2023 Top Public Universities in South Carolina

• Clemson, SC•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.9 out of 5  3,477 reviews

Alum: I majored in Biological Sciences. The classes were certainly hard, but that was expected. I did not have one bad professor. The Biological Sciences department was great and my advisor was very helpful. The campus is beautiful! All of the students were nice and proud to be Clemson Tigers. There are plenty of opportunities to get involved in the university and in the community. The university police are extremely nice and are constantly on campus keeping it safe. There is always plenty to do. Downtown is just a few steps away from campus, and the nightlife is great there. Football season is amazing- the tailgates are fun, the football is riveting, and the overall experience really shows how Clemson Tigers are one big family.... Read 3,477 reviews

• grade A

• Acceptance rate 62%

• Net price $22,935

• SAT range 1210-1390

• Columbia, SC•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.84 out of 5  4,461 reviews

Freshman: So many free things for students to do pretty much every single day. Many useful resources from peer writing to the student success center and the Learning living communities. Many affordable off campus living and things to do outside of campus in the local area. 2 gyms for free access to all students. Chain restaurants like Chick-fil-a and Panera Bread are included in your meal plan. There are dining halls all over campus, so it's never a far walk to get something to eat. ALL SPORTING EVENTS ARE FREE to all students! including football games and basketball games. On campus doctors' offices for mental health, women's health and a pharmacy. 'Thursday After Dark' is a student-led weekly activity calendar for free and fun experiences off campus, including drive-in movies, bowling, tours of local museums and other things the city.... Read 4,461 reviews

• grade A

• Acceptance rate 68%

• Net price $21,784

• SAT range 1140-1340

• Charleston, SC•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.75 out of 5  413 reviews

Junior: The teachers actually care about the success and wellbeing of their students. The school strives to accommodate the various lifestyles of their students while providing safe and disciplined environment. Being in the political science field, the teachers are very good at remaining neutral on viewpoints and presenting all angles.... Read 413 reviews

• grade B+

• Acceptance rate 80%

• Net price $17,920

• SAT range 1030-1210

• Charleston, SC•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.69 out of 5  2,251 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 2,251 reviews

• grade B

• Acceptance rate 74%

• Net price $20,351

• SAT range 1070-1240

• Aiken, SC•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.76 out of 5  709 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 709 reviews

• grade B

• Acceptance rate 56%

• Net price $12,689

• SAT range 970-1150

• Spartanburg, SC•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.64 out of 5  1,012 reviews

Sophomore: The school's scenery is outstanding. I love the faculty; everyone is determined to help students succeed. There are many resources for attending students and they're very helpful to say the least. Student involvement is a huge part of the university; there are so many organizations and clubs to choose from. This is such a diverse school, and the party scene is outstanding; sport games are always hype and fun. Upstate is such a wonderful university and I am excited to continue my education here!... Read 1,012 reviews

• grade B

• Acceptance rate 60%

• Net price $15,074

• SAT range 900-1090

• Greenwood, SC•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.8 out of 5  790 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 790 reviews

• grade B

• Acceptance rate 57%

• Net price $15,541

• SAT range 920-1110

• Rock Hill, SC•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.72 out of 5  1,652 reviews

Sophomore: Having transferred to Winthrop University from Greenville Technical college seemed daunting at first. I quickly toured the campus and was welcomed by an extremely friendly committee determined to help me succeed with my educational goals. The first time I met with my academic advisor, I was excited and felt a warm welcome from him and his sincere desire to help me and see me succeed. The campus is small and historical and that is just perfect for someone like me. If anyone in the Carolinas wants a small little school that is determined to help their students succeed and become productive members of society, I would look no further than Winthrop University!... Read 1,652 reviews

• grade B

• Acceptance rate 64%

• Net price $19,300

• SAT range 940-1150

• Conway, SC•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.72 out of 5  2,026 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 2,026 reviews

• grade B

• Acceptance rate 70%

• Net price $14,716

• SAT range 1020-1180

• Florence, SC•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.6 out of 5  923 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 923 reviews

• grade B minus

• Acceptance rate 75%

• Net price $12,380

• SAT range 890-1110

• Bluffton, SC•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.6 out of 5  478 reviews

Junior: The University of South Carolina Beaufort is a smaller school in South Carolina, but it is a great fit for me. The main campus is in Bluffton, SC and is around a lot of great places to eat! With the school being smaller than others, you have an opportunity to get to know your professors and create a bond. This can help you a lot academically by having access to a helpful professor. My favorite thing about the campus is that you are only 25 minutes from the beach, so if you had a rough week you can go relax. It is a great school and I would recommend it to anyone!... Read 478 reviews

• grade B minus

• Acceptance rate 67%

• Net price $16,748

• SAT range 940-1110

• Orangeburg, SC•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.48 out of 5  999 reviews

Freshman: I'm a freshman at South Carolina State University. So far my experience has been challenging although rewarding. I'm learning to be independent and organized. I was so afraid to leave home, however, SCSU smoothed my transition from home to college and on my way to becoming a young adult. I made the best decision to pursue my Speech Pathology degree at SCSU. I'm in the process of making lifelong friends and creating a successful future for myself. Pursuing my educational career at SCSU is the one thing no one can take away from me. SCUS has taught me to become more vocal about myself. The classes I'm currently taking at SCSU are very rigorous and because of that, I've learned to be more organized and successful at managing my time. With taking courses, trying to manage a social life, and participating in cheerleading have forced me to prioritize my life more carefully. I have no regrets about choosing SCSU as my HBCU of choice. My SCSU experience is great! I'm a BULLDOG for Life... Read 999 reviews

• grade C

• Acceptance rate 94%

• Net price $20,022

• SAT range 800-1000

• Charleston, SC•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 4.06 out of 5  77 reviews

Alum: The school is a criminal enterprise. They give certain students the actual tests for the upcoming exams. Many of the professors use different grading schemes. I mentioned this to the school officials that it was not fair. If you report cheating or unfair treatment, the faculty will give you Fs in all of your subjecting grading classes and have a vote to dismiss you for exhibiting characteristics which seem inappropriate. They did this to me, but I still finished the semester with a B average. They deny students of their constitutional rights of due process of law. The local judges in South Carolina are corrupt! The school likes pretty white women and children of doctors, using different grading scheme and allowing them to cheat.... Read 77 reviews

• grade unavailable

• Acceptance rate —

• Net price —

• SAT range —