2023 Best Colleges in South Carolina

• Clemson, SC•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.91 out of 5  3,505 reviews

Junior: Clemson University's campus is full of resources, from the organic student garden, to on-site mental health counselors and academic advisors, and even including multiple recreational facilities and sports complexes. Honestly, it is the most well-rounded college campus that I have ever attended/toured, and you can tell they have a focus on the student experience. I was pleasantly surprised by the class sizes-- most of mine were under 30 students-- as well as the faculty to student ratio. I prefer a more personal approach to learning and it was nice that most of my professors knew me by name this last semester. There are only a couple points that beckon change, and one of them is the parking situation. You can circle the lots for up to 20 minutes before you find a spot most days, and the availability of commuter parking is more or less constricted to two large lots, one of which is a good walk away from the academic buildings. I would say Clemson is not the most accessible school.... Read 3,505 reviews

• grade A

• Acceptance rate 49%

• Net price $23,732

• SAT range 1220-1420

• Columbia, SC•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.85 out of 5  4,487 reviews

Sophomore: This university assists the new freshmen to college life on campus. The counselors assist in helping select courses and never feel alone in making decisions. The university is a beautiful campus with lots of outdoor space to sit, think, study, and play.... Read 4,487 reviews

• grade A

• Acceptance rate 62%

• Net price $21,898

• SAT range 1150-1360

• Greenville, SC•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.62 out of 5  595 reviews

Freshman: Within the first two weeks of my college experience, Furman University truly became my home! Its community, I believe, is what sets it apart from all the other colleges I had been considering. Whenever I am surrounded by my fellow students, friends, professors, or staff members, I always feel loved, welcomed, and heard. I feel that Furman exceeds in the following categories: academics, campus life/scenery, professors, and student life. There are so many incredible things to do on campus and in class each day. I love feeling engaged and partaking in activities that I know are rewarding and helping my community in some capacity. I feel that the academic and social value of Furman University cannot be matched by any other school! Go Dins!... Read 595 reviews

• grade A minus

• Acceptance rate 71%

• Net price $33,999

• SAT range 1240-1420

• Greenville, SC•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.91 out of 5  1,100 reviews

Sophomore: Bob Jones has a great staff! All of the professors are very friendly and helpful. The atmosphere is amazing. Many of the students are excited to make new friends. Though some rules may need to be changed, they were made before today's generation and have the potential of being changed or altered eventually. Many rules have been changed already and have made the atmosphere better. I definitely recommend this university to anyone looking for a good Christian University.... Read 1,100 reviews

• grade B+

• Acceptance rate 100%

• Net price $19,049

• SAT range —

• Columbia, SC•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.94 out of 5  234 reviews

Junior: My experience at Columbia International University has been a great one! Going into CIU, I underestimated the community that is here. There have been many opportunities for the students to be plugged into student life, residence life, and even the community around Columbia as well. The best experience that I've had at CIU has been with the professors. The majority of the professors have been working at CIU for many years now so they understand how to equip you for what you are wanting to pursue as a career. I would recommend CIU to those who are looking for a tight-knit community that is going to be centered around the Word of God.... Read 234 reviews

• grade B+

• Acceptance rate 46%

• Net price $20,088

• SAT range 940-1130

• Spartanburg, SC•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.8 out of 5  371 reviews

Freshman: So far I am loving Wofford! One of my favorite qualities about the school is its southern charm. Everyone here is super friendly and easy to talk to. Since the school only has around 2k students, everyone knows or has at least heard of everyone making campus really feel like a community. The activities offered on campus this year have been really fun while also maintaining covid guidelines. Some of these include: free food truck Friday, ice skating and hot chocolate, trivia nights, and scavenger hunts. If there is one thing I could change about Wofford it would be the food options. Right now during covid they aren't offering a wide variety of food and often slack on providing fruit that isn't an apple or banana.... Read 371 reviews

• grade B+

• Acceptance rate 52%

• Net price $30,608

• SAT range 1190-1350

• Charleston, SC•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.75 out of 5  416 reviews

