Top 20 Best Online Colleges in South Carolina

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Continuing our series of best online college by state rankings, we have examined all online colleges in South Carolina and chosen to showcase the top 20 schools, based on the methodology stated below.

South Carolina is a gorgeous state from beautiful beaches, seafood, and tourist resorts to lovely lakes and mountain trails; big cities to rural country homes and farmlands, there really is just about something for everyone in the state.

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While SC and its residents are diverse, so are the options for higher education. There are certainly a large number of colleges to choose from, and fortunately, there are also plenty which offer online options for students who are already leading busy lives but still want to obtain a degree or certificate.

This ranking for online colleges in SC helps inform students as to which schools offer online courses or entire online programs. Whether looking for a private school or public school or are interested in online undergraduate programs or graduate degree programs which can be completed online, this ranking is designed to show the best online schools in South Carolina and how they may be the perfect fit for your needs.

Methodology

Sources used in creating this ranking include:

National Center for Education Statistics
CollegeData
Niche
Individual school websites

Schools in South Carolina were only included if online classes were offered, including individual courses or entire programs. Schools were then organized by a mathematical formula (see example below) by which the numbers for freshman satisfaction and graduation rates were added together. Then, added to these numbers were a numerical equivalent of the academic and overall grades provided by Niche, with A+ being 100, A being 90 and so on in this manner. Because affordability is a huge factor for many students, the (residential) cost of attendance was rounded to the nearest thousand and subtracted from the total of the other numbers to give a final score. It is subtracted so that the less expensive schools would retain more of the value from the previous data which was added together, while higher cost schools would have their scores reduced a bit more.

Example: 72 (percent freshman satisfaction) + 46 (graduation percent) + 60 (B Academic Grade) + 70 (B+ Overall Grade) = 248
248 (total from above) – 32 ($32,420 cost of attendance) = 216 (final score for ranking)

It should be noted that no schools in any of OnlineCollegePlan’s rankings are given preferential treatment, nor have any institutions requested it. Our methodology is fully disclosed so that any one person can arrive at the exact same ranking using the sources, data, criteria, and formula as explained.

We also referred to our ranking of the Top 100 Best Online Colleges, in the creation of this piece.

20. Columbia College

Columbia College, located in the capital of South Carolina, Columbia, is a private women’s liberal arts college which was founded in 1854. The school officially opened in 1859 and is one of our nation’s oldest women’s colleges. The school was spared burning during the American Civil War thanks to the school’s Professor of Music, W.H. Orchard, stood visibly in the doorway of the school to ensure that it was spared. Although the school did close temporarily due to the war. Rich with history and contemporary in academics, Columbia College provides students with an excellent educational experience that leaves them knowledgeable and capable of continuing along their chosen career path.

Columbia College athletics are known as the Koalas and are part of the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) and mainly compete in the Appalachian Athletic Conference. Sports for lady Koalas include softball, basketball, soccer, lacrosse, golf, tennis, volleyball, swimming, cross country, and track and field.

Adult students often desire a bit more flexibility when earning their degree, and Columbia College has recognized this need and offers a variety of programs online. Students can have confidence in the quality of online courses which are from a fully accredited college and taught by distinguished professionals in their field. Currently, degree programs offered online include a B.S. in Fire Science, R.N. to B.S. in Nursing, B.A. in Criminal Justice, B.A. Disaster & Emergency Mgt., M.A. in Criminal Justice, and M.Ed. Athletic Coaching.

Columbia College notable alumni:

Bettye Ackerman – an actress
Lori Allen – American television personality and owner of a bridal boutique
Alicia Leeke – an artist
Ryan O’Malley – an Australian Rules Football Player
Carol Devine Miller – a member of the West Virginia House of Delegates

Another fascinating fact is that the artist that Georgia O’Keeffe taught art at Columbia College for a short period in 1914 and 1915.

If you wish to learn more or would like to connect, please use the following links:

Columbia College’s Website – https://columbiasc.edu/

Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/columbiacollegesc

Twitter – https://twitter.com/ColumbiaKoala

19. Charleston Southern University

Charleston Southern University (CSU) is located in North Charleston along the coastal region of South Carolina. The school was founded as Baptist College in 1964 and is now an independent university which enrolls approximately 3,600 students. CSU is affiliated with South Carolina Baptist Convention and holds as its vision to be a Christian university that is nationally recognized for integrating faith in learning, leading and serving. The institution’s founding principle is found in the Holy Bible in the book of Matthew 28:19-20 Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world.

Charleston Southern University athletics offers both men and women opportunities to become one of the Charleston Southern Buccaneers. Sports offered include baseball, softball, basketball, football, golf, cross country, track and field, volleyball, women’s soccer, and women’s tennis.

Undergraduate degrees offered online through the Charleston Southern University include a Bachelor of Science in Management which has been recognized as “Best Online Program” by US News and World Report. Concentrations in healthcare management, hospitality and tourism, project management and human resource management are available. Also offered online are programs for a Bachelor of Science in Project Management (exclusively online), Bachelor of Science in Human Resource Management, Bachelor of Science in Hospitality and Tourism Management, Bachelor of Science in Healthcare Administration, and a Bachelor of Technology in Computer Systems and Information Sciences.

Graduate students also have several online degrees to choose from, such as a Master of Science in Analytics, Master of Arts in Organizational Leadership, Master of Arts in Christian Studies, Master of Science in Computer Science, Master of Science in Nursing, Master of Science in Management, Master of Science in Project Management (exclusively online), Master of Science in Supply Chain Management, Master of Business Administration, and Master of Science in Criminal Justice.

Students interested in the cost of tuition and fees for Charleston Southern University can check out their tuition page online for more details.

Charleston Southern University notable alumni:

Tim Scott – US Senator
Dr. Sam Gandy – Alzheimer’s researcher at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York
Kelsey Riggs – Sports anchor for WCNC-TV in Charlotte, North Carolina
Charlie Simpkins – Olympic Silver Medalist
Bobby Parnell – Chicago White Sox pitcher
Tyler Thornburg – Milwaukee Brewers pitcher
Chris Singleton – Professional baseball player (Chicago Cubs)
R. J. Swindle – Former MLB pitcher (Philadelphia Phillies & Tampa Bay Rays)
Charles James – NFL player (Buffalo Bills), star of HBO’s Hard Knocks

If you wish to learn more or would like to connect, please use the following links:

CSU’s Website – https://www.csuniv.edu/

Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/charlestonsouthernuniversity

Twitter – https://twitter.com/csuniv

18. Francis Marion University

Florence, South Carolina is home to Francis Marion University. The college was founded in 1970 in response the growing need for a public education institution in the Pee Dee region of South Carolina. The school gets its name from the military officer who served in the Revolutionary War in the South Carolina area and was known as The Swamp Fox due to his reputation for surprise attacks. Francis Marion gained university status in 1992. Today the school enrolls more than 4,000 students.

