1. Clemson University
Clemson University, located in Clemson, is a public research university founded in 1889. With a strong emphasis on research and innovation, Clemson offers a wide range of undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral programs across disciplines such as engineering, business, sciences, and arts. With a student population of over 25,000, Clemson is known for its vibrant campus life, spirited athletic programs, and commitment to academic excellence.
U.S. News Ranking: 70 (National Universities)
Number of Students: Approximately 25,000
Degrees Offered: Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Doctoral degrees in various fields
Acceptance Rate: 51%
Average SAT Score: 1280-1430
Extracurricular activities at Clemson include student clubs and organizations, sports teams, community service projects, research opportunities, and cultural events.
5 Famous Alumni:
- Nikki Haley – Former Governor of South Carolina and U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations
- Strom Thurmond – Former U.S. Senator
- Nancy O’Dell – Television host and entertainment journalist
- Deshaun Watson – NFL quarterback
- James Barker – Former President of Clemson University
Top employers of Clemson University graduates include BMW, Michelin, General Electric, Boeing, and Clemson University itself.
2. University of South Carolina (UofSC)
The University of South Carolina (UofSC), located in Columbia, is the flagship university of the state. Established in 1801, UofSC offers a comprehensive range of undergraduate, graduate, and professional degree programs. With a student body of over 35,000, UofSC is known for its strong programs in business, law, medicine, and the arts, as well as its vibrant campus culture and competitive athletics.
U.S. News Ranking: 118 (National Universities)
Number of Students: Approximately 35,000
Degrees Offered: Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Doctoral degrees in various fields
Acceptance Rate: 63%
Average SAT Score: 1200-1360
Extracurricular activities at UofSC include student organizations, intramural sports, community service projects, research opportunities, and cultural events.
5 Famous Alumni:
- Lindsey Graham – U.S. Senator
- Hootie & the Blowfish – Music band
- Richard Riley – Former Governor of South Carolina and U.S. Secretary of Education
- Leeza Gibbons – Television host and personality
- Sterling Sharpe – Former NFL wide receiver
Top employers of University of South Carolina graduates include BlueCross BlueShield of South Carolina, Palmetto Health, Boeing, Michelin, and University of South Carolina itself.
3. Furman University
Furman University, located in Greenville, is a private liberal arts university founded in 1826. Offering a rigorous liberal arts education, Furman provides undergraduate programs in fields such as humanities, social sciences, natural sciences, and pre-professional studies. With a student population of around 2,800, Furman emphasizes personalized instruction, undergraduate research, and experiential learning opportunities.
U.S. News Ranking: 50 (National Liberal Arts Colleges)
Number of Students: Approximately 2,800
Degrees Offered: Bachelor’s degrees in various liberal arts disciplines
Acceptance Rate: 56%
Average SAT Score: 1260-1430
Extracurricular activities at Furman include student-run organizations, community service projects, undergraduate research opportunities, fine arts performances, and outdoor recreation programs.
5 Famous Alumni:
- Charles Townes – Nobel Prize-winning physicist
- Beth Daniel – Professional golfer
- David Beasley – Former Governor of South Carolina and Executive Director of the World Food Programme
- Anthony J. Tata – Author and former Brigadier General
- Katarina Witt – Olympic figure skater
Top employers of Furman University graduates include Michelin, Fluor Corporation, Greenville Health System, BMW, and Furman University itself.
4. College of Charleston
The College of Charleston, located in Charleston, is a public liberal arts college founded in 1770. Offering a distinctive blend of tradition and innovation, the College provides undergraduate programs in arts, humanities, sciences, business, and education. With a student body of approximately 10,000, the College fosters a dynamic academic community enriched by its historic campus, vibrant city surroundings, and engaged faculty.
U.S. News Ranking: 89 (National Liberal Arts Colleges)
Number of Students: Approximately 10,000
Degrees Offered: Bachelor’s degrees in various liberal arts disciplines
Acceptance Rate: 79%
Average SAT Score: 1140-1310
Extracurricular activities at the College of Charleston include student clubs and organizations, study abroad programs, internships, community service projects, and cultural events.
5 Famous Alumni:
- Stephen Colbert – Comedian and television host
- Shepard Fairey – Street artist and graphic designer
- Candice Glover – Singer and winner of American Idol (Season 12)
- Pat Conroy – Author (The Prince of Tides, The Great Santini)
- Bobby Cremins – Former college basketball coach
Top employers of College of Charleston graduates include Boeing, Blackbaud, Medical University of South Carolina, Benefitfocus, and College of Charleston itself.
5. Bob Jones University (BJU)
Bob Jones University (BJU), located in Greenville, is a private Christian university founded in 1927. Offering a conservative Christian education, BJU provides undergraduate programs in fields such as Bible studies, liberal arts, education, and fine arts. With a student population of around 3,000, BJU emphasizes academic rigor, spiritual development, and service-oriented learning experiences.
U.S. News Ranking: Not Ranked (National Universities)
Number of Students: Approximately 3,000
Degrees Offered: Bachelor’s degrees in various fields
Acceptance Rate: 85%
Average SAT Score: 1090-1300
Extracurricular activities at BJU include chapel services, student ministries, mission trips, fine arts performances, and intramural sports.
5 Famous Alumni:
- Bob Jones Jr. – Former President of Bob Jones University
- Bob Jones III – Former President of Bob Jones University
- Bob Jones Sr. – Founder of Bob Jones University
- Stephen Jones – Current President of Bob Jones University
- Marlene Evans Putnam – Author and speaker
Top employers of Bob Jones University graduates include various Christian ministries, educational institutions, missionary organizations, and Bob Jones University itself.
