Best Liberal Arts Colleges in South Carolina
South Carolina, known for its beautiful landscapes and vibrant history, is also a fantastic destination for students seeking a liberal arts education. The state offers a variety of higher education institutions, each providing a unique and comprehensive approach to liberal arts studies.
Furman University
In Greenville, Furman University is a private institution well-regarded for its rigorous academics and commitment to undergraduate research.
Information About Liberal Arts Programs
Furman offers a wide range of liberal arts programs. The university fosters a supportive academic environment where students can delve into philosophy, political science, art, and music.
Annual Cost, Enrollment, and SAT Range
Furman’s annual cost, including tuition, fees, and room and board, is approximately $72,000. The university enrolls around 2,700 students, with an average SAT range of 1230-1410.
Wofford College
Located in Spartanburg, Wofford College is a private institution known for its vibrant community and commitment to student success.
Information About Liberal Arts Programs
Wofford provides diverse liberal arts programs in fields such as English, environmental studies, sociology, and anthropology. The college’s curriculum emphasizes analytical and critical thinking, preparing students for diverse career paths.
Annual Cost, Enrollment, and SAT Range
The annual cost at Wofford is approximately $63,000. The college enrolls around 1,700 students, with an average SAT range of 1130-1320.
North Greenville University
North Greenville University, situated in Tigerville, is a private Christian institution known for its strong sense of community.
Information About Liberal Arts Programs
North Greenville offers a variety of liberal arts programs with a Christian perspective, including English, history, political science, and psychology. The university aims to nurture students’ intellectual and spiritual growth.
Annual Cost, Enrollment, and SAT Range
The annual cost is around $34,000. The university enrolls about 2,500 undergraduates, with a typical SAT range of 980-1190.
Presbyterian College
In Clinton, Presbyterian College is a private institution known for its dedication to academic excellence and personal development.
Information About Liberal Arts Programs
Presbyterian College offers many liberal arts majors, including philosophy, political science, history, and art. The college’s curriculum fosters critical thinking, problem-solving, and practical communication skills.
Annual Cost, Enrollment, and SAT Range
The annual cost at Presbyterian is around $54,000. The college enrolls approximately 1,000 students, with an average SAT range of 1050-1250.
Francis Marion University
Francis Marion University is a public institution located in Florence, offering various academic programs at an affordable cost.
Information About Liberal Arts Programs
Francis Marion offers a range of liberal arts programs, including English, history, psychology, and sociology. The university’s curriculum fosters critical thinking, creativity, and effective communication.
Annual Cost, Enrollment, and SAT Range
The annual in-state cost is around $22,000, while out-of-state students pay approximately $32,000. The university enrolls about 3,600 students, with a middle 50% SAT range of 950-1130.
Claflin University
Claflin University, located in Orangeburg, is a private, historically black university committed to academic excellence and community service.
Information About Liberal Arts Programs
Claflin offers a variety of liberal arts programs, including English, history, politics, and philosophy. The university’s curriculum promotes intellectual curiosity, critical thinking, and effective communication.
Annual Cost, Enrollment, and SAT Range
The annual cost at Claflin is around $28,000. The university enrolls approximately 2,000 undergraduates, with an average SAT range of 880-1040.
Erskine College
In Due West, Erskine College is a private Christian institution known for its commitment to liberal arts and theological studies.
Information About Liberal Arts Programs
Erskine offers diverse liberal arts programs, including English, history, political science, and philosophy. The college’s curriculum integrates Christian values and academic study.
Annual Cost, Enrollment, and SAT Range
The annual cost at Erskine is approximately $47,000. The college enrolls around 800 students, with a middle 50% SAT range of 1020-1220.
Spartanburg Methodist College
Spartanburg Methodist College is a private institution offering a comprehensive liberal arts education.
Information About Liberal Arts Programs
SMC offers associate degree programs in liberal arts, with fields of study such as English, history, social sciences, and humanities. The college’s curriculum emphasizes critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
Annual Cost, Enrollment, and SAT Range
The annual cost at SMC is around $27,000. The college enrolls approximately 800 students. SAT scores are not required for admission but may be used for placement.
Allen University
Allen University, located in Columbia, is a private, historically black university known for its nurturing academic environment.
Information About Liberal Arts Programs
Allen University offers liberal arts programs in English, music, social science, and visual arts. The university is committed to fostering critical thinking, creativity, and social awareness among students.
Annual Cost, Enrollment, and SAT Range
The annual cost at Allen is approximately $21,000. The university enrolls around 750 students, with an average SAT range of 780-900.
South University – Columbia
South University – Columbia, a private institution, is focused on providing career-focused education.
Information About Liberal Arts Programs
South University – Columbia offers liberal arts programs focusing on psychology, legal studies, and public administration. The university provides students a balance of general education and specialized, career-focused knowledge.
Annual Cost, Enrollment, and SAT Range
The annual cost is approximately $17,000. The university enrolls about 800 students, with SAT requirements varying by program.
Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Three Other States
Best Liberal Arts Colleges in North Carolina
North Carolina boasts excellent liberal arts colleges such as Davidson College, Wake Forest University, and Guilford College. These schools are recognized for their robust academics, community engagement, and student support services.
Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Georgia
Georgia is home to esteemed liberal arts institutions, including Emory University, Agnes Scott College, and Morehouse College. These colleges are well known for their rigorous academics, vibrant campus cultures, and diverse student bodies.
Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Tennessee
Tennessee houses top-notch liberal arts schools like Rhodes College, Sewanee: The University of the South, and Vanderbilt University. These institutions offer excellent academics, strong community bonds, and various extracurricular opportunities.
What to Expect the Day of the SAT
On the day of the SAT, expect to arrive early at your testing center with your admission ticket, photo ID, No. 2 pencils, and an approved calculator. The test will start promptly, and there will be scheduled breaks. The entire test, without the optional essay, lasts around 3 hours. Remember to pace yourself, stay calm, and do your best.
South Carolina’s liberal arts colleges offer students a range of options to suit their academic interests and financial needs. From private institutions emphasizing student-faculty interaction to public universities offering broad academic opportunities, students can find a college that fits their educational goals. Regardless of where they enroll, students will benefit from South Carolina’s rich history, diverse culture, and commitment to higher education.