Sophomore: The citadel for me is a college that challenged me physically, mentally, and spiritually. This school is for those who want to bring the best out of themselves through hard work, dedication, integrity and perseverance. While attending here, the biggest lesson you learn is to ask your friends for help. In such an artificial stressful environment, you realize you cannot complete this challenge alone. The education varies with what major you go after. The engineering program, computer science and cyber programs, and business programs some of the strongest programs in the south. Overall it's an insanely unique experience if you're willing to go through the stresses of the challenge.... Read 416 reviews

• grade B+

• Acceptance rate 86%

• Net price $19,473

• SAT range 1030-1210

• Charleston, SC•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.7 out of 5  2,264 reviews

Junior: CofC is, for the most part, a wonderful college with beautiful surroundings and a social, engaged community. The professors care for their students and do not hesitate to let their students know it is okay to reach out for assistance, or to take break if they truly require it. Teaching attitudes largely vary by department; I am more experienced in theatre courses, and while some profs often have out-there or rather disconcerting teaching methods, most are very passionate about their craft and seek to give their students the same experience. Student resources are readily available on the College's website, and extracurricular activities are often promoted and invite students to get involved regardless of experience. The administration is very approachable when seeking counsel or reporting any issues, and always take time to have a thorough exchange with any concerned students or parents.... Read 2,264 reviews

• grade B

• Acceptance rate 76%

• Net price $20,255

• SAT range 1090-1280

• Aiken, SC•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.77 out of 5  712 reviews

Senior: I am a theatre major, and I have had an amazing experience with the University Theatre Players! It is such an enriching environment that challenges you to think better of yourself and to appreciate all of the things you offer. I love the theatre faculty and students and couldn't ask for anything better.... Read 712 reviews

• grade B

• Acceptance rate 84%

• Net price $12,514

• SAT range 960-1170

• Anderson, SC•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.78 out of 5  973 reviews

Junior: Anderson University is so wonderful. I just could not be more grateful to attend here. The professors genuinely care about each individual student. The student body is generally very kind and there are plenty of opportunities to find a great group of friends. The food is not great but the excellent education and lovely people there make attending here so worth it. Also, it is much more affordable than you think. The scholarships I received from Anderson made this school much cheaper than U of SC or Clemson!... Read 973 reviews

• grade B

• Acceptance rate 50%

• Net price $21,643

• SAT range 860-1210

• Spartanburg, SC•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.64 out of 5  1,018 reviews

Sophomore: I loved every moment of it, the scenery is wonderful. Creek hopping is a fun activity to do with new friends since the water is so cool and relaxing. The professors are funny atleast most are. The different themes for the days of the week are even better. I really like how you can select who you room with if you already have an idea of it. Highly reccomend.... Read 1,018 reviews

• grade B

• Acceptance rate 76%

• Net price $14,816

• SAT range 950-1150

• Central, SC•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.63 out of 5  255 reviews

Junior: I attended years ago (in the 1980s), and I loved it then. Since then, it has expanded immensely and is 10x better than before! I love the options such as the online program, because if the flexibility with family and work. The student to teacher ratio is excellent, and the professors truly care about the students. The reason I rated the party scene as poor is that drinking is not part of the campus atmosphere. It is a Christian University. That works great for me, and I find that Christians know how to have good, clean fun and the loving support of one another, without the vices common to most college campuses. But it wouldn't be fore everyone. My desire is to get a quality liberal arts education with a worldview that embraces the timeless truths of the Bible, with God as our Creator and sustainer, and to live out my faith in a way that seeks to benefit all people of the world through my vocation.... Read 255 reviews

• grade B

• Acceptance rate 58%

• Net price $19,479

• SAT range 980-1070

• Greenwood, SC•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.81 out of 5  797 reviews

Graduate Student: Lander was a great experience. There are lots of student life options available to students and the professors are all very friendly and intelligent. The course load is easy but the classes are interesting! I played sports and loved that experience, but thought that the athletic department could have done a better job promoting equality between teams and the facilities offered to them.... Read 797 reviews

