Top Value South Carolina Colleges
Below you will find a list of the top value colleges in South Carolina that we found to provide the highest academic and career-based value for students. In our study, we utilized a number of data sources from the US Census Bureau to the US Department of Education coupled with student and alumni feedback to ascertain the important elements of value in a college education. Our team collected college data and arrived at the top value South Carolina colleges for you to research further. Remember to use your best judgment and prioritize your academic goals and career aspirations to narrow down your list of top colleges.
List of Top Value South Carolina Colleges
Clemson University
Located in Clemson, South Carolina, Clemson University is a public land-grant research university founded in 1889 as Clemson Agricultural College. With more than 26,000 undergraduate and graduate students, the university is the second-largest institution of high education in the state in terms of student population. Clemson offers over 300 online and on-campus majors and minors, certificate, and graduate degree programs across 10 colleges and schools which include College of Agriculture, Forestry, and Life Sciences, College of Architecture, Arts, and Humanities, College of Behavioral, Social, and Health Sciences, Wilbur O. and Ann Powers College of Business, College of Engineering, Computing, and Applied Sciences, Emeritus College, and Graduate School. Students have access to more than 3 million print and electronic learning materials housed in 6 libraries which include Robert Muldrow Cooper Library, Gunnin Architecture Library, and Special Collections and Archives. The university owns specialized facilities where students, faculty, and staff can work with researchers from private-industry partners. Some of them are International Center for Automotive Research, Center for Human Genetics, and Biomedical and Engineering Innovation Campus. The university’s Office of Major Fellowships is also ready to assists students in applying for fellowships and scholar programs.
Furman University
Furman University is a private liberal arts university based in Greenville, South Carolina. It was established in 1826 as the oldest private institution of higher education in South Carolina. It is recognized as the best liberal arts university in the state offering education in fine arts, humanities, social sciences, natural sciences, and many more. Accommodating more than 2,800 students, the university offers over 60 majors and minor, graduate degree programs, and other interdisciplinary areas across 27 departments in the fields of health sciences, global studies, business, education, communication, and social sciences. As an accredited institution by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges, the university offers continuing education adult programs housed in the Herring Center for Continuing Education as well as programs specifically for seniors in the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute. Furman is also a proud member of the Associated Colleges of the South which is a group of 16 distinguished liberal arts colleges and universities in the state. Students can also explore and tackle local and international issues through the university’s centers and institutes like the Riley Institute, the Shi Center for Sustainability, and the Institute for the Advancement of Community Health.
Wofford College
Wofford College is an independent, private, liberal arts college located in Spartanburg, South Carolina. It was established in 1854 as a college of literary, classical, and scientific education. Since its founding, the Wofford has operated continuously on its original campus called the Roger Milliken Arboretum. Accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission of Colleges, the college awards bachelor’s degrees in 27 major areas of study as well as pre-professional programs that lead to graduate schools in medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, law, commerce, and many more. The college serves more than 1,600 students annually who enroll in more than 60 majors, minors, and pre-professional programs. Students interested in studying abroad can ask for help from the Office of International Programs to know about various opportunities and resources in other countries. As part of the college’s mission of providing superior academic programs and experience, the college formed the Mungo Exchange which houses high-impact programs such as Community-Based Learning, Entrepreneurship and Innovation, Career Center, and Undergraduate Research.
Aveda Institute
Aveda Institute Portland (AIP) is a beauty school with locations across the country. It is a member of the Aveda Worldwide Network of more than 63 institutes and 6000 salons across 6 continents with the aim to provide world-class education and training and promote the use of sustainable products. The school offers 4 main programs namely Cosmetology, Esthiology, Hair Design, and Barbering which typically lasts from 600 to 1800 hours, depending on the chosen campus. The Aveda Salon Services is also available to the public where students can work with actual clients, receive direct feedback, and gain hands-on experience. In 2015, AIP was recognized for its school culture and technology in the Modern Salon Media’s “Excellence in Education” program. The school also serves the community through its fundraising programs for Earth Month and free haircuts for kids through its Cuts for Kids program.