With a name like Francis Marion University, it is not surprising that athletic teams are known as the Francis Marion Patriots. Francis Marion athletics program is a member of the NCAA Division II Peach Belt Conference. The Patriot women’s soccer team and men’s golf both compete as NCAA Division I independents. Altogether there are 12 intercollegiate sports, half men’s which are baseball, basketball, golf, soccer, tennis, and cross-country and the other half women’s, consisting of softball, basketball, tennis, soccer, volleyball, and cross-country.

There are several online programs available through Francis Marion University. Nursing students looking to expand their knowledge in the field and have already obtained their RN may be eligible for the online RN to BSN Program. An MSN Nurse Educator program is also available entirely online and graduates will qualify to apply for national certification. A Post-Master’s Nurse Educator Certificate is also available for students who have previously obtained an MSN degree or are currently enrolled in the FMU MSN Family Nurse Practitioner option. Students with an MSN and complete this certificate program will qualify to apply for national certification.

Francis Marion also offers an online M. Ed. Instructional Accommodation for students who have previously obtained their bachelor’s degree and is able to be completed in one year. The MBA program offered at FMU includes both online instruction at your own pace and in-person instruction. Also, the Master of Business Administration in Healthcare Executive Management offered is a 30-hour program and can be completed mostly online with students being required to come to campus three Saturdays each semester.

Francis Marion University notable alumni:

Kellie Rasberry – radio host of Kidd Kraddick in the Morning
Ruben L. Freeman ( aka Big Rube) – award-winning radio host of The Big Rube and Sctonda Morning Show
Mark L. Walberg – Television Host (not to be confused with Mark Wahlberg)
Bree Boyce- Miss South Carolina
Tommy Mourounas- Florence County, South Carolina Magistrate
Alan Wilson- Attorney General of South Carolina
Yancey McGill- Lieutenant Governor of South Carolina
Nicholas Santanna – Police Lieutenant and Public Information Officer
Baron R. Davis, Ph.D.- Superintendent Richland School District Two

If you wish to learn more or would like to connect, please use the following links:

Francis Marion University’s Website – https://www.fmarion.edu/

Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/francismarionu/

Twitter – https://twitter.com/FrancisMarionU

17. Southern Wesleyan University

Southern Wesleyan University (SWU) makes its home in the upstate town of Central, South Carolina. The university was founded in 1906 by what is now The Wesleyan Church and was originally known as the Wesleyan Methodist Bible Institute. Shortly after it became Wesleyan Methodist College for the next five decades before becoming Central Wesleyan College. In 1994 the school became Southern Wesleyan University, a name which reflected its academic growth.

Southern Wesleyan University’s athletics are highly competitive and the teams are nicknamed the Warriors, and it seems with good reason. SWU men’s sports include baseball, basketball, soccer, tennis, golf, cross country and track & field. Meanwhile, the SWU women’s sports include softball, basketball, lacrosse soccer, tennis, golf, cross country, track & field, and volleyball. Among these teams, they have won 11 National Christian College Athletic Association (NCCAA) national championship titles in the past 10 years.

SWU serves about 1,900 students and there are more than 800 traditional undergraduates enrolled at the main campus in Central, SC. There are about 35 major areas of study for undergraduates and graduate degrees in business and education available on-campus. The university also offers undergraduate and graduate programs in a non-traditional, evening and online format at regional centers in Central, Greenville, Columbia, Charleston, and North Augusta. Online programs are most popular with working adults who are trying to find a healthy balance between their jobs, family, and education. The online courses at SWU are designed to be both engaging and challenging to students. There are also plenty of e-learning resources available to students taking online courses to help them best succeed in their academic goals.

Undergraduate programs offered online include an A.A. General Studies; B.S. Business Administration with concentrations available in Management, Human Resource Management, and Supply Chain Management; B.S. Early Childhood and Family Studies; and a B.S. Human Services. Southern Wesleyan University’s online graduate programs include a Master of Business Administration, MBA with Health Care Administration Concentration, M.S. Management and Leadership, and M. Ed. Classroom Leadership with concentrations available in Literacy, Learning Disabilities, Gifted and Talented, and Early Childhood Special Education.

Southern Wesleyan University notable alumni:

Dan Seaborn – Marriage counselor & public speaker
Ken Schenck – New Testament Scholar
Lindsey Torgerson – Member of Team USA, silver medalist
Robert Black – A published author
Bailey Littleton – Former baseball star

If you wish to learn more or would like to connect, please use the following links:

SWU’s Website – https://www.swu.edu/

Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/southernwesleyan

Twitter – https://twitter.com/swu_edu

16. Claflin University

Claflin University is a HBCU located in Orangeburg, South Carolina, which is also known as The Garden City. Orangeburg is about midway between the state capital of Columbia and historical Charleston. Claflin is a private, coeducational, liberal arts university and was founded in 1869. The university has been recognized several times for its excellence in academics. In 2014, Washington Monthly had Claflin University ranking as the best liberal arts college in the state. One year later Claflin was ranked as the 8th best HBCU in the nation by U.S. News & World Report. Also, in 2016, OnlineCollegePlan’s Top 20 Best Historically Black Colleges and Universities with Online Programs featured Claflin University ranking at number 17.

The university is a member of the Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference of the NCAA (Division II). Claflin University athletics include men’s basketball, baseball, tennis, and track and field. Women’s sports include basketball, softball, volleyball, tennis, and track and field. The Claflin University athletic mascot is the Panther. Claflin also has an All-Girl cheerleading team.

Claflin University has a variety of majors for undergraduates to choose from as well as several for graduate students who attend traditional classes. However, Claflin understands that sometimes a traditional classroom isn’t an option, so they have developed exemplary academic programs which are available online. Currently, there are four undergraduate programs as well as two graduate programs online. Undergraduates who meet the requirements are able to choose from Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice, Bachelor of Science in Organizational Management, Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, or a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. A Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction and a Master of Business Administration are online options for graduate students at Claflin.

Claflin University notable alumni:

Roger Kenton Williams – educator who taught at psychology departments at North Carolina A&T State University, North Carolina Central University, Morgan State University, and University of Maryland-Eastern Shore.
Arthur Rose Sr. – Chair of Art Department (1952 – 1973) at Claflin University and the Arthur Rose Museum at the university was named in his honor.
Dr. Gloria Rackley Blackwell – civil rights activist and a professor at Clark Atlanta University.
Leo Twiggs – artist and an educator at South Carolina State University. He was the first African American to receive a Doctorate of Arts from the University of Georgia.
Joseph H. Jefferson – member of the South Carolina House of Representatives, representing the 102nd District.
Cynthia V. Anderson – Chief Operations Officer at the U.S. Department of Energy.
E. Roger Mitchell – actor with a long list of credits including Paul on The Walking Dead and Chaff in The Hunger Games: Catching Fire.
Dr. Lola Kelly-Smalls – Research Scientist.
Dr. Leonard Pressley – professor of biology at Claflin University.
Dr. Nathaniel Frederick – professor of communication at Claflin University.
Bryan Andrew Wilson – successful Gospel Artist.
Marvin Phillips – an American professional basketball player who has played for number of teams.
Danny! -recording artist and voice actor.

