USC Sumter has been ranked the No. 1 community college in South Carolina in Niche’s 2027 Best Colleges rankings.
The University of South Carolina campus topped Niche’s list of the state’s community colleges, while USC’s other regional Palmetto College campuses also placed among the top six. USC Lancaster ranked No. 3, USC Salkehatchie No. 4 and USC Union No. 6.
“We are honored to be recognized as South Carolina’s top two-year institution,” USC Sumter Campus Dean Eric Reisenauer said. “This achievement reflects the strength of our students, the commitment of our faculty and staff, and the support we receive from the Sumter community.”
Niche analyzes more than 3,000 colleges nationwide using academic, admissions, financial and student life data from the U.S. Department of Education, along with reviews from students and alumni.
Its rankings also consider factors including academics, value, professors, student life, campus, diversity, the surrounding area and safety. The 2027 rankings added student wellness and future readiness as metrics.
USC Sumter is one of four two-year regional campuses that make up USC Palmetto College. Together, the campuses enroll nearly 5,000 students in communities including Sumter, Lancaster, Union, Allendale, Walterboro, Clinton, Laurens and Indian Land.
The regional campuses award associate degrees and work with USC’s four-year institutions to provide pathways for students to complete bachelor’s degrees on campus or through Palmetto College Online.
USC Sumter serves traditional, transfer, dual-enrollment and nontraditional students and offers academic support services, student organizations, NJCAA athletics and esports, along with pathways to four-year degrees and careers.
The campus also serves as a community resource through educational and cultural programs, including Swan Con, Sumter’s annual comic arts festival.