2027 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	Strayer University-South Carolina	100	0	--	17979	36582	#1 2027 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in South Carolina Strayer University-South Carolina Greenville, SC First Year Retention Rate 100 % Acceptance Rate -- SAT Score -- Avg. Net Price $17,979 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $36,582
2	Clemson University	93.5	38.34	1,270 – 1,420	25003	58311	#2 2027 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 % 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
3	University of South Carolina-Columbia	92.32	56.51	1,210 – 1,390	24488	50621	#3 2027 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in South Carolina University of South Carolina-Columbia Columbia, SC Columbia, or USC, is the flagship campus of the eight-school University of South Carolina system. There are 16 schools and colleges that make up the institution, with 164 undergraduate majors to choose from. Public Health, General is a popular area of study....Read more First Year Retention Rate 92 % 0.3% Acceptance Rate 56.5% SAT Score 1,210 – 1,390 Avg. Net Price $24,488 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $50,621
4	Furman University	92	48.69	1,300 – 1,450	34086	50796	#4 2027 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. 92% of students stay on after they complete their first year, and many major in Business Administration and Management, General. 375 Paladins compete in the Southern Conference....Read more First Year Retention Rate 92 % 1.1% Acceptance Rate 48.7% SAT Score 1,300 – 1,450 Avg. Net Price $34,086 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $50,796
5	Wofford College	89.93	54.87	1,240 – 1,370	30481	52076	#5 2027 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 89% 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 90 % 1.2% Acceptance Rate 54.9% SAT Score 1,240 – 1,370 Avg. Net Price $30,481 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $52,076
6	Citadel Military College of South Carolina	86.8	28.59	1,030 – 1,240	22124	60168	#6 2027 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 Intelligence, General. First Year Retention Rate 87 % 0.9% Acceptance Rate 28.6% SAT Score 1,030 – 1,240 Avg. Net Price $22,124 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $60,168
7	Anderson University	83.56	54.91	1,110 – 1,310	24434	42073	#7 2027 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 84 % 1.2% Acceptance Rate 54.9% SAT Score 1,110 – 1,310 Avg. Net Price $24,434 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $42,073
8	Bob Jones University	82	100	1,030 – 1,270	19624	40892	#8 2027 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 % Acceptance Rate 100.0% SAT Score 1,030 – 1,270 Avg. Net Price $19,624 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $40,892
9	College of Charleston	81.7	73	1,140 – 1,330	21004	43821	#9 2027 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in South Carolina College of Charleston Charleston, SC Based in Charleston, the College of Charleston accepts 73% 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 % 0.4% Acceptance Rate 73.0% SAT Score 1,140 – 1,330 Avg. Net Price $21,004 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $43,821
10	Converse University	80	67.87	1,010 – 1,250	19061	33110	#10 2027 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in South Carolina Converse University Spartanburg, SC Opened as a women’s college in 1889, Converse College became Converse University and began admitting men in 2021. 68% of applicants receive acceptance letters, and 96% of those enrolled receive grant aid to help them afford tuition....Read more First Year Retention Rate 80 % Acceptance Rate 67.9% SAT Score 1,010 – 1,250 Avg. Net Price $19,061 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $33,110
11	Coastal Carolina University	79.1	70.03	1,070 – 1,250	14379	38070	#11 2027 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 70%. 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 79 % 2.2% Acceptance Rate 70.0% SAT Score 1,070 – 1,250 Avg. Net Price $14,379 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $38,070
12	Presbyterian College	75.49	65.15	1,060 – 1,240	20840	44387	#12 2027 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in South Carolina Presbyterian College Clinton, SC Located in Clinton, Presbyterian College accepted 65% 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 75 % 5.4% Acceptance Rate 65.2% SAT Score 1,060 – 1,240 Avg. Net Price $20,840 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $44,387
13	American College of the Building Arts	75	44.44	1,100 – 1,290	30270	63721	#13 2027 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in South Carolina American College of the Building Arts Charleston, SC Found in Charleston, American College of the Building Arts accepted 44% students who applied to the school in the last admissions cycle. They charge $50 for undergraduate applications. About 42% of students at American College of the Building Arts will receive institutional grant aid to make attending college more affordable. ......Read more First Year Retention Rate 75 % Acceptance Rate 44.4% SAT Score 1,100 – 1,290 Avg. Net Price $30,270 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $63,721
14	Claflin University	75	64.93	870 – 1,010	17272	29227	#14 2027 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 % 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
15	Winthrop University	74.1	82.81	1,030 – 1,230	16108	39048	#15 2027 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in South Carolina Winthrop University Rock Hill, SC Located in Rock Hill, Winthrop University accepted 83% 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 % 0.4% Acceptance Rate 82.8% SAT Score 1,030 – 1,230 Avg. Net Price $16,108 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $39,048
16	Morris College	70.24	49.03	--	19180	24250	#16 2027 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in South Carolina Morris College Sumter, SC Based in Sumter, Morris College’s acceptance rate is 49% and charges $20 for undergraduate applications. Approximately 97% of attending students will receive grant aid from the school. They receive $2,069 on average. At Morris College, there is a 70% first year retention rate and a 11% four year graduation rate....Read more First Year Retention Rate 70 % 71.3% Acceptance Rate 49.0% SAT Score -- Avg. Net Price $19,180 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $24,250