6. Coastal Carolina University (CCU)
Coastal Carolina University (CCU), located in Conway, is a public university founded in 1954. Offering a dynamic learning environment, CCU provides undergraduate and graduate programs in fields such as business, education, humanities, sciences, and the arts. With a student body of over 10,000, CCU is known for its coastal campus, diverse student population, and strong emphasis on experiential learning.
U.S. News Ranking: 28 (Regional Universities South)
Number of Students: Approximately 10,000
Degrees Offered: Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in various fields
Acceptance Rate: 65%
Average SAT Score: 1050-1210
Extracurricular activities at CCU include student organizations, cultural events, study abroad programs, internships, and Division I athletics.
5 Famous Alumni:
- Dustin Johnson – Professional golfer
- Amber Campbell – Olympic hammer thrower
- Desmond Bryant – Former NFL defensive lineman
- Josh Norman – NFL cornerback
- David Bennett – Former head football coach at Coastal Carolina University
Top employers of Coastal Carolina University graduates include Horry County Schools, Tidelands Health, Santee Cooper, Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce, and Coastal Carolina University itself.
7. Winthrop University
Winthrop University, located in Rock Hill, is a public university founded in 1886. Offering a comprehensive liberal arts education, Winthrop provides undergraduate and graduate programs in fields such as arts and sciences, business, education, and visual and performing arts. With a student population of approximately 6,000, Winthrop is known for its supportive community, engaged faculty, and commitment to student success.
U.S. News Ranking: 14 (Regional Universities South)
Number of Students: Approximately 6,000
Degrees Offered: Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Specialist degrees in various fields
Acceptance Rate: 63%
Average SAT Score: 1050-1220
Extracurricular activities at Winthrop include student clubs and organizations, community service projects, study abroad programs, research opportunities, and cultural events.
5 Famous Alumni:
- Nikki Haley – Former Governor of South Carolina and U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations
- D.J. Moore – NFL wide receiver
- Sue Monk Kidd – Author (The Secret Life of Bees, The Invention of Wings)
- Amos Lawrence – Former NFL running back
- Jim DeMint – Former U.S. Senator
Top employers of Winthrop University graduates include York County Schools, Piedmont Medical Center, Duke Energy, City of Rock Hill, and Winthrop University itself.
8. Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC)
The Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC), located in Charleston, is a public medical university founded in 1824. As a leader in healthcare education and research, MUSC offers professional programs in medicine, nursing, pharmacy, dentistry, and health professions. With a student body of over 3,000, MUSC is known for its state-of-the-art facilities, renowned faculty, and commitment to improving healthcare outcomes.
U.S. News Ranking: 80 (National Universities)
Number of Students: Approximately 3,000
Degrees Offered: Doctoral and professional degrees in healthcare fields
Acceptance Rate: 32%
Average SAT Score: Not Applicable
Extracurricular activities at MUSC include research projects, clinical rotations, community outreach programs, student organizations, and professional development workshops.
5 Famous Alumni:
- Jim Clyburn – U.S. Representative
- James B. Edwards – Former Governor of South Carolina and U.S. Secretary of Energy
- John J. Tecklenburg – Mayor of Charleston
- Mark Sanford – Former Governor of South Carolina and U.S. Representative
- Thomas Ravenel – Television personality and former South Carolina State Treasurer
Top employers of Medical University of South Carolina graduates include MUSC Health, Roper St. Francis Healthcare, Prisma Health, Trident Health System, and Medical University of South Carolina itself.
9. South Carolina State University (SCSU)
South Carolina State University (SCSU), located in Orangeburg, is a public historically black university founded in 1896. Offering a diverse array of academic programs, SCSU provides undergraduate and graduate degrees in fields such as education, business, engineering, and the sciences. With a student population of approximately 3,000, SCSU is committed to promoting academic excellence, social responsibility, and community engagement.
U.S. News Ranking: Not Ranked (National Universities)
Number of Students: Approximately 3,000
Degrees Offered: Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in various fields
Acceptance Rate: 37%
Average SAT Score: Not Available
Extracurricular activities at SCSU include student organizations, community service projects, research opportunities, cultural events, and athletic programs.
5 Famous Alumni:
- James Clyburn – U.S. Representative
- Maurice Washington – Former NFL running back
- Darla Moore – Businesswoman and philanthropist
- Robert Ford – Former Governor of South Carolina
- Charlie Bolden – Former NASA Administrator and astronaut
Top employers of South Carolina State University graduates include South Carolina Department of Education, AT&T, South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control, BlueCross BlueShield of South Carolina, and South Carolina State University itself.
10. Claflin University
Claflin University, located in Orangeburg, is a private historically black university founded in 1869. Offering a transformative educational experience, Claflin provides undergraduate and graduate programs in fields such as business, education, natural sciences, and the humanities. With a student body of around 2,000, Claflin is dedicated to fostering academic excellence, leadership development, and social responsibility.
U.S. News Ranking: Not Ranked (National Liberal Arts Colleges)
Number of Students: Approximately 2,000
Degrees Offered: Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in various fields
Acceptance Rate: 41%
Average SAT Score: Not Available
Extracurricular activities at Claflin include student clubs and organizations, community service projects, research opportunities, internships, and cultural events.
5 Famous Alumni:
- Benjamin Mays – Civil rights leader and mentor to Martin Luther King Jr.
- Jonathan Green – Artist and cultural preservationist
- Donnie Shell – Former NFL safety
- J. Arthur Brown – Former President of Claflin University
- Yvonne Kennedy – Former Alabama state legislator
Top employers of Claflin University graduates include South Carolina Department of Education, BlueCross BlueShield of South Carolina, AT&T, Boeing, and Claflin University itself.