List of Universities & Colleges in South Carolina, USA for International Students (2024)

South Carolina is home to some of the US's largest and most renowned universities, specializing in programs like finance, public health, and biology. The University of South Carolina is the largest in the state by enrolment, while the College of Charleston is the oldest. In this blog, we will explore some of the best colleges and universities in South Carolina for international students.

Why Study in South Carolina, USA?

South Carolina has a wide range of public and private universities that offer prestigious courses for international students. The state offers a lot of advantages that bode well for your academics and overall holistic development as a student. Here are some benefits of studying at South Carolina universities as an international student.

• Campus environment: South Carolina has a vibrant, inclusive, and welcoming environment with lots of things to do for international students. It has student festivals and many other events designed to make foreign students feel at home.

• Quality academic programs: Universities like the University of South Carolina offer excellent academic programs at the bachelor's, master's, and doctoral levels. South Carolina offers the best first-year experience at a public university.

• Research centers: South Carolina offers reputed research centers that actively practise research in several popular fields. Studying at a university here will give you ample opportunities for growth and research, as well as prestigious internship offers.

List of Top Universities & Colleges in South Carolina

South Carolina has several highly renowned colleges and universities that are widely known for their popular graduate programs. Here are some of these institutions.

• University of South Carolina
• Clemson University
• Anderson University
• Charleston Southern University
• Columbia International University
• Allen University
• Claflin University
• Coastal Carolina University
• South Carolina State University
• Southern Wesleyan University
• University of South Carolina Upstate
• University of South Carolina Beaufort
• University of South Carolina Aiken
• Winthrop University
• North Greenville University

Now let’s take a more detailed look at the popular programs and other specifics of these universities.

1. University of South Carolina

The University of South Carolina is a public research university in Columbia, South Carolina, USA. USC has over 350 degree programs at undergraduate and postgraduate levels. It is known for its major in international business. It offers excellent research facilities through 15 academic schools and colleges.

2. Clemson University

Clemson University is a public research university in Clemson, South Carolina, that was founded in 1889. It is the second-largest institution In South Carolina with respect to the number of enrolled students. It has research facilities around the whole state of South Carolina.

3. Anderson University

Anderson University is a private research institution in Anderson, South Carolina. It has excellent undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral programs in over 100 fields of study. It was established in 1911 and has since been one of the leading private universities in South Carolina.

4. Charleston Southern University

Charleston Southern University is a private university in North Charleston, South Carolina. It is affiliated with the South Carolina Baptist Convention. It was established in 1964 with a strong focus on undergraduate, postgraduate, and MBA programs. It offers courses like Masters in International Management, MBA, Bachelor of Engineering, and other prestigious programs.

5. Columbia International University

Established in 1923, the Columbia International University (CIU) is a private university in Columbia, South Carolina. The institution originally began as Columbia Bible School offering 2-year programs in biblical studies to the local mill workers. Afterward, CIU relocated to its present-day location in 1960 and was renamed Columbia Bible College and Seminary. It underwent another name change in 1994 when CIU became a university under its current name.

6. Allen University

Allen University is a private liberal arts university in Columbia, South Carolina. It was established in 1870 and has over 600 students. The campus is listed on the National Register of Historic Places as Allen University Historic District. It is officially accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges and is a small-sized higher education institution previously associated with the Christian-Methodist religion.

7. Claflin University

Set up in 1869, Claflin University is a private liberal arts higher education institution located in the suburban town of Orangeburg, South Carolina. This university is officially accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges. Claflin University is a coeducational US higher education institution and offers courses in several areas of study. This 155-year-old institution has an admission policy based on entrance examinations and past academic records. The acceptance rate is around 60-69% making it a moderately competitive school.

8. Coastal Carolina University

Founded in 1954, Coastal Carolina University is a public research university in Conway, South Carolina. This institution also has a campus in Myrtle Beach. Officially accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges, Coastal Carolina University (CCU) offers excellent courses in science, technology, social sciences, and business. The acceptance rate range is 70-79% making this higher education institute moderately selective. International students are welcome to apply here.

9. South Carolina State University

South Carolina State University was established in 1896 and is a non-profit public university located in Orangeburg, South Carolina. Officially accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges, South Carolina State University (SC State) has popular programs in engineering, business, and humanities. The acceptance rate is 80-89% making it relatively easy to get into. International students are welcome to apply for enrollment.

10. Southern Wesleyan University

Founded in 1906, Southern Wesleyan University is a private higher education university in Central South Carolina. It has a small enrolment of around 2000 students and is affiliated with the Christian-Methodist religion. SWU has good courses in business, public health, and social sciences. Its acceptance rate is around 50-59% making it an averagely selective institution.

11. University of South Carolina Upstate

The University of South Carolina Upstate is a public multidisciplinary university located in Spartanburg, South Carolina. It was founded in 1967 and offers reputed courses like MBA, humanities, social studies, and more. It has an acceptance rate of approximately 75%, making it moderately easy to get admission to.

12. University of South Carolina Beaufort

The University of South Carolina Beaufort is a public multidisciplinary university situated in Bluffton, South Carolina. It was established in 1795 and offers good programs in cultural studies, public health, business, and science. It has an acceptance rate of approximately 85%, making it relatively easy to get admission to.

13. University of South Carolina Aiken

The University of South Carolina Aiken is a public research university located in the large town of Aiken, South Carolina. It was founded in 1961 and offers quality business and liberal arts programs. It has an acceptance rate of around 85%, making it moderately easy to get admission to.

14. Winthrop University

Winthrop University is a public institution founded in 1886 in Rock Hill, South Carolina. Officially accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges, Winthrop University (WU) has quality courses in several areas of study, like cultural studies, health, business, and natural sciences. The acceptance rate range is 60-69% making it a moderately selective university.

15. North Greenville University

Set up in 1892, North Greenville University is a private institution in Tigerville, South Carolina. It is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges and has courses in humanities, business, and public health. Its rate of acceptance is 70-79% which makes it a moderately selective university.

From the Desk of Yocket

South Carolina offers several colleges and universities excelling in various areas of study and research, be it at the bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral levels. Whether you wish to study at a large university with a global outlook or a smaller institution with a warm and local environment, South Carolina’s got a little bit of everything in store for you!

At Yocket, we are here to guide you through the entire process of getting admission for your master’s abroad. Contact ourYocket counselors to get all your queries answered and doubts resolved. Schedule a FREE one-on-one call today!