Best Universities in South Carolina

Top 10 Universities in South Carolina

Clemson University

Clemson University, located in Clemson, South Carolina, is a renowned public research institution. Founded in 1889, Clemson offers a wide range of undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral programs across various disciplines. The university prides itself on its strong focus on research, innovation, and community engagement. With state-of-the-art facilities and renowned faculty, Clemson provides students with an exceptional academic experience.

U.S. News Ranking:

#28 (National Universities)

Number of Students:

Approximately 25,000

Degrees Offered:

Clemson offers over 80 undergraduate majors and 110 graduate programs.

Acceptance Rate:

51%

Average SAT Score:

1310-1480

Most Popular Extracurricular Activities:

• Clemson Tigers sports teams
• Student Government
• Greek Life
• Volunteer Programs
• Academic Clubs

Famous Alumni:

1. Nikki Haley – Former Governor of South Carolina
2. Deshaun Watson – NFL Quarterback
3. Brian Dawkins – NFL Hall of Famer
4. Lee Brice – Country Music Singer
5. Ben Robertson – Pulitzer Prize-winning Journalist

Top 5 Companies or Organizations Hiring Graduates:

1. Boeing
2. Michelin
3. IBM
4. BMW
5. Duke Energy

University of South Carolina – Columbia

The University of South Carolina, located in Columbia, is the flagship institution of the University of South Carolina system. Founded in 1801, it offers a diverse range of undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs. With its strong emphasis on research and academic excellence, USC attracts students from all over the world.

U.S. News Ranking:

#47 (National Universities)

Number of Students:

Approximately 35,000

Degrees Offered:

USC offers over 350 programs of study, including bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees.

Acceptance Rate:

63%

Average SAT Score:

1220-1400

Most Popular Extracurricular Activities:

• Carolina Productions (student-run event planning)
• Greek Life
• Student Government
• Volunteer Programs
• Intramural Sports

Famous Alumni:

1. Lindsey Graham – U.S. Senator
2. Hootie & the Blowfish – Rock Band
3. Alex English – NBA Hall of Famer
4. Darius Rucker – Country Music Singer
5. Leeza Gibbons – Television Host

Top 5 Companies or Organizations Hiring Graduates:

1. Palmetto Health
2. BlueCross BlueShield of South Carolina
3. Bank of America
4. IBM
5. Amazon

Furman University

Furman University, located in Greenville, South Carolina, is a private liberal arts university known for its rigorous academics and picturesque campus. Founded in 1826, Furman offers undergraduate programs in over 60 majors and minors, as well as master’s degrees in education and music.

U.S. News Ranking:

#53 (National Liberal Arts Colleges)

Number of Students:

Approximately 2,800

Degrees Offered:

Furman offers bachelor’s degrees in various fields, as well as master’s degrees in education and music.

Acceptance Rate:

61%

Average SAT Score:

1270-1430

Most Popular Extracurricular Activities:

• Furman Paladins sports teams
• Greek Life
• Student Government
• Community Service Organizations
• Performing Arts Groups

Famous Alumni:

1. Charles Townes – Nobel Prize-winning Physicist
2. Brad Brownell – College Basketball Coach
3. Marcus McBeth – MLB Player
4. Beth Daniel – Professional Golfer
5. Thomas Ravenel – Reality TV Personality

Top 5 Companies or Organizations Hiring Graduates:

1. Fluor Corporation
2. BMW
3. Michelin
4. TD Bank
5. Greenville Health System

College of Charleston

The College of Charleston, located in Charleston, South Carolina, is a public liberal arts college founded in 1770. It offers a unique blend of historic charm and modern academia. The college provides a wide range of undergraduate majors and minors, as well as master’s degree programs.

U.S. News Ranking:

#91 (National Liberal Arts Colleges)

Number of Students:

Approximately 10,000

Degrees Offered:

The College of Charleston offers bachelor’s degrees in over 140 academic majors and minors, as well as master’s degree programs.

Acceptance Rate:

79%

Average SAT Score:

1160-1320

Most Popular Extracurricular Activities:

• Cougar Athletics
• Greek Life
• Student Government
• Study Abroad Programs
• Cultural Organizations

Famous Alumni:

1. Stephen Colbert – Comedian and TV Host
2. Shepard Fairey – Street Artist
3. Thomas Gibson – Actor
4. Darius Rucker – Musician
5. Beth Stern – Television Personality

Top 5 Companies or Organizations Hiring Graduates:

1. Boeing
2. Blackbaud
3. Benefitfocus
4. MUSC Health
5. Mercedes-Benz Vans

Wofford College

Wofford College, located in Spartanburg, South Carolina, is a private liberal arts college founded in 1854. It offers a rigorous academic curriculum with a strong emphasis on critical thinking and global citizenship. Wofford provides undergraduate programs in various disciplines, including the humanities, social sciences, and natural sciences.

