Best Colleges in South Carolina: A Comprehensive Review

Introduction

Choosing a college is one of the most critical decisions in a person’s educational journey, with various considerations such as location, size, diversity, areas of focus, and study abroad opportunities. While the usual suspects – the prestigious Ivy League schools – often top the ‘best college’ lists, the U.S. offers more than 4000 degree-granting institutions spread across all states and several territories, each with its distinctive educational offerings. Here, we present the ten best four-year colleges in South Carolina, as compiled by Stacker, using rankings from Niche.

How the Rankings Were Decided

Several factors were considered in deciding these rankings, including tuition, student-to-faculty ratio, acceptance rate, and graduation rate. However, often a school’s location is a key element in its appeal, such as a beachside location or proximity to tech giants such as Microsoft, Apple, and Google. Unfortunately, online and unspecified location schools were excluded from the rankings.

The Top Ten

10. University of South Carolina Aiken

Located in Aiken, this college was noted for its acceptance rate of 84% and a relatively low net price of $12,514. Its average SAT score spanned from 960-1170, earning it a B grade from Niche.

9. University of South Carolina – Upstate

The Spartanburg-based institution boasts a 76% acceptance rate and a net price of $14,816. The SAT range for this college is 950-1150, securing another B grade from Niche.

8. Bob Jones University

This Greenville-based university claims an impressive 100% acceptance rate. The net price averages at about $19,049, earning it a B grade. The SAT range is not available.

7. Wofford College

Wofford College, situated in Spartanburg, offers a 52% acceptance rate and a net price of $30,608. It boasts an SAT range of 1190-1350 and also received a B grade.

6. Columbia International University

Located in Columbia, it has a 46% acceptance rate and a net price of $20,088, with an SAT range of 940-1130. Niche gave it a B+ grade.

5. Anderson University – South Carolina

This Anderson-based university has a 50% acceptance rate and net price averaging at $21,643. With an 860-1210 SAT range, it bagged a B+ grade from Niche.

4. Citadel Military College of South Carolina

Based in Charleston, the college flaunts an impressive 86% acceptance rate and a net price of $19,473. Its SAT range stands at 1030-1210, grabbing a B+ grade.

3. Furman University

Located in Greenville, this institution has a 71% acceptance rate and a net price of $33,999. With an SAT range from 1240-1420, it received an A- grade from Niche.

2. University of South Carolina

This Columbia university earned an acceptance rate of 62% and a net price of $21,898. Its SAT range clocks in between 1150-1360, gaining an A grade.

1. Clemson University

Conveniently situated in Clemson, this university earned first place with a 49% acceptance rate and a net price of $23,732. Aspiring students present an SAT range between 1220-1420, helping it to secure an A grade.

Conclusion

Careful selection of a college can impact your future earnings and employment, while also influencing potential student loan debts and social circles. With these rankings, we hope to have provided useful insights into some of the best education South Carolina has to offer.