These South Carolina universities have been listed according to their ranking and we have also included a picture that represents the map of the higher institution of learning located in Palmetto State,
If you are considering applying to any of the institutions that have been discussed in this article, you have nothing to worry about as they are all accredited by the higher education organization responsible for valid accreditation
We promise that this is going be a robust article as we will first of all list the first 33 universities in South Carolina according to their ranking and subsequently you will find a table containing all the 60 colleges and universities in the state.
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Study in South Carolina
Before we list these South Carolina universities and their ranking, we think you should, first of all, have a glimpse of what it would look like to study in the state.
South Carolina is known for its vintage manners and extreme social conservatism. You are guaranteed to experience a relaxed piece of life as the sticky weather and the untouched patches of wilderness create the conducive environment you need to experience life at its fullest
Down through the years, South Carolina has been known for its agriculture, but recently the service sector has become the state’s biggest economy. Domestic and international students who have been there can attest that the state offers them what they need to settle in with college life.
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Cost is Living in South Carolina
Before you make up your mind to study at one of South Carolina’s universities, it’s important to have a glimpse of what you are likely to spend before your graduation.
| COST OF LIVING | South Carolina | United States |
| Overall | 88.5 | 100 |
| Grocery | 95.8 | 100 |
| Health | 102.3 | 100 |
| Housing | 73.6 | 100 |
| Median Home Cost | $170,100 | $231,200 |
| Utilities | 103.9 | 100 |
| Transportation | 86.8 | 100 |
| Miscellaneous | 95.6 | 100 |
South Carolina Universities Ranking List
Our ranking of South Carolina universities is based on collected data from platforms like the Guardian U.S. News, Niche, and the Times Higher Education.
List of South Carolina Universities and Ranking
Below is a list of South Carolina universities ranked according to how prestigious they are.
Also Read: What Are The 12 Ivy League Schools and Their Ranking?
#1. University of South Carolina
Based on ranking, the University of South Carolina is one of the best schools in the state –It’s a public research university in Columbia, South Carolina, and has seven satellite campuses across the state. USC’s main campus occupies 359 acres in downtown Columbia close to the statehouse of South Carolina
Seen as a very selective university, the acceptance rate at the University of South Carolina is 61%. When admitting freshmen, the university will focus on the rigor of high school study and score on standardized tests, SAT or ACT.
#2. Clemson University
Clemson University is a public land research university located in Clemson, South Carolina. Founded in 1889, Clemson University is the second-largest university in the state in terms of student population.
Clemson University has a selective acceptance rate, with an acceptance rate of 31%. Half of the applicants admitted to Clemson University have SAT scores between 1230 and 1400, or ACT scores between 27 and 32.
#3. Medical University of South Carolina
The Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC) is a public medical school located in Charleston, South Carolina. It was opened as a small private college in 1824 to train physicians. It is one of the oldest continuously operating medical schools in the United States and the oldest medical school in the Deep South.
The main building of the school was designed by Charleston architect Albert W. Todd. This is one of the best schools in South Carolina ranking 3rd on this list.
#4. College of Charleston
Charleston College is a public liberal arts college located in Charleston, South Carolina. It was founded in 1770 and was chartered in 1785. It is the oldest college in South Carolina, the 13th oldest higher education institution in the United States, and the oldest municipal college in the United States.
The acceptance rate of the University of Charleston is selective, with an acceptance rate of 72% and an early acceptance rate of 83.4%. Half of the applicants admitted to the University of Charleston have SAT scores between 1080 and 1260, or ACT scores between 22 and 28.
#5. Furman University
This is one of the best in the South Carolina university’s ranking. Furman University is a private liberal arts university located in Greenville, South Carolina. Furman University was founded in 1826 and named after the Rev. Richard Furman (Richard Furman). It is the oldest private higher education institution in South Carolina.
Foreman University has a higher acceptance rate, with an acceptance rate of 53% and an early acceptance rate of 63.7%. Half of the applicants admitted to Forman University have SAT scores between 1240 and 1420, or ACT scores between 28 and 32.
