5 Best Universities In Columbia For International Students 2025

Columbia is surely one of the places you should be considering if you’re looking to study in United States. This location has a lot to offer for international students, including world-class universities and exciting student experiences.

Out of 5 universities in Columbia, University of South Carolina and Benedict College are the top-performing schools in Columbia. This list covers both public and private institutions in Columbia.

In this article, we’ve compiled the best universities in Columbia, South Carolina. We based our rankings on academic reputations from reputable sources and the number of international students. By doing this, you’ll have an efficient way of comparing your target universities and choose your host university in Columbia, South Carolina.

How do I get admission to the best universities in Columbia?

Applying to the universities in Columbia involves submitting requirements and following specific admissions procedures set by your chosen university. The requirements often include a student visa, application packages, and language scores. Check out our guide for international students who want to study in Columbia to learn more about applying for admission in this country’s universities!

How much are the tuition fees at the best universities in Columbia?

Tuition fees at Columbia’s universities can vary depending on which university, degree, and program you will be enrolling in. Generally, tuition fees for the bachelor’s level range from 12,600 USD to 33,600 USD , while tuition fees for the master’s level range from 8,100 USD to 29,800 USD. If you are interested, check out the affordable universities in Columbia!

As we cover the best universities in Columbia for international students, feel free to check out the university’s information on Admission, Tuition, Courses, and Language Requirements by looking at the individual university pages.

Top Universities in Columbia for International Students

The University of South Carolina is the state’s oldest educational institution, granting access to quality tertiary education since 1801. A prominent university with a global influence in research and innovation, the University of South Carolina offers over 350 degree programs in medicine, engineering, business, and social sciences. It also houses the largest Ernest Hemingway literary collection.

Benedict College was primarily an educational institution that offered undergraduate degrees. Recently, it has decided to open master’s courses in order to attract and train more students worldwide. The institution actively participates in national and foreign research activities, enabling its students to gain exposure to the actual industry and explore more career opportunities.

For those who are interested in receiving an education that follows the values of Christianity, Columbia International University is the perfect place for obtaining a degree. This private institution offers 22 bachelor’s degree programs and about 30 master’s degree programs that are available in multiple Christian-related areas, like Chaplaincy and Ministry Studies. Its five colleges have small-sized classes for all majors, which are focused on covering biblical studies and exploring Christian principles. This means that no matter what area of study you choose, Columbia International University will show you the path to explore your faith with the support of its closed-knitted community.

Columbia College in South Carolina provides online, hybrid, and on-campus undergraduate and graduate level programs for students in and out of the United States. Founded in 1854, its 167 longstanding higher educational services have allowed them to be regionally, nationally, and internationally recognized by various organizations like the U.S. News and World Reports. The vision of the school is to empower students capable of innovation, commitment, social justice, service, and leadership as translated by their academic excellence and experience in the community.

Allen University was established in 1870 through the efforts of the African Methodist Episcopal Church to educate and train aspiring ministers and lawyers in South Carolina. Despite several challenges, the university continued to grow and develop in pursuit of its mission to make a positive impact on society by providing excellent and faith-based education. Some of the most well-known degrees offered at the university are its programs in theology, business, and social sciences.