South Carolina is home to a variety of prominent private colleges and universities that offer a wide range of academic programs, diverse campus cultures, and deep-rooted histories.
Furman University
Overview
Furman University, founded in 1826, is a highly respected private liberal arts university located in Greenville, South Carolina. Known for its academic rigor and stunning campus, Furman offers an immersive learning environment that promotes student research and intellectual growth.
Academics
- Undergraduate Programs: Furman offers more than 40 majors and minors, with strong programs in the sciences, humanities, and social sciences.
- Graduate Programs: Although primarily focused on undergraduate education, Furman offers graduate degrees in education and chemistry.
- Research Opportunities: Furman encourages undergraduate research through its Summer Research Fellowship Program, fostering collaboration between students and faculty.
Campus Life and Student Engagement
- Student Organizations: The university has over 150 student organizations that cater to a variety of interests, including academic clubs, cultural groups, and service organizations.
- Athletics: Furman competes in NCAA Division I in the Southern Conference and excels in sports such as football, soccer, and golf.
- Sustainability: The university is committed to sustainability, with several LEED-certified buildings and initiatives to reduce its environmental footprint.
Wofford College
Overview
Wofford College is a small, private liberal arts institution located in Spartanburg, South Carolina. Established in 1854, it is known for its rigorous academics, close-knit community, and emphasis on leadership development.
Academics
- Undergraduate Programs: Wofford offers undergraduate degrees in a variety of fields, with strengths in pre-law, pre-medical, and business programs.
- Interdisciplinary Approach: Students are encouraged to explore multiple disciplines and have the option to design individualized majors.
- Study Abroad: Wofford boasts a robust study abroad program, with over 60 countries available for student exchanges and travel experiences.
Campus Life and Student Involvement
- Greek Life: Nearly 50% of Wofford students are involved in fraternities and sororities, fostering a vibrant social scene.
- Leadership Development: Wofford emphasizes leadership through programs like The Space in the Mungo Center, which provides career counseling, internships, and professional development.
- Athletics: The college competes in NCAA Division I sports, with successful programs in football and basketball.
Presbyterian College
Overview
Founded in 1880, Presbyterian College (PC) is a private liberal arts college located in Clinton, South Carolina. The college emphasizes service to the community and a well-rounded education rooted in its Presbyterian heritage.
Academics
- Undergraduate Majors: PC offers over 30 majors, including standout programs in biology, political science, and education.
- Pharmacy School: Presbyterian College is home to a School of Pharmacy, which offers a Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) degree and is known for its clinical training.
- Service Learning: PC is dedicated to service and leadership, integrating these values into its academic and extracurricular offerings.
Campus Life and Traditions
- Religious Life: The Presbyterian tradition is reflected in the college’s spiritual life, with regular chapel services, mission trips, and community outreach.
- Athletics: PC competes in NCAA Division I sports, with prominent programs in soccer, lacrosse, and tennis.
Charleston Southern University
Overview
Charleston Southern University (CSU) is a private Christian university located in North Charleston. Established in 1964, CSU integrates faith and learning, offering a broad spectrum of academic programs within a Christian context.
Academics
- Undergraduate Programs: CSU offers over 50 undergraduate degrees, with strong programs in nursing, business, and criminal justice.
- Graduate Programs: The university offers graduate degrees in education, business administration, and organizational management.
- Christian Integration: All students take courses in Christian studies as part of CSU’s mission to provide a faith-based education.
Campus Life and Faith
- Spiritual Growth: CSU offers opportunities for students to engage in their faith through chapel services, mission trips, and student-led worship.
- Athletics: CSU competes in NCAA Division I athletics, particularly excelling in football and baseball.
- Community Service: The university encourages students to engage in community service through various volunteer opportunities both locally and globally.
Erskine College
Overview
Located in Due West, South Carolina, Erskine College is a small Christian liberal arts institution founded in 1839. Affiliated with the Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church, Erskine combines faith and academic excellence.
Academics
- Liberal Arts Programs: Erskine offers undergraduate degrees in the arts, humanities, natural sciences, and business. Pre-professional programs in law and medicine are particularly popular.
- Theological Seminary: Erskine is also home to a graduate seminary that offers advanced degrees in divinity and theology.
Campus Life and Spiritual Development
- Faith-Based Community: Religious life is integral to Erskine, with worship services, Bible studies, and mission trips available to students.
- Athletics: Erskine competes in NCAA Division II sports, with strong programs in basketball, baseball, and soccer.
- Tight-Knit Community: The small size of Erskine fosters close relationships between students and faculty, creating a supportive learning environment.
