Best Liberal Arts Colleges in South Carolina

South Carolina State offers a rich selection of institutions, particularly liberal arts colleges. Liberal arts colleges are distinct from larger research universities, these colleges prioritize a well-rounded undergraduate education. Students enrolled in Liberal Arts colleges are not instructed solely on specialized job training rather, their critical thinking and communication skills are enhanced.

Liberal Arts colleges utilize a curriculum rich in humanities, social sciences, natural sciences, and the arts. Liberal arts colleges aim to graduate well-informed and engaged citizens prepared for success in any field in the job market.

South Carolina prides itself as a state with several liberal arts colleges. Each of these colleges has its unique features and offerings. They cater to different interests and backgrounds, providing a personalized and nurturing environment for students to flourish. If you are drawn to South Carolina and its charm and want to pursue your liberal arts colleges, see this list of the best liberal arts colleges in South Carolina and pick the school that resonates with you and your academic needs.

Liberal Arts Colleges

Liberal arts colleges are four-year undergraduate institutions that prioritize a well-rounded education in the arts, humanities, social sciences, and natural sciences. It focuses on broad knowledge and intellectual development rather than preparing you for a particular career.

What To Expect in A Liberal Arts College

• Curriculum: Liberal arts colleges focus on subjects that stimulate critical thinking and communication skills This includes traditional areas like humanities (literature, history, philosophy), social sciences (psychology, sociology, economics), and natural sciences (biology, chemistry, physics). Many also incorporate courses in the arts (music, theater, visual arts).

• The goal is to produce graduates who are not just knowledgeable in one field but can think critically, communicate effectively, solve problems creatively, and have a strong understanding of the world around them. This prepares them to be adaptable and successful in their chosen careers.

• Smaller Size: Liberal arts colleges are typically smaller institutions compared to universities. This allows for a closer-knit community where students can easily interact with professors and classmates. Smaller class sizes also allow for more in-depth discussions and personalized attention.

• Liberal arts education encourages students to explore different subjects before potentially specializing in a major later on. This allows them to discover new interests and passions they may not have considered before.

In essence, what a liberal arts college does is to equip you with the knowledge, skills, and critical thinking necessary to thrive in any field you find yourself in.

Career Prospects for a Liberal Arts Major

• Business: Liberal arts graduates are well-suited for careers in business due to their strong communication and analytical skills. Marketing, human resources, and management consulting are just a few examples.
• Education: If you have a passion for teaching, a liberal arts degree can serve as your portal to a rewarding career in education. Many liberal arts majors pursue teaching certifications after graduation.
• Non-Profit and Public Service: Liberal arts graduates are often drawn to careers that make a positive impact. Their understanding of social issues and strong communication skills make them valuable assets in non-profit organizations and government agencies.
• Law and Public Policy: Liberal arts majors with strong writing and analytical skills can excel in law school or graduate programs in public policy.
• Communications and Media: The ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing, is essential in the communications and media fields. Liberal arts graduates can pursue careers in journalism, public relations, advertising, and social media management.

Best Liberal Arts Colleges in South Carolina

1. Furman University

Furman University located in Greenville, is a small, private liberal arts college that was established in 1826 as one of the oldest institutions in South Carolina. Furman University has been ranked by the U.S. News & World Report as the 51st-best liberal arts college in the country. This university is well-known for offering, an array of courses with over 42 majors. Some of the liberal arts courses offered by this university include human behavior, sciences, math, analytical reasoning, history, and foreign languages.

Tests are optional for undergraduate applicants. Admission criteria for graduate students differ by program, but generally, a minimum 2.75 GPA is required of them.

The school is also popular for athletics, students from Furman University compete in the NCAA Division I athletics every year. The average cost of tuition at this college is $67,070 for both in-state and out-of-state students. It is recognized as one of the best liberal arts colleges in South Carolina.

2. Wofford College

Wofford College founded in 1854 is a small, private liberal arts institution located in Spartanburg. This college has been consistently rising in the rankings of the top liberal arts colleges according to U.S. News & World Report, it currently holds the 72nd position.

Students enrolled at Wofford can choose from a variety of programs, with strong offerings in the humanities, sciences, and business. The college prioritizes developing students’ skills in critical thinking, research, and global awareness, equipping them for various career paths and advanced studies.

Wofford’s campus blends historic and contemporary buildings, such as the Sandor Teszler Library, the Campus Life Building, and the Rosalind Sallenger Richardson Center for the Arts.

First-year applicants are required to submit the official high school transcripts and Common Application. Submission of SAT/ACT scores is optional for domestic students.

