2026 College Rankings

Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in South Carolina

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First-year retention rates measure the percentage of first-year students who come back to campus for a second year. This is an indicator of how happy students are generally with their decision to attend that institution as less students decide to drop out or transfer to another school.

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Rank	Institution	First Year Retention Rate	Acceptance Rate	SAT Score	Your Est. Net Price Avg. Net Price	Median Starting Salary	Save
1	Clemson University	93.5	38.34	1,270 – 1,420	24408	58311	#1 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in South Carolina Clemson University Clemson, SC Clemson University boasts a large campus – 1,400 acres at the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains alongside Lake Hartwell. It’s home to the Clemson Experimental Forest, which is used for research, education, and recreation. Business Administration and Management, General is the most popular undergraduate major. First Year Retention Rate 94 % 0.8% Acceptance Rate 38.3% SAT Score 1,270 – 1,420 Avg. Net Price $24,408 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $58,311
2	University of South Carolina-Columbia	92	60.15	1,200 – 1,390	26068	50621	#2 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in South Carolina University of South Carolina-Columbia Columbia, SC Based in Columbia, the University of South Carolina-Columbia accepts 60% of applicants. They charge $65 for undergraduate applications and $50 for graduate applications. About 71% of attending students currently receive grant aid from the school. At the University of South Carolina-Columbia, there is a 92% first year......Read more First Year Retention Rate 92 % 1.1% Acceptance Rate 60.2% SAT Score 1,200 – 1,390 Avg. Net Price $26,068 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $50,621
3	Furman University	91	42.95	1,290 – 1,430	32901	50796	#3 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in South Carolina Furman University Greenville, SC Furman University is the oldest private institution of higher learning in South Carolina. 91% of students stay on after they complete their first year, and many major in Kinesiology and Exercise Science. 381 Paladins compete in the Southern Conference. Furman also offers athletic scholarships, averaging $34,775 each. First Year Retention Rate 91 % 0.5% Acceptance Rate 43.0% SAT Score 1,290 – 1,430 Avg. Net Price $32,901 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $50,796
4	Wofford College	90.98	51.94	1,240 – 1,370	31061	52076	#4 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in South Carolina Wofford College Spartanburg, SC Wofford College has a 12 to 1 student-to-faculty ratio and an impressive 90% first year retention rate. Many students receive institutional grants – 97% – averaging $34,084 each. Biology/Biological Sciences, General is a top undergraduate area of study. First Year Retention Rate 91 % 1.4% Acceptance Rate 51.9% SAT Score 1,240 – 1,370 Avg. Net Price $31,061 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $52,076
5	Citadel Military College of South Carolina	86	92.81	1,100 – 1,290	21041	60168	#5 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in South Carolina Citadel Military College of South Carolina Charleston, SC The Citadel Military College of South Carolina is a senior military college that got its start as an arsenal in 1822. It became an academy in 1843 and some of its buildings were burned during the Civil War. The Citadel awards up to Post-master's certificates, and many students are studying Business/Commerce, General. First Year Retention Rate 86 % 2.3% Acceptance Rate 92.8% SAT Score 1,100 – 1,290 Avg. Net Price $21,041 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $60,168
6	Bob Jones University	84	87.29	1,030 – 1,270	19773	40892	#6 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in South Carolina Bob Jones University Greenville, SC “Petimus Credimus” is the Latin motto of Bob Jones University, which means “We Seek, We Trust.” The school offers up to the doctor’s degree, though most of the students study at the undergraduate level. Many undergraduates will study Business Administration and Management, Accounting, and Registered Nursing....Read more First Year Retention Rate 84 % Acceptance Rate 87.3% SAT Score 1,030 – 1,270 Avg. Net Price $19,773 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $40,892
7	Anderson University	82.57	54.71	1,110 – 1,310	22222	42073	#7 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in South Carolina Anderson University Anderson, SC A member of the South Atlantic Conference, Anderson University added a football team, starting in the 2024 season. Other popular sports include Baseball, Lacrosse, and Soccer....Read more First Year Retention Rate 83 % 0.7% Acceptance Rate 54.7% SAT Score 1,110 – 1,310 Avg. Net Price $22,222 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $42,073
8	College of Charleston	82	60.03	1,170 – 1,340	20806	43821	#8 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in South Carolina College of Charleston Charleston, SC Based in Charleston, the College of Charleston accepts 60% of applicants. They request $60 for undergraduate applications. About 65% of students attending the College of Charleston will receive institutional grant aid....Read more First Year Retention Rate 82 % 0.4% Acceptance Rate 60.0% SAT Score 1,170 – 1,340 Avg. Net Price $20,806 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $43,821