17	Lander University	70	81.31	940 – 1,170	15520	36851	#17 2027 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 % 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
18	University of South Carolina Aiken	69.49	74.3	950 – 1,180	12236	39689	#18 2027 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 74% 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 69 % 3.7% Acceptance Rate 74.3% SAT Score 950 – 1,180 Avg. Net Price $12,236 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $39,689
19	Coker University	69	93.96	930 – 1,170	19823	36650	#19 2027 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 % 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
20	Newberry College	69	90.61	890 – 1,130	21943	38983	#20 2027 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in South Carolina Newberry College Newberry, SC Based in Newberry, Newberry College accepts 91% 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 % Acceptance Rate 90.6% SAT Score 890 – 1,130 Avg. Net Price $21,943 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $38,983
21	Southern Wesleyan University	69	99.53	1,080 – 1,260	20134	41489	#21 2027 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in South Carolina Southern Wesleyan University Central, SC Southern Wesleyan University’s Warriors compete in the NCAA Division II without football Conference Carolinas wearing blue and light blue. Popular sports include Basketball, Baseball, and Track and Field and Cross Country (combined). SWU has an acceptance rate of 100% with a yield of 32%. First Year Retention Rate 69 % 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
22	Francis Marion University	68	95.08	880 – 1,150	11727	36304	#22 2027 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in South Carolina Francis Marion University Florence, SC Located in Florence, Francis Marion University accepted 95% 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 68% and around 21% of students will......Read more First Year Retention Rate 68 % 2.9% Acceptance Rate 95.1% SAT Score 880 – 1,150 Avg. Net Price $11,727 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $36,304
23	University of South Carolina-Upstate	67	66.71	920 – 1,160	13999	43339	#23 2027 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. 67% of......Read more First Year Retention Rate 67 % 4.1% Acceptance Rate 66.7% SAT Score 920 – 1,160 Avg. Net Price $13,999 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $43,339
24	North Greenville University	65.97	67.15	1,030 – 1,270	21346	38173	#24 2027 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 66 % 8.4% Acceptance Rate 67.2% SAT Score 1,030 – 1,270 Avg. Net Price $21,346 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $38,173
25	Charleston Southern University	63	96.46	950 – 1,170	21080	40606	#25 2027 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 % 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
26	Columbia College	62	96.6	830 – 1,070	18790	45863	#26 2027 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in South Carolina Columbia College Columbia, SC Based in Columbia, Columbia College’s acceptance rate is 97%. 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 62% first year retention rate and around 34% of......Read more First Year Retention Rate 62 % 3.3% Acceptance Rate 96.6% SAT Score 830 – 1,070 Avg. Net Price $18,790 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $45,863
27	Columbia International University	61.01	93.71	950 – 1,210	26056	33929	#27 2027 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 61 % Acceptance Rate 93.7% SAT Score 950 – 1,210 Avg. Net Price $26,056 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $33,929
28	University of South Carolina Beaufort	61	72.5	940 – 1,110	15363	39214	#28 2027 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
29	South Carolina State University	59.24	67.97	820 – 1,030	17965	30064	#29 2027 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 68% 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 59 % 5.8% Acceptance Rate 68.0% SAT Score 820 – 1,030 Avg. Net Price $17,965 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $30,064
30	Clinton College	58	100	--	11159	24047	#30 2027 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in South Carolina Clinton College Rock Hill, SC Found in Rock Hill, Clinton College accepted 100% students who applied to the school in the last admissions cycle and requests unknown to apply, but fee waivers may be available. About 87% of students at Clinton College will receive institutional grant aid to make attending college more affordable. At Clinton College, there......Read more First Year Retention Rate 58 % Acceptance Rate 100.0% SAT Score -- Avg. Net Price $11,159 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $24,047
31	Benedict College	57	95.7	820 – 1,010	18665	24908	#31 2027 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 % 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
32	South University-Columbia	57	100	--	26884	34115	#32 2027 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in South Carolina South University-Columbia Columbia, SC Found in Columbia, South University-Columbia accepted 100% students who applied to the school in the last admissions cycle and charges unknown for undergraduate applications. Approximately 47% of students attending South University-Columbia will receive grant aid from the school. At South University-Columbia, there is a 57%......Read more First Year Retention Rate 57 % Acceptance Rate 100.0% SAT Score -- Avg. Net Price $26,884 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $34,115
33	Erskine College	56	62.74	930 – 1,150	23882	39618	#33 2027 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 % 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
34	Voorhees University	56	100	730 – 930	13307	24199	#34 2027 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in South Carolina Voorhees University Denmark, SC Found in Denmark, Voorhees University accepts 100% 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 % Acceptance Rate 100.0% SAT Score 730 – 930 Avg. Net Price $13,307 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $24,199
35	Allen University	45	72.54	--	11182	23889	#35 2027 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 6% of......Read more First Year Retention Rate 45 % Acceptance Rate 72.5% SAT Score -- Avg. Net Price $11,182 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $23,889