The average cost of tuition per year for this college is capped at $63,895 for both in-state and out-of-state students. Students can take advantage of financial aid opportunities such as institutional scholarships for theatre, music, studio art, and art history majors.

3. The University of South Carolina- Columbia

The University of South Carolina located in Columbia, a flagship of the University of South Carolina System was established originally as South Carolina College in 1801. It is a public research university that is recognized as the largest university in South Carolina based on student enrollment.

The University of South Carolina-Columbia provides 15 degree programs in Liberal Arts and General Studies through the South Carolina Honors College. Undergraduate applicants are required to have SAT scores of 1150 to 1360 or ACT scores of 26 to 31.

4. Presbyterian College

Presbyterian College, a liberal arts college located in Clinton maintains an affiliation with the Presbyterian church. Students enrolled in this institution are instructed from the Christian point of view and prioritize personalized relationships with students.

Students enrolled at this university enjoy access to career development advisors, student health services,  religious and spiritual support, and counseling. Presbyterian College holds accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges. The average cost of tuition per credit for this college is $560.

5. Erskine College

Erskine College is a liberal arts college situated in Due West, South Carolina. This school boasts a modest undergraduate population of 700 students, and it maintains a selective admissions process, admitting 63% of applicants.

The college boasts a diverse range of 24 bachelor’s degree programs. Despite its intimate size, Erskine College upholds an average graduation rate of 40% and fosters a conducive learning environment with a student-faculty ratio of 15:1. Students enrolled in liberal arts programs in this college need about 120-124 to graduate.

Erskine College holds accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges. The average cost of tuition for this college is $1,147.

6. Allen University

Allen University is one of the best liberal arts colleges in South Carolina, it was founded in 1870 as Payne Institute. The school was originally established to provide education to slaves of the Civil War. Today, it provides one of the best liberal arts education to its students by offering personalized instructions and helping students take up internships.

Allen University holds accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

7. Claflin University

Originally named Claflin College, Claflin University was established in 1869 as a private historically black university in Orangeburg. Today, this university offers 30 majors in the liberal arts to about 1900 students.

Claflin College helps students to hone their communication and critical thinking skills. Students enrolled in this institution enjoy benefits such as career support, counseling, etc.

Claflin College holds accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

What are the best majors at liberal arts colleges?

The best major at a liberal arts college depends on your interests and career goals. However, liberal arts colleges are known for their strengths in these areas:-

• Humanities: English, history, philosophy, religious studies, foreign languages. These majors develop critical thinking, communication, and research skills applicable to many fields.

• Social Sciences: Psychology, sociology, political science, economics. These majors provide a strong foundation in human behavior, society, and social systems, preparing you for careers in law, public policy, research, and more.

• Interdisciplinary programs: Many liberal arts colleges offer unique programs that combine elements of different disciplines. These can be a great option if you have broad interests or want to explore a specific area from multiple perspectives.

When choosing a liberal arts major, you should consider:-

• Your interests: What are you passionate about learning? What subjects do you find most engaging?
• Your career goals: Do you have a specific career path in mind? Certain majors may be more directly relevant to your goals than others.
• The strengths of the college: Different colleges have different strengths in terms of their academic programs. Research the specific majors offered by the colleges you’re interested in.

The best major for you is the one that will help you develop the skills and knowledge you need to succeed in your chosen field. Do not be afraid to explore different options and talk to advisors and professors to get guidance.

What are the highest-paying liberal arts majors?

Some people believe liberal arts majors do not lead to high-paying jobs but that is not true. The skills you learn in a liberal arts degree program, like communication, critical thinking, and research, are valuable to many employers. These are some of the highest paying liberal arts majors:-

• Technical writer (median salary: $78,060): Technical writers create user manuals, instruction guides, and other documentation for technical products. They need to be able to understand complex information and communicate it clearly to a non-technical audience.
• Human resources specialist (median salary: $62,290): HR specialists handle a variety of tasks related to employee relations, recruitment, and compensation. They need to be strong communicators, problem solvers, and have a good understanding of employment law.
• Sociologist (median salary: $82,010): Sociologists study human society and social behavior. They can work in different settings, such as research institutions, government agencies, and non-profit organizations.
• Economist (median salary: $105,650): Economists study how resources are allocated and how economies function. They can work in a variety of fields, such as finance, banking, and consulting.

Note that salary can vary depending on experience, location, and employer. But these are some of the liberal arts majors that have the potential to lead to high-paying careers.