TIGI Hairdressing Academy Legacy
Started operating in 1993, the TIGI Hairdressing Academy Legacy is a cosmetology school that offers higher education in cosmetology through the consistent delivery of quality instruction and training. It has locations in Colorado Springs, Colorado, and Couer d’Alene, Idaho. The school offers 4 main programs namely Cosmetology, Barbering, Esthetics, and Hairstyling which offers 3- to 5-day class schedules to provide greater flexibility for students. Applicants must be at least 16 years old with a high school diploma or GED prior to enrollment. Qualified students may apply for financial aid through federal loans and scholarships like the Legacy Scholarship, Pursue Your Dreams Scholarship, and the American Association of Cosmetology Schools Scholarship. The school also offers hair, skin, nail, and beauty treatments where enrolled students can train their skills and work with real clients.
Southern Wesleyan University
Southern Wesleyan University (SWU) is a private, Christian university located in Central, South Carolina committed to providing superior liberal arts education. It was founded in 1906 by the Wesleyan Methodist Bible Institute, now known as The Wesleyan Church, which is a group of evangelical Protestant believers worldwide. The university, accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges, offers online and on-campus certificate and degree programs through 5 divisions namely Division of Fine Arts, Division of Humanities, Division of Religion, Division of Science, and Division of Social Science. The online programs are designed to meet professionals’ busy schedules so they can earn a degree online while working. Students may be able to finish their bachelor’s degrees in 3 years through Advanced Placement and Credit Examination Tests, Dual Enrollment Credits, Summer Online Courses, and Full-time Registrations. The university also offers different student and academic support services such as on-campus tutoring and coaching, and online tutoring via Smarthinking.
University of South Carolina Columbia
The University of South Carolina (U of SC) Columbia is the flagship public research university in the state that was established in 1801. The university is a member of the 8-campus University of South Carolina System. Through the years, the university became a major research university dedicated to making an impact on communities worldwide. Offering more than 300 programs the university houses 15 colleges and schools namely Arts and Sciences, Public Health, Business, Medicine, Education, Law, Engineering and Computing, The Graduate School, Hospitality, Retail and Sport Management, and Information and Communications. It is one of the best public universities in the country that houses nearly 36,000 students on its Columbia campus alone. It is also recognized for having a top-tier designation for research and community engagement from the Carnegie Foundation. Students can get themselves involved with the community by joining in the university’s service programs and projects like Gamecock Pantry Farmer's Market, MLK Day of Service, Hunger and Homelessness, Alternative Break Leader, and Community Engaged Campus Experience for Youth.
Columbia International University
Columbia International University (CIU) is a private Christian university based in Columbia, South Carolina. Founded as Columbia Bible School in 1923, it is recognized as the best online university in the state with more than 1,000 students on-campus and online. The university, accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges, offers more than 30 undergraduate programs, 10 certificate programs, and 25 graduate programs that can be taken 100% on-campus or online. As an affiliate campus of the Council for Christian Colleges and Universities, CIU also offers 25 seminary programs that lead to certificate, bachelor’s, master’s, and doctorate degrees and can be taken on-campus or online as well. Students may ask assistance from the Financial Aid Office to know their financial aid options such as scholarships, federal aid, state aid, and partnerships. The university also allows students to study abroad through the CIU TraveLearn program that consists of mission trips, study tours, and internships around the world.
Augustana College
Augustana College is a private liberal arts and sciences college located in Rock Island, Illinois with more than 2,500 students. It was established in 1860 by Swedish settlers that can be traced back to the Old-World universities of Uppsala and Lund in Sweden. The college offers more than 90 majors and areas of study with curricula grounded in the liberal arts and sciences through First-Year Inquiry courses and a final creative or research project called Senior Inquiry. Students can choose a double or triple major pathway with the approval of the concerned departments. Throughout their stay, students will be guided by the college’s career center called CORE (Careers, Opportunities, Research, Exploration) where they can gain different learning experiences through the help of a network of mentors and advisors. Augustana also leads several academic centers like Center for Creativity, Center for the Study of Ethics, Center for the Study of Pluralism and the Civil Sphere, Centre for Whistler Criticism, Reading/Writing Center, and Presidential Center for Faith and Learning.
