Colleges in South Carolina

There are 53 accredited colleges and universities in South Carolina. They admit an average of 73% of applicants, and the average net price after aid is $16,315 per year. Compare acceptance rates, SAT/ACT scores, and net prices — and see your personal admission chances for free.

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By Admit Coach editorial · GPTKIDS LLC · Methodology · Updated August 2026

Source: IPEDS & College Scorecard (U.S. Department of Education). Data updated April 2026.

Top Colleges in South Carolina

The most selective and highly ranked accredited universities in South Carolina. Click any school for its acceptance rate, SAT/ACT scores, net price, and a free admission-chance estimate.

UniversityLocationAcceptance Rate
Clemson UniversityClemson, SC38%
Furman UniversityGreenville, SC53%
University of South Carolina-ColumbiaColumbia, SC62%
Wofford CollegeSpartanburg, SC59%
Anderson UniversityAnderson, SC53%
Allen UniversityColumbia, SC32%
North Greenville UniversityTigerville, SC63%
College of CharlestonCharleston, SC72%
American College of the Building ArtsCharleston, SC62%
Converse UniversitySpartanburg, SC64%
Presbyterian CollegeClinton, SC72%
Winthrop UniversityRock Hill, SC75%
University of South Carolina-UpstateSpartanburg, SC70%
Lander UniversityGreenwood, SC68%
Coastal Carolina UniversityConway, SC80%
Charleston Southern UniversityCharleston, SC76%
University of South Carolina AikenAiken, SC80%
Newberry CollegeNewberry, SC75%
Francis Marion UniversityFlorence, SC82%
Citadel Military College of South CarolinaCharleston, SC98%
Benedict CollegeColumbia, SC67%
Southern Wesleyan UniversityCentral, SC100%
Erskine CollegeDue West, SC61%
University of South Carolina BeaufortBluffton, SC69%
Claflin UniversityOrangeburg, SC73%
Spartanburg Methodist CollegeSpartanburg, SC81%
South Carolina State UniversityOrangeburg, SC82%
Columbia CollegeColumbia, SC96%
Coker UniversityHartsville, SC97%
Columbia International UniversityColumbia, SC98%

Data from IPEDS & College Scorecard. Browse all 3,500+ universities →

Most Affordable Colleges in South Carolina

Universities in South Carolina with the lowest average net price after grants and scholarships (federal College Scorecard data).

UniversityLocationAvg Net Price
Florence-Darlington Technical CollegeFlorence, SC$2,004
Horry-Georgetown Technical CollegeConway, SC$4,159
Midlands Technical CollegeWest Columbia, SC$4,647
Aiken Technical CollegeGraniteville, SC$4,807
University of South Carolina-SumterSumter, SC$7,712
University of South Carolina-UnionUnion, SC$8,065
University of South Carolina-SalkehatchieAllendale, SC$9,229
University of South Carolina-LancasterLancaster, SC$9,801
Allen UniversityColumbia, SC$10,972
Francis Marion UniversityFlorence, SC$11,386
Clinton CollegeRock Hill, SC$11,458
University of South Carolina AikenAiken, SC$11,641

Data from IPEDS & College Scorecard. Browse all 3,500+ universities →

Frequently Asked Questions

How many colleges are in South Carolina?

There are 53 accredited colleges and universities in South Carolina in Admit Coach's database, sourced from federal IPEDS data. They admit an average of 73% of applicants and cost about $16,315 per year after aid.

What is the best college in South Carolina?

Clemson University is the highest nationally ranked university in South Carolina. The best college depends on your major, budget, and admission chances, though. Admit Coach ranks all 53 South Carolina colleges by your personal fit using your GPA and test scores, not just national reputation.

What is the average cost of college in South Carolina?

The average net price — the real cost after grants and scholarships — at colleges in South Carolina is about $16,315 per year. Admit Coach shows net price by five income brackets for every school, so you see the estimate for your family's income bracket, not just the sticker price.

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