9	Presbyterian College	79.8	68.37	990 – 1,220	20058	44387	#9 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in South Carolina Presbyterian College Clinton, SC Located in Clinton, Presbyterian College accepted 68% students who applied to the school in the last admissions cycle and charges unknown for undergraduate applications. About 100% of students attending Presbyterian College currently receive institutional grant aid to make attending college more affordable....Read more First Year Retention Rate 80 % 7.8% Acceptance Rate 68.4% SAT Score 990 – 1,220 Avg. Net Price $20,058 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $44,387
10	Coastal Carolina University	77.4	75.27	1,060 – 1,230	14453	38070	#10 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in South Carolina Coastal Carolina University Conway, SC Based in Conway, Coastal Carolina University’s acceptance rate is 75%. They request $45 for undergraduate applications and $45 for graduate applications. Approximately 58% of students attending Coastal Carolina University will receive institutional grant aid to make attending college more affordable. At Coastal Carolina......Read more First Year Retention Rate 77 % 1.8% Acceptance Rate 75.3% SAT Score 1,060 – 1,230 Avg. Net Price $14,453 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $38,070
11	Newberry College	74	74.8	910 – 1,100	20941	38983	#11 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in South Carolina Newberry College Newberry, SC Based in Newberry, Newberry College accepts 75% of applicants. They require unknown for undergraduate applications. Approximately 99% of students at Newberry College currently receive institutional grant aid to make attending college more affordable....Read more First Year Retention Rate 74 % Acceptance Rate 74.8% SAT Score 910 – 1,100 Avg. Net Price $20,941 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $38,983
12	Winthrop University	73.8	79.25	1,020 – 1,240	16838	39048	#12 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in South Carolina Winthrop University Rock Hill, SC Located in Rock Hill, Winthrop University accepted 79% students who applied to the school in the last admissions cycle. They request $300 for undergraduate applications, but some students qualify for fee waivers. About 83% of students at Winthrop University currently receive institutional grant aid to make attending college......Read more First Year Retention Rate 74 % 1.1% Acceptance Rate 79.3% SAT Score 1,020 – 1,240 Avg. Net Price $16,838 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $39,048
13	North Greenville University	72	66.67	1,060 – 1,270	20264	38173	#13 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in South Carolina North Greenville University Tigerville, SC Based in Tigerville, North Greenville University accepts 67% of applicants and charges $35 for undergraduate applications. Approximately 98% of students attending North Greenville University will receive institutional grant aid to make attending college more affordable....Read more First Year Retention Rate 72 % 4.3% Acceptance Rate 66.7% SAT Score 1,060 – 1,270 Avg. Net Price $20,264 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $38,173
14	Claflin University	70	72.55	850 – 1,040	21232	29227	#14 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in South Carolina Claflin University Orangeburg, SC Claflin University was founded shortly after the American Civil War. Its motto is “The World Needs Visionaries.” A fairly selective school, it received 7,000 applications during the last admissions cycle. 9% of accepted students chose to attend....Read more First Year Retention Rate 70 % Acceptance Rate 72.6% SAT Score 850 – 1,040 Avg. Net Price $21,232 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $29,227
15	Converse University	70	64.24	1,040 – 1,240	19438	33110	#15 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in South Carolina Converse University Spartanburg, SC Located in Spartanburg, Converse University accepted 64% students who applied to the school in the last admissions cycle. They request unknown for undergraduate applications, but fee waivers may be offered. About 100% of students at Converse University will receive institutional grant aid to make attending college more......Read more First Year Retention Rate 70 % Acceptance Rate 64.2% SAT Score 1,040 – 1,240 Avg. Net Price $19,438 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $33,110
16	Francis Marion University	70	86.39	880 – 1,150	11231	36304	#16 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in South Carolina Francis Marion University Florence, SC Located in Florence, Francis Marion University accepted 86% students who applied to the school in the last admissions cycle. Undergraduates have to pay $41 to apply. Approximately 46% of attending students will receive grant aid from the school. The college’s first year retention rate is 70% and around 18% of students will......Read more First Year Retention Rate 70 % 1.4% Acceptance Rate 86.4% SAT Score 880 – 1,150 Avg. Net Price $11,231 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $36,304
17	University of South Carolina-Upstate	69.85	81.32	960 – 1,170	13794	43339	#17 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in South Carolina University of South Carolina-Upstate Spartanburg, SC Located in Spartanburg, the University of South Carolina-Upstate accepted 81% students who applied to the school in the last admissions cycle. They require $45 for undergraduate applications. Approximately 40% of students attending the University of South Carolina-Upstate currently receive grant aid from the school. 69% of......Read more First Year Retention Rate 70 % 10.3% Acceptance Rate 81.3% SAT Score 960 – 1,170 Avg. Net Price $13,794 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $43,339
