Colleges & Universities

Lexington County is within minutes of several outstanding four-year private and public colleges and universities. 

www.sc.edu

The main campus of the University of South Carolina, located in downtown Columbia, is less than 10 minutes from Lexington County.   The University of South Carolina is home to more than 200 years of history and tradition, rising from a single building in 1805 on what would become the heart of the campus, the Horseshoe. The 11 buildings that now make up the Horseshoe frame a lush lawn that is an irresistible gathering place.

The University is expanding west toward the Congaree River in support of its research initiatives in nanotechnology, health sciences, future fuels, and the environment. Initially, three separate sites, each specializing in its own research area, will cover 5 million square feet spread over about six city blocks. The district will mix University and private research buildings, parking garages, and commercial and residential units around a public plaza, Foundation Square. By creating space for residences, retail, restaurants, and recreation that will complement the research, this district in the city's Vista will be a place to live, learn, and work.

In addition, the University of South Carolina's:

• Academic offerings include more than 370 degree programs through its 15 degree-granting colleges and schools.
• Students have been awarded more than $7.5 million for national scholarships and fellowships since 1994.
• Faculty generated $166.2 million in funding for research, outreach, and training programs in fiscal year 2004-2005.
• Private gifts increased to $95.3 million in fiscal year 2004-2005, up from $64.7 million the previous year.

Newberry College

www.newberry.edu

Newberry College's 80-acre campus is located in the center of South Carolina in the city of Newberry, and is less than 1 hour from Lexington County.

With over 34 majors (including church leadership and a new forensic science program), 840 students, and a 13:1 student-teacher ratio, Newberry College ensures that students receive individual attention and guidance as part of its values-based curriculum. With more than fifty organizations on campus, Newberry College provides many opportunities for excellence outside the classroom. Over forty percent of our students participate in NCAA Division 2 inter-collegiate sports. The athletics program includes fifteen NCAA competitive teams for men and women.

A Lutheran College that is supported by the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, Newberry College is dedicated to giving students a quality education in a Christian environment while leading students to prepare for meaningful life experiences, occupations, and service to the world and to the church.

The Newberry College campus is located less than 1 hour west of Lexington County via Interstate 26 in the Town of Newberry.

www.allenuniversity.edu

Founded in 1870 by the African Methodist Episcopal  Church, Allen University is the first institution of higher education in South Carolina founded by African Americans for the express purpose of educating African Americans. It is a Christian Liberal Arts institution of higher education and has a distinguished history, rich in the tradition of promoting spiritual growth and preparing men and women to become productive leaders in an ever-changing society.

Allen University offers 4-year degree programs in several areas of study including:   Biology Business Administration Chemistry English Mathematics Religion Social Science   The Allen University campus is located in downtown Columbia and is within 15 minutes of Lexington County.

Benedict College

www.benedict.edu

Benedict College was founded in 1870 on an 80-acre plantation in Columbia, South Carolina. Under the auspices of the American Baptist Home Mission Society, Mrs. Bathsheba A. Benedict of Pawtucket, Rhode Island, provided the amount of $13,000.00 to purchase the land to open Benedict Institute on December 12, 1870. This new school was established for the recently emancipated people of African descent.

Maintaining a liberal arts tradition, Benedict College offers bachelor degree programs in twenty-nine major areas of study to meet the needs of a complex and technological society at home and world-wide as the twenty-first century sets new parameters for peoples across the universe.  The University sponsors programs in the following Schools:

• School of Business & Economics
• School of Education
• School of Humanities, Arts, and Social Sciences
• School of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics
• School of Special Programs. 

Columbia Biblical Seminary and Columbia International University

www.ciu.edu

Columbia Biblical Seminary & School of Missions and Columbia International University are located near downtown Columbia on a 400-acre campus that overlooks the Broad River.  The schools have an enrollment was organized in 1936 as the graduate division of Columbia Bible College. From its beginning, the school has emphasized the preparation of men and women for overseas service. This focus was reflected in 1947 when the graduate division became the Graduate School of Missions.

From 1973 until 1987, the seminary was known as the Columbia Graduate School of Bible & Missions, emphasizing our commitment to prepare men and women for biblically-based ministries both in North America and overseas.