Best Grad Schools in South Carolina 2024

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

Graduate school may be a critical step in your higher education, whether you are interested in expanding your knowledge, learning a specialization, or earning advanced credentials required by your profession. The best graduate schools in South Carolina offer advanced degrees, such as master’s and doctoral degrees, as well as opportunities for independent research, mentorships, and professional networking.

10 Best Grad Schools in South Carolina

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  1. University of South Carolina
  2. Clemson University
  3. Coastal Carolina University
  4. Bob Jones University
  5. South Carolina State University
  6. Anderson University, South Carolina
  7. Erskine College
  8. Converse University
  9. North Greenville University
  10. Southern Wesleyan University
  1. University of South Carolina
  2. Clemson University
  3. Bob Jones University
  4. Coastal Carolina University
  5. South Carolina State University
  6. Erskine College
  7. Anderson University, South Carolina
  8. Converse University
  9. North Greenville University
  10. Southern Wesleyan University
  1. South Carolina State University 84%
  2. Coastal Carolina University 79%
  3. North Greenville University 76%
  4. University of South Carolina 64%
  5. Converse University 56%
  6. Erskine College 53%
  7. Southern Wesleyan University 51%
  8. Columbia International University 48%
  9. Anderson University, South Carolina 45%
  10. Clemson University 43%
  1. University of South Carolina 18 to 1
  2. South Carolina State University 17 to 1
  3. Coastal Carolina University 16 to 1
  4. Clemson University 16 to 1
  5. Erskine College 15 to 1
  6. Anderson University, South Carolina 14 to 1
  7. Columbia International University 13 to 1
  8. North Greenville University 13 to 1
  9. Bob Jones University 12 to 1
  10. Southern Wesleyan University 12 to 1
  1. Erskine College $36,710
  2. Anderson University, South Carolina $31,720
  3. Southern Wesleyan University $27,820
  4. Columbia International University $26,840
  5. North Greenville University $23,590
  6. Bob Jones University $21,890
  7. Converse University $21,410
  8. Clemson University $14,118
  9. University of South Carolina $12,288
  10. Coastal Carolina University $11,460
  1. Erskine College $13,400
  2. University of South Carolina $13,374
  3. North Greenville University $12,220
  4. Southern Wesleyan University $11,952
  5. Clemson University $10,858
  6. Columbia International University $10,710
  7. Bob Jones University $10,676
  8. Coastal Carolina University $10,674
  9. Anderson University, South Carolina $10,395
  10. South Carolina State University $9,928
  1. Columbia International University
  2. Southern Wesleyan University
  3. North Greenville University
  4. Converse University
  5. Erskine College
  6. Anderson University, South Carolina
  7. South Carolina State University
  8. Bob Jones University
  9. Coastal Carolina University
  10. Clemson University
  1. Columbia International University
  2. Southern Wesleyan University
  3. North Greenville University
  4. Converse University
  5. Anderson University, South Carolina
  6. Erskine College
  7. South Carolina State University
  8. Coastal Carolina University
  9. Bob Jones University
  10. Clemson University
  1. Clemson University 43%
  2. Anderson University, South Carolina 45%
  3. Columbia International University 48%
  4. Southern Wesleyan University 51%
  5. Erskine College 53%
  6. Converse University 56%
  7. University of South Carolina 64%
  8. North Greenville University 76%
  9. Coastal Carolina University 79%
  10. South Carolina State University 84%
  1. Converse University 9 to 1
  2. Bob Jones University 12 to 1
  3. Southern Wesleyan University 12 to 1
  4. Columbia International University 13 to 1
  5. North Greenville University 13 to 1
  6. Anderson University, South Carolina 14 to 1
  7. Erskine College 15 to 1
  8. Coastal Carolina University 16 to 1
  9. Clemson University 16 to 1
  10. South Carolina State University 17 to 1
  1. South Carolina State University $9,528
  2. Coastal Carolina University $11,460
  3. University of South Carolina $12,288
  4. Clemson University $14,118
  5. Converse University $21,410
  6. Bob Jones University $21,890
  7. North Greenville University $23,590
  8. Columbia International University $26,840
  9. Southern Wesleyan University $27,820
  10. Anderson University, South Carolina $31,720
  1. Converse University $7,650
  2. South Carolina State University $9,928
  3. Anderson University, South Carolina $10,395
  4. Coastal Carolina University $10,674
  5. Bob Jones University $10,676
  6. Columbia International University $10,710
  7. Clemson University $10,858
  8. Southern Wesleyan University $11,952
  9. North Greenville University $12,220
  10. University of South Carolina $13,374

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 (U of SC), 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. Aside from the technical and community colleges in the state, there are four universities under $10,000. At $17,000, the Medical University of South Carolina is the most expensive public school in the state.

