Columbia’s Top Colleges and Universities
Did you know that Columbia is not only South Carolina’s State capital but is also known as a thriving college city that is the home of at least six colleges and universities? If you’re applying or wondering where to receive a higher education, I’m going to give you the inside scoop on five of Columbia’s top colleges and universities so that you can be sure to find the best institution for you. I’ll start with the University of South Carolina.
University of South Carolina
Probably the most well-known university in Columbia is the University of South Carolina with its main campus located in downtown Columbia. This public university system was founded in 1801. Today USC has a total enrollment of about 52,000 students, with over 35,000 students on the 444-acre Columbia research campus, making it the largest university in South Carolina. USC offers four-year undergraduate, master’s, and doctoral programs as well as certificate programs and online education. 1
Among the university’s most popular majors are Public Health, Finance and Financial Management, Psychology, Biology, Public Relations, Advertising and Communication. Also, USC has an outstanding business program.
In fact, “The Moore School Undergraduate International Business Program at the University of South Carolina has been ranked No. 1 in the nation by U.S. News & World Report for 23 consecutive years. And their International MBA program ranked in the top 3 for 32 consecutive years.” 2
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Midlands Technical College
Next to USC, Midlands Technical College is Colombia's second largest college or university where 3,586 students are currently enrolled on a full-time basis, and 5,116 attend part-time.3 This two-year, public college has an open admission policy that permits enrollment by any high school graduate or GED-holding student.
Midlands Technical College is a public technical college with multiple locations in the Richland, Lexington, and Fairfield counties of South Carolina. The college is one of South Carolina’s largest two-year colleges and offers 150 programs in 8 schools of study including manufacturing, business, education and public service, English and humanities, healthcare, STEM, social and behavioral sciences, and interdisciplinary studies.4
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Columbia College
Columbia College has almost 1,400 students and is a four-year liberal arts college with a diverse range of undergraduate, graduate, online, and certificate programs. Also, Columbia College was ranked among the “Best Colleges” and as having the “Best Value” by U.S. News and World Report in 2022.5
This fall, Columbia College will launch more than 20 new online academic programs. New programs that will be available this fall are a master’s in finance; a master’s and bachelor’s in business analytics; six new undergraduate certificates in business analytics; and a bachelor’s in statistics, global studies, Spanish, and supply chain management. They will also offer an associate’s and three undergraduate certificates in organizational leadership as well as a certificate in financial planning; and a new Master of Business Administration program.5
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Columbia International University
Columbia International University has 2,273 students and is consistently ranked a Top Southern Regional University by U.S. News & World Report.6? Founded in 1923 and formerly Columbia Bible College, Columbia International University now offers 36 undergraduate majors as well as graduate and seminary programs, professional certificates, and convenient online programs for working adults.6 In fact, most of CIU’s graduate programs are available online.?
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Benedict College
Benedict College educates about 1,900 students and is a private, liberal arts college. Founded in 1870 by Northern Baptists, it is affiliated with American Baptist Churches USA and was originally a teachers' college. It has since expanded to offer undergraduate majors in many disciplines across the liberal arts as well as graduate programs. 7 Benedict College was ranked #58 in Historically Black colleges and universities according to U.S. News.com. 8
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One thing is for sure, there are many great opportunities to receive a well-rounded, higher education in South Carolina’s capital city!
Author: Vanessa Pham
Graphic Designer: Merryl Moore
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