If you wish to learn more or would like to connect, please use the following links:

Claflin University’s Website – https://www.claflin.edu/

Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/ClaflinUniversity1869

Twitter – https://twitter.com/claflinuniv1869

15. University of South Carolina Upstate

Located in Spartanburg, The University of South Carolina Upstate (USC Upstate) is a public university and is one of the four accredited 4-year schools which are part of the University of South Carolina System. The school was formerly known as the University of South Carolina Spartanburg but changed names in summer of 2004 to more accurately reflect the region and student body that it serves. Currently, there are approximately 6,000 students enrolled at USC Upstate.

University of South Carolina Upstate athletics use the colors of green, white, and black rather than the university colors of garnet and black. There are 13 collegiate teams, the Spartans, which compete in the Atlantic Sun Conference and Division I of the NCAA. There are men’s and women’s teams for basketball, soccer, tennis, and golf. Men’s teams also include baseball and women’s teams include softball and volleyball. Track & field and cross country teams have participants from both genders.

USC Upstate is constantly growing and so is their course offerings for distance learning including online and hybrid programs. Courses which are taken from USC Upstate, regardless of location, are of high quality and meet the same standards as courses taken on campus. Hybrid programs strive to combine the convenience of online, asynchronous learning with synchronous instruction and classroom experience. Most programs offered online are in association with USC/Palmetto College.

Fully online programs at USC Upstate include an RN to BSN which is a two-year degree completion program for RNs who are already hold an ACEN (NLN) accredited degree or diploma in nursing. Students are also offered options for a B.S. in Criminal Justice, B.A. in Information Management and Systems, or a B.A. in Health Informatics.

Meanwhile, Hybrid programs offered by USC Upstate have more than 70 percent of course credits are available online while the other 30 percent are available at the Greenville or Spartanburg campuses. Undergraduate program options include a B.A. in Engineering Technology Management (Evening/Hybrid Program), B.A. or B.S. in Interdisciplinary Studies (Day and Evening Programs), and a B.S. in Business Administration (Day and Evening Program). Graduate programs available are an M.S. in Informatics (Evening/Online Hybrid Program) and an M.S. in Nursing, Clinical Nurse Leader (Online/Clinical Hybrid Program).

University of South Carolina Upstate notable alumni:

Todd Kohlhepp – Convicted serial killer
Wilson Casey – Author, columnist, political humorist, entertainer, speaker, and record holder
Troy Simon – Antiguan and Barbudan footballer (soccer player)
Almir Barbosa – Cape Verdean footballer (soccer player)
Anna Brown – Democratic politician
Steven Long – Republican politician and member of the S.C. House of Representatives
Tim S. Nicholls – Businessman and Senior Vice President of Industrial Packaging the Americas at International Paper Company

If you wish to learn more or would like to connect, please use the following links:

USC Upstate’s Website – https://www.uscupstate.edu/

Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/uscupstate/

Twitter – https://twitter.com/USCUpstate

14. Lander University

Located in Greenwood in the upstate of South Carolina, you can find the public institution of Lander University. The school was founded by a Methodist clergyman named Samuel Lander in 1872 and was originally a private institution named Williamston Female College and was located in Williamston. In 1904, the school was renamed Lander College in honor of its founder and first President who passed away that year. Over the years, starting in 1943, the school has become a co-educational institution. In 1951 the school became the only 4-year liberal arts college in the United STates to be controlled and financed by a county government. In addition, it is the state’s second-smallest publicly funded baccalaureate institution. Lander College officially became Lander University in 1992. Today, Lander University enrollment is around 3,000 students.

Lander University athletics include a variety of sports such as men’s and women’s basketball, soccer and tennis; men’s baseball and golf; and women’s softball, cross country, and volleyball. The Lander Bearcats have received many honors at district and national levels including 12 national championships in men’s tennis. In addition, there are several club sports at Lander University including equestrian, ultimate disc, rugby, lacrosse and soccer teams, and bass-fishing.

In addition to excellent on-campus educational options, Lander University offers students online learning opportunities as well. Students have the option of choosing individual courses which may be taken online, which can be found in the courses section of the website or participating in an online program. Currently, there are only two programs, one of which is a RN-BSN, Bachelor of Science in Nursing for Registered Nurses. The other is a certificate program, HCMT, Health Care Management Certificate Program.

Notable Lander University alumni:

Adam Arthur – English footballer (soccer player) who plays for West Virginia Chaos
Mike Pitts – Republican politician and member of SC House of Representatives
Leon Lott – Democratic politician and Sheriff of Richland County
Dennis Kelly – Republican politician
Rick Campbell – Republican politician

If you wish to learn more or would like to connect, please use the following links:

Lander University’s Website – https://www.lander.edu/

Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/followlander

Twitter – https://twitter.com/follow_lander

13. Coastal Carolina University

Coastal Carolina University (CCU) is a public university located in Conway, South Carolina in the Coastal Plain region of the state near Myrtle Beach. Coastal was founded in 1954 and became an independent university in 1993. As a national sea-grant institution, the university owns part of Waties Island, a barrier island, which serves as a natural laboratory. The campus in Conway also the home of the Horry County Schools Scholars Academy, which is a high school for gifted students.

Coastal Carolina University athletics compete in NCAA Division I in the Sun Belt Conference as of 2016. Coastal Carolina University’s football team joined the Sun Belt Conference in 2017 and has transitioned to FBS-level football, as they were formerly a member of the Big South Conference and competed in the NCAA Football Championship Subdivision. As a result of this transition, the Brooks Stadium will be expanding the 9,214-seat stadium in order to seat 20,000 in order to meet FBS program requirements. While once known as the Trojans, CCU changed their mascot during a time when they were affiliated with USC and chose the Chanticleer to be more in line with the Gamecock mascot of USC. After becoming an independent university, the university kept the Chanticleer as their mascot. Coastal Carolina University’s baseball team won their first NCAA national title in 2016 only a few hours prior to officially joining the Sun Belt Conference.

