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	38.34	1,270 – 1,420	25003	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 93 % Acceptance Rate 38.3% SAT Score 1,270 – 1,420 Avg. Net Price $25,003 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	24488	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 67% 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 $24,488 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $50,621
3	Furman University	91	42.95	1,290 – 1,430	34086	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 % Acceptance Rate 43.0% SAT Score 1,290 – 1,430 Avg. Net Price $34,086 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $50,796
4	Wofford College	91	51.94	1,240 – 1,370	30481	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 91% first year retention rate. Many students receive institutional grants – 97% – averaging $36,914 each. Biology/Biological Sciences, General is a top undergraduate area of study. First Year Retention Rate 91 % 1.1% Acceptance Rate 51.9% SAT Score 1,240 – 1,370 Avg. Net Price $30,481 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $52,076
5	Citadel Military College of South Carolina	86	22.72	1,100 – 1,290	22124	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 22.7% SAT Score 1,100 – 1,290 Avg. Net Price $22,124 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $60,168
6	Anderson University	82	54.71	1,110 – 1,310	24434	42073	#6 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 82 % Acceptance Rate 54.7% SAT Score 1,110 – 1,310 Avg. Net Price $24,434 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $42,073
7	Bob Jones University	82	86.16	1,030 – 1,270	19624	40892	#7 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 82 % 1.2% Acceptance Rate 86.2% SAT Score 1,030 – 1,270 Avg. Net Price $19,624 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $40,892
8	College of Charleston	82	60.03	1,170 – 1,340	21004	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 84% of students attending the College of Charleston will receive institutional grant aid....Read more First Year Retention Rate 82 % Acceptance Rate 60.0% SAT Score 1,170 – 1,340 Avg. Net Price $21,004 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $43,821
9	Converse University	80	67.74	1,010 – 1,250	19061	33110	#9 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in South Carolina Converse University Spartanburg, SC Located in Spartanburg, Converse University accepted 68% students who applied to the school in the last admissions cycle. They request unknown for undergraduate applications, but fee waivers may be offered. About 96% of students at Converse University will receive institutional grant aid to make attending college more......Read more First Year Retention Rate 80 % 17.6% Acceptance Rate 67.7% SAT Score 1,010 – 1,250 Avg. Net Price $19,061 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $33,110
10	Presbyterian College	80	68.37	1,020 – 1,220	20840	44387	#10 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 % 8.1% Acceptance Rate 68.4% SAT Score 1,020 – 1,220 Avg. Net Price $20,840 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $44,387
11	Coastal Carolina University	77	75.27	1,060 – 1,230	14379	38070	#11 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 66% 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 % 1.3% Acceptance Rate 75.3% SAT Score 1,060 – 1,230 Avg. Net Price $14,379 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $38,070
12	Claflin University	75	64.93	870 – 1,010	17272	29227	#12 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 8,130 applications during the last admissions cycle. 7% of accepted students chose to attend....Read more First Year Retention Rate 75 % 5.1% Acceptance Rate 64.9% SAT Score 870 – 1,010 Avg. Net Price $17,272 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $29,227
13	Winthrop University	74	79.25	1,020 – 1,240	16108	39048	#13 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 $50 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 more......Read more First Year Retention Rate 74 % 1.4% Acceptance Rate 79.3% SAT Score 1,020 – 1,240 Avg. Net Price $16,108 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $39,048
14	North Greenville University	72	66.67	1,060 – 1,270	21346	38173	#14 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 $21,346 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $38,173
15	Francis Marion University	70	86.39	880 – 1,150	11727	36304	#15 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 59% of attending students will receive grant aid from the school. The college’s first year retention rate is 70% and around 21% of students will......Read more First Year Retention Rate 70 % 1.4% Acceptance Rate 86.4% SAT Score 880 – 1,150 Avg. Net Price $11,727 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $36,304
16	Lander University	70	81.31	940 – 1,170	15520	36851	#16 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 81% and requests unknown to apply, but fee waivers may be available. About 66% of students attending Lander University will receive grant aid from the school....Read more First Year Retention Rate 70 % 1.4% Acceptance Rate 81.3% SAT Score 940 – 1,170 Avg. Net Price $15,520 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $36,851
17	University of South Carolina-Upstate	70	67.26	1,030 – 1,200	13999	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 67% 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. 70% of......Read more First Year Retention Rate 70 % 1.4% Acceptance Rate 67.3% SAT Score 1,030 – 1,200 Avg. Net Price $13,999 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $43,339
18	Coker University	69	93.96	930 – 1,170	19823	36650	#18 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 69 % 9.5% Acceptance Rate 94.0% SAT Score 930 – 1,170 Avg. Net Price $19,823 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $36,650
19	Newberry College	69	89.79	890 – 1,130	21943	38983	#19 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in South Carolina Newberry College Newberry, SC Based in Newberry, Newberry College accepts 90% of applicants. They require unknown for undergraduate applications. Approximately 71% of students at Newberry College currently receive institutional grant aid to make attending college more affordable....Read more First Year Retention Rate 69 % 1.4% Acceptance Rate 89.8% SAT Score 890 – 1,130 Avg. Net Price $21,943 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $38,983