18	Southern Wesleyan University	67	100	1,020 – 1,160	20336	41489	#18 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in South Carolina Southern Wesleyan University Central, SC Found in Central, Southern Wesleyan University accepts 100% of applicants and charges unknown for undergraduate applications. Approximately 100% of students attending Southern Wesleyan University currently receive grant aid from the school. The school’s first year retention rate is 67% and 45% of students will graduate in four......Read more First Year Retention Rate 67 % Acceptance Rate 100.0% SAT Score 1,020 – 1,160 Avg. Net Price $20,336 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $41,489
19	University of South Carolina Aiken	67	78.57	1,000 – 1,230	11697	39689	#19 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in South Carolina University of South Carolina Aiken Aiken, SC Found in Aiken, the University of South Carolina Aiken accepted 79% students who applied to the school in the last admissions cycle and requests $45 to apply, but fee waivers may be available. Approximately 35% of attending students currently receive institutional grant aid....Read more First Year Retention Rate 67 % 4.7% Acceptance Rate 78.6% SAT Score 1,000 – 1,230 Avg. Net Price $11,697 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $39,689
20	Charleston Southern University	66	76.09	1,000 – 1,140	21347	40606	#20 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in South Carolina Charleston Southern University Charleston, SC Found in Charleston, Charleston Southern University’s acceptance rate is 76%. They charge $40 for undergraduate applications and $40 for graduate applications. About 97% of attending students will receive institutional grant aid to make attending college more affordable. At Charleston Southern University, there is a 66% first......Read more First Year Retention Rate 66 % Acceptance Rate 76.1% SAT Score 1,000 – 1,140 Avg. Net Price $21,347 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $40,606
21	Benedict College	65	67.3	840 – 1,030	18146	24908	#21 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in South Carolina Benedict College Columbia, SC Based in Columbia, Benedict College’s acceptance rate is 67% and requires $25 for undergraduate applications and $25 for graduate applications. About 64% of attending students will receive institutional grant aid to make attending college more affordable....Read more First Year Retention Rate 65 % Acceptance Rate 67.3% SAT Score 840 – 1,030 Avg. Net Price $18,146 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $24,908
22	Allen University	62	32.12	--	11058	23889	#22 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in South Carolina Allen University Columbia, SC Located in Columbia, Allen University’s acceptance rate is 32%. They request unknown for undergraduate applications, but some students qualify for fee waivers. About 83% of students attending Allen University currently receive grant aid from the school. At Allen University, there is a 62% first year retention rate and 9% of......Read more First Year Retention Rate 62 % Acceptance Rate 32.1% SAT Score -- Avg. Net Price $11,058 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $23,889
23	Erskine College	62	60.56	950 – 1,170	21982	39618	#23 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in South Carolina Erskine College Due West, SC Found in Due West, Erskine College accepted 61% students who applied to the school in the last admissions cycle and requests $25 to apply, but fee waivers may be available. Approximately 100% of students at Erskine College will receive institutional grant aid to make attending college more affordable....Read more First Year Retention Rate 62 % Acceptance Rate 60.6% SAT Score 950 – 1,170 Avg. Net Price $21,982 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $39,618
24	Coker University	61	97.23	930 – 1,080	18910	36650	#24 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in South Carolina Coker University Hartsville, SC Coker University was originally a high school when it opened in 1894. It was converted to the Coker College for Women in 1908 and became a university in 2019. Competing in the NCAA Division II without football South Atlantic Conference, the Cobras wear navy blue, light blue, and gold....Read more First Year Retention Rate 61 % Acceptance Rate 97.2% SAT Score 930 – 1,080 Avg. Net Price $18,910 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $36,650
25	Lander University	60.8	67.92	970 – 1,150	14657	36851	#25 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in South Carolina Lander University Greenwood, SC Located in Greenwood, Lander University’s acceptance rate is 68% and requests unknown to apply, but fee waivers may be available. About 64% of students attending Lander University will receive grant aid from the school....Read more First Year Retention Rate 61 % Acceptance Rate 67.9% SAT Score 970 – 1,150 Avg. Net Price $14,657 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $36,851
