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59.4%Acceptance
$43,300Tuition
862Students
62%Grad Rate (6-yr)
$60,194Earnings
#14 in South CarolinaPrivate nonprofit4-yearSAT/ACT Test OptionalLiberal ArtsNAIAStudy AbroadData: 2023-24Presbyterian Church (USA)

About Presbyterian College

Presbyterian College builds tight connections between its 862 students and faculty in small-town Clinton, South Carolina. The 11:1 student-faculty ratio creates an environment where professors know students by name, not just ID number. This Presbyterian-affiliated liberal arts college has specialized in preparing students for professional careers since 1880, with particularly strong pre-med and business programs that benefit from personalized mentoring.

The financial picture works in students' favor compared to many private colleges. While sticker price hits $57,513 annually, the average student pays just $20,899 after aid kicks in. Graduates earn a median of $60,194 ten years out, making the typical $26,000 in student debt manageable with monthly payments around $276. That debt-to-earnings ratio suggests solid return on investment for most graduates.

The Blue Hose compete in 19 varsity sports with 402 total athletes, creating an active campus atmosphere despite the small size. Students come primarily from South Carolina, with 67% staying in-state for college. The 62% four-year graduation rate reflects the personal attention students receive, though some take longer to complete their degrees. Campus housing accommodates the full enrollment with room for 1,099 students.

Academics & Faculty

Presbyterian College delivers a classic liberal arts education where personal attention drives academic success. The 11:1 student-faculty ratio means professors know students by name, not ID number. This close mentoring helps explain why 63% of students graduate in four years, well above the national average for similar schools. The college built its reputation on strong pre-professional programs, particularly pre-med and pre-law tracks that benefit from small class sizes and dedicated faculty advisors. Business and education programs also attract students seeking career-focused liberal arts training. With just 862 students total, academic discussions happen in seminar-style classes rather than lecture halls, creating an environment where intellectual curiosity flourishes through direct professor engagement.

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Student-to-Faculty Ratio
11:1
Full-Time Faculty
100.0%
Graduation Rate (4-year)
62.7%
Graduation Rate (6-year)
61.9%
Retention Rate
74.0%
Median Earnings (10 years)
$60,194
Carnegie Classification
Liberal Arts College

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
ProgramLevelMedian Earnings
Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Administration. Doctoral $118,465
Business Administration, Management and Operations. Bachelor $42,363
Mathematics. Bachelor $36,312
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. Bachelor $33,518
English Language and Literature, General. Bachelor $25,194
Political Science and Government. Bachelor $24,035
Psychology, General. Bachelor $22,824
Biology, General. Bachelor $16,663

View all 36 programs →

Campus Life

Presbyterian College sits in Clinton, a small town about an hour from both Greenville and Columbia. The campus houses most of its 862 students, with housing capacity for 1,099. South Carolina's mild climate means you'll need light jackets for winter but should prepare for hot, humid summers.

The 11:1 student-faculty ratio creates an intimate academic environment where professors know your name. With 402 athletes competing in 19 varsity sports, Blue Hose athletics dominate weekend social life during fall and spring seasons. The Presbyterian Church (USA) affiliation shapes campus culture without being overwhelming. Students often gather at the campus center or explore nearby Lake Robinson for outdoor activities.

Clinton's small-town setting means limited off-campus entertainment options, so campus life becomes central to the college experience. The 73.98% retention rate suggests most students adapt well to this close-knit environment. Greek life and residence hall programming fill much of the social calendar. Many students appreciate the escape from urban distractions, though some find the rural location isolating.
Setting
Town-Distant
Housing Capacity
1,099 beds
Calendar System
Semester
Study Abroad
Available
Founded
1880

Campus Safety (2023)

21 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education

Campus safety incidents by location
OffenseOn CampusResidentialNoncampusPublic Property
Aggravated Assault 3 3 0 0
Burglary 3 3 0 0
Dating Violence 2 2 0 0
Rape 2 1 0 0
Motor Vehicle Theft 2 0 0 0

Climate & Weather

January Avg
31°–54°F
July Avg
69°–90°F
Annual Precipitation
46.4"
Annual Snowfall
1.3"

Student Demographics

Presbyterian College draws students who value close mentorship in a small-town setting. With 862 students and an 11:1 student-faculty ratio, the college attracts those seeking personal attention over anonymity. Two-thirds come from South Carolina, reflecting the school's strong regional reputation and Presbyterian Church ties. The student body is diverse for a small Southern college, with 18% Black students and 8% Hispanic students. Over a quarter receive Pell Grants, showing PC's commitment to making private education accessible. Students typically pursue pre-professional tracks in fields like business, education, and health sciences.
Men
51.5%
Women
48.5%
White
61.5%
Black
17.9%
Hispanic
8.5%
Asian
1.2%
In-State Students
67.4%
Pell Grant Recipients
27.9%

Location

Presbyterian College sits in Clinton, South Carolina, about 40 miles southeast of Greenville and 75 miles northwest of Columbia. The 862-student campus occupies a small town setting in the South Carolina Piedmont region. Clinton feels distinctly rural with rolling hills and farmland surrounding the area. The town revolves around the college, creating a tight-knit community where students and locals interact regularly. With 67.41% of students coming from in-state, many are familiar with South Carolina's small-town culture. The nearest major shopping and entertainment options require a drive to Greenville or Columbia. Students considering colleges in South Carolina may also compare Presbyterian College with similar schools in the region.
Address
Clinton, South Carolina 29325
William Plumer Jacobs
William Plumer Jacobs
Nevillestudents
Nevillestudents

After College

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Median Earnings (10 years)
$60,194
Median Earnings (5 years)
$54,388
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
$42,400
Loan Repayment Rate
72.9%
Monthly Loan Payment
$276/mo
Median Debt at Graduation
$26,000

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the acceptance rate at Presbyterian College?

Presbyterian College accepts 59.39% of applicants, making admission moderately competitive. The middle 50% of admitted students score between 1020 and 1270 on the SAT. This small Presbyterian liberal arts college in Clinton, South Carolina values students who demonstrate both academic potential and character alignment with its mission.

How much does Presbyterian College cost after financial aid?

The average net price at Presbyterian College is $20,899, lower than the full tuition of $43,300. About 25% of students receive institutional grants averaging $34,379. Graduates typically leave with $26,000 in debt and monthly loan payments of $276.

What are the academics like at Presbyterian College?

Presbyterian College maintains an 11:1 student-faculty ratio with just 862 total students, enabling close mentoring relationships. The college is known for strong pre-professional programs that prepare students for graduate school and careers. About 74% of students return for their sophomore year, reflecting solid academic support.

What do Presbyterian College graduates earn after graduation?

Presbyterian College graduates earn a median of $60,194 ten years after graduation, with 96.6% finding employment. Five years out, the median salary is $54,388. The loan repayment rate of 72.94% suggests graduates generally find stable employment to manage their debt.

Where do students live at Presbyterian College?

Presbyterian College has housing capacity for 1,099 students, more than its total enrollment of 862. Room and board costs $12,713 annually on the small-town campus in Clinton. About 67% of students come from within South Carolina, creating a close-knit community atmosphere.

Does Presbyterian College have strong athletics?

Presbyterian College fields 19 varsity sports teams called the Blue Hose, competing in the NAIA's Big South Conference. The school awards $4,589,359 in athletic scholarships to 402 student-athletes. Nearly half the student body participates in varsity athletics, reflecting the college's commitment to developing well-rounded individuals.