List of colleges and universities in South Carolina facts for kids

South Carolina is home to many colleges and universities. These are places where students go to learn after finishing high school. In total, there are 60 such schools in the state. The University of South Carolina in Columbia is the largest university, meaning it has the most students. For two-year programs, Trident Technical College in North Charleston is the biggest. The oldest school in South Carolina is the College of Charleston, which started way back in 1770.

Most colleges and universities in South Carolina are officially recognized by a group called the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS). This recognition, called accreditation, means the schools meet high standards for teaching and learning. South Carolina also has eight special schools known as historically black colleges and universities. These schools were first created to provide education for African American students.

For students who want to become doctors, there are a few medical schools. These include the Medical University of South Carolina in Charleston and two branches of the University of South Carolina School of Medicine (one in Columbia and one in Greenville). If you're interested in becoming a lawyer, the Charleston School of Law and the University of South Carolina School of Law are approved by the American Bar Association (ABA).

Exploring South Carolina's Colleges and Universities

South Carolina offers many different types of colleges and universities. Some schools offer four-year programs, leading to a bachelor's degree. Others offer two-year programs, often leading to an associate's degree or helping students transfer to a four-year school.

Four-Year Colleges and Universities

Here's a list of some of the four-year colleges and universities in South Carolina. These schools offer a wide range of subjects and help students earn their bachelor's degrees.

Two-Year Colleges and Universities

These schools typically offer programs that last about two years. Students can earn an associate's degree or get credits to transfer to a four-year university.

Colleges That No Longer Exist

Some colleges in South Carolina have closed over the years. Here are a few examples:

• The Arsenal, in Columbia, was a sister school to The Citadel. It was destroyed during the Civil War in 1865. The only building left is now the South Carolina Governor's Mansion.
• Chicora College, in Columbia, operated from 1893 to 1930 before it joined with Queens College.
• Due West Female College, in Due West, was a school for women from 1859 to 1927. It later merged with Erskine College.
• Friendship College, in Rock Hill, was open from 1891 to 1981 before it closed its doors.

Out-of-State Schools with Campuses in South Carolina

Some colleges that are based in other states also have campuses or offer programs right here in South Carolina. This means students can attend these schools without leaving the state.

• ECPI University has campuses in Charleston, Columbia, and Greenville.
• Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine has a campus in Spartanburg.
• Miller-Motte Technical College has campuses in North Charleston and Conway.
• South University has a campus in Columbia.
• Strayer University has a campus in Greenville.

See also

• Higher education in the United States
• List of college athletic programs in South Carolina
• List of American institutions of higher education
• List of recognized higher education accreditation organizations
• List of colleges and universities
• List of colleges and universities by country