• grade B

• Acceptance rate 69%

• Net price $17,083

• SAT range 950-1150

• Rock Hill, SC•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.73 out of 5  1,662 reviews

Alum: I'd 100% recommend WU to students who are looking for a small-to-midsize university with excellent professors in a tight-knit community with lots of room for interesting opportunities. While attending the university I had several leadership opportunities, was aided in scoring three awesome internships, and offered several jobs upon graduating. I was also able to travel to Washington D.C, Minneapolis, Greece, and Italy with very little out-of-pocket costs. I grew a lot during my time there and learned so much. WU is especially stellar when it comes to career readiness (at least in the MCOM department). We learned how to write resumes, prepare for interviews, and market ourselves. I've found that I have significantly more experience in that area than a lot of my coworkers that are the same age as me. It's not a huge flashy university with lots of sports and a rich Greek life, but that's not what I was looking for. Not for everyone, but it was a great experience for me!... Read 1,662 reviews

• grade B

• Acceptance rate 64%

• Net price $17,100

• SAT range 1000-1180

• Conway, SC•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.72 out of 5  2,044 reviews

Sophomore: Coastal Carolina is a overall great school. The staffing good, the professors are helpful. Moving forward at Coastal Carolina has taught me a lot already. I’ve learned independence, i’ve learned that the information that Coastal give you in the beginning is everything you will need while attending. The environment is great, the energy, the sports teams. I love Coastal Carolina and i will be continuing my education at Coastal. Go Chants!... Read 2,044 reviews

• grade B

• Acceptance rate 79%

• Net price $14,956

• SAT range 1030-1190

• Tigerville, SC•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.75 out of 5  603 reviews

Sophomore: North Greenville is an excellent university for academics and athletics. I feel valued at this school due to its effort as a faculty that constantly reaches out for the benefits both mentally and physically of the students. I confidently can say that I can go to any of my professors when I am in need of help regarding class or regarding issues outside of the classroom. NGU is a place to feel loved and accepted by Christ centered folks that have wonderful intentions!... Read 603 reviews

• grade B

• Acceptance rate 70%

• Net price $19,514

• SAT range 980-1210

• Charleston, SC•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.59 out of 5  839 reviews

Freshman: So far, I have loved my experience at CSU. The best part about my experience is the people I have bonded with. This community of people are comprised of the students and staff. They are respectful, kind, reasonable, and goodwilled. I am also grateful for the Professors at the college. I had one that did not see eye-to-eye, but every other professor has been top notch! Somethings to keep in mind would be the temperature and climate; it is very humid and not always enjoyable. Also, this year they had some issues in keeping up in the financial aid department. A final note for those who are interested would be the Christian element. You do not need to be a Christian to go to CSU (I personally am), but you definitely will be exposed to that life while attending. Overall, I love the college even with some of the issues with fluency in FINAID this year, and I would recommend it to others.... Read 839 reviews

• grade B

• Acceptance rate 57%

• Net price $18,182

• SAT range 990-1200

• Clinton, SC•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.69 out of 5  266 reviews

Senior: I came to Presbyterian College for their Pharmacy Program, they are extremely family/friend oriented and very welcoming. Presbyterian was very welcoming but some what challenging experience. All of the professors are really kind and very close to their students. However they could have some improvements in diversity and student involvement that caters to all students. One problem was diversity, being a biology major their were little to no, students of color present. Maybe one (me) or two, who were mostly women. Other than being a little isolated and the lack of minorities, this school is a really good school. I love that they give numerous opportunities to their students by networking and offering amazing job/internship opportunities. They also have amazing counseling and student academic/aid. They helped me to stay present and determined during my sophomore and junior year. Overall if I ever wanted to go back to obtain another degree I would consider this school!... Read 266 reviews

• grade B minus

• Acceptance rate 71%

• Net price $21,170

• SAT range 1010-1220

• Florence, SC•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.6 out of 5  928 reviews

