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Small Colleges in South Carolina

50 schools in South Carolina. See our methodology.

The Citadel stands apart among South Carolina's small colleges with an unusual combination: a 98.6% acceptance rate paired with graduates earning $72,085 annually, the highest in the state. This military institution demonstrates how specialized programs can deliver strong career outcomes even with open admissions policies. Across South Carolina's 55 small colleges, students face costs ranging from $4,657 at York Technical College to nearly $30,000 at Furman University, which boasts the state's highest graduation rate at 81.5%. The state's automotive boom, anchored by BMW and Volvo manufacturing, creates strong demand for technical graduates from institutions like Tri-County Technical College, where 4,960 students prepare for careers supporting South Carolina's $28 billion automotive sector. Traditional liberal arts colleges like Wofford and Presbyterian College maintain their appeal, with Wofford graduates earning $68,964 annually, reflecting the value employers place on well-rounded education in South Carolina's expanding economy. The LIFE Scholarship program provides up to $5,000 for in-state students, making these smaller institutions more accessible while supporting the state's goal of retaining talent in growing industries like aerospace and advanced manufacturing.
50
Schools
$17,249
Avg. Net Price
$42,257
Avg. Earnings
43.3%
Avg. Graduation Rate

Small Colleges in South Carolina

College listings
# School Enrollment Net Price Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 2,624 $21,002 72.8% 98.6%
2 2,209 $17,529 69.6%
3 1,873 $28,984 80.8% 60.2%
4 3,080 $28,183 71.0% 45.4%
5 3,424 $16,353 61.2% 69.8%
6 690 $21,660 65.5% 48.2%
7 4,960 $5,807 39.1%
8 2,322 $29,997 81.5% 67.0%
9 1,564 $6,119 40.4%
10 771 $19,968 52.0% 51.2%
11 862 $20,899 61.9% 59.4%
12 3,384 $14,501 48.8% 67.4%
13 3,988 $10,862 33.3%
14 3,813 $4,657 32.4%
15 849 $7,833 34.9%
16 460 $15,411 37.8%
17 821 $22,018 48.6% 53.3%
18 4,008 $13,725 42.4% 78.6%
19 845 $19,712 47.1% 55.6%
20 2,388 $5,027 30.8%
21 2,805 $11,611 40.1% 75.6%
22 513 $27,508 36.3%
23 631 $9,283 36.1% 71.9%
24 1,958 $15,309 38.6% 80.0%
25 1,719 $20,612 54.9% 76.1%
26 1,911 $5,350 18.7%
27 2,640 $13,451 42.7% 82.9%
28 1,727 $21,232 49.1% 78.0%
29 2,890 $598 20.1%
30 376 $6,055 21.2%
31 629 $41,961
32 232 $36,778 69.7% 94.8%
33 649 $9,735 29.5% 76.2%
34 267 $11,125 37.5% 80.1%
35 1,462 $20,351 44.4% 75.3%
36 124 66.0%
37 1,697 $5,903 12.1%
38 164 $21,736 64.0%
39 1,245 $23,650 53.5% 98.1%
40 1,029 $16,295 38.3% 82.1%
41 2,716 $21,955 48.6% 86.8%
42 421 $20,375 20.4%
43 281
44 2,757 $18,268 29.4% 83.9%
45 635 $11,081 13.2% 43.4%
46 539 $20,601 13.8%
47 290 $12,395 21.8% 70.9%
48 94 $14,501 11.1%
49 248 $37,856 52.3% 97.1%
50 1,830 $22,134

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes The Citadel unique among South Carolina colleges?

The Citadel combines military discipline with academic rigor, accepting 98.6% of applicants while producing graduates who earn $72,085 annually, the highest among small colleges statewide. This Charleston institution enrolls 2,624 cadets and maintains a 72.8% graduation rate, proving that structured environments can drive strong outcomes.

How affordable are South Carolina's technical colleges?

Technical colleges offer the state's most affordable education, with York Technical College costing just $4,657 annually. Tri-County Technical leads enrollment with 4,960 students, while graduates from these programs earn $35,000-$40,000, positioning them well for South Carolina's automotive and manufacturing sectors.

Does the LIFE Scholarship significantly impact college costs?

The LIFE Scholarship provides up to $5,000 annually for qualifying South Carolina residents, reducing costs substantially at mid-range institutions. At Winthrop University, where net costs average $16,353, LIFE Scholarship recipients see their expenses drop to around $11,353, making quality education more accessible.

What graduation rates can students expect at small South Carolina colleges?

Graduation rates vary dramatically, from 30.8% at the lowest-performing institutions to 81.5% at Furman University. Wofford College achieves 80.8% completion, while Anderson University reaches 71%, showing that smaller class sizes and focused attention can drive academic success when properly implemented.

Where do graduates find employment in South Carolina's economy?

South Carolina's automotive sector, led by BMW and Volvo plants, actively recruits from technical programs, while aerospace companies hire engineering graduates. Liberal arts graduates from colleges like Presbyterian College, where alumni earn $60,194, often enter finance, healthcare, and business services throughout the Southeast region.

How selective are private colleges compared to public institutions?

Private colleges show more variation in selectivity, with Anderson University accepting just 45.4% of applicants while Bob Jones University admits most students. Public institutions like Winthrop accept 69.8% of applicants, reflecting their mission to serve broader populations while maintaining academic standards.

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See our methodology for details on rankings and data sources.