There are abundant opportunities to obtain an exceptional, affordable higher education at one of South Carolina’s independent liberal arts colleges or universities. While each college or university is unique, they all share a common belief that a liberal arts education prepares
students not only for a career, but for a lifetime of learning, leadership, and service.

In determining which learning environment is right for you, consider the many advantages and benefits available at any one of SCICU’s twenty member institutions of higher learning:

• An emphasis on teaching and learning
  Classes are taught by professors, most with terminal degrees in their field, whose primary focus is the student
• Small classes and laboratories
  Faculty-to-student ratio and class size are much less than other schools allowing for more individual attention in a supportive, personal, interactive atmosphere
• The opportunity for a liberal arts education
  A broad exposure and understanding of the major ideas, individuals, and works of art and science that have shaped our traditions and our world not only prepare students for careers, but also enables them to relate naturally to people different from themselves and to approach technical and social problems with understanding and with confidence
• Diversity
  Twenty independent colleges and universities each with a unique historical, geographic, cultural, and in many instances, faith background, including five historically black colleges and universities and two women’s colleges
• Community
  Small, close-knit residential communities encourage healthy interpersonal relationships and participation in a variety of campus living, learning, service, athletic, and leadership activities
• Success
  On average, independent college and universities have very high retention and graduation rates; moreover, the relatively small size and quality of the graduating classes result in a higher percentage of placements in careers and in graduate and professional schools
• Value
  The cost of an outstanding independent college education is often comparable to that of a public university after consideration of institutional scholarships (academic, athletic, need-based) combined with state and federal scholarships, grants, loans, and work-study programs

Obtaining a postsecondary education is a tremendous investment in both time and money, but one that pays life-long dividends. Students and families are encouraged to use the many resources on this website to help them make the best match based on their own unique circumstances.