Freshman: FMU is genuinely an amazing school. It’s a beautiful campus with fantastic scenery. I am a first year student and can say that I made a wise decision attending FMU. Professors care and push you to be the best that you can be. The faculty here are so caring and concerned about students personal and academic well being. The great thing about FMU is that it offers many resources for success. FMU offers tutoring for most subjects including; math, sciences, or the humanities as well. It’s free! FMU also offers free counseling if you struggle with adjustment, academics, anxiety, depression, or other personal issues. The academics are challenging for sure and it takes a lot of dedication and perseverance. If you don’t care about your academics or think you can get by without working; then FMU is not the place for you. You will not survive here on that attitude.... Read 928 reviews

• grade B minus

• Acceptance rate 86%

• Net price $13,299

• SAT range 930-1120

• Bluffton, SC•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.6 out of 5  483 reviews

Sophomore: I love the community feel of USCB. It is easy to connect with professors and other faculty as well as other students. I have enjoyed my classes thus far and have had an easy time navigating my college plan and advising. I would benefit greatly from an opportunity to connect with other students from my major and program so we can help one another. As much as joining clubs and organizations has helped me meet other students, having a forum dedicated to students with similar college plans would be very enriching to my college experience. Overall, I have enjoyed my first year at USCB.... Read 483 reviews

• grade B minus

• Acceptance rate 84%

• Net price $15,896

• SAT range 940-1110

• Newberry, SC•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.44 out of 5  399 reviews

Graduate Student: Newberry College is wonderful! I love the family atmosphere, wonderful professors, and lovely campus. All of these things and more drew me to Newberry. The student/faculty ratio of 13-1 is very hard to beat. Newberry College has tons of resources for students like the Center for Student Success and lots of clubs and organizations to get involved with on campus.... Read 399 reviews

• grade B minus

• Acceptance rate 57%

• Net price $19,156

• SAT range 910-1130

• Orangeburg, SC•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.47 out of 5  1,190 reviews

Sophomore: Some of the things that I like about Claflin University are the people and the atmosphere of the campus on a daily basis. However, something that I would like to see changed is the methods of teaching in the chemistry department. However, as you maneuver through the school building small connections often leads to getting greater connections to set your future up successfully.... Read 1,190 reviews

• grade B minus

• Acceptance rate 62%

• Net price $19,308

• SAT range 840-1040

• Due West, SC•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.21 out of 5  207 reviews

Freshman: Erskine college is a fantastic school with many great professors and a diverse range of students and athletes. It is what it claims to be- a Christian school with small classrooms and personal professors. It’s in a very small town, and it is very quiet. I realize this is not for everyone, but it is exactly what I was looking for. I love it here!... Read 207 reviews

• grade C+

• Acceptance rate 63%

• Net price $33,655

• SAT range 920-1150

• Hartsville, SC•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.46 out of 5  297 reviews

Junior: I loved the community and how involved they are with their students online and on-campus! Overall, I recommend this university a lot. Especially if you cannot handle the normal setting of classes. Online is perfect!... Read 297 reviews

• grade C+

• Acceptance rate 98%

• Net price $17,720

• SAT range 940-1160

• Spartanburg, SC•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.61 out of 5  619 reviews

Sophomore: From my first visit here, I always liked how welcoming everyone is; people here really do go out of their way to be friendly and helpful a lot of the time. Converse also has some great professors! I can't speak much to departments I haven't taken a lot of classes in (such as STEM majors), but I love a lot of the humanities and arts professors; most of them have PhDs in their field and their enthusiasm for their area of study is evident in their teaching styles and interactions with students. Small class sizes are also nice as you actually get to know your classmates and professors (and it's easier to get the help you need). However, there are definitely accessibility issues on campus. Because the university and many of its buildings are very old, not all of them are fully accessible. There is an academic building which students with mobility issues can't get to the top floor of, and at least one dorm building which is completely inaccessible.... Read 619 reviews

• grade C+

• Acceptance rate 82%

• Net price $17,155

• SAT range 1000-1200