POPULATION (2021): 5.2 million
CAPITAL: Columbia
LARGEST PUBLIC UNIVERSITY IN SOUTH CAROLINA:
LARGEST PRIVATE UNIVERSITY IN SOUTH CAROLINA:
South Carolina is a proud southern state with many different landscapes, a lot of coastlines, and a patchwork of mid-sized towns that make up the majority of the state’s population.
There are more than 50 colleges and universities in South Carolina, including 8 historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs). The capital city of Columbia is home to the largest college in the state, the University of South Carolina’s main campus, but several schools offer 4-year degrees throughout the beautiful state whose weather is mild year-round.
Universities in South Carolina- 4-Year Colleges and Online
There are no private universities in South Carolina with more than 4,000 students, so if you’re looking for a big school feel, one of the public universities in South Carolina may suit you best. Here is a look at the rest of the college landscape in South Carolina.
Public Universities in South Carolina
The University of South Carolina is the biggest university, by enrollment, with the second being Clemson University, another public college, located in the town with the same name. Here is a list of the other public universities in South Carolina that offer 4-year degrees:
- College of Charleston
- Coastal Carolina University
- University of South Carolina Upstate
- Winthrop University
- USC – Aiken
- Lander University
- South Carolina State University
- USC – Beaufort
Private Universities in South Carolina
Private colleges are spread throughout the state of South Carolina, and most have the small-town college feel, with plenty of parks and natural beauty to enjoy between studies:
- Furman University
- Coker University
- Allen University
- Anderson University
- Charleston Southern University
- North Greenville University
- Benedict College
- Morris College
- Voorhees College
- Limestone University
- Newberry College
- Claflin University
- Wofford College
- Columbia College
Community Colleges in South Carolina
There are several 2-year colleges in South Carolina. Some wear the badge of “University of South Carolina” such as the Salkehatchie campus and the Sumpter campus, but they are 2-year institutions that allow for easy transfer to one of the 4-year colleges in South Carolina.
Prominent Online Colleges in South Carolina
The University of South Carolina system offers more than 50 online degree programs, as well as many hybrid paths of study for students at one of the 2-year colleges looking to get more university credits under their belt while attending one of the community colleges. Charleston Southern and North Greenville University are two private universities in South Carolina with very good reviews regarding their online offerings.
Universities in Greenville, SC
Greenville is one of the fastest-growing cities in South Carolina, and many of the new inhabitants are young professionals or college students. It has a very “hip” feel and is nested in the beautiful woodlands of western South Carolina. Here are the 4-year college options for students looking to go to school in Greenville:
- Bob Jones University
- Greenville Technical College
- Furman University
- Strayer University
Universities in Columbia, SC
The capital of South Carolina, Columbia is home to several 4-year colleges in addition to USC’s main campus, which is also the state’s biggest college. Here are the other colleges in Columbia:
- Allen University
- Benedict College
- Columbia College
- Columbia International University
- South University
- University of South Carolina
- W L Bonner College
Get to Know South Carolina
South Carolina doesn’t have quite as many people as its North counterpart, but that adds to the charm for most people. There are many small cities in South Carolina, and nearly all of them have a very relaxed and welcoming feel. Locals like showing off their cities, and the southern hospitality is in full swing.
Speaking of swinging, golf is extremely popular in South Carolina, especially in the summer months. In the winter, it does cool down quite a bit, and some mountainous parts of the state even experience a little bit of snow. Nothing compared to the Northeast, though, so if you like staying warm, South Carolina (especially near the coast) is a nice choice for college!