2026 College Rankings

Top Colleges Ranked by Selectivity Index in South Carolina

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The selectivity index is a rating system that looks at overall acceptance rate divided by the percentage of accepted students who enroll (yield rate). It's a measurement of both the selectivity and desirability of the college or university.

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Rank	Institution	Selectivity Index	Acceptance Rate	SAT Score	Your Est. Net Price Avg. Net Price	Median Starting Salary	Save
1	Erskine College	0.7731	60.56	950 – 1,170	21982	39618	#1 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by Selectivity Index 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 Selectivity Index 0.8 29.7% 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
2	Bob Jones University	0.649	87.29	1,030 – 1,270	19773	40892	#2 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by Selectivity Index 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 Selectivity Index 0.6 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
3	Anderson University	0.5833	54.71	1,110 – 1,310	22222	42073	#3 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by Selectivity Index 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 Selectivity Index 0.6 9.3% 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
4	Clemson University	0.5386	38.34	1,270 – 1,420	24408	58311	#4 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by Selectivity Index 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. Selectivity Index 0.5 4.5% 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
5	Allen University	0.4477	32.12	--	11058	23889	#5 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by Selectivity Index 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 Selectivity Index 0.4 55.6% Acceptance Rate 32.1% SAT Score -- Avg. Net Price $11,058 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $23,889
6	Greenville Technical College	0.4442	52.57	--	6267	68416	#6 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by Selectivity Index in South Carolina Greenville Technical College Greenville, SC Selectivity Index 0.4 7.9% Acceptance Rate 52.6% SAT Score -- Avg. Net Price $6,267 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $68,416
7	Columbia International University	0.4343	94.61	950 – 1,210	21320	33929	#7 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by Selectivity Index in South Carolina Columbia International University Columbia, SC Selectivity Index 0.4 33.8% 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
8	North Greenville University	0.4096	66.67	1,060 – 1,270	20264	38173	#8 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by Selectivity Index 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 Selectivity Index 0.4 22.1% 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
9	University of South Carolina-Columbia	0.381	60.15	1,200 – 1,390	26068	50621	#9 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by Selectivity Index 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 Selectivity Index 0.4 8.0% 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
10	University of South Carolina Beaufort	0.3753	69.18	940 – 1,110	15781	39214	#10 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by Selectivity Index 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 Selectivity Index 0.4 27.0% 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
11	University of South Carolina Aiken	0.3542	78.57	1,000 – 1,230	11697	39689	#11 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by Selectivity Index 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 Selectivity Index 0.4 7.2% 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
12	Wofford College	0.3533	51.94	1,240 – 1,370	31061	52076	#12 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by Selectivity Index 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. Selectivity Index 0.4 0.1% 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
13	Spartanburg Methodist College	0.3522	78.16	840 – 1,020	16556	33427	#13 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by Selectivity Index 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 Selectivity Index 0.4 6.1% 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
14	Lander University	0.3509	67.92	970 – 1,150	14657	36851	#14 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by Selectivity Index 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 Selectivity Index 0.4 11.3% 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
15	Furman University	0.3034	42.95	1,290 – 1,430	32901	50796	#15 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by Selectivity Index 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. Selectivity Index 0.3 14.4% 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
16	University of South Carolina-Upstate	0.2954	81.32	960 – 1,170	13794	43339	#16 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by Selectivity Index 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 Selectivity Index 0.3 4.5% 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
17	Francis Marion University	0.2591	86.39	880 – 1,150	11231	36304	#17 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by Selectivity Index 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 Selectivity Index 0.3 2.5% 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
18	Citadel Military College of South Carolina	0.2377	92.81	1,100 – 1,290	21041	60168	#18 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by Selectivity Index 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. Selectivity Index 0.2 0.3% 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
19	Coastal Carolina University	0.2243	75.27	1,060 – 1,230	14453	38070	#19 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by Selectivity Index 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 Selectivity Index 0.2 5.1% 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
20	Converse University	0.2089	64.24	1,040 – 1,240	19438	33110	#20 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by Selectivity Index 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 Selectivity Index 0.2 16.4% 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
21	Charleston Southern University	0.2052	76.09	1,000 – 1,140	21347	40606	#21 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by Selectivity Index 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 Selectivity Index 0.2 6.1% 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
22	College of Charleston	0.1979	60.03	1,170 – 1,340	20806	43821	#22 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by Selectivity Index 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 Selectivity Index 0.2 4.2% 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
23	Newberry College	0.1968	74.8	910 – 1,100	20941	38983	#23 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by Selectivity Index 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 Selectivity Index 0.2 14.0% 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
24	Winthrop University	0.1891	79.25	1,020 – 1,240	16838	39048	#24 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by Selectivity Index 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 Selectivity Index 0.2 27.8% 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
25	Presbyterian College	0.1675	68.37	990 – 1,220	20058	44387	#25 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by Selectivity Index 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 Selectivity Index 0.2 11.6% 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
26	Coker University	0.1627	97.23	930 – 1,080	18910	36650	#26 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by Selectivity Index 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 Selectivity Index 0.2 23.7% 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
27	South Carolina State University	0.1253	82.62	710 – 1,010	17928	30064	#27 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by Selectivity Index 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 Selectivity Index 0.1 26.2% 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
28	Claflin University	0.1241	72.55	850 – 1,040	21232	29227	#28 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by Selectivity Index 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 Selectivity Index 0.1 48.6% 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
29	Columbia College	0.0984	96.14	830 – 1,070	23920	45863	#29 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by Selectivity Index 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 Selectivity Index 0.1 21.3% 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
30	South University-Columbia	0.091	85.61	--	22112	34115	#30 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by Selectivity Index in South Carolina South University-Columbia Columbia, SC Selectivity Index 0.1 Acceptance Rate 85.6% SAT Score -- Avg. Net Price $22,112 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $34,115
31	Benedict College	0.0897	67.3	840 – 1,030	18146	24908	#31 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by Selectivity Index 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 Selectivity Index 0.1 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
32	Voorhees University	0.0799	81.4	730 – 930	15747	24199	#32 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by Selectivity Index in South Carolina Voorhees University Denmark, SC Selectivity Index 0.1 53.7% 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
33	Morris College	0.0424	98.28	--	20397	24250	#33 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by Selectivity Index 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 Selectivity Index 0.0 Acceptance Rate 98.3% SAT Score -- Avg. Net Price $20,397 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $24,250
34	Clinton College	0.0053	38.05	--	18768	24047	#34 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by Selectivity Index in South Carolina Clinton College Rock Hill, SC Selectivity Index 0.0 Acceptance Rate 38.1% SAT Score -- Avg. Net Price $18,768 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $24,047