Forbes Ranks Seven South Carolina Colleges Among Top 500
Clemson, Wofford, The Citadel, Furman, the University of South Carolina, Presbyterian College and the College of Charleston all appear on the 2027 list.
Updated on Nov. 5, 2026 in College Applications
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Forbes released its annual list of America's top 500 colleges for 2027, and seven South Carolina schools made the ranking. Clemson University ranked No. 160, the highest of the state's schools on the list.
Why it matters
The ranking weighs educational and career outcomes rather than reputation, giving South Carolina families a view of student debt, return on investment and alumni leadership at in-state schools. For prospective students across South Carolina, it offers one comparison point among many when weighing college choices.
Clemson University's acceptance rate is 38% with an average annual cost of $79,542, and its alumni median salary after 10 years is $104,009. The College of Charleston has a 2027 average annual cost of $36,189, while Wofford College's acceptance rate is 52% and its alumni median salary after 10 years is $105,781.
The players
Forbes
Forbes is the business media company that publishes the annual ranking of America's top colleges.
The details
Forbes evaluates colleges on educational and career outcomes and excludes school reputation from its scoring. The methodology measures student debt after graduation, return on investment, and how many alumni become leaders. The annual ranking has been published since 2008.
Timeline
2008: Forbes began its annual evaluation of the nation's colleges.
November 5, 2026: Forbes released the 2027 top 500 colleges list.
Season Trajectory
The Forbes series, running annually since 2008, has become a recurring benchmark for comparing colleges on outcomes instead of prestige. The 2027 list extends that outcome-focused approach to seven South Carolina institutions.
Families weighing South Carolina colleges can use the Forbes list alongside each school's acceptance rate and average annual cost. Comparing alumni median salaries after 10 years can help set realistic expectations for return on investment.
The takeaway
Outcome-based rankings like Forbes's measure debt, return on investment and alumni success rather than reputation. Readers can use those measures to test whether a school's results match their own priorities.
Further reading
Explore more on College Applications to compare South Carolina schools before deciding where to apply.
More information
View the complete Forbes full list of top colleges to see every ranked school.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The Herald.
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