Best Grad Schools in South Carolina 2025
Key Takeaways
- Eleven schools in South Carolina meet our criteria for the best grad schools in the state.
- Earning a master’s or doctorate degree from one of the state’s best grad schools will qualify graduates to work in one of South Carolina’s top industries.
- It is important to choose a grad school in South Carolina that offers opportunities for independent research, mentorships, and professional networking.
Best Grad Schools in South Carolina in 2025
2025 Ranking Update
Our Influence Ranking Engine™ leverages machine learning to track the real-world influence of colleges and universities over time. Below you’ll see which schools gained or lost ground for the 2025 school year.
In 2025, the top ten schools in our ranking of the best grad schools in South Carolina remained fairly stable. Anderson University gained one ranking position as the university is implementing several enhancements for the 2025 academic year to enrich the student experience. The university is introducing Trojan Football, with the inaugural season beginning on September 7, 2024, at the new Spero Financial Field at Melvin and Dollie Younts Stadium.
Additionally, the Anderson University College of Engineering is hosting classes in its new STEM-learning hub on North Main Street in downtown Anderson, South Carolina, featuring three expansive engineering labs, two large classrooms, a wind tunnel, and a machine shop. These developments underscore the university’s commitment to providing state-of-the-art resources and a supportive environment for its students.
Colleges and Universities in South Carolina
The 31 public schools range in tuition from $5,000 to $17,000. The largest institution, the University of South Carolina, is right in the middle, totaling $11,000 for fees. Located in Columbia, U of SC has over 30,000 students in attendance and offers over 300 degree options.
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In addition, over 25 private schools, 17 with religious affiliations, offer academic settings with small student populations, none exceeding 3,500. And with over 50 higher education institutions, students have plenty of options for where to earn their master’s, or doctoral degree.
What are South Carolina’s Colleges & Universities?
- 2 Research Universities
- 31 Liberal Arts Colleges & Universities
- 11 Graduate Schools
- 12 Public Colleges & Universities
- 21 Private Colleges & Universities
- 16 Christian Colleges & Universities
- 27 Small Colleges & Universities (fewer than 5,000 students)
- 19 Affordable Colleges (below $20,000/year)
- 19 Community Colleges
- 21 Online Colleges
South Carolina’s Best Overall
There are 11 doctorate-granting graduate schools in South Carolina. Our ranking of the best graduate schools in the South Carolina is composed of both private and public schools. To be included, schools must be fully accredited non-profit institutions, and must offer doctoral degrees and a broad array of graduate degrees.
Best Grad Schools in South Carolina
- #2 15 Colleges with the Happiest Freshmen #1 Best Public Colleges in South Carolina 2025 #1 Best Colleges in South Carolina 2025 #1 Best Research Universities in South Carolina 2025
Tuition + fees
$13K
Acceptance
64%
Graduation
78%
Student body
39K
Median SAT/ACT
1280/29
Career Outlook for degree at University of South Carolina
Cost of Degree: $12,688Expenses: $19,289Starting Salary: $53,900Cost Recoup Time: 12 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is University of South Carolina known for?
University of South Carolina’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Most Influential Alumni
The University of South Carolina is a public institution of higher education with “very high research activity” based on the Carnegie classification. It offers at least 230 Graduate programs at various levels, including those in fully online or hybrid formats.
What we love about USC:
It currently has at least 55 nationally ranked Graduate programs, the highest number in the state.
USC is ideal for students who:
Are looking for international MBA programs that consistently rank among the country’s top three programs for at least 30 consecutive years.
USC might not be the best fit for students who:
Prefer a campus in a rural area or with a small-town vibe.
- #1 The Most Influential Universities and Colleges Ranked by State 2024 #2 Best Public Colleges in South Carolina 2025 #2 Best Colleges in South Carolina 2025 #2 Best Research Universities in South Carolina 2025
Tuition + fees
$16K
Acceptance
43%
Graduation
85%
Student body
30K
Median SAT/ACT
1315/30
Career Outlook for degree at Clemson University
Cost of Degree: $15,554Expenses: $19,784Starting Salary: $58,900Cost Recoup Time: 12 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Clemson University known for?
