University of South Carolina, Columbia (SC)

Despite being in existence for over 200 years, the University of South Carolina is hardly content to rest on its laurels. While other schools make note of past achievements, Southern Carolina emphasizes innovation and progress.

This forward-thinking attitude is most evident in SC’s ambitious Innovista, a state-of-the-art wet/dry lab and research center consisting of the Horizon Center and Discovery Plaza. In 2009, the Arnold School of Public Health and Research was endowed with over $24 million for research funding, greatly increasing its available resources. The university also touts its West Quad residential hall, which it claims is the world’s largest environmentally friendly dorm.

The University of South Carolina works closely with industry in Columbia, in order to improve the economy and give students a pipeline into local business. The Office of Corporate Relations helps to establish links between the university and Columbia businesses, and the Career Center gives companies the opportunity to recruit USC students.

With over 320 degree programs offered, there’s plenty of variety in USC’s academics. Due to its size, there is also plenty of financial aid. In addition to state-sponsored programs like the Carolina Scholars Program, eligible students can apply for university-offered scholarships like the Lieber Scholarship and University Scholars Award to help with tuition.

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