Best Research Universities in South Carolina 2024
Interested in attending a STEM school in South Carolina? Our ranking of top research universities for bachelor’s degrees displays schools that will best prepare you for STEM careers.
Best Research Universities in South Carolina 2024
- University of South Carolina 18 to 1
- Clemson University 16 to 1
- Clemson University $14,118
- University of South Carolina $12,288
- University of South Carolina $13,374
- Clemson University $10,858
- Clemson University 16 to 1
- University of South Carolina 18 to 1
- University of South Carolina $12,288
- Clemson University $14,118
- Clemson University $10,858
- 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.
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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. 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?
- 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
Related: Differences between research universities and teaching colleges
A research university is a great option for students interested in obtaining STEM degrees. Research universities invest heavily in research, which consequently provides meaningful and extensive opportunities for its students and faculty to participate in research. We’ve identified 2 research universities in South Carolina. To be included in our ranking, schools must be a fully accredited universities and must must offer doctoral degrees across the range of STEM subjects (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math).
Best Research Universities in South Carolina 2023
- #2 15 Colleges with the Happiest Freshmen #1 Best Public Colleges in South Carolina 2025 #1 Best Colleges in South Carolina 2025 #1 Cheap Colleges in South Carolina in 2025
Other Rankings
- #1 Best Grad Schools in South Carolina 2024
- #3 The Most Influential Universities and Colleges Ranked by State 2024
- #11 Best Colleges and Universities for Sociology Degrees 2025
- #1 Best Online Bachelor’s of Human Services Degree Programs Ranked for 2024
- #1 Best Online Master's Programs in South Carolina 2024
- #1 Best Online Colleges in South Carolina 2024
- #1 Best Online Bachelor's in Cybersecurity in South Carolina
- #1 Best Online Bachelor’s of Elementary Education Degree Programs for 2025
- #2 Best Online Bachelor's in Organizational Leadership Degree Programs 2025
- #2 Best Online Bachelor's in Sociology Degree Programs Ranked for 2025
- #2 Best Online Bachelor's in Public Health Degree Programs for Students
- #3 Best Online Bachelor's in Accounting 2025
- #3 Best Online Bachelor's in Cybersecurity
- #3 Best Online Bachelor's in Psychology Degree Programs for Students 2025
- #3 Best Online Bachelor's in Hospitality and Tourism Degree Programs for 2024
- #4 Best Online Bachelor’s of Education Degree Programs for 2024
- #5 Best Online Bachelor's in Computer Science Degree Programs
- #5 Best RN to BSN Online
- #5 Best Online Bachelor’s in Liberal Arts and Humanities Degree Programs for 2025
- #6 20 Best Online Master's of Speech Pathology Degree Programs
- #7 Best Online Bachelor’s of Communications Degree Programs for 2025
- #7 Best Online Bachelor's in Criminal Justice
- #8 Best Online Bachelor’s in Business Administration Degree Programs
- #9 The Best Online Colleges Ranked for Students in 2025
- #10 Fastest Accelerated Online Computer Science Doctorates (PhDs)
- #1 20 Fastest Online Bachelor's of Business Degree Programs Ranked 2024
- #7 Fastest Accelerated Online Master's of Nursing Degree Programs 2024
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
University of South Carolina’s Online Degrees
BS in Hospitality Management
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BA in Organizational Leadership
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BS in Business Administration
Degree Concentrations
- Accounting
- Management
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BA in Information Management And Systems
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BS in Applied Computer Science
Degree Concentrations
- Cybersecurity
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BS in Criminal Justice
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BA in Elementary Educational Studies
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BA in Special Education
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BS in Human Services
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BA in Liberal Studies
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BA in Sociology
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BA in Communication
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BA in Health Informatics
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BSN in Nursing Rn To Bsn
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BS in Public Health
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BS in Psychology
Degree Concentrations
- Aiken
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BA in Psychology
Degree Concentrations
- Beaufort
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
- #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 Cheap Colleges in South Carolina in 2025
Other Rankings
- #2 Best Grad Schools in South Carolina 2024
- #1 Best Online MBA Programs in South Carolina
- #2 Best Online Master's Programs in South Carolina 2024
- #2 Best Online Colleges in South Carolina 2024
- #4 Best Online Master's in Biology
- #5 Best Online Master’s in Emergency Management 2025
- #6 Top 10 Best Online Communications PhD Degree Programs (Doctorates)
- #6 Most Unusual Doctoral Degrees You Can Earn Online (PhDs)
- #9 Best Online Master’s in Human Resources 2025
- #9 Best Online Master’s in Sustainability and Green Technologies 2025
- #12 Fastest Online Doctoral Degree Programs Ranked for Students in 2025
- #14 Top 20 Best Online Accredited Doctorate Degree Programs (PhDs) 2025
- #14 Best Data Science Online Master’s Programs 2025
- #15 Best Research Universities with Online Doctorates (PhDs) 2025
- #16 Fastest Online Bachelor's Degrees Ranked for 2025
- #16 Best Online Master's in Special Education 2025
- #21 Best Online Master’s in Engineering 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’s Online Degrees
BS in Nursing Rn To Bsn
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
Find the Best Research Universities in South Carolina for Your Area of Interest
2021 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.
Check out our directory of research universities throughout the U.S. for a look at the top research institutions in every state.