Clemson University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Most Influential Alumni
Clemson University is a public R1-Carnegie-classified research university established in 1889 initially as Clemson Agricultural College of South Carolina, and now has nine Colleges. It also has a graduate school, which offers at least 130 Graduate programs, including bachelor’s-to-graduate accelerated programs.
What we love about Clemson University:
As a land-grant institution, the University collaborates with its strategic partners to move the state’s industries and people forward.
Clemson University is ideal for students who:
Will pursue careers in the field of science or engineering with a passion for service, teaching, and research.
Clemson University might not be the best fit for students who:
Are not comfortable with small class sizes or campuses with a low student-faculty ratio.
- #9 Best Online Christian Colleges and Universities for Doctoral Degrees 2025 #1 Best Small Colleges in South Carolina 2025 #1 Best Christian Colleges in South Carolina 2025 #2 The Most Influential Universities and Colleges Ranked by State 2024
Tuition + fees
$22K
Graduation
69%
Student body
4K
What is Bob Jones University known for?
Bob Jones University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Religious Studies
- Law
- Political Science
- Criminal Justice
- Communications
- Business
- Education
- Physics
- Literature
- History
Most Influential Alumni
Bob Jones University is a private Evangelical Christian-affiliated, liberal arts institution of higher education in Greenville. It currently offers at least 20 graduate programs at certificate, master’s, and doctorate-degree levels, some of which are available in online learning formats.
What we love about BJU:
It has received recognition from the US News & World Report in categories such as the best value school, the best regional university in the South, and the best college in social mobility.
BJU is ideal for students who:
Are looking for academic programs in accounting, biblical counseling, health sciences, and nursing, which are among BJU’s top offerings.
BJU might not be the best fit for students who:
Prefer academic programs and campuses that are not heavily influenced by any religious views.
- #3 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in South Carolina 2024 #5 Best Public Colleges in South Carolina 2025 #5 Cheap Colleges in South Carolina in 2025 #5 The Most Influential Universities and Colleges Ranked by State 2024
Tuition + fees
$12K
Acceptance
79%
Graduation
48%
Student body
12K
Median SAT/ACT
1105/22
Career Outlook for degree at Coastal Carolina University
Cost of Degree: $11,640Expenses: $16,778Starting Salary: $44,500Cost Recoup Time: 12 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Coastal Carolina University known for?
Coastal Carolina University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Most Influential Alumni
Coastal Carolina University is a public liberal arts institution founded in 1954. This national sea-grant university currently offers more than 30 graduate programs at certificate, education specialists, master’s and doctorate-degree levels.
What we love about CCU:
Around 76% of the university’s faculty members hold a doctorate or the highest possible degree in their fields of study.
CCU is ideal for students who:
Love a campus community with a diverse student population from across the country and the world.
CCU might not be the best fit for students who:
Are easily distracted from their studies when pursuing their love for sports, considering that the university has 19 athletic teams that compete in national events.
- #24 Most Influential HBCUs in the US Ranked for 2024 #5 Best Small Colleges in South Carolina 2025 #6 Best Public Colleges in South Carolina 2025 #6 Cheap Colleges in South Carolina in 2025
Tuition + fees
$11K
Acceptance
84%
Graduation
34%
Student body
3K
Career Outlook for degree at South Carolina State University
Cost of Degree: $11,060Expenses: $19,000Starting Salary: $32,500Cost Recoup Time: 15 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is South Carolina State University known for?
South Carolina State University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Most Influential Alumni
South Carolina State University is a public institution of higher education based in Orangeburg, offering a few graduate-level academic programs. It is the only historically Black college and university (HBCU) in the state.
What we love about SCSU:
It ranks third in the country in terms of graduating minority students with a degree in doctor of education.
SCSU is ideal for students who:
Are looking for programs on MS in Transportation, MBA with Agribusiness concentration, or Doctor of Education with Educational Administration concentration.