#6. Winthrop University
Winthrop University is a public university located in Rock Hill, South Carolina. It was founded in 1886 by David Bancroft Johnson, who was the head of the school in Columbia, South Carolina
Winthrop University’s acceptance rate is selective, with an acceptance rate of 75%. Half of the applicants admitted to Winthrop University have SAT scores between 950 and 1160, or ACT scores between 18 and 24.
#7. Coastal Carolina University
Coastal Carolina University is a public university located in Conway, South Carolina. Conway is one of ten cities located in the Myrtle Beach metropolitan area. Founded in 1954, it became an independent university in 1993.
The enrollment rate in the coastal areas of North Carolina is selective, with an acceptance rate of 80%. The average SAT score for students entering the coastal areas of Carolina is 1010-1170, or the average ACT score is 19-24.
#8. The Citadel, The Military College of South Carolina
The Citadel, The South Carolina Military College, often referred to as The Citadel, is a public senior military college located in Charleston, South Carolina. It was established in 1842 and is one of the six high-level military colleges in the United States.
The Citadel has an acceptance rate of 98% and a graduation rate of 69%. This is one of the best in South Carolina universities ranking, and you can find the position of the school on the map below.
#9. Lander University
Lander University is a public university located in Greenwood, South Carolina. It is the second smallest publicly funded bachelor’s degree institution in the state.
Admissions to Lander University are selective, with an acceptance rate of 67.4%. Half of the applicants admitted to Lander University have SAT scores between 940 and 1130, or ACT scores between 17 and 23.
#10 Bob Jones University
Bob Jones University is a private, non-denominational evangelical university located in Greenville, South Carolina. It is famous for its conservative cultural and religious stance.
Bob Jones University has a high acceptance rate, with an acceptance rate of 89%. Half of the applicants admitted to Bob Jones University have SAT scores between 1,000 and 1,260, or ACT scores between 20 and 28.
#11. Charleston Southern University
Charleston Southern University is a private Southern Baptist University located in North Charleston, South Carolina. It was established in 1964 as the Baptist College.
Admission to Charleston Southern University is selective, with an acceptance rate of 86.8%. Half of the applicants admitted to Southern Charleston University have SAT scores between 1020 and 1200, or ACT scores between 20 and 31.
#12. South Carolina State University
South Carolina State University is a long-established public black university located in Orangeburg. This is one of the best in the South Carolina university’s ranking.
South Carolina State University has a low enrollment rate, with an acceptance rate of 83.9%. Half of the applicants admitted to South Carolina have SAT scores between 840 and 990, or ACT scores between 15 and 17.
#13. University of South Carolina-Upstate
The University of South Carolina Upstate is a public university located in Spartanburg, South Carolina. The institution was established in 1967, formerly known as the University of South Carolina Spartanburg, and was renamed in the summer of 2004.
The University of South Carolina-Upstate has a selective rate of acceptance, with an acceptance rate of 89%. Half of the applicants admitted to USC Upstate have SAT scores between 920 and 1110, or ACT scores between 17 and 22.
#14. Presbyterian College
Presbyterian College is a private liberal arts college located in Clinton, South Carolina.
The admission rate of Presbyterian University is selective, with an admission rate of 72% and an early acceptance rate of 83.9%. Half of the applicants admitted to Presbyterian College have SAT scores between 1000 and 1230, or ACT scores between 19 and 26.
#15. Francis Marion University
Francis Marion University is a public university near Florence, South Carolina. It was named in honor of Brigadier General Francis Marion of the American Revolutionary War.
Francis Marion’s enrollment rate is a bit picky, with an acceptance rate of 82.9%. Students entering Francis Marion have an average SAT score of 900-1110 or an average ACT score of 16-21.
#16. University of South Carolina-Aiken
The University of South Carolina at Aiken is a public university located in Aiken, South Carolina. It is one of the universities that is part of the University of South Carolina system and offers undergraduate and master’s degree programs.
