2024 Best Colleges in South Carolina

Clemson University is a land-grant institution that conducts research for the betterment of the community. Students and faculty are involved in projects ranging from improving irrigation systems to lowering youth bullying rates in South Carolina schools. Sports and the color orange are a big part of Clemson, and the Clemson Tigers compete in the NCAA Division I Atlantic Coast Conference. Students can participate in more than 400 student clubs and organizations, with about 25 percent of students involved in the Greek system. Freshmen are required to live in university housing, and nearly half of all students choose to live on campus. Notable alumni include former U.S. Sen. Strom Thurmond, former Washington Redskins center Jeff Bostic and PGA Tour golfer Lucas Glover.

At the University of South Carolina, freshmen students are eased into college life through University 101, a transition program pioneered at the school. The Columbia campus is the flagship location for the University of South Carolina system.

Furman University, a picturesque campus with its own lake, is located in Greenville, S.C., a city of about 64,000 residents. The campus is five miles away from downtown Greenville, and has its own stop on the local bus route. Students can ride the Greenville Transit Authority buses for $1.50 a way, or can hop on the university shuttle on nights and weekends. In Greenville, students can check out more than 600 restaurants and eateries, and five shopping districts. On campus, there are more than 200 clubs and organizations, and all students must take advantage of campus events through the Cultural Life Program: Before graduation, a student must attend at least 36 school events. All students must live on campus, too, unless they commute from a parent’s home or are married. There are more than a dozen Greek organizations at Furman. The Furman Paladins compete in the NCAA Division I Southern Conference. 

Wofford College is a United Methodist-affiliated school that welcomes students of all faiths and beliefs. Located in the city of Spartanburg, South Carolina, Wofford is situated on 170 tree-lined acres that have been designated as an arboretum. Since 1992, nearly 5,000 trees have been planted throughout the campus. Students admitted to the college are given the choice of more than 50 majors and minors, as well as numerous student organizations. Greek life is very prevalent on campus, with 14 chapters and more than 40 percent of the student body participating in a fraternity or sorority. Though students have the opportunity to live off campus, more than 90 percent of the student body decides to live on campus during their college careers. Wofford's athletic teams, known as the Terriers, compete in the Southern Conference in the NCAA Division I. Wofford has 18 men's and women's varsity programs.

Founded in 1880, Presbyterian College is a private institution. The school has 69.3% of its classes with fewer than 20 students, and the student-faculty ratio at Presbyterian College is 11:1.

Founded in 1869, Claflin University is a private institution.

The Citadel, The Military College of South Carolina, is situated just a few miles from downtown Charleston. Students who enroll at The Citadel become members of the South Carolina Corps of Cadets, so much of student life, from the strict rules to the varsity rifle team, has a military feel.

The College of Charleston is a liberal arts school in South Carolina with a student body population that’s more than 60 percent female. The school’s scenic campus has been featured in films including The Notebook and The Patriot.

Founded in 1856, Newberry College is a private institution. Newberry College offers a Greek system, where 1 percent of the student body is involved in a sorority and 7% is involved in a fraternity.

Winthrop University is a public school in Rock Hill, South Carolina. Each year, students can participate in Big Man on Campus, an all-male beauty pageant for charity.