SCSU might not be the best fit for students who:
Are not comfortable being a part of a tight-knit campus community where everyone feels like family.
- #4 Best Christian Colleges in South Carolina 2025 #4 Best Private Colleges in South Carolina 2024 #8 Best Small Colleges in South Carolina 2025 #8 Best Online MBA Programs in South Carolina
Tuition + fees
$32K
Acceptance
45%
Graduation
60%
Student body
5K
Career Outlook for degree at Anderson University, South Carolina
Cost of Degree: $33,580Expenses: $17,450Starting Salary: $38,400Cost Recoup Time: 19 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Anderson University, South Carolina known for?
Anderson University, South Carolina’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Engineering
- Medical
- Literature
- Nursing
- Social Work
- Biology
- Criminal Justice
- Mathematics
- Computer Science
- Business
Most Influential Alumni
Anderson University is a private, comprehensive, and selective higher-education institution affiliated with the South Carolina Baptist Convention. It offers more than 20 graduate and professional programs, including certificate, master’s and doctorate-degree levels, some of which are in online formats.
What we love about AU:
It has received national recognition as the best college and the best value among other regional universities in the South.
AU is ideal for students who:
Prefer academic programs that provide engaging and rigorous active learning experiences.
AU might not be the best fit for students who:
Prefer a secular academic community.
- #5 Best Private Colleges in South Carolina 2024 #6 Best Christian Colleges in South Carolina 2025 #10 Best Small Colleges in South Carolina 2025
Tuition + fees
$37K
Acceptance
53%
Graduation
46%
Student body
1K
Median SAT/ACT
1035/20
Career Outlook for degree at Erskine College
Cost of Degree: $36,710Expenses: $18,650Starting Salary: $41,500Cost Recoup Time: 19 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Erskine College known for?
Erskine College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Religious Studies
- Literature
- Philosophy
- Chemistry
- History
- Psychology
- Education
- Medical
- Mathematics
- Political Science
Most Influential Alumni
Erskine College is a private Christian institution in Due West that is both an undergraduate liberal arts college and a graduate theological seminary. It currently offers around eight post-baccalaureate degrees at master’s and doctorate levels in the fields of Christian Counseling, Divinity, Theology, and Practical Ministry.
What we love about Erskine College:
As an educational institution affiliated with the Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church, Erskine has been providing high-quality education from a biblical worldview to students since it was established in 1839.
Erskine College is ideal for students who:
Are looking for a tight-knit campus community in a rural environment that fosters creativity, leadership, and a sense of belonging.
Erskine College might not be the best fit for students who:
Prefer to enroll in secular academic programs in the fields of counseling, leadership, and service.
- #9 Best Private Colleges in South Carolina 2024 #10 Best Online Master's Programs in South Carolina 2024 #16 Best Online Master's in Art Education and Art Administration
Tuition + fees
$21K
Acceptance
56%
Graduation
57%
Student body
3K
Median SAT/ACT
1127/23
Career Outlook for degree at Converse University
Cost of Degree: $23,096Expenses: $18,074Starting Salary: $34,800Cost Recoup Time: 18 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Converse University known for?
Converse University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Literature
- Psychology
- Medical
- History
- Education
- Sociology
- Political Science
- Mathematics
- Religious Studies
- Philosophy
Most Influential Alumni
Converse University is a private four-year co-ed institution of higher learning established in 1889 initially as a women’s college. It currently offers around 30 Graduate programs at master’s and doctorate levels, some of which are delivered online.
What we love about Converse University:
Around 98% of the University’s full-time faculty hold the highest possible degree in their fields of study.
Converse University is ideal for students who:
Are looking for graduate programs with plenty of opportunities for research, internships, service learning projects, and other experiential learning activities.
Converse University might not be the best fit for students who:
Find low student-faculty ratios to be intimidating and intrusive, as professors can become too invested in each student’s progress.