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. Though it is the most expensive at $50,000, Furman University boasts an 84% graduation rate. With Methodist connections, Wofford College charges a tuition of $44,000, and it bears noting that the campus is situated on a national arboretum. The University of South Carolina School of Law is one of the nation’s oldest law schools and the state’s only nonprofit law school. Graduates of the school have the opportunity to receive financial assistance from the Public Interest Law Loan Forgiveness Fund if they are employed in the field of public interest law.

Along the 60-mile stretch of beaches in South Carolina is iconic Myrtle Beach, home to one of the world’s tallest Ferris wheels. Cypress swamps, military museums, and tea gardens add to the southern charm of this state. And with over 50 higher education institutions, students have plenty of options for where to earn their associate, bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral degree.

Check out the top programs available, and earn your degree in The Palmetto State.


What are South Carolina’s Colleges & Universities?

South Carolina’s Best Overall


South Carolina's Best Grad Schools Badge
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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 2023

  1. #1

    University of South Carolina

    Columbia , SC
    #2 15 Colleges with the Happiest Freshmen #1 Cheap Colleges in South Carolina in 2024 #1 Best Colleges in South Carolina 2024 #1 Best Research Universities in South Carolina 2024
    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: $17,251
    Starting Salary: $53,900
    Cost Recoup Time: 11 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

    Compare school
  2. #2

    Clemson University

    Clemson , SC
    #1 The Most Influential Universities and Colleges Ranked by State 2024 #2 Cheap Colleges in South Carolina in 2024 #2 Best Colleges in South Carolina 2024 #2 Best Research Universities in South Carolina 2024
    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: $15,558
    Expenses: $19,192
    Starting Salary: $58,900
    Cost Recoup Time: 11 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

    Compare school
  7. #6

    Anderson University, South Carolina

    Anderson , SC
    #3 Best Christian Colleges in South Carolina 2024 #4 Best Private Colleges in South Carolina 2024 #9 Best Small Colleges in South Carolina 2024 #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: $31,720
    Expenses: $16,522
    Starting Salary: $38,400
    Cost Recoup Time: 18 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

    Compare school
  8. #7

    Erskine College

    Due West , SC
    #4 Best Christian Colleges in South Carolina 2024 #5 Best Private Colleges in South Carolina 2024 #10 Best Small Colleges in South Carolina 2024

    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: $18,450
    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

    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: $21,410
    Expenses: $17,014
    Starting Salary: $34,800
    Cost Recoup Time: 17 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

    Compare school
  10. #9

    North Greenville University

    Tigerville , SC
    #9 Best Christian Colleges in South Carolina 2024 #2 Best Online Bachelor's in Cybersecurity in South Carolina #15 Best Online Associate in Psychology #16 Best Online Associate in Education
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $24K

    Acceptance

    76%

    Graduation

    54%

    Student body

    3K

    Career Outlook for degree at North Greenville University

    Cost of Degree: $23,590
    Expenses: $18,210
    Starting Salary: $36,200
    Cost Recoup Time: 17 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:

    Compare school
  11. #10

    Southern Wesleyan University

    Central , SC
    #1 Best Online Associate Degrees in South Carolina 2024 #7 Best Online MBA Programs in South Carolina #11 Best Online MBA Programs in South Carolina #13 Best Online Master's Programs in South Carolina 2024
    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: $27,820
    Expenses: $12,840
    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

    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.

2021 Ranking Archive

Many of our 2022 undergraduate focused rankings look considerably different than 2021. That’s because we took a fundamentally different apporach. For 2021 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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