Lander University
Founded in 1872, Lander University is a public four-year university in Greenwood, South Carolina. It started operating as a college for women called the Williamston Female College. Today, the university offers several undergraduate liberal arts and science programs, and professional programs in business, nursing, and education. Housing 6 academic colleges and schools namely Arts and Humanities, Behavioral & Social Sciences, Business, Education, Science and Mathematics, and Nursing, Lander offers more than 80 fields of study that lead to bachelor’s and master’s degrees. With more than 3,500 students, students have the option to choose from 10 online certificate, undergraduate, and graduate programs, aside from individual online courses for on-campus programs. The university’s Office of Study Abroad is also affiliated with different providers of study abroad programs like the Academic Studies Abroad, the Council on International Educational Exchange, and GlobaLinks Learning Abroad. As an accredited institution of the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Lander also offers dual enrollment online and on-campus programs designed for high school students to conveniently earn college credits wherever they live in South Carolina.
Claflin University
Claflin University is a private university located in Orangeburg, South Carolina. Founded in 1869, it is considered the first academic institution in the state to offer quality higher education for both men and women, regardless of race and gender. The university offers more than 45 online and on-campus certificate, bachelor's, and master's degree programs through 6 schools and colleges namely School of Business, School of Education, School of Humanities and Social Sciences, School of Natural Sciences and Mathematics, and Honors College. The university also offers 18-month degree programs and learning opportunities through the Center for Professional and Continuing Studies specifically designed for working professionals. With more than 2,200 students, the Office of Global Education provides global learning opportunities in the form of study abroad programs, global internships, and study away programs. The university is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Anderson University
Ranked as one of the best regional universities in the South, Anderson University is a private Christian liberal arts university located in Anderson, South Carolina. The university is built on four pillars: great academic, great faith, great hospitality, and great purpose. The university is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges to offer and award bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees in more than 80 areas of study. Students may choose from 59 majors, 38 concentrations, 46 minors, 8 certification programs, and 18 master’s and doctoral degree programs that can be taken on-campus, online, and at the University Center in Greenville. Anderson houses 10 academic colleges, schools, and centers which include College of Arts and Sciences, Center for Cybersecurity, College of Christian Studies, College of Engineering, College of Health Professions, School of Interior Design, and School of Public Service and Administration. The university also maintains affiliations with different organizations and institutions like the Association of American Colleges and Universities, the Council for the Advancement and Support of Education, and the National Association of Independent Colleges and Universities.
Charleston Southern University
Established in 1964 as Baptist College, Charleston Southern University (CSU) is a private Christian university situated in Charleston, South Carolina. It is affiliated with the South Carolina Baptist Convention and guided by its principle that students should receive quality education with the guidance of Christian faculty. The university, accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges, offers over 50 undergraduate and 15 graduate degree programs as well as 15 online degree programs to nearly 3,500 students. In its 55-year history, CSU has graduated 20,000 students specializing in business, Christian studies, education, health sciences, humanities and social sciences, nursing, and natural sciences. Students who want to study abroad can connect with the university’s Office of International Programs which is responsible for maintaining partnerships with international universities and provides study abroad programs and opportunities to students. In 2013, a group of visionary leaders founded the Whitfield Center for Christian Leadership within the university to equip students and individuals for leadership and service in the fields of church, government, business, medicine, education, and law.
North Greenville University
North Greenville University (NGU) is a private Baptist university headquartered in Tigerville, South Carolina. The university has another campus in Greer, South Carolina that houses the Adult and Graduate Studies. Affiliated with the South Carolina Baptist Convention, it is among the most notable and conservative Christian universities in the country. NGU offers more than 75 undergraduate and graduate degree programs which can be completed on-campus through the Tigerville and Greer campuses or 100% online. As an accredited institution by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges, the university provides certificate, bachelor’s, master’s, and doctorate degree programs across 5 colleges namely College of Christian Studies, College of Business & Entrepreneurship, College of Communication & Fine Arts, College of Education, and College of Humanities & Sciences. The university leads several centers and institutes like the Center for Educational Leadership & Research and Center for Teaching and the Writing Center to provide the guidance and assistance needed by its students. As a crucial part of student life, the Office of Counseling Services offers free, confidential, and healthy counseling for all students, faculty, and staff.