The acceptance rate of the University of South Carolina-Aiken is very selective, with an acceptance rate of 80%. Half of the applicants admitted to USC Aiken University have SAT scores between 960 and 1140, or ACT scores between 17 and 23.
#17. Converse College
This is one of the best in the South Carolina university’s ranking. Converse College is a private university located in Spartanburg, South Carolina. It consists of co-educational undergraduate college and co-educational graduate online courses and summer programs. It was established by a group of Spartanburg residents in 1889 and named after textile pioneer Dexter Edgar Converse.
Converse admission has a certain degree of selectivity, with an admission rate of 60.4%. The average SAT score of students entering Converse is between 1000-1230, and the average ACT score is 16-22.
#18. Voorhees College
Voorhees College is a long-established private black college located in Denmark, South Carolina. It is affiliated with the Episcopal Church and is recognized by the Southern Association of Higher Schools with accreditation from the same body.
Voorhees College has one of the lowest admission rates, with an acceptance rate of 50%. Voorhees College has an application fee of $25
#19. Columbia International University
Columbia International University (CIU) is a private Christian university located in Columbia, South Carolina.
Admission to Columbia International University is selective, with an acceptance rate of 48.2%. Half of the applicants admitted to Columbia International University have SAT scores between 930 and 1140, or ACT scores between 17 and 25.
#20. Benedict College
Benedict College is a long-established private black liberal arts college located in Columbia, South Carolina. It was established by the North Baptist Church in 1870 and was originally a teachers’ college. Since then, it has expanded to provide majors across many disciplines in liberal arts.
Benedict’s admission rate is somewhat picky, with an acceptance rate of 67.8%. The average SAT score for students entering Benedict University is between 820-1030, while the ACT score range is 15-19.
#21. Claflin University
Claflin University is a long-established private black university located in Orangeburg, South Carolina. It was established after the American Civil War in 1869 by missionaries in the North, to educate free people and their children and provide bachelor’s and master’s degrees.
Claflin University has a low acceptance rate, with an acceptance rate of 78%. Half of the applicants who entered Claflin University had SAT scores between 880 and 1040, or ACT scores between 18 and 21.
#22. Newberry College
Newberry College is a private Lutheran liberal arts college located in Newberry, South Carolina.
Newberry University’s admissions are somewhat selective, with an acceptance rate of 75%. The average SAT score of students entering Newberry is 870-1100, or the average ACT score is 16-21.
#23. Erskine College
Erskine College is a private Christian university located in Due West, South Carolina. This is an undergraduate liberal arts college and theological seminary. The college was established in 1839 by the Reformed Presbyterian Church. Its sports team participated in the NCAA Division II as a member of the Carolina State Conference.
Erskine College’s admission is selective, with an acceptance rate of 53.2%. Half of the applicants entering Erskine College have SAT scores between 920 and 1140, or ACT scores between 17 and 23.
#24. North Greenville University
North Greenville University is a private Baptist University located in Tigerville, South Carolina. It is associated with the South Carolina Baptist Convention and the Southern Baptist Convention and has been accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools. The institution awards bachelor’s, master’s, and doctorate degrees.
This is a small institution with 1,758 undergraduates enrolled. The acceptance rate of North Greenville University is 63%, so admissions are somewhat competitive.
#25. Anderson University
Anderson University is a private university located in Anderson, South Carolina. It offers bachelor’s, master’s, and doctorate degrees in approximately 78 research fields.
Anderson University (SC) has a higher enrollment rate, with an acceptance rate of 50%. Half of the applicants admitted to Anderson University in South Carolina have SAT scores between 1060 and 1250, or ACT scores between 20 and 26.
#26. Southern Wesleyan University
This is one of the best in the South Carolina university’s ranking. Southern Wesleyan University is a private Christian university located in central South Carolina. It was established in 1906 by the current Wesleyan Church. The institution received its accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges and can award associate, bachelor, master, and doctorate degrees.