20	Southern Wesleyan University	69	99.53	1,080 – 1,260	20134	41489	#20 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 $25 for undergraduate applications. Approximately 97% of students attending Southern Wesleyan University currently receive grant aid from the school. The school’s first year retention rate is 69% and 52% of students will graduate in four......Read more First Year Retention Rate 69 % 4.5% Acceptance Rate 99.5% SAT Score 1,080 – 1,260 Avg. Net Price $20,134 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $41,489
21	University of South Carolina Aiken	67	78.54	1,000 – 1,230	12236	39689	#21 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 24% of attending students currently receive institutional grant aid....Read more First Year Retention Rate 67 % 4.7% Acceptance Rate 78.5% SAT Score 1,000 – 1,230 Avg. Net Price $12,236 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $39,689
22	Charleston Southern University	63	96.46	950 – 1,170	21080	40606	#22 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 96%. They charge $25 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 63% first......Read more First Year Retention Rate 63 % 1.6% Acceptance Rate 96.5% SAT Score 950 – 1,170 Avg. Net Price $21,080 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $40,606
23	University of South Carolina Beaufort	61	72.5	940 – 1,110	15363	39214	#23 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 72%. They charge $40 for undergraduate applications and $40 for graduate applications. About 44% 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 61 % Acceptance Rate 72.5% SAT Score 940 – 1,110 Avg. Net Price $15,363 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $39,214
24	Columbia College	60	93.93	830 – 1,070	18790	45863	#24 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 94%. Undergraduates have to send in unknown to apply. Approximately 86% of students at Columbia College currently receive institutional grant aid to make attending college more affordable. At Columbia College, there is a 60% first year retention rate and around 48% of......Read more First Year Retention Rate 60 % 13.2% Acceptance Rate 93.9% SAT Score 830 – 1,070 Avg. Net Price $18,790 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $45,863
25	Clinton College	58	0	--	11159	24047	#25 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in South Carolina Clinton College Rock Hill, SC First Year Retention Rate 58 % Acceptance Rate -- SAT Score -- Avg. Net Price $11,159 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $24,047
26	Benedict College	57	95.7	820 – 1,010	18665	24908	#26 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 96% and requires $25 for undergraduate applications and $25 for graduate applications. About 57% of attending students will receive institutional grant aid to make attending college more affordable....Read more First Year Retention Rate 57 % 12.3% Acceptance Rate 95.7% SAT Score 820 – 1,010 Avg. Net Price $18,665 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $24,908
27	Erskine College	56	62.74	930 – 1,150	23882	39618	#27 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in South Carolina Erskine College Due West, SC Found in Due West, Erskine College accepted 63% students who applied to the school in the last admissions cycle and requests $25 to apply, but fee waivers may be available. Approximately 99% of students at Erskine College will receive institutional grant aid to make attending college more affordable....Read more First Year Retention Rate 56 % 11.1% Acceptance Rate 62.7% SAT Score 930 – 1,150 Avg. Net Price $23,882 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $39,618
28	South Carolina State University	56	82.62	830 – 1,030	17965	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 76% 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 % 5.1% Acceptance Rate 82.6% SAT Score 830 – 1,030 Avg. Net Price $17,965 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $30,064
29	Voorhees University	56	65.45	730 – 930	13307	24199	#29 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in South Carolina Voorhees University Denmark, SC Found in Denmark, Voorhees University accepts 65% of applicants. They require $25 for undergraduate applications. About 43% of students attending Voorhees University will receive institutional grant aid to make attending college more affordable....Read more First Year Retention Rate 56 % 11.1% Acceptance Rate 65.5% SAT Score 730 – 930 Avg. Net Price $13,307 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $24,199
30	Columbia International University	53	94.47	950 – 1,210	26056	33929	#30 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in South Carolina Columbia International University Columbia, SC Located in Columbia, Columbia International University accepted 94% students who applied to the school in the last admissions cycle and charges $25 for undergraduate applications. Approximately 48% of students at Columbia International University currently receive institutional grant aid to make attending college more......Read more First Year Retention Rate 53 % 19.7% Acceptance Rate 94.5% SAT Score 950 – 1,210 Avg. Net Price $26,056 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $33,929
31	Allen University	45	72.54	--	11182	23889	#31 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 73%. They request unknown for undergraduate applications, but some students qualify for fee waivers. About 79% of students attending Allen University currently receive grant aid from the school. At Allen University, there is a 45% first year retention rate and 77% of......Read more First Year Retention Rate 45 % 50.0% Acceptance Rate 72.5% SAT Score -- Avg. Net Price $11,182 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $23,889
32	Morris College	41	0	--	19180	24250	#32 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in South Carolina Morris College Sumter, SC First Year Retention Rate 41 % 12.8% Acceptance Rate -- SAT Score -- Avg. Net Price $19,180 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $24,250