26	University of South Carolina Beaufort	58	69.18	940 – 1,110	15781	39214	#26 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in South Carolina University of South Carolina Beaufort Bluffton, SC Located in Bluffton, the University of South Carolina Beaufort’s acceptance rate is 69%. They charge $40 for undergraduate applications and $40 for graduate applications. About 50% of students attending the University of South Carolina Beaufort currently receive institutional grant aid. The college’s first year retention rate......Read more First Year Retention Rate 58 % Acceptance Rate 69.2% SAT Score 940 – 1,110 Avg. Net Price $15,781 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $39,214
27	Columbia College	56	96.14	830 – 1,070	23920	45863	#27 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in South Carolina Columbia College Columbia, SC Based in Columbia, Columbia College’s acceptance rate is 96%. Undergraduates have to send in unknown to apply. Approximately 84% of students at Columbia College currently receive institutional grant aid to make attending college more affordable. At Columbia College, there is a 56% first year retention rate and around 46% of......Read more First Year Retention Rate 56 % Acceptance Rate 96.1% SAT Score 830 – 1,070 Avg. Net Price $23,920 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $45,863
28	South Carolina State University	56	82.62	710 – 1,010	17928	30064	#28 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in South Carolina South Carolina State University Orangeburg, SC Found in Orangeburg, South Carolina State University accepts 83% of applicants and requires $25 for undergraduate applications and $25 for graduate applications. Approximately 65% of students attending South Carolina State University currently receive institutional grant aid to make attending college more affordable....Read more First Year Retention Rate 56 % 17.6% Acceptance Rate 82.6% SAT Score 710 – 1,010 Avg. Net Price $17,928 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $30,064
29	Morris College	55	98.28	--	20397	24250	#29 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in South Carolina Morris College Sumter, SC Based in Sumter, Morris College’s acceptance rate is 98% and charges $20 for undergraduate applications. Approximately 24% of attending students will receive grant aid from the school. They receive $2,315 on average. At Morris College, there is a 55% first year retention rate and a 8% four year graduation rate....Read more First Year Retention Rate 55 % Acceptance Rate 98.3% SAT Score -- Avg. Net Price $20,397 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $24,250
30	Spartanburg Methodist College	51.4	78.16	840 – 1,020	16556	33427	#30 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in South Carolina Spartanburg Methodist College Spartanburg, SC Found in Spartanburg, Spartanburg Methodist College’s acceptance rate is 78%. They charge unknown for undergraduate applications. About 89% of students at Spartanburg Methodist College will receive institutional grant aid to make attending college more affordable. The institution’s first year retention rate is 51% and 0% of......Read more First Year Retention Rate 51 % 0.0% Acceptance Rate 78.2% SAT Score 840 – 1,020 Avg. Net Price $16,556 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $33,427
31	American College of the Building Arts	0	62.07	1,050 – 1,230	26246	58336	#31 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in South Carolina American College of the Building Arts Charleston, SC First Year Retention Rate -- Acceptance Rate 62.1% SAT Score 1,050 – 1,230 Avg. Net Price $26,246 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $58,336
32	Clinton College	0	38.05	--	18768	24047	#32 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in South Carolina Clinton College Rock Hill, SC First Year Retention Rate -- Acceptance Rate 38.1% SAT Score -- Avg. Net Price $18,768 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $24,047
33	Columbia International University	0	94.61	950 – 1,210	21320	33929	#33 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in South Carolina Columbia International University Columbia, SC First Year Retention Rate -- Acceptance Rate 94.6% SAT Score 950 – 1,210 Avg. Net Price $21,320 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $33,929
34	Greenville Technical College	0	52.57	--	6267	68416	#34 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in South Carolina Greenville Technical College Greenville, SC First Year Retention Rate -- Acceptance Rate 52.6% SAT Score -- Avg. Net Price $6,267 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $68,416
35	Medical University of South Carolina	0	98.28	--	0	77677	#35 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in South Carolina Medical University of South Carolina Charleston, SC First Year Retention Rate -- Acceptance Rate 98.3% SAT Score -- Avg. Net Price $0 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $77,677
36	South University-Columbia	0	85.61	--	22112	34115	#36 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in South Carolina South University-Columbia Columbia, SC First Year Retention Rate -- Acceptance Rate 85.6% SAT Score -- Avg. Net Price $22,112 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $34,115
37	Strayer University-South Carolina	0	0	--	22134	36582	#37 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in South Carolina Strayer University-South Carolina Greenville, SC First Year Retention Rate -- Acceptance Rate -- SAT Score -- Avg. Net Price $22,134 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $36,582
38	Voorhees University	0	81.4	730 – 930	15747	24199	#38 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in South Carolina Voorhees University Denmark, SC First Year Retention Rate -- Acceptance Rate 81.4% SAT Score 730 – 930 Avg. Net Price $15,747 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $24,199