U.S. News Ranking:

#72 (National Liberal Arts Colleges)

Number of Students:

Approximately 1,700

Degrees Offered:

Wofford offers bachelor’s degrees in over 25 major fields of study.

Acceptance Rate:

63%

Average SAT Score:

1200-1360

Most Popular Extracurricular Activities:

• Wofford Terriers sports teams
• Greek Life
• Student Government
• Honor Societies
• Community Service Organizations

Famous Alumni:

1. Nikki Haley – Former Governor of South Carolina
2. Jermaine O’Neal – Former NBA Player
3. Marshall Chapman – Singer-songwriter
4. Benjamin Mays – Civil Rights Activist
5. William Barnet III – Businessman and Philanthropist

Top 5 Companies or Organizations Hiring Graduates:

1. Milliken & Company
2. Duke Energy
3. BMW
4. Spartanburg Regional Healthcare System
5. Bank of America

Winthrop University

Winthrop University, located in Rock Hill, South Carolina, is a public comprehensive university founded in 1886. It offers a diverse range of undergraduate and graduate programs across various fields, including business, education, arts, and sciences. Winthrop prides itself on its commitment to student success, innovation, and community engagement.

U.S. News Ranking:

#18 (Regional Universities South)

Number of Students:

Approximately 6,000

Degrees Offered:

Winthrop offers bachelor’s degrees in over 40 majors and minors, as well as master’s degrees in various disciplines.

Acceptance Rate:

68%

Average SAT Score:

1100-1250

Most Popular Extracurricular Activities:

• Winthrop Eagles sports teams
• Greek Life
• Student Government
• Academic Clubs
• Community Service Organizations

Famous Alumni:

1. Jonathan Byrd – Professional Golfer
2. Jim Hodges – Former Governor of South Carolina
3. Anthony Hamilton – R&B Singer
4. Ben Affleck – Actor and Filmmaker
5. Herbie Johnson – Former NFL Player

Top 5 Companies or Organizations Hiring Graduates:

1. Piedmont Medical Center
2. Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools
3. Wells Fargo
4. Duke Energy
5. LPL Financial

Coastal Carolina University

Coastal Carolina University, located in Conway, South Carolina, is a public comprehensive university founded in 1954. It offers a vibrant campus community and a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs. With its coastal location and emphasis on experiential learning, CCU provides students with unique opportunities for academic and personal growth.

U.S. News Ranking:

#34 (Regional Universities South)

Number of Students:

Approximately 10,000

Degrees Offered:

CCU offers bachelor’s degrees in over 90 areas of study, as well as master’s degree programs.

Acceptance Rate:

61%

Average SAT Score:

1080-1220

Most Popular Extracurricular Activities:

• Coastal Carolina Chanticleers sports teams
• Greek Life
• Student Government
• Beach Clean-up Initiatives
• Outdoor Adventure Clubs

Famous Alumni:

1. Dustin Johnson – Professional Golfer
2. Amber Campbell – Olympic Hammer Thrower
3. Tariq Lane – Professional Basketball Player
4. Nancy O’Dell – Television Host
5. Tyler Thigpen – Former NFL Quarterback

Top 5 Companies or Organizations Hiring Graduates:

1. Horry County Schools
2. Horry County Government
3. Tidelands Health
4. Santee Cooper
5. Coastal Carolina University

Bob Jones University

Bob Jones University, located in Greenville, South Carolina, is a private non-denominational Christian university founded in 1927. It offers undergraduate and graduate programs rooted in a conservative Christian worldview. With its emphasis on academic excellence and spiritual growth, BJU provides students with a unique educational experience.

U.S. News Ranking:

#58 (Regional Universities South)

Number of Students:

Approximately 3,000

Degrees Offered:

BJU offers bachelor’s degrees in over 100 majors, as well as master’s degree programs.

Acceptance Rate:

85%

Average SAT Score:

1020-1200

Most Popular Extracurricular Activities:

• Chapel Services
• Student Ministry Teams
• Music and Drama Productions
• Intramural Sports
• Mission Trips

Famous Alumni:

1. Bob Jones III – Former President of Bob Jones University
2. Bob Jones Jr. – Former President of Bob Jones University
3. Dan Cathy – CEO of Chick-fil-A
4. Tim LaHaye – Author and Minister
5. Joseph M.

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Presbyterian College

Presbyterian College, located in Clinton, South Carolina, is a private liberal arts college affiliated with the Presbyterian Church. Founded in 1880, it offers undergraduate programs in a variety of fields, including arts, humanities, sciences, and professional studies. PC emphasizes a holistic education that integrates faith, learning, and service.

U.S. News Ranking:

#120 (National Liberal Arts Colleges)

Number of Students:

Approximately 1,200

Degrees Offered:

PC offers bachelor’s degrees in over 50 majors and minors.

Acceptance Rate:

66%

Average SAT Score:

1080-1230

Most Popular Extracurricular Activities:

• Blue Hose Athletics
• Greek Life
• Student Government
• Academic Clubs
• Community Service Projects