Newberry College
Overview
Founded in 1856, Newberry College is a private liberal arts college in Newberry, South Carolina. It is known for its personalized education and a strong sense of community.
Academics
- Undergraduate Majors: Newberry offers more than 30 undergraduate majors, with strengths in education, nursing, and business administration.
- Pre-Professional Programs: The college provides preparatory tracks for careers in law, medicine, and veterinary science.
- Experiential Learning: Newberry encourages internships, service learning, and study abroad programs as part of its hands-on approach to education.
Campus Life and Extracurriculars
- Student Activities: With over 40 student organizations, including academic clubs and Greek life, Newberry has a vibrant campus life.
- Athletics: Newberry competes in NCAA Division II sports, excelling in football, wrestling, and volleyball.
- Community Service: Leadership and service are integral to the college’s mission, with students encouraged to engage in local and global volunteer efforts.
Columbia College
Overview
Columbia College, located in Columbia, South Carolina, was founded in 1854 as a women’s college and recently became coeducational. The institution emphasizes leadership development, particularly for women, and offers a strong liberal arts curriculum.
Academics
- Undergraduate and Graduate Programs: Columbia College offers over 30 undergraduate programs and several graduate degrees, particularly in education, business, and health sciences.
- Women’s Leadership: Although now coeducational, the college continues to focus on women’s empowerment and leadership through initiatives such as the Women’s Leadership Institute.
Campus Life and Empowerment
- Student Leadership: Leadership development is central to the Columbia College experience, with many programs aimed at enhancing public speaking, critical thinking, and civic engagement.
- Athletics: The college competes in NAIA athletics, with notable programs in soccer, volleyball, and basketball.
- Coeducation Transition: While now open to men, Columbia College maintains a strong focus on empowering women and fostering an inclusive, supportive environment.
Benedict College
Overview
Founded in 1870, Benedict College is a historically Black college (HBCU) located in Columbia, South Carolina. It is a member of the United Negro College Fund (UNCF) and is dedicated to academic excellence and social justice.
Academics
- Undergraduate Degrees: Benedict offers over 25 undergraduate programs, with strong departments in biology, criminal justice, and business administration.
- MBA Program: Benedict also offers a graduate-level MBA program with a focus on leadership and entrepreneurship.
- Community Engagement: Benedict College places a high emphasis on community service and leadership development, encouraging students to get involved in civic initiatives.
Campus Life and HBCU Culture
- Cultural Events: Benedict hosts numerous events celebrating African American culture, including performances and festivals.
- Athletics: The college competes in NCAA Division II sports within the Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SIAC), excelling in basketball, track and field, and football.
- Leadership and Service: Leadership opportunities abound, including student government, campus service organizations, and mentorship programs.
Claflin University
Overview
Claflin University, located in Orangeburg, South Carolina, is the oldest historically Black university in the state, founded in 1869. It is celebrated for its academic excellence, research, and commitment to social justice.
Academics
- Undergraduate Majors: Claflin offers over 35 majors, with particular strengths in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math), business, and education.
- Graduate Programs: The university offers several master’s programs, including an MBA and a Master of Education (M.Ed.).
- Research Initiatives: Claflin fosters a strong research culture, with students and faculty working on projects in fields such as biotechnology and computer science.
Campus Life and Civic Engagement
- Social Justice Commitment: Claflin’s history of social justice is deeply embedded in its culture, with students participating in activism and community service.
- Athletics: Claflin competes in NCAA Division II sports within the Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA), with successful teams in basketball and track and field.
- Leadership Development: Leadership programs, including an Honors College, provide students with opportunities to grow academically and civically.
Allen University
Overview
Founded in 1870 by the African Methodist Episcopal (AME) Church, Allen University is a historically Black college in Columbia, South Carolina. The university continues to serve underrepresented communities, promoting personal growth and community service.
Academics
- Liberal Arts Education: Allen offers undergraduate degrees in fields such as liberal arts, business, and criminal justice.
- Religious Studies: With its strong ties to the AME Church, Allen offers programs in theology and religious studies to prepare students for church leadership roles.
- Access and Opportunity: Allen focuses on providing access to education for students from diverse and underserved backgrounds.
Campus Life and Spiritual Focus
- Faith-Based Community: Allen fosters spiritual growth through regular chapel services and religious activities rooted in the AME tradition.
- Athletics: The university competes in NCAA Division II sports, including football, basketball, and track and field.
- Service and Leadership: Allen emphasizes community service, with students engaged in outreach projects that benefit the Columbia community and beyond.