7 Christian Colleges in South Carolina You Need to Know About

South Carolina has several Christian colleges that provide students with excellent academic and spiritual experiences. Whether you are interested in business, arts, sciences, or another subject, a Christian college in South Carolina can meet your needs. Additionally, these seven colleges are located in areas that offer ample opportunities for outdoor recreation, arts and culture, and community service. 

Continue reading to find out about 7 Christian colleges in South Carolina that may be just what you’re looking for!

Christian Colleges in South Carolina

1. Anderson University, SC

Religious affiliation: Southern Baptist

Anderson University is a private Christian institution located in Anderson, South Carolina. The university offers over 50 majors, 48 minors, 29 concentrations, and 18 master’s and doctoral programs. Top majors include nursing, kinesiology/pre-physical therapy, education, biology, and marketing. 

The university emphasizes the integration of faith and learning, providing various spiritual life opportunities such as chapel and student-led services, mission trips, and worship events. Students can also access a vibrant campus life with over 50 student organizations, intramural sports, cultural events, and service opportunities. Outside of campus, students can enjoy the charming downtown Anderson area, nearby lakes, and easy access to major cities like Greenville.

School size: 4,300 students

Student-to-faculty ratio: 14:1

Tuition: $33,570 per year

For more information about Anderson University, SC, check out page 16 of The Guide.

2. Bob Jones University

Religious affiliation: Evangelical Christian

Bob Jones University is a Christian liberal arts institution in Greenville. Students can choose from a variety of undergraduate and graduate programs, with the top majors being bible counseling, business administration, engineering, kinesiology, and nursing. 

Apart from academics, spiritual life has a strong presence on campus. Students can fortify their faith through chapel, mentorships, prayer and worship events, Bible conferences, and local church involvement. In addition, students can participate in intercollegiate or intramural sports, join clubs and organizations, and serve the community. Located in Greenville, students have access to the city’s thriving business and arts and culture scene as well as outdoor recreation opportunities in the nearby Blue Ridge Mountains.

School size: 2,893 students

Student-to-faculty ratio: 12:1

Tuition: $22,280 per year

For more information about Bob Jones University, check out page 26 of The Guide.

3. Charleston Southern University

Religious affiliation: Baptist

Charleston Southern University (CSU) in Charleston is a private Christian university that equips students with a biblical worldview. Academics at CSU are characterized by personalized attention from professors with small class sizes. Students can choose from over 40 areas of study, with the top majors being nursing, biology, education, kinesiology, and business. 

Campus life is vibrant with NCAA Division I athletics, ministry programs, and over 50 student organizations. Regarding spiritual life, students can participate in mission trips, community service, and chapel. The surrounding area also offers many opportunities as the school is located 15 minutes from downtown Charleston and 30 minutes from South Carolina’s beautiful beaches. 

School size: 3,572 students

Student-to-faculty ratio: 12:1

Tuition: $31,870 per year

For more information about Charleston Southern University, check out page 36 of The Guide.

4. Columbia International University

Religious affiliation: Multi-denominational

Columbia International University (CIU) in Columbia is a private, faith-based university. It’s committed to providing students with a personalized approach to instruction. The top five most popular majors include psychology, business administration, nursing, sport management, and biomedical sciences. 

CIU encourages students to study abroad and offers study tours worldwide, such as teaching in the Dominican Republic, studying Renaissance art in Italy, and more. Campus life is all about camaraderie and community. Students can spend time together and bond through residence life and social and spiritual events. 

School size: 715 students

Student-to-faculty ratio: 17:1

Tuition: $26,700 per year

For more information about Columbia International University, check out page 126 of The Guide.

5. Erskine College

Religious affiliation: Associate Reformed Presbyterian

Located in Due West, Erskine College is a Christian liberal arts college. The school offers personalized academics. Students can choose from 19 majors and 25 minors and create a customized academic path. Top programs include business, physical education teaching and coaching, health science, biology, and history.

To complement their studies, students are encouraged to pursue internships, externships (short-term training where students shadow professionals), mentoring, research projects, mission trips, and study abroad programs. In addition, there is a strong community focus. Students can participate in secret societies, student government, and other clubs and organizations. 

School size: 764 undergraduate students

Student-to-faculty ratio: 14:1

Tuition: $36,510 per year

6. North Greenville University

Religious affiliation: Southern Baptist

North Greenville University, in Tigerville, is a Christian liberal arts university. Its 115 academic programs, all rooted in biblically faithful academic excellence, are designed to prepare students to serve the world as Christians. The school’s top five majors are business administration, health science, biology, elementary education, and cyber security. 

In terms of campus life, students can get involved in student leadership, intramural sports, and arts and culture. Students can also participate in Bible studies, campus ministries, and chapel. In addition, the campus sits between the Blue Ridge Mountains and Greenville, offering opportunities for outdoor activities and city life. 

School size: 1,633 students

Student-to-faculty ratio: 14:1

Tuition: $25,600 per year

For more information about North Greenville University, check out page 152 of The Guide.

7. Southern Wesleyan University

Religious affiliation: Wesleyan

Southern Wesleyan University is a Christian liberal arts university in Central. Its campus is surrounded by lakes, mountains, and waterfalls, offering plenty of opportunities for outdoor recreation. In terms of academics, SWU has online and on-campus programs available for a variety of degree types.

The top five undergraduate majors are business administration, exercise science, psychology, early childhood and family studies, and special education. Community is an integral part of being an SWU student, with opportunities to connect with fellow classmates at sporting events, the campus coffee shop, student clubs and organizations, and more. In terms of spiritual life, students can participate in worship and discipleship groups, local service opportunities, and ministry teams. 

School size: 887 undergraduate students

Student-to-faculty ratio: 13:1

Tuition: $27,800 per year

For more information about Southern Wesleyan University, check out page 161 of The Guide.

Final Thoughts

South Carolina is home to several outstanding Christian colleges that offer a unique blend of academic rigor and spiritual development. Each institution has distinctive strengths and opportunities for students, making them a worthwhile consideration for prospective students seeking a Christian education.

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