CLT Colleges in

South Carolina

The American College of the Building Arts (ACBA), located in Charleston, South Carolina, is the only U.S. college integrating professional training in traditional building trades with a liberal arts curriculum. Students earn a four-year degree or two-year associate's in specialties like architectural carpentry, blacksmithing, classical architecture, plaster, architectural stone, and timber framing. ACBA’s unique model blends trade education with humanities, materials science, construction management, and drawing. Students spend two-and-a-half days weekly in apprentice labs. ACBA is known for small class sizes and high employment rates, with graduates frequently securing jobs in their trades before finishing their programs.

Anderson University in South Carolina is a vibrant Christian university that offers bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees on campus and online. It is known for its rapid growth and academic excellence, and it is one of the fastest-growing private universities in the country, as well as a top regional university in the South. Its campus, which emphasizes liberal arts education, features historic Georgian-style buildings such as Merritt Administration and Denmark Hall. Recent campus expansions have quadrupled campus size, benefiting both athletics and environmental conservation. Arts and Sciences, Business, Christian Studies, Education, Engineering, Health Professions, Interior Design, Public Service, and the South Carolina School of the Arts are among the colleges that foster character development and holistic education at the university.

Anderson University, established in 1911 in Anderson, SC, is a private Christian university with 3,414 undergraduate students. Offering over 100 academic programs, including bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees, it’s recognized for its liberal arts education. The university has 11 colleges and schools, including the College of Engineering and Health Professions. Anderson University is ranked #34 among regional universities in the South and is known for its commitment to student engagement. It offers NCAA Division II athletics, including a new football program starting in 2024. The campus spans 389 acres, with additional facilities like the Pracht Ecological Park.

Bob Jones University, established in 1927 by evangelist Bob Jones Sr., promotes conservative Christian values by combining a rigorous education with a biblical worldview. It started in Florida, then moved to Tennessee during the Great Depression, and finally settled in South Carolina. Despite disagreements and divisions, the university maintains its core beliefs. Offering various majors, including a strong emphasis on religious education and fine arts, it gained accreditation in recent years after initially avoiding it. Despite challenges and leadership changes, their athletic program has achieved significant success as a member of the NCCAA and now the NCAA Division III.

Charleston Southern University (CSU), founded in 1964 as the Baptist College at Charleston, is a private Christian university in Charleston, South Carolina. Affiliated with the South Carolina Baptist Convention, it emphasizes academic excellence in a Christian environment. Accredited by SACSCOC, CSU offers 60+ undergraduate, 20 graduate, and two doctoral programs, including 29 online options. With a 300-acre campus and over 3,500 students from 43 states and 33 countries, CSU competes in NCAA Division I as part of the Big South Conference. Renamed in 1990, CSU maintains a strong liberal arts foundation while preparing students for careers in business, healthcare, cybersecurity, Christian studies, and more.

Columbia International University (CIU), founded in 1923, educates people from a biblical perspective with the goal of spreading Christ's message around the world. CIU emphasizes God's teachings as a lifelong guide in its 70+ majors, graduate programs, and online courses. The university has a strong faculty, small class sizes, and a close-knit Christian community that promotes spiritual growth and service opportunities. CIU is accredited by a number of organizations and upholds doctrinal and lifestyle standards for its students. CIU's athletic teams, the Rams, compete in a variety of sports. CIU also houses the Ben Lippen School, a Christian educational institution. Missionaries, church leaders, and authors are among the notable alumni.

Erskine College, founded in 1839 in Due West, South Carolina, is a private Christian liberal arts college affiliated with the Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church. It offers Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Science degrees, along with pre-professional programs. With about 800 undergraduates and a 15:1 student-to-faculty ratio, Erskine provides a personalized education from a biblical worldview. Accredited by SACS, it competes in NCAA Division II as a member of Conference Carolinas, fielding teams in multiple men’s, women’s, and co-ed sports.

The Lyceum Program at Clemson University, founded in 2014, is a flagship initiative of the Clemson Institute for the Study of Capitalism (SISC). It remains the only university program dedicated to liberty, capitalism, the American founding, and moral character. Open to incoming first-year students of any major, Lyceum Scholars follow a great books curriculum exploring political, economic, and moral foundations of a free society. Graduates earn a minor in Political and Legal Theory. Scholars receive a $20,000 scholarship over four years and study works by Plato, Aristotle, Locke, Tocqueville, and others.

North Greenville University, founded in 1892 as a high school, has evolved into a co-ed liberal arts institution offering bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees in 30 fields. It maintains a Christ-centered environment and is affiliated with the Southern Baptist Convention. The College of Adult Professional Studies (CAPS) encourages online education. Its Crusaders are NCAA Division II champions. Recognized regionally, NGU ranks 36th in U.S. News & World Report's "Best Regional Universities" list. NFL players, musicians, and influential figures in governance and education are among the university's notable alumni, demonstrating the university's broader societal impact.

Southern Wesleyan University, a private Christian institution in Central, South Carolina, was founded in 1906 by the Wesleyan Church. Accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, SWU offers over 50 undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral programs in business, education, and the arts. Serving around 1,600 students, SWU integrates faith into academics and student life. It competes in NCAA Division II and NCCAA athletics, with 14 varsity teams. The 300-acre campus fosters a Christ-centered learning environment, emphasizing leadership, service, and community engagement. With a 12:1 student-faculty ratio, SWU provides personalized education while ensuring 100% of freshmen and transfer students receive financial aid.