Southern Wesleyan University’s acceptance rate is 51.2%.
#27. Coker University
Coker University is a private university located in Hartsville, South Carolina. It was established in 1908 and was accredited by the Southern Association of Higher Schools. Coker’s sports team participated in NCAA Division II games.
This is a small institution with 920 undergraduates enrolled. Since Coker’s acceptance rate is 94%, admissions are somewhat competitive.
#28. Limestone College
Limestone University, formerly known as Limestone College, is a private Christian university located in Gaffney, South Carolina. It was founded in 1845 by Thomas Curtis, an outstanding scholar born and educated in England.
Admission to Limestone University Admission to Limestone University is selective, with an acceptance rate of 98%. Half of the applicants entering Limestone College have SAT scores between 880 and 1060, or ACT scores between 15 and 21.
#29. University of South Carolina-Beaufort
The University of South Carolina Beaufort is a public university with three campuses in the Lowcountry area of South Carolina. It is part of the University of South Carolina system and enrolls approximately 1,900 students. The main campus is in Bluffton, South Carolina. The campus offers more than 20 study programs to choose from.
Admission to USC Beaufort is somewhat selective, with an acceptance rate of 63%. The average SAT score of students entering USC Beaufort is between 930-1100, and the average ACT score is between 17-22.
#30. Wofford College
Wofford College is a private liberal arts college located in Spartanburg, South Carolina. It was established in 1854. The historic 175-acre campus is one of the few four-year colleges established in the southeastern United States before the American Civil War, and it still operates on its original campus.
Admission at Wolfford University is selective, with an acceptance rate of 60%. The average SAT score of students entering Wofford is between 1190-1350, and the average ACT score is 26-30.
#31. Columbia College, South Carolina
Columbia College is a private liberal arts college located in Columbia, South Carolina. Columbia University was founded by the United Methodist Church in 1854 as a women’s liberal arts college. Columbia University also offers evening courses for men and women, graduate courses, and online courses.
Columbia College (SC) has an acceptance rate of 98%. Half of the applicants admitted to Columbia University in South Carolina have SAT scores between 840 and 1040, or ACT scores between 15 and 20.
#32. Morris College
Morris College is a long-established private Baptist black school located in Sumter, South Carolina. It was founded and operated by the Baptist Education and Mission Conference in South Carolina.
Morris College’s acceptance rate is 79.4%.
For every 100 applicants, 79 are admitted. The school will provide the expected requirements for GPA and SAT/ACT scores.
#33. Allen University
Allen University is a private black university with a long history in Columbia, South Carolina. It has more than 600 students and still serves mainly black people. The campus is listed as a National Historic Site in the Historic District of Allen University in the United States.
This is a small institution, enrolling 715 undergraduates. Since Allen University has an acceptance rate of 43.4%, admissions are quite competitive.
South Carolina Universities Map
South Carolina universities map has been displayed as a picture to help you locate the position of your school or prospective school on the map.
Frequently Asked Questions about South Carolina Universities and Ranking
What university in South Carolina has the highest acceptance rate?
Bob Jones University in Greenville has the highest acceptance rate at 100%.
What is the number one college in South Carolina?
According to the U.S. News & World Report 2025 university ranking, Clemson University is the best school in South Carolina. Ranked 80th in national universities, Clemson University focuses on conducting research for better living of communities.
How are South Carolina universities ranked nationally?
The U.S. News & World Report 2025 ranking on the Best Colleges in South Carolina ranks Clemson University top of the list (80 in national universities), while the University of South Carolina is the ranked second best (121st in national universities) in the state
How do I apply to universities in South Carolina?
Application for admission varies by institution but the general requirements involve applicants completing an online application through the university’s portal, and submitting documents such as official transcripts, test scores, and letters of recommendation.
We recommend checking the specific admission requirements and deadlines for each university.
Which is the best University of South Carolina?
Clemson University is considered the best university in South Carolina –the university offers top-quality engineering, business, and agriculture programs.
