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List: Best South Carolina Colleges And Universities

What are the best colleges in South Carolina? There’s no perfect college because no one student wants or needs the exact same things. What makes a particular academic institution stand…

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What are the best colleges in South Carolina? There's no perfect college because no one student wants or needs the exact same things. What makes a particular academic institution stand out to one person may be exactly what another doesn't want. And choosing which school that is can be a daunting task. Even creating a list of universities to visit and apply to can be overwhelming. That's why Niche creates its Best Colleges rankings each year. And they have released their rankings for 2022-2023.

The Best Colleges ranking is based on rigorous analysis of academic, admissions, financial, and student life data from the U.S. Department of Education along with millions of reviews from students and alumni. The ranking compares more than 1,000 top colleges and universities in the U.S. This year's rankings have reduced the weight of ACT/SAT scores to reflect a general de-emphasis on test scores in the college admissions process. Read more on how this ranking was calculated.

Best Colleges In South Carolina

So back to South Carolina. We've got some major recognizable names when it comes to universities. But you can probably guess the top 2, it's the two largest schools in the state and with the most prolific sports teams. Like many states, sports are a big driver for many of the dozens of colleges and universities across the state of South Carolina. It was a huge factor in my college selection. One that was the best decision I ever made. But returning to academics, South Carolina has options of all sizes including large research universities, midsize colleges, and small private liberal arts colleges. You can choose an institution in a big city, a small town, the mountains, or the beach.

Keep reading to see where your school made the list. You'll find the top 20 schools ranked 20-1. R

20. University of South Carolina Beaufort

Location: Bluffton, SC

Acceptance Rate: 67%

Net Price: $16,748

SAT Range: 940-110

19. Frances Marion University

Location: Florence, SC

Acceptance Rate: 75%

Net Price: $12,380

SAT Range: 890-1110

18. Presbyterian College

Location: Clinton, SC

Acceptance Rate: 71%

Net Price: $21,959

SAT Range: 1030-1200

17. Charleston Southern University

Location: Charleston, SC

Acceptance Rate: 54%

Net Price: $17,496

SAT Range: 990-1170

16. North Greenville University

Location: Tigerville, SC

Acceptance Rate: 65%

Net price: $20,627

SAT Range: 870-1240

15. Coastal Carolina University

Location: Conway, SC

Acceptance Rate: 64%

Net Price: $19,300

SAT Range: 940-1150

14. Winthrop University

Location: Rock Hill, SC

Acceptance Rate: 64%

Net Price: $19,300

SAT Range: 940-1150

13. Lander University

Location: Greenwood, SC

Acceptance Rate: 57%

Net Price: $15,541

SAT Range: 920-1110

12. Southern Wesleyan University

Location: Central, SC

Acceptance Rate: 57%

Net Price: $18,614

SAT Range: 1050-1100

11. University of South Carolina Upstate

Location: Spartanburg, SC

Acceptance Rate: 60%

Net Price: $15,074

SAT Range: 900-1090

10. Anderson University

Location: Anderson, SC

Acceptance Rate: 59%

Net Price: $21,576

SAT Range: 860-1210

9. University of South Carolina Aiken

Location: Aiken, SC

Acceptance Rate: 56%

Net Price: $12,689

SAT Range: 970-1150

8. College of Charleston

Location: Charleston, SC

Acceptance Rate: 74%

Net Price: $20,351

SAT Range: 1070-1240

7. Citadel Military College of South Carolina

Location: Charleston, SC

Acceptance Rate: 80%

Net Price: $17,920

SAT Range: 1030-1210

6. Wofford College

Location: Spartanburg, SC

Acceptance Rate: 53%

Net Price: $30,431

SAT Range: 1190-1350

5. Columbia International University

Location: Columbia, SC

Acceptance Rate: 51%

Net Price: $18,651

SAT Range: 940-1150

4. Bob Jones University

Location: Greenville, SC

Acceptance Rate: 100%

Net Price: $15,669

SAT Range: 960-1180

3. Furman University

Location: Greenville, SC

Acceptance Rate: 65%

Net Price: $37,761

SAT Range: 1230-1400

2. University of South Carolina

Location: Columbia, SC

Acceptance Rate: 68%

Net Price: $21,784

SAT Range: 1140-1340

1. Clemson University

Location: Clemson, SC

Acceptance Rate: 62%

Net Price: $22,935

SAT Range: 1210-1390

Melanie Day is a graduate of North Carolina State University. She has worked for Beasley since 2012 in a variety of behind-the-scenes roles in both digital and promotions. Melanie writes about a diverse range of topics some of her favorites include travel, restaurants, Taylor Swift, and college athletics. When not at work you'll find her at a country concert or NC State sporting event.