Coastal Carolina University strives for excellence in academics and currently serves more than 10,000 students. While students are able to choose from a vast array of majors on campus, students or adult students who are unable to take traditional courses also can find online options available to them through CCU. Individual courses may be found in these areas of study: Arts and Humanities, Business, Education, Interdisciplinary Studies, Library Studies, and Math and Science. Students are able to use the webadvisor section of CCU’s website in order to find out more about enrollment and section availability. Undergraduate degree programs offered include a B.S. in Health Administration, B.S. or B.A. in Hospitality, Resort & Tourism Management, B.S. or B.A. in Marketing, and a certificate in Geospatial Technologies. Online graduate programs offered at Coastal include a Master of Business Administration (MBA), Master of Science Information Systems Technology, Educational Specialist (Ed.S.) in Instructional Technology, Master of Education (M.Ed.) in Learning and Teaching – Instructional Technology concentration, Master of Education (M.Ed.) in Learning and Teaching – Literacy concentration, and a Master of Education in Special Education. Certificate programs for Business Foundations, ESOL, and Online Teaching & Training are also available for online students.

Coastal Carolina University notable alumni:

Andrew Beckwith – Most Outstanding Player of the 2016 College World Series, won by the Chanticleers
Brandon Brown – NASCAR Camping World Truck Series Driver/NASCAR Rising Star
Amber Campbell – Hammer thrower, competed in 2 World Championships, as well as 2008, 2012, & 2016 Summer Olympic Games
Tony Dunkin – The only NCAA Division I men’s basketball player recognized as the conference player of the year for each of his 4 years
Tom Gillis – PGA Tour professional
Gary Gilmore – CCU Head Baseball Coach, 2016 National Coach of the Year, also played collegiate baseball at CCU
Brad Goldberg – Major league baseball pitcher
Matt Hazel – NFL Wide Receiver for the Washington Redskins
De’Angelo Henderson – NFL Running Back for the Denver Broncos
Dustin Johnson – 12 Time PGA Tour winner, member of the winning USA Ryder Cup Team years 2010, 2012, & 2016, Presidents Cup Team the years of 2011 & 2015 and the 2016 U.S. Open Champion. Other honors include being 2016 PGA Player of the year, leading money winner & Harry Vardon Trophy winner.
Tommy La Stella – Chicago Cubs infielder
Jacob May – MLB outfielder for the Chicago White Sox.
Joseph Ngwenya – Former MLS forward, drafted 3rd overall in the 2004 MLS SuperDraft
Josh Norman – Pro-Bowl NFL Cornerback, Carolina Panthers and Washington Redskins
Lorenzo Taliaferro – Running back, Baltimore Ravens
Quinton Teal – Defensive back, San Diego Chargers
Mike Tolbert – Pro-Bowl NFL Fullback, Carolina Panthers
Bailey Hanks – Actress and winner of MTV’s Legally Blonde – The Musical: The Search for
Elle Woods
Diamond Dallas Page – Former WWE and WCW professional wrestler. 2017 WWE Hall of Fame Inductee
Michael Kelly – Emmy nominated actor, featured in House of Cards, Invincible (2006), Changeling (2008), The Adjustment Bureau (2011), Man of Steel (2013), and Everest (2015)
Edwin McCain – Singer-songwriter and musician
Chad Mureta – Entrepreneur, author, and mobile app developer
Elise Testone – Contestant on American Idol Season 11
Brooke Weisbrod – ESPN broadcaster
Mary Edwards – News Producer
And many more

If you wish to learn more or would like to connect, please use the following links:

CCU’s Website – https://www.coastal.edu/

Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/CoastalCarolinaUniversity

Twitter – https://twitter.com/CCUchanticleers

12. University of South Carolina Aiken

USC Aiken - online colleges in sc — Image courtesy of Boston Public Library.

Aiken, South Carolina is in the Midlands region of the state and is not far from the Savannah River and Georgia border near Augusta. Aiken is named for the president of the South Carolina railroad, William Aiken. The University of South Carolina Aiken has made the town of Aiken it’s home since 1961 when it was founded and resided in a historic mansion downtown. It moved to the current location in 1972 and has continued to grow and strive for excellence in academics. Today the school serves more than 3,000 students. Students who are interested in the current tuition and fees are able to check their website page for more information or contact the school directly.

USC Aiken athletic teams are known as the Pacers or USC Aiken Pacers and compete as NCAA Division II in the Peach Belt Conference. Men’s teams in baseball, basketball, soccer, tennis, and golf proudly represent the university. Also, women’s teams in softball, basketball, soccer, tennis, cross country, and volleyball also proudly compete as Pacers. The athletic department also heads the cheerleading team and an award-winning dance team.

Online Degree Completion Programs are an excellent way for students to complete a degree if they have some previous college credit. Palmetto College is a collaborative online upper-level degree completion program which utilizes the resources of the USC system’s 4 regional and 4 senior campuses. Courses are taught by the same professors who teach at these campuses statewide, so students get the same quality USC education online as on-campus. Online programs which are offered At University of South Carolina Aiken through Palmetto College include a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, Accounting; Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, Management; and a Bachelor of Arts in Special Education.

Through the Office of External Programs, Continuing Education, and Conferences, students are able to find Online Learning options such as Equestrian Online Classes; Non-Credit Online Classes; Career Training Courses in areas such as Healthcare and Fitness, Business and Professional, IT and Software Development, Management and Corporate, Media and Design; or Legal Studies Courses in which successful graduates of the program receive a Certificate of Completion.

University of South Carolina Aiken Notable Alumni:

Adam Riggs – former Major League Baseball player
Roberto Hernandez – former Major League Baseball player for 16 years and two-time All-Star

If you wish to learn more or would like to connect, please use the following links:

USCA’s Website – https://www.usca.edu/

Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/uscaiken

Twitter – https://twitter.com/uscaiken

11. Anderson University

Anderson University is located in both the town and county of Anderson in Upstate South Carolina. Founded as a women’s college in 1911, the private, Christian school has provided more than a century of excellence in higher education for its students. The university is affiliated with the South Carolina Baptist Convention and was originally known as Anderson College. In 2006, the institution changed its name to Anderson University and is not affiliated with the school of the same name in Indiana. Currently, the school serves more than 3,000 students.

Anderson University competes in NCAA Division II athletics. The mascot and athletic nickname are the Trojans and they are now a member of the South Atlantic Conference. Men’s sports include baseball, basketball, soccer, tennis, golf, cross country, and track & field. Women’s sports at Anderson University include softball, volleyball, basketball, soccer, tennis, golf, cross country, and track & field.

Online Programs through Anderson University come in a variety of majors. Currently there are undergraduate programs for Business Administration, Business Administration – Applied Computing, Business Administration – Healthcare Management, Christian Studies, Criminal Justice, Criminal Justice – Homeland Security/Emergency Preparedness, Criminal Justice – Law Enforcement, Emergency Services Management, Emergency Services Management – Homeland Security Operations and Administration, Emergency Services Management – Whole Community, Human Services, Human Services – Behavioral Science, Liberal Studies, Organizational Leadership, Organizational Leadership – Human Resource Administration, and an RN to BSN.

