Best STEM Colleges in South Carolina
Several colleges and universities in South Carolina, both public and private, offer excellent science, technology, engineering, and mathematics programs.
South Carolina is home to some of the oldest colleges in the country, but they keep up with the times by offering high-quality STEM degrees. Students can also find STEM colleges that offer financial aid in South Carolina.
With so many STEM careers currently in demand, most colleges and universities offer at least a few STEM programs, but they aren't all equal. Keep reading to discover the some of the best STEM colleges in the U.S. located in South Carolina.
Top STEM Colleges in South Carolina
Students in South Carolina can choose from various STEM colleges in the state. Below, we list the top 15 colleges offering STEM programs.
1. Clemson University
Clemson University is a public research university near Clemson, South Carolina. It's well-known for its automotive research but conducts research in many STEM fields, including information technology and energy innovation.
The university offers bachelor's degrees, master's degrees, and doctoral degrees in STEM fields such as:
- automotive engineering
- biomedical engineering
- computer science
- geology
2. University of South Carolina
The University of South Carolina is a public research university in Columbia, South Carolina. It's the largest university in the state by enrollment and pursues research in several areas, including alternative fuels, biomedicine, environmental science, and nanotechnology.
USC offers associate degrees through doctoral degrees in STEM areas that include:
- aerospace engineering
- biochemistry and molecular biology
- computer science
- environmental science
Many of the university's master's degrees are available online. As a public university, with the right financial aid, students may be able to get free STEM degrees online and in person.
3. College of Charleston
The College of Charleston is a public university in Charleston, South Carolina. It's the oldest college in the state and offers primarily bachelor's degrees, but it also has a graduate school.
Students can pursue STEM degree programs in fields such as:
- archeology
- astrophysics
- electrical engineering
- exercise science
4. South Carolina State University
South Carolina State University is a public, historically Black university in Orangeburg, South Carolina. It's the only university in the state to offer a nuclear engineering program.
SCSU offers other STEM programs as well, such as:
- civil engineering
- cybersecurity
- fire protection engineering
- industrial technology
5. Francis Marion University
Francis Marion University is a public university in Florence, South Carolina. It enrolls about 4,000 students on a rural, historic campus.
STEM programs at the university include:
- computer science
- environmental science
- mechanical engineering
- nursing
6. Winthrop University
Winthrop University is a public university in Rock Hill, South Carolina. It offers bachelor's and master's degree programs.
The university's STEM degrees are in fields such as:
- biomedical research
- cybersecurity
- forensic chemistry
- sustainability
7. Anderson University
Anderson University is a private university in Anderson, South Carolina. It offers mainly bachelor's degrees and a handful of master's and doctoral degrees.
STEM programs at Anderson University include:
- biochemistry
- computer engineering
- cybersecurity
- mathematics
8. Furman University
Furman University is a private university in Greenville, South Carolina. It offers various programs all with a core liberal arts curriculum.
The university offers STEM degrees in fields like:
- chemistry
- computer science
- public health
- sustainability studies
9. Benedict College
Benedict College is a private historically Black college in Columbia, South Carolina. It enrolls fewer than 2,000 students.
STEM degrees at Benedict College are in fields such as:
- biology
- electrical engineering
- psychology
- public health
10. Claflin University
Claflin University is a private historically Black university in Orangeburg, South Carolina. It was founded just after the Civil War.
The school offers bachelor's and master's degrees, including degrees in STEM fields such as:
- biotechnology
- computer engineering
- cybersecurity
- environmental science
11. Charleston Southern University
Charleston Southern University is a private university in North Charleston, South Carolina. It offers bachelor's and master's programs based on a liberal arts foundation.
STEM programs offered at Charleston Southern include:
- aeronautics
- computer science
- mathematics
- nursing
The university offers affordable online STEM degrees with undergraduate and graduate STEM degrees available as online programs.
12. Columbia College
Columbia College is a private college in Columbia, South Carolina. It offers bachelor's and master's degrees, including some of the best online STEM degrees in the state.
The college offers STEM degrees in fields like:
- ehavioral science
- cybersecurity
- environmental studies
- public health
13. Newberry College
Newberry College is a private Lutheran college in Newberry, South Carolina. It offers small class sizes and a well-rounded liberal arts curriculum.
STEM areas of study at Newberry College include:
- forestry and environmental management
- information technology
- neuroscience
- psychology
14. Wofford College
Wofford College is a private liberal arts college in Spartanburg, South Carolina. It offers undergraduate degrees on a campus that is also a national arboretum.
The college offers STEM fields such as:
- biology
- computer science
- environmental studies
- mathematics
15. Erskine College
Erskine College is a private Christian college in Due West, South Carolina. It includes a liberal arts college for undergraduates and a theological seminary for graduate students.
STEM programs at Erskine include:
- chemistry
- health science
- information technology
- psychology
FAQs About STEM Colleges in South Carolina
Below, we've answered some frequently asked questions about STEM colleges in South Carolina.
Which South Carolina College Has the Best Engineering Program?
According to U.S. News and World Report rankings, the best college for engineering in South Carolina is Clemson University. Its engineering school offers over a dozen bachelor's engineering degrees.
What Financial Aid Options Are Available for STEM Students in South Carolina?
Several colleges and universities provide scholarships for STEM students. For example, the University of South Carolina offers the LIFE Scholarship STEM enhancement, which provides an additional $2,500 on top of the state's LIFE Scholarship.
How Do South Carolina Colleges Support Diversity in STEM Fields?
A few of South Carolina's colleges have initiatives specifically designed to support diversity in STEM fields. One of these is Clemson's STEM SC program, designed to increase access to STEM for all students.
Another program is the state's SC HBCU STEM Program. This program provides unique learning opportunities to select STEM students at Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) in South Carolina.