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Charlie & Debbie

South Carolina’s Most Beautiful College Campuses Includes This Coastal Favorite University

Author Debbie Nance
A student and his grandparents pose on a bridge unofficially referred to as 'Turtle Bridge' on the campus of Coastal Carolina University during the school's 'family weekend' in Fall of 2021. The school was mentioned in an article among South Carolina's most beautiful college campuses.

It’s hard to believe Spring is finally here.  And, high school graduations, as well as preparations for college send offs are on the agenda for families everywhere.   Of course, academics drive decisions of which university to attend.  However, there’s nothing wrong with hoping your next 4 years will take place at an esthetically desirable spot.  Therefore, we often research campuses with that in mind.  And, that’s where this Southern inspired list comes in handy.  So, South Carolina’s most beautiful college campuses list includes this coastal favorite university.

Once upon a time I found myself among the many graduates planning college.  Then, many years later as a parent I helped my son launch his college career.  Many factors come in to play at decision making time.  What do you want to study?  How far from home to you want to go?  Finances, grades, test scores all factor in.  A-Z Animals took a look at the Top 7 Most Beautiful College Campuses in South Carolina.  And, after whittling them down, turns out the one my son ultimately chose landed on the list.

So, it’s Coastal Carolina University in Conway, South Carolina.  And, for those not familiar with this spot, it sits very near Myrtle Beach.  Plus, over the last few years the school made quite a name for itself with its winning football team.  Coastal is part of the Sun Belt Conference and celebrated an undefeated regular season the year my son began in 2020.  Our coach Jamey Chadwell has since left for Liberty.  And, our QB, Grayson McCall, entered the transfer portal to start this Fall at NC State.

However, with all that aside, let’s talk about what makes Coastal Carolina one of South Carolina’s most beautiful college campuses.  A-Z Animals points out that Coastal encompasses 630 acres creating an area similar to a small city.  And, I know from our visits that the beach, 30 minutes away, is not necessarily the draw.  The campus itself is serene and attractive.  And, Coastal has many park like settings to hang with friends, study or enjoy a lunch.

Plus, one of my favorite spots is a bridge that extends over a little pond near Prince Lawn in front of the Wall College of Business building.  Many students unofficially call it ‘Turtle Bridge’ due to the number of turtles visible down below.  And, Prince Lawn traditionally hosts tons of welcome events, festivals and carnivals for students.

Also, much to the dismay of students, parking is scarce on campus.  Administrators often say that’s an effort to create a ‘walking campus.’  And, adorable Teal Nation shuttles take students where they need to go for the most part.  So, Coastal always holds a spot in my heart.  And, it’s no surprise it made the grade.  See the full list for all of the schools mentioned among South Carolina’s most beautiful college campuses.

Only Two South Carolina Universities Made US News Best Colleges List

US News and World Report recently released their 2024 Best Colleges rankings. And in the national rankings, only two South Carolina Universities were named as the best colleges. In contrast, in North Carolina 16 schools were named on the list. Of course, this list isn’t the be all end all. But let’s face it, looking at colleges can be overwhelming. And having any sort of data as a starting point, if you don’t know where you want to go or what you want to study, is important. I was lucky enough to know exactly where I wanted to go to school from a young age and was able to make that dream a reality. But many students don’t know where they want to go or perhaps don’t have the grades to get into their dream school. There are so many colleges across not only South Carolina, but the region, and nationally.

These rankings are undeniably just one of numerous things that should be considered when making the decision on where to study. Some students prefer a smaller institution, while others want a large college experience. Location plays a big part in the decision as well and of course affordability or availability of scholarships. So which two South Carolina schools are among the nation’s best colleges? It’s the two largest of course. The rivals. If you live in the state you probably have an opinion on which school is the best. Which ones ranked where? You’ll have to keep reading to find out. Below you’ll find information including enrollment and tuition for these as well as the SC schools that ranked regionally. Interested in another school or the full list? You can read that here.

  • 86. Clemson University

    CLEMSON, SOUTH CAROLINA - JUNE 10: A view of Tillman Hall on the campus of Clemson University on June 10, 2020 in Clemson, South Carolina.

    Located in the college town of the same name Clemson ranked 86th on the US News list and was the highest-ranked institution in South Carolina. In the fall of 2022 Clemson had an undergrad enrollment of 22,566. Tuition is pricey at $15,558 for in-state students and $39,502 for out-of-state students.

  • 124. University of South Carolina

    GAINESVILLE, FL - NOVEMBER 11: A general view of the South Carolina Gamecocks flag during the game against the University of Florida Gators at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium November 11, 2006 in Gainesville, Florida.

    Ranking just under 40 spots below is the other major state institution University of South Carolina. In the fall of 2022, 27,343 students called Columbia and USC home. Tuition is slightly cheaper than Clemson at $33,928 (out-of-state) and $12,688 for in-state.

Debbie Nance is the afternoon co-host along with her husband on "The Charlie and Debbie Show" at WSOC, Country 1037 in Charlotte, North Carolina. She has been with the station for 18 years. Debbie is a CMA Award winner for Radio Personality of the Year. And, she has worked in radio for 40 years. Before her current afternoon position, Debbie spent more than a decade as co-host on morning shows in several markets across the Southeast. As a content creator for Country 1037, Debbie writes articles about food, new restaurants in the Carolinas and travel experiences.

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