Best Grad Schools in South Carolina 2025

Badge for BEST IN SOUTH CAROLINA GRADUATE SCHOOLS
By Dr. James Barham
Reviewed By Jenn Finley
Published:
Updated:

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

  1. University of South Carolina
  2. Clemson University
  3. Bob Jones University
  4. Coastal Carolina University
  5. South Carolina State University
  6. Anderson University
    +1
  7. Erskine College
    –1
  8. Converse University
  9. North Greenville University
  10. Southern Wesleyan University

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.

Find college admissions consultants in your state.

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?

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.

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Best Grad Schools in South Carolina

  1. #1

    University of South Carolina

    Columbia , SC
    #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
    Other Rankings

    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: $12,688
    Expenses: $19,289
    Starting Salary: $53,900
    Cost Recoup Time: 12 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What 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.

    Compare school
  2. #2

    Clemson University

    Clemson , SC
    #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
    Other Rankings

    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: $15,554
    Expenses: $19,784
    Starting Salary: $58,900
    Cost Recoup Time: 12 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What 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.

    Compare school
  3. #3

    Bob Jones University

    Greenville , SC
    #9 Best Online Christian Colleges and Universities for Doctoral Degrees 2025 #1 Best Christian Colleges in South Carolina 2025 #1 Best Small Colleges in South Carolina 2025 #2 The Most Influential Universities and Colleges Ranked by State 2024
    Other Rankings

    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:

    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.

    Compare school
  4. #4

    Coastal Carolina University

    Conway , SC
    #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
    Other Rankings

    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: $11,640
    Expenses: $16,778
    Starting Salary: $44,500
    Cost Recoup Time: 12 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What 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.

    Compare school
  6. #5

    South Carolina State University

    Orangeburg , SC
    #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
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $11K

    Acceptance

    84%

    Graduation

    34%

    Student body

    3K

    Career Outlook for degree at South Carolina State University

    Cost of Degree: $11,060
    Expenses: $19,000
    Starting Salary: $32,500
    Cost Recoup Time: 15 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What 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.

    Compare school
  7. #6

    Anderson University, South Carolina

    Anderson , SC
    #4 Best Private Colleges in South Carolina 2024 #4 Best Christian Colleges in South Carolina 2025 #8 Best Small Colleges in South Carolina 2025 #8 Best Online MBA Programs in South Carolina
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $32K

    Acceptance

    45%

    Graduation

    60%

    Student body

    5K

    Career Outlook for degree at Anderson University, South Carolina

    Cost of Degree: $33,580
    Expenses: $17,450
    Starting Salary: $38,400
    Cost Recoup Time: 19 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Anderson University, South Carolina known for?

    Anderson University, South Carolina’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    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.

    Compare school
  8. #7

    Erskine College

    Due West , SC
    #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: $36,710
    Expenses: $18,650
    Starting Salary: $41,500
    Cost Recoup Time: 19 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Erskine College known for?

    Erskine College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    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.

    Compare school
  9. #8

    Converse University

    Spartanburg , SC
    #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: $23,096
    Expenses: $18,074
    Starting Salary: $34,800
    Cost Recoup Time: 18 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Converse University known for?

    Converse University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    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.

    Compare school
  10. #9

    North Greenville University

    Tigerville , SC
    #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
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $24K

    Acceptance

    76%

    Graduation

    54%

    Student body

    3K

    Career Outlook for degree at North Greenville University

    Cost of Degree: $24,650
    Expenses: $18,680
    Starting Salary: $36,200
    Cost Recoup Time: 18 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What 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.

    Compare school
  12. #10

    Southern Wesleyan University

    Central , SC
    #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
    Other Rankings

    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: $27,870
    Expenses: $14,039
    Starting Salary: $46,200
    Cost Recoup Time: 15 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Southern Wesleyan University known for?

    Southern Wesleyan University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    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.

    Compare school
  13. #11

    Columbia International University

    Columbia , SC
    #3 Best Online Associate Degrees in South Carolina 2025 #8 Best Online Colleges in South Carolina 2024 #12 Most Affordable Online PhD Programs Ranked for Students in 2024 #12 Fastest Online Associate Degrees Ranked for 2024
    Other Rankings

    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: $27,900
    Expenses: $15,550
    Starting Salary: $31,400
    Cost Recoup Time: 19 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What 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.

    Compare school
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South Carolina’s Best Grad School for Your Area of Interest

Anthropology Biology Business Chemistry Commun­ications Computer Science Criminal Justice Earth Sciences Economics Education Engineering History Law Literature Mathematics Medical Nursing Philosophy Physics Political Science Psychology Religious Studies Social Work Sociology

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.

  1. University of South Carolina
  2. Clemson University
  3. Bob Jones University
  4. Erskine College
  5. Coastal Carolina University
  6. Columbia International University
  7. North Greenville University
  8. South Carolina State University
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