The Citadel Military College of South Carolina
Known for its Corps of Cadets, The Citadel Military College is a public senior military college located in Charleston, South Carolina. Simply called The Citadel, it is among the six senior military colleges in the United States that was founded in 1842. It is also recognized as one of the best public colleges in the South. Accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges, the university serves more than 3,000 undergraduate and graduate students through 7 schools and departments namely Tommy and Victoria Baker School of Business, School of Engineering, School of Humanities and Social Sciences, Swain Family School of Science and Mathematics, Zucker Family School of Education, Department of Leadership Studies, and ROTC Programs. The Citadel offers Cadet majors and minors, over 50 graduate programs that can be taken in the evening, college transfer programs, and online programs. The Office of Multicultural and International Student Services provides services for international students and hosts several programs like the African American Alumni Mentoring Program, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Program, and Hispanic Heritage Month Program. Qualified students may apply for scholarships like Active Duty and Veteran Scholarships and Cadet Scholarships through the Office of Financial Aid & Scholarships.
University of South Carolina
Ranked among the top 3 public baccalaureate colleges in the South, the University of South Carolina (U of SC) Upstate is one of the campuses under the 8-campus University of South Carolina System founded in 1967. The campus is headquartered in Spartanburg, South Carolina, with another commuter campus in Greenville. With nearly 5,500 students from all over the world, the campus offers more than 45 undergraduate and graduate programs across 6 schools and colleges namely College of Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences, College of Science and Technology, George Dean Johnson, Jr. College of Business and Economics, Mary Black School of Nursing, School of Education, Human Performance, and Health, and University College. U of SC Students who started their education can transfer to U of SC Upstate Greenville Campus to complete a bachelor’s degree either online or on-campus. Upstate also offers 15 online and hybrid undergraduate and graduate programs to allow students from any part of the country to earn a degree without sacrificing their current situations. As an accredited institution by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges, the campus also welcomes international students from all over the world to experience high-quality education, become a part of a diverse community of scholars, and receive academic support services that can help them get the most out of their education.
Newberry College
Newberry College is a private Lutheran liberal arts college based in Newberry, South Carolina. Opened in 1831 as a seminary-academy in Pomaria, South Carolina, it is ranked as one of the best regional colleges in the South that accommodates more than 1,200 students. It was officially chartered in 1856 under its current name. The college offers various undergraduate programs in the fields of arts & communications, business administration, humanities, music, nursing, military science leadership, sciences & mathematics, social and behavioral sciences, teacher education, and sport professions. Accredited by the Southern Association of College and Schools Commission on Colleges, Newberry also offers online degree programs in four areas namely criminal justice, psychology, respiratory therapy, and RN-to-BSN. The college is also a proud member of the Council of Independent Colleges, American Association of Colleges for Teacher Education, and Lutheran Educational Conference of North America, among others. Students who want to pursue language classes or programs abroad have the opportunity to receive academic credits and degrees through a consortium offering various study abroad programs where Newberry is currently a member.
Presbyterian College
Established in 1880 as the Clinton College, Presbyterian College (PC) is a private Presbyterian liberal arts college based in Clinton, South Carolina. It offers a Christ-centered rigorous education to more than 1,200 students with emphasis on its Honor Code that consists of values like trust, respect, honesty, integrity, and responsibility to the community. The college, accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges, offers 42 majors and minors, 9 pre-professional programs, and 2 graduate programs. The undergraduate programs are housed in 16 academic departments which include Biology, Art, Economics & Business Administration, History, International Studies, Political Science, Modern Foreign Languages, Sociology, and Religion & Philosophy. Graduates who need assistance in building a resume, looking for internships, and improving interview skills may schedule an appointment with the college’s Career and Professional Development staff. Students who want to study abroad or international students who want to study at PC may contact the Office of International Programs for quick and streamlined application at PC and other universities worldwide.
