acceptance rate. The listed total cost of studying is $34,020, and median alumni salary is $43,305. For a South Carolina student, its mid-sized enrollment and reported completion rate may merit a closer look; review specific degree options, campus experience, aid eligibility, and total out-of-pocket cost when comparing other South Carolina colleges.

College of Charleston is a public liberal arts college in historic downtown Charleston, offering a distinctive city-centered setting for students who want to study in coastal South Carolina. It enrolls 11,726 students, with a 66% graduation rate and 60% acceptance rate. Its listed total study cost is $37,836, and median alumni salary is $43,278. Students should consider whether its location and academic offerings fit their plans, then compare the reported cost, available financial aid, and outcomes with other in-state choices.