Online graduate degree programs at Anderson University include a
Master of Business Administration, Master of Business Administration – Healthcare Leadership, Master of Business Administration – Human Resources, Master of Business Administration – Marketing, Master of Business Administration – Supply Chain Management, Master of Education, Master of Music in Music Education, Master of Ministry, and Doctor of Ministry.

Students who are interested in online programs can check out the Anderson University tuition and fees page for AUOnline or contact the school directly.

Anderson University notable alumni:

Thomas C. Alexander – member of the S.C. Senate, Chairman of the Senate General Committee
Timothy M. Cain – District Judge on the United States District Court for the District of South Carolina
Sue Monk Kidd – New York Times Bestselling author of The Secret Life of Bees, The Mermaid Chair, and The Invention of Wings
James Lee Barrett – Tony Award-winning writer
Adam Minarovich – film director and actor
James Michael Tyler – actor
A.J. Styles – TNA and WWE wrestling superstar
Emily Atkinson – Hip-Hop dancer
Leigh Cappillino – singer in the contemporary Christian music group Point of Grace
Trey Britton – professional basketball player
Rob Stanifer – former MLB player for the Florida Marlins, Boston Red Sox, and the Hiroshima Toyo Carp
Erskine Thomason – former MLB player for the Philadelphia Phillies

If you wish to learn more or would like to connect, please use the following links:

Anderson University’s Website – https://www.andersonuniversity.edu/

Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/AndersonUniversitySC

Twitter – https://twitter.com/andersonunivsc

10. Coker College

Coker College is a private, 4-year liberal arts college that makes its home in Hartsville, South Carolina. Hartsville is located northeast of Columbia and is within two hours of it, Charlotte, Charleston, and Myrtle Beach. The school was founded in 1908 and offers students a 4-year experience that not only includes excellent academic knowledge but also hands-on and discussion-based learning in and out of the classroom. The student body of about 1,200 students creates a close-knit family-like community on campus.

Coker College athletic teams compete in NCAA Division II and in the South Atlantic Conference. There are a total of 19 varsity athletics programs which include basketball, baseball, softball, volleyball, men’s lacrosse, women’s lacrosse, tennis, golf, soccer, cross country, and cheerleading. A 22-acre athletic complex adjacent to the main campus with facilities for baseball, softball, soccer, and tennis.

Coker College recognizes that in today’s world education is essential and strives to make programs accessible to students who have the drive to get their degree, but also have a hectic schedule or other reasons which may prevent them from attending traditional classes. Undergraduate programs online are available in majors such as Criminology, Business Management, and Psychology. Coker also offers graduate programs online including a Master of Education in Curriculum & Instructional Technology, Master of Science in Management & Leadership, Master of Science in Athletic Administration, and a Master of Science in Applied Criminology.

Coker College notable alumni:

Bonnie Ethel Cone – founder of UNC at Charlotte
Terrance Hayes – poet
Patrick Earl Hammie – artist
Marian McKnight – Miss America 1957

If you wish to learn more or would like to connect, please use the following links:

Coker College’s Website – https://coker.edu/

Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/cokercollege

Twitter – https://twitter.com/cokercollege

9. Converse College

Converse College is located in Spartanburg, South Carolina in the upstate. The school opened it’s doors to students in 1889 and offers to provide women with a distinctive undergraduate liberal arts educational experience. Graduate school at Converse is co-ed and maintains the same high level of quality. Currently, the school enrolls more than 1,300 students and has an uncommonly low student-faculty ratio of 12:1.

Athletic teams participate as a member of the NCAA Division II and the Conference Carolinas. Coker College teams are known as The Valkyries and only women’s sports are available and include acrobatics and tumbling, basketball, field hockey, lacrosse, soccer, softball, golf, tennis, swimming, volleyball, equestrian, cross country, and track & field.

Converse College, being an innovative institution, provides students with online options for courses or programs. Care is taken that online courses contain the same information and that students acquire the same education and support while taking an online class as their peers taking traditional courses. Converse uses the Moodle delivery platform for their online classes. Online courses are offered during summer sessions and other select courses are offered year-round. Converse offers some graduate programs are online, including Education Specialist (EdS), Literacy; Master of Education (MEd), Advanced Studies; Master of Education (MEd), Art Education; Master of Education (MEd), Gifted Education.

Converse College Notable Alumni:

Kimilee Bryant – Miss South Carolina 1989 & Broadway actress
Ellen Bryant Voigt – American poet
Julia Peterkin – American author
Phyllis Harris – senior vice president and general counsel of legal administration for Walmart Stores.
Kathleen Parker – columnist for the Washington Post

If you wish to learn more or would like to connect, please use the following links:

Converse College’s Website – https://www.converse.edu/

Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/ConverseCollege

8. North Greenville University

Located in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Tigerville, South Carolina is the home of North Greenville University (NGU). The university was founded in 1892 as North Greenville High School, but over the course of time this Christian university has grown and changed names as it evolved into the 4-year institute it is today.

North Greenville University athletics include 19 sports. The Crusaders teams, with the exception of football, compete as NCAA Division II, NCCAA (National Christian College Athletic Association) and Conference Carolinas, football is Gulf South Conference. These sports include men’s football, men’s baseball, women’s softball, also both men’s and women’s teams for basketball, golf, soccer, tennis, lacrosse, volleyball, cross country, and track & field. The athletics program also includes cheerleading.

The academic programs at NGU include a wide variety of popular majors for undergraduate students. There are also graduate programs available for select master’s degrees and the university offers two doctoral programs as well. North Greenville University offers an online program for adult students ages 22+ who want to take undergraduate-level classes online. Degree majors available online are Business and Leadership, Criminal Justice, Elementary Educational Studies, Psychology-Applied, General Studies, Christian Ministries. Educational programs, both online and traditional, which are offered at NGU have been recognized for their excellence in educational standards by both online publications and rankings. Students who are interested are able to check out the North Greenville University tuition and fees page on the website or contact the school for more information regarding costs.

North Greenville University notable alumni:

Dr. Thomas Haggai – Chairman & CEO of IGA Global
Dr. Mac Brunson – Senior Pastor at Jacksonville First Baptist Church
Freddie Martino – NFL player
John Michael McConnell – former US Director of National Intelligence
Steven Furtick – founder and Lead Pastor of Elevation Church, Charlotte, NC
Chris Sligh – songwriter, recording artist, & American Idol finalist (season 6)
Joshua Putnam – youngest representative in the SC legislature
Mikey Carvajal – founder/lead singer of Islander (Victory Records)

If you wish to learn more or would like to connect, please use the following links:

NGU’s Website – https://www.ngu.edu/

Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/ngucrusaders/

7. Winthrop University

Winthrop University is located in a historic district of Rock Hill, South Carolina which is very close to the Northern border of the state and is only around 30 miles from Charlotte, N.C. The school, however, was founded in 1886 and was located in Columbia, South Carolina, but moved to Rock Hill in 1985. Winthrop University was originally an all women’s school but became fully coeducational in 1974. Today, Winthrop serves more than 6,000 students.

Winthrop University athletic teams are known as the Winthrop Eagles and they compete as NCAA Division I and the school is a charter member of the Big South Conference. The intercollegiate teams include men’s baseball, women’s softball, volleyball, lacrosse, and spirit squad. There are both men’s and women’s teams for basketball, golf, soccer, tennis, track, and cross country. Many of the teams have experienced success in recent years and a number of Big South Conference championships have been claimed by Winthrop University Eagles.

Winthrop University offers a variety of online courses each semester with over a hundred to choose from in the Spring 2018 semester. Courses range in subjects from Computer Science, Business Administration, Anthropology, Accounting, Human Nutrition, Education, Management, Psychology, Sociology, Reading, to Music to name a few. Students who take online classes enjoy the same enriching and challenging courses as students who participate in the same on-campus courses. There are also hybrid courses available through Winthrop University for students who find that the best of both worlds is their preference.

Winthrop University notable alumni:

Cathy Smith Bowers – poet and professor; North Carolina Poet Laureate, 2010–2012
Leigh Chapman – screenwriter, television writer, & actress
Kate Vixon Wofford – first woman to hold elected office in South Carolina
Mary Gordon Ellis – first female elected to the South Carolina legislature
Anne King Gregorie – historian and the first woman to be granted a doctorate in History by the USC
Chip Huggins – member of South Carolina House of Representatives
Dr. Mary Gaulden Jagger – founding members of the National Organization for Women
Andie MacDowell – Golden Globe nominated actress
Linda H. Short – former South Carolina State Senator
Kevin Slowey – MLB player with the Philadelphia Phillies
Craig Bradshaw – professional basketball player for the Brisbane Bullets
Otto Loewy – professional soccer player with MLS’s New England Revolution
Henry Kalungi – professional soccer player with USL’s Richmond Kickers
Stephen Nsereko – professional soccer player with USL’s Richmond Kickers

If you wish to learn more or would like to connect, please use the following links:

Winthrop University’s Website – https://www.winthrop.edu/

Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/Winthrop.University

Twitter – https://twitter.com/winthropu

6. Columbia International University

The state capital Columbia, South Carolina is home to Columbia International University (CIU) which is located along the Broad River. The school was founded in 1923 as Columbia Bible School and has grown to become a private Christian university serving more than 1,200 students. The school motto is “To Know Him and to Make Him Known”. Students attending CIU are prepared not only for ministry and missionary but also other professional careers. Prospective students interested in Columbia International University tuition and fees can check out the CIU website or contact the school directly for more information.

Columbia International University athletics include a variety of sports for students and are a member of NCCAA Division I. The athletic teams are known as the Rams. Men’s sports include basketball, soccer, golf, cross country, and track & field. Women of CIU can choose from basketball, soccer, softball, cross country, and track & field. A women’s volleyball team is to be added soon.

CIU offers students a variety of 19 majors to choose from as well as undergraduate degrees majored in Bible. The most popular undergraduate programs among CIU students are Psychology, Teacher Education, Intercultural Studies, Business & Organizational Leadership, and Youth Ministry, Family, & Culture. Online undergraduate programs offered by Columbia International University include an Associate of Arts in Business and a Bachelor of Science in Business. Graduate programs offered online include a Master of Business Administration, Master of Arts in Bible Exposition, Master of Arts in Intercultural Studies, Master of Arts in Muslim Studies, Master of Arts in Theological Studies, Master of Education with concentration in either Instruction & Learning or Educational Administration, and Master of Divinity concentrations include Ministry Studies, Bible Exposition, Muslim Studies, and Global Studies.

Columbia International University notable alumni:

Laura Story – contemporary Christian music singer-songwriter
Nabeel Jabbour – author, lecturer, and expert on Muslim culture
Doris Bartholomew – American linguist and researcher
Chet Bitterman – American linguist and Christian missionary who was kidnapped for months and later killed by revolutionaries in Colombia in 1981
Joy Ridderhof – missionary and founder of Gospel Recordings, now Global Recordings Network
Phillip Yancey – American Christian author
P. T. Chandapilla – Vicar General of St. Thomas Evangelical Church of India

If you wish to learn more or would like to connect, please use the following links:

CIU’s Website – https://www.ciu.edu/

Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/columbiainternationaluniversity

Twitter – https://twitter.com/discoverciu

5. The Citadel, The Military College of South Carolina

The Citadel is located along the coast in one of South Carolina’s most famous and historic cities, Charleston. The Citadel can trace its origins back to a series of arsenals in the 1820’s. However, it wasn’t until 1842 that the South Carolina Military Academy was founded and also included the Arsenal Academy in Columbia. During the American Civil War, General Sherman burned the Arsenal Academy and it was never rebuilt. Union troops occupied the Citadel Academy in 1865, but the school was reopened in 1882. The Citadel relocated in 1922 from its original home on Marion Square in downtown Charleston to a new campus along the Ashley River in the northwestern part of the city. As time progresses, so does the school in areas of enrollment, curriculum, and technologies. The Citadel is consistently ranked the highest in its division and region for public schools as well as third among all schools in the same division and region by U.S. News & World Report.

The Citadel allows all students, both cadets and civilians, to compete on their sports teams. The Citadel mascot is the Bulldog and they compete in NCAA Division I and are a member of the Southern Conference. Men’s sports include football, basketball, baseball, tennis, golf, wrestling, rifle, cross country, and indoor and outdoor track. Women’s sports include soccer, volleyball, golf, rifle, cross country, and indoor and outdoor track. There are also many sports clubs to choose from including rugby, lacrosse, pistol, sailing, crew, and others.

The Citadel is comprised of five academic schools in order to serve its 3,500 students. These schools include Tommy & Victoria Baker School of Business, Zucker Family School of Education, School of Science and Mathematics, School of Humanities and Social Sciences, and School of Engineering. Also, there is the Citadel Graduate College, which hosts many of the online programs offered at the school. Online options for students include, but are not limited to Master of Business Administration, Master of Education in Interdisciplinary STEM Education, Master of Arts in Social Science, and Master of Science in Leadership. Two undergraduate programs are also available online, they are degree completion programs for a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration and a Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice. The Citadel’s reputation for excellence in academic programs extends to their online programs and students who participate should expect the same rigorous and stimulating education as those who attend classes on campus.

The Citadel Notable Alumni include a large number of people, including politicians and state officials, several CEOs, famous sports figures, bestselling authors, many members of the military, and others.

If you wish to learn more or would like to connect, please use the following links:

The Citadel’s Website – https://www.citadel.edu/root/

Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/TheCitadel

Twitter – https://twitter.com/citadel1842

4. College of Charleston

Located downtown in the historic, coastal city of Charleston, the College of Charleston which is sometimes referred to as The College or Charleston or more frequently, CofC, stands as the oldest college in the state of South Carolina and is the 13th oldest institution in the nation. The institution was founded in 1770, older than the country itself, and was chartered in 1785. Founders of the college included three future signers of the Declaration of Independence as well as three future signers of the United States Constitution. These men were Edward Rutledge, Arthur Middleton, Thomas Heyward, John Rutledge, Charles Pinckney and Charles Cotesworth Pinckney. Although the college began as a small private institution, today it is a public sea-grant and space-grant university which serves nearly 12,000 students. Students who are interested in applying can check out the College of Charleston tuition and fees page of their website to find current information on the cost of attendance.

The College of Charleston’s athletic department has 19 varsity sports teams which participate in NCAA Division I, Colonial Athletic Association. The teams are the Cougars and Clyde the Cougar is the school’s mascot. Men’s sports include baseball, basketball, cross country, golf, soccer, and tennis. Women’s teams include basketball, cross country, equestrian, golf, sailing, sand volleyball, volleyball, soccer, softball, tennis, and track and field. Coed athletic teams of CofC include Cheerleading, Dance Team, and Sailing.

College of Charleston currently offers more than 70 individual online courses in popular areas of study. Courses are also offered through ed2go which grant students a College of Charleston certificate and 2.4 CEUs. Areas of study with online courses include, but are not limited to, Accounting and Finance, Business, Computer Applications, Healthcare and Medical, Language and Arts, Law and Legal, Teaching and Education, and Technology. Courses are designed so that students are able to get the same

College of Charleston Notable Alumni:

Robert Mills – considered by many to be the first American-born architect; he designed the Washington Monument, Department of Treasury building, and the U.S. Patent Office building.
John Charles Fremont – explorer and “Great Pathfinder”; first Republican nominee for president; Union General during the Civil War; former Arizona governor
Ludwig Lewisohn – novelist, translator, and literary and drama critic; one of the founding professors of Brandeis University
Burnet R. Maybank – mayor of Charleston, SC governor, member of US legislature
Frank Blair – early cast member of NBC’s The Today Show, newsman and anchor
George Rogers – award-winning writer; one of the preeminent historians of South Carolina.
James Edwards – governor of South Carolina; secretary of energy under President Reagan; president of the Medical University of South Carolina.
Arthur Ravenel – served as both a member of the House of Representatives and the Senate during his political career.
Glenn McConnell – Republican politician, the president pro tempore of the South Carolina Senate; SC’s lieutenant governor; current president of College of Charleston.
Padgett Powell – award-winning writer and novelist
Anthony Johnson – professional basketball player
Brett Gardner – MLB baseball player
Orlando Jones – American comedian and actor
Allison Munn – American actress

If you wish to learn more or would like to connect, please use the following links:

COFC’s Website – https://www.cofc.edu/

Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/collegeofcharleston

Twitter – https://twitter.com/cofc

3. Bob Jones University

Located in one of the upstate’s larger cities, Greenville, South Carolina, Bob Jones University achieves excellence in Christian higher education. Bob Jones University was originally founded in Bay County, Florida in 1927. The school had fallen upon hard times after surviving the Great Depression and ended up leaving its Florida campus in favor of Cleveland, Tennessee where the school would be able to be accessible to financially strapped students. It wasn’t long before the school outgrew its home at the Tennessee campus and by 1946 plans were made to move the college to Greenville, South Carolina. The following year, university status was attained and the brand new campus in Greenville opened its doors to welcome 2,500 students. Times, of course, have changed and the school has grown and now has approximately 2,800 students, but the devotion to the Lord and His Word is a mainstay for Bob Jones University.

Bob Jones University athletic teams are collectively known as the Bruins and compete in Division II of the NCCAA. The university’s athletic program is expected to share the same standards of excellence and integrity which are shared in the spiritual and academic activities. There are both men’s and women’s teams for basketball, cross country, golf, shooting sports, soccer, and track. There is also a women’s volleyball team.

Academics at Bob Jones University cover many different majors with over 50 programs of study for undergraduates. While there are programs such as Christian Ministries, Biblical Counseling, and Church Music, the school also offers excellent programs in areas such as Business, Actuarial Science, Nursing, Education, Culinary Arts and Sports Management. When it comes to online courses, the number may not be as vast, but there are 17 different undergraduate programs in some of the most popular areas of study, such as Business Administration, Psychology, and Accounting. There are also 5 graduate programs available online which include an MA in Biblical Studies, MA in Biblical Counseling, MEd in Teaching and Learning, MS in Educational Leadership, and a Master of Music Education. There are also online programs for high school students to receive dual credit and get a jump-start on their college education while completing their junior and senior years of high school.

Bob Jones University Notable Alumni:

Ken Hay – founder of The Wilds Christian camps
Ron “Patch” Hamilton – composer and president of Majesty Music
Billy Kim – former president of Baptist World Alliance
Moisés Silva – president of the Evangelical Theological Society
Ernest T. Campbell – the third pastor of Riverside Church
Les Ollila – the former president of Northland Baptist Bible College
Ernest Pickering – late president of Baptist Bible College
Richard Stratton – former president of Clearwater Christian College
William Franklin “Billy” Graham Jr. KBE – Christian evangelist, ordained as a Southern Baptist minister, author
Asa Hutchinson – governor of Arkansas; former member of U.S. Congress
Tim Hutchinson – served in the US Senate
Alan Cropsey – Michigan state senator
Gordon Denlinger – Pennsylvania state representative
Mark M. Gillen – Pennsylvania state representative
Wendy Nanney – member of the South Carolina House of Representatives
Danny Verdin – South Carolina state senator Danny Verdin

If you wish to learn more or would like to connect, please use the following links:

BJU’s Website – https://www.bju.edu/

Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/BobJonesUniversity/

Twitter – https://twitter.com/bjuedu

2. University of South Carolina

Located in the state capital of Columbia, The University of South Carolina ranking highly is no surprise given that the University of South Carolina System is known for its excellence and commitment to quality in higher education, and this is the flagship institution. The University was founded in 1801 as South Carolina College in an effort to promote harmony between the Lowcountry and the Backcountry. The University has a long, yet fascinating history and the Horseshoe, which has several original buildings which survived over the years, is listed in the National Register of Historic Places. Commonly referred to as USC, the school is home to more than 34,000 students at the Columbia campus. Prospective students who are interested can check out the University of South Carolina tuition page online for more information on the cost of attendance.