Winthrop University
Winthrop University is a public, comprehensive university located in Rock Hill, South Carolina. It was officially founded in 1886 as the Winthrop Training School in Columbia, South Carolina. Today, the university is recognized as the sixth among the best regional universities in the South. Housing 5 undergraduate academic colleges namely Arts and Sciences, Business Administration, Education, University College, and Visual & Performing Arts, the university offers 40 on-campus and online undergraduate degree programs as well as 40 graduate programs and certificates through the Graduate School. With this, Winthrop is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges and is a proud member of specialized organizations such as the American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Computing Accreditation Commission of the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology, Inc., and Council for Interior Design Accreditation. All students have access to different academic and student services such as Academic Success Center, Center for Career Development and Internships, House Calls Program, Math Tutoring, TRiO Program, and Writing Center. Having a Carnegie Classification for Community Engagement, the university partners with several entities and organizations from South Carolina to Nicaragua to serve communities worldwide with the help of its students.
Limestone University
Formerly called Limestone College, Limestone University is a private, Christian liberal arts university based in Gaffney, South Carolina. It was established in 1845 as Limestone Springs Female High School, the first women’s college in the state and one of the first in the country. The university is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools to award associate, bachelor’s, and master’s degrees offered by 4 schools namely School of Arts & Humanities, School of Education & Behavioral Sciences, School of Business & Professional Studies, and School of Natural & Health Sciences. The undergraduate and graduate programs are offered both on-campus and online with the option to take day or evening classes. With more than 3,000 students, the university is one of the three largest private accredited colleges within the state. Students can join numerous campus and performing arts organizations and access the university’s Center for Career and Professional Development, Testing Center, and other student services.
University of South Carolina Aiken
Consistently recognized among the top baccalaureate colleges in the South, the University of South Carolina (U of SC) Aiken is the fourth campus founded in 1961 as part of the 8-campus University of South Carolina System. Located on its 453-acre campus in Aiken, South Carolina, the university serves approximately 3,300 undergraduate and graduate students. The campus offers 44 bachelor’s degree and 6 master’s degree programs, as well as minors and pre-professional programs that can be taken on-campus or online. Accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges, the university houses 2 colleges namely College of Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences, and College of Sciences and Engineering, as well as academic centers like Center for Research Excellence, Center for Student Achievement, and Center for Teaching Excellence. It is also awarded as the top Regional Comprehensive Public College in the South in 2021. Students may take advantage of the academic services offered by the university such as workshops, individual tutoring, handouts, and supplemental instruction to help them excel and pursue their passion.
College of Charleston
The College of Charleston is a public liberal arts college based in Charleston, South Carolina. Founded in 1770, it is the oldest college in the state and the 13th oldest institution of higher education in the United States. The college is also ranked as the fifth-best regional university in the South. With more than 10,000 students, the college offers more than 140 majors and minors, 22 master's degree programs, and 9 graduate-level certificate programs through 6 undergraduate schools namely School of the Arts, School of Business, School of Education, Health, and Human Performance, School of Humanities and Social Sciences, School of Languages, Cultures, and World Affairs, and School of Sciences and Mathematics, as well as School of Professional Studies, Honors College, and The Graduate School of the College of Charleston. Students can take advantage of the college’s extracurricular activities such as Recreational Sports, Clubs and Organizations, Higdon Center for Student Leadership and Fraternity and Sorority Life, and Stern Student Center. In addition, CC offers support services like Counseling Center, Career Center, Collegiate Recovery Program, and Multicultural Student Programs and Services. The university continues to improve the community through the service, innovation, and scholarship of interdisciplinary centers and institutes such as Avery Research Center for African American History and Culture, Center for Entrepreneurship, Global Business Resource Center, and many more.
American Career College
Founded as the American College of Optics in 1978, American Career College (ACC) is a private career college with campuses in Los Angeles and across Southern California. The campus at Anaheim, California is a 58,000-square-foot facility that houses modern classrooms and well-equipped laboratories. The Anaheim Campus offers 10 diploma and associate programs in the field of healthcare which include Medical Assistant, Respiratory Therapy, Dental Assisting, Surgical Technology, and Vocational Nursing. The classes are offered both online and on-campus with options to have evening or weekend schedules. With more than 50,000 graduates, ACC is accredited by the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools. Students can take advantage of the services offered by the college’s Student Services which include Advising/Tutoring Assistance, Graduate Refresher Courses, and Student Appreciation Day.
Additional College Research
For additional information about MatchCollege, visit our world-class college search tools or locate the top degree programs available online. In addition, you may find it useful to start with our award-winning list of college and degree rankings for this academic year. Be your own advocate and invest the time needed today to find the best college program for you.