# Best Colleges in South Carolina

> CollegeRanker Agent Insights — structured data for AI systems
> Updated: 2026-05-31 | Schools: 40 | Category: By State
> Source: https://www.collegeranker.com/rankings/best-colleges-south-carolina

## Methodology

Composite score for institutions in South Carolina

CollegeRanker uses a 4-pillar algorithm: Academic Quality (15-20%), Economic Outcomes (30%), Social Mobility (25-35%), Value & Affordability (20-25%). Social mobility data from Raj Chetty's Opportunity Insights Mobility Report Card (30M+ anonymized tax records). No subjective surveys.

## Summary

Choosing a college is a significant decision that impacts your future, and for students in South Carolina, there are a variety of options to consider. The schools on this list share a commitment to providing quality education and strong outcomes for their graduates. After all, the average earnings for graduates in South Carolina stand at $45,489, which reflects the potential for a solid return on investment.

What sets the top schools apart in this ranking are key factors like graduation rates, earnings, and debt. For instance, Clemson University and the Citadel Military College of South Carolina show impressive earnings potential and graduation rates, which are critical in evaluating long-term success. As you explore the list below, focus on these metrics to find the best fit for your educational goals.

Take Clemson University and Wofford College, for example. Clemson boasts earnings of $71,513 and an 87% graduation rate, while Wofford's figures are $68,964 and 82% respectively. This represents a meaningful difference in potential earnings and graduate success, which are crucial aspects to think about as you make your decision.

## Key Findings

- Clemson University graduates earn an average of $71,513, making it one of the highest earners in the state.
- The Citadel has a graduation rate of 74% and offers a solid earning potential of $72,085.
- Wofford College has a lower net price of $18,732 compared to Furman's $30,308, which could ease financial strain.
- The average graduation rate across these institutions is 47%, highlighting that not all schools succeed equally in keeping students on track.

## Rankings

| Rank | School | Location | Graduation | Earnings (10yr) | Net Price | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|------|--------|----------|------------|-----------------|-----------|-------------|---------------|
| 1 | [Clemson University](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/clemson-university) | Clemson, SC | 87% | $71,513 | $22,253 | $21,500 | 0.3x |
| 2 | [Furman University](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/furman-university) | Greenville, SC | 80% | $68,635 | $30,308 | $23,250 | 0.34x |
| 3 | [Wofford College](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/wofford-college) | Spartanburg, SC | 82% | $68,964 | $18,732 | $25,732 | 0.37x |
| 4 | [College of Charleston](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/college-of-charleston) | Charleston, SC | 65% | $56,416 | $18,960 | $23,250 | 0.41x |
| 5 | [Presbyterian College](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/presbyterian-college) | Clinton, SC | 56% | $60,194 | $20,528 | $26,000 | 0.43x |
| 6 | [Coastal Carolina University](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/coastal-carolina-university) | Conway, SC | 50% | $47,258 | $13,966 | $23,750 | 0.5x |
| 7 | [Winthrop University](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/winthrop-university) | Rock Hill, SC | 59% | $47,185 | $15,343 | $26,975 | 0.57x |
| 8 | [Southern Wesleyan University](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/southern-wesleyan-university) | Central, SC | 52% | $47,756 | $15,464 | $26,000 | 0.54x |
| 9 | [Erskine College](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/erskine-college) | Due West, SC | 47% | $53,459 | $16,525 | $27,000 | 0.51x |
| 10 | [Converse University](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/converse-university) | Spartanburg, SC | 54% | $40,867 | $23,283 | $27,000 | 0.66x |
| 11 | [Francis Marion University](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/francis-marion-university) | Florence, SC | 43% | $43,888 | $11,386 | $27,000 | 0.62x |
| 12 | [Midlands Technical College](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/midlands-technical-college) | West Columbia, SC | 17% | $38,701 | $4,647 | $12,000 | 0.31x |
| 13 | [Trident Technical College](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/trident-technical-college) | Charleston, SC | 29% | $38,253 | $1,406 | $13,029 | 0.34x |
| 14 | [North Greenville University](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/north-greenville-university) | Tigerville, SC | 55% | $43,035 | $21,063 | $23,082 | 0.54x |
| 15 | [Lander University](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/lander-university) | Greenwood, SC | 49% | $42,396 | $15,363 | $25,000 | 0.59x |
| 16 | [Newberry College](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/newberry-college) | Newberry, SC | 45% | $48,040 | $21,656 | $26,805 | 0.56x |
| 17 | [Columbia International University](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/columbia-international-university) | Columbia, SC | 55% | $38,951 | $26,036 | $20,000 | 0.51x |
| 18 | [Aiken Technical College](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/aiken-technical-college) | Graniteville, SC | 26% | $39,225 | $4,807 | $12,250 | 0.31x |
| 19 | [Charleston Southern University](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/charleston-southern-university) | Charleston, SC | 48% | $45,898 | $21,666 | $26,471 | 0.58x |
| 20 | [Spartanburg Methodist College](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/spartanburg-methodist-college) | Spartanburg, SC | 41% | $42,895 | $14,580 | $12,000 | 0.28x |
| 21 | [Coker University](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/coker-university) | Hartsville, SC | 38% | $40,117 | $20,286 | $26,000 | 0.65x |
| 22 | [Citadel Military College of South Carolina](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/citadel-military-college-of-south-carolina) | Charleston, SC | 74% | $72,085 | $20,723 | $21,096 | 0.29x |
| 23 | [Claflin University](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/claflin-university) | Orangeburg, SC | 50% | $40,304 | $17,800 | $29,000 | 0.72x |
| 24 | [South Carolina State University](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/south-carolina-state-university) | Orangeburg, SC | 33% | $38,262 | $18,097 | $31,000 | 0.81x |
| 25 | [University of South Carolina-Columbia](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/university-of-south-carolina-columbia) | Columbia, SC | 78% | $62,177 | $22,811 | $21,500 | 0.35x |
| 26 | [Bob Jones University](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/bob-jones-university) | Greenville, SC | 67% | $44,354 | $16,641 | $16,585 | 0.37x |
| 27 | [University of South Carolina Aiken](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/university-of-south-carolina-aiken) | Aiken, SC | 40% | $45,603 | $11,641 | $24,275 | 0.53x |
| 28 | [University of South Carolina-Upstate](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/university-of-south-carolina-upstate) | Spartanburg, SC | 43% | $48,587 | $13,557 | $22,310 | 0.46x |
| 29 | [University of South Carolina-Sumter](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/university-of-south-carolina-sumter) | Sumter, SC | 38% | $42,437 | $7,712 | $9,250 | 0.22x |
| 30 | [Anderson University](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/anderson-university-sc) | Anderson, SC | 67% | $42,101 | $23,544 | $26,700 | 0.63x |
| 31 | [University of South Carolina Beaufort](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/university-of-south-carolina-beaufort) | Bluffton, SC | 36% | $48,088 | $14,656 | $24,000 | 0.5x |
| 32 | [Florence-Darlington Technical College](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/florence-darlington-technical-college) | Florence, SC | 27% | $32,748 | $2,004 | $12,250 | 0.37x |
| 33 | [Horry-Georgetown Technical College](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/horry-georgetown-technical-college) | Conway, SC | 32% | $35,507 | $4,159 | $14,250 | 0.4x |
| 34 | [Columbia College](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/columbia-college-sc) | Columbia, SC | 45% | $41,338 | $18,408 | $22,750 | 0.55x |
| 35 | [University of South Carolina-Salkehatchie](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/university-of-south-carolina-salkehatchie) | Allendale, SC | 25% | $31,360 | $9,229 | $11,000 | 0.35x |
| 36 | [Voorhees University](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/voorhees-university) | Denmark, SC | 40% | $35,339 | $13,335 | $26,700 | 0.76x |
| 37 | [University of South Carolina-Lancaster](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/university-of-south-carolina-lancaster) | Lancaster, SC | 27% | $39,426 | $9,801 | $9,616 | 0.24x |
| 38 | [Benedict College](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/benedict-college) | Columbia, SC | 23% | $31,902 | $18,250 | $32,500 | 1.02x |
| 39 | [University of South Carolina-Union](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/university-of-south-carolina-union) | Union, SC | 43% | $33,699 | $8,065 | $11,000 | 0.33x |
| 40 | [Morris College](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/morris-college) | Sumter, SC | 19% | $30,614 | $20,555 | $31,400 | 1.03x |

## Data Sources

- U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (https://collegescorecard.ed.gov)
- Opportunity Insights Mobility Report Card (https://opportunityinsights.org/data)
- Opportunity Insights Social Capital Atlas
- Times Higher Education World University Rankings
- NCES IPEDS

## Citation

CollegeRanker. "Best Colleges in South Carolina." CollegeRanker.com, 2026-05-31. https://www.collegeranker.com/rankings/best-colleges-south-carolina

## License

This data summary is provided for informational purposes. Underlying data from federal sources (College Scorecard, IPEDS) is public domain. Opportunity Insights data is available under their data use agreement at https://opportunityinsights.org/data/.