The University of South Carolina athletics offers 19 varsity sports teams which compete in the NCAA Division I Southeastern Conference. Two exceptions being men’s soccer, which competes in Conference USA and the other is women’s sand volleyball competing as an independent. USC athletic teams are known as the Gamecocks, with Cocky as their mascot. The University of South Carolina football team has a huge following across the state among students, parents, and avid college football fans. The University of South Carolina basketball team for women won the NCAA Championship in 2017. USC’s baseball team won in 2010 & 2011, and in 2002 the NCAA Championship in women’s outdoor track & field went to the USC team. There have been 3 national team championships won by the university in women’s equestrian in 2005, 2007, and 2015. Meanwhile, in 2005, 2006, and 2007, USC won the Hunt Seat National Championships in women’s equestrian.

USC online undergraduate degree completion programs offered through the Palmetto College include a variety of areas of study. Altogether there are 14 bachelor degree programs to choose from. Popular areas of study include Business Administration, Criminal Justice, Elementary Education, Special Education, Health Informatics, Information Management and Systems, RN – BSN, and Organizational Leadership. University of South Carolina online masters programs include Master of Education in Teaching, Master of Health Information Technology, Master of Public Health, Master of Education in Educational Administration, and MSN in Nursing Administration with a focus in Organizational Leadership.

University of South Carolina notable alumni:

Lindsey Graham – Republican politician, member of the United States Senate
Andrew Card – former White House Chief of Staff
David Muldrow Beasley – former SC Governor; Republican politician; Executive Director of the U.N. World Food Programme
Darla Dee Moore – partner of the private investment firm Rainwater, Inc
Darius Rucker – American singer-songwriter; Lead vocals Hootie and the Blowfish
Ainsley Earhardt – television personality
Rita Cosby – News anchor
Leeza Gibbons – American talk show host & entertainer
Lauren Michelle Hill – American model & actress
Lilian Garcia – American-Spanish announcer best known for WWE
Sterling Sharpe – former American football wide receiver; analyst for the NFL Network
George Washington Rogers – former NFL running back
Alex English – American basketball player
Mookie Wilson – former MLB player and coach
and many more

If you wish to learn more or would like to connect, please use the following links:

USC’s Website – https://www.sc.edu/

Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/uofsc

Twitter – https://twitter.com/uofsc

1. Clemson University

School Profile

Clemson University is located in the town of Clemson in the upstate region of South Carolina which is very close to both North Carolina and Georgia borders and approximately halfway between Charlotte, NC and Atlanta, GA. Clemson University is named after Thomas Green Clemson who left his home and fortune to the state of South Carolina in order to establish a college bearing his name. In 1889, the governor, John Peter Richardson, signed the document which accepted Clemson’s gift and established Clemson Agricultural College which opened the following year with 446 students. Over the course of time, the school has grown and became a university in 1964.

Clemson University athletics cover many different sports and they compete as a member of the NCAA Division I level FBS (football) and in the Atlantic Coast Conference. Men’s sports include baseball, basketball, golf, soccer, tennis, football, cross country, and track & field. Women’s sports include basketball, golf, soccer, rowing, diving, tennis, volleyball, cross country, and track & field. Prominent athletic facilities of Clemson include Memorial Stadium, known as Death Valley, Littlejohn Coliseum, Doug Kingsmore Stadium, Historic Riggs Field, and Fike Recreation Center.

Clemson University football is a beloved sport by college students, parents, locals, and football enthusiasts. In January 2017 the school made national headlines when the Clemson Tigers football team won the NCAA National Football Championship for the second time, the first time being in 1981. Clemson University men’s soccer team has also won two national championships in 1984 and 1987, and the men’s golf team won the national championship in 2003.

Academics at Clemson University are not only of excellent quality but also there is a wide variety of majors for students. There are more than a hundred programs for graduates and undergraduates in areas of study, such as Business Administration, Computer Science, Elementary Education, Chemical Engineering, Marketing, Nursing, and many others. Clemson Online offers one undergraduate program for a B.S. in Youth Development Studies. Clemson University graduate programs online include a M.A. in Public Administration; M.S. Non Thesis in Wildlife and Fisheries Biology; M. Ed. in Teaching and Learning; M.S. in Athletic Leadership; M. Eng. in Industrial Engineering; Master of Construction Science Management; M.S. in Biological Sciences; Master of Human Resource Development; M.S. in Youth Development Leadership; and a M.S. in Parks, Recreation, & Tourism Management. There are also three Clemson Online doctoral programs: Healthcare Genetics; Parks, Recreation, & Tourism Management – Recreational Therapy; and Rhetorics, Communication, and Information Design.

Clemson University Notable Alumni:

Phillip Sandifer – writer, recording artist
Dave Dondero – American singer, songwriter & guitarist
Lucas Glover – PGA Tour golfer & champion of the 2009 U.S. Open
Oguchi Onyewu – retired professional soccer player
Stuart Holden – professional soccer player; played for the USA team in the 2010 FIFA World Cup
Brianna Rollins – track and field athlete & gold medalist 2016 Summer Olympics
William “Refrigerator” Perry – former NFL defensive lineman, three-time NCAA All-American (1982–1984), also known for the 1985 hit “Super Bowl Shuffle” when playing for the Chicago Bears
DeAndre Hopkins – football player, Houston Texans wide receiver
C. J. Spiller – football player, 9th overall pick in the 2010 NFL Draft
Sammy Watkins – football player, Los Angeles Rams wide receiver and 4th overall pick in the 2014 NFL Draft
Deshaun Watson – football player, drafted 12th overall in the 2017 NFL Draft by the Houston Texans
Lt. Col. Aquilla James “Jimmie” Dyess – United States Marine Corps officer & the only person to ever be awarded both the Congressional Medal of Honor and the Carnegie Medal of Honor
Major Rudolf Anderson Jr. – the only U.S. casualty by enemy fire during the Cuban Missile Crisis
Nikki Haley – former Governor of South Carolina; United States Ambassador to the United Nations
David Beasley – former South Carolina governor
Strom Thurmond – U.S. Senator from South Carolina & longest-serving Senator in U.S. history
David H. Wilkins – former U.S. Ambassador to Canada & former Speaker of the South Carolina House of Representatives
Kristie A. Kenney – US Ambassador to Thailand; former Ambassador to The Philippines

If you wish to learn more or would like to connect, please use the following links:

CU’s Website – https://www.clemson.edu/

Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/clemsonuniv

Twitter – https://twitter.com/clemsonuniv

Related Rankings:

Anderson University in South Carolina

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