- #2 Best Online Bachelor's in Cybersecurity in South Carolina #15 Best Online Associate in Psychology #16 Best Online Associate in Education #18 Best Online Colleges in South Carolina 2024
Tuition + fees
$24K
Acceptance
76%
Graduation
54%
Student body
3K
Career Outlook for degree at North Greenville University
Cost of Degree: $24,650Expenses: $18,680Starting Salary: $36,200Cost Recoup Time: 18 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is North Greenville University known for?
North Greenville University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
North Greenville University is a Tigerville-based private and co-educational liberal arts institution affiliated with the Southern Baptist Convention that offers around 15 master’s and doctorate-degree programs through its six colleges.
What we love about NGU:
It has received various recognitions as the best university in South Carolina by many ranking organizations.
NGU is ideal for students who:
Are pursuing careers in sports management, health science, elementary education, and biology, which are some of the school’s top majors.
NGU might not be the best fit for students who:
Have liberal or progressive views or seek diverse perspectives, considering that NGU is recognized as No. 9 out of 100 most conservative colleges in the country.
- #1 Best Online Associate Degrees in South Carolina 2025 #7 Best Online MBA Programs in South Carolina #11 Best Online MBA Programs in South Carolina #12 Most Affordable Online Master's Degree Programs Ranked for Students
Tuition + fees
$28K
Acceptance
51%
Graduation
60%
Student body
1K
Median SAT/ACT
1086/21
Career Outlook for degree at Southern Wesleyan University
Cost of Degree: $27,870Expenses: $14,039Starting Salary: $46,200Cost Recoup Time: 15 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Southern Wesleyan University known for?
Southern Wesleyan University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Chemistry
- Religious Studies
- Biology
- Sociology
- Social Work
- Criminal Justice
- Psychology
- Education
- Business
- Computer Science
Most Influential Alumni
Southern Wesleyan University is a private institution affiliated with the Wesleyan Church. It currently offers a few graduate programs at certificate, master’s and doctorate-degree levels in online learning formats.
What we love about SWU:
Since its founding in 1906, SWU has remained steadfast in nurturing a Christian community of learners that acknowledges God as the source of all wisdom and truth.
SWU is ideal for students who:
Prefer their academic journeys to be heavily influenced by Christian values and wisdom.
SWU might not be the best fit for students who:
Are easily distracted from their studies when there are so many outdoor adventures available around the campus.
- #3 Best Online Associate Degrees in South Carolina 2025 #8 Best Online Colleges in South Carolina 2024 #12 Fastest Online Associate Degrees Ranked for 2024 #12 Most Affordable Online PhD Programs Ranked for Students in 2024
Tuition + fees
$27K
Acceptance
48%
Graduation
70%
Student body
3K
Median SAT/ACT
1092/20
Career Outlook for degree at Columbia International University
Cost of Degree: $27,900Expenses: $15,550Starting Salary: $31,400Cost Recoup Time: 19 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Columbia International University known for?
Columbia International University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Most Influential Alumni
Columbia International University is a private multidenominational Christian institution of higher education that offers more than 70 academic programs at undergraduate and graduate levels designed with a biblical worldview.
What we love about CIU:
It has been steadfast in providing students with an education built on a strong Christian foundation since 1923.
CIU is ideal for students who:
Thrive in small class sizes where they can benefit from individualized attention and guidance from their professors.
CIU might not be the best fit for students who:
Do not want their academic pursuits to be highly influenced by Christianity or any other organized religion.
South Carolina’s Best Grad School for Your Area of Interest
Resources for Prospective Grad Students
Whether you’re just getting started on your college search, you’re looking for survival tips on your way to a bachelor’s degree, or you’re preparing for the transition into grad school, we’ve got guides, how to’s and tons of other valuable resources to keep you moving forward in your educational journey.
2023 Ranking Archive
Many of our 2024 undergraduate focused rankings look considerably different than 2023. That’s because we took a fundamentally different approach. For 2024 we utilized our Concentrated Influence algorithm, designed to take away the size advantage larger schools have when we rank their faculty and alumni’s academic influence. Concentrated influence highlights smaller schools that are proportionally as successful as larger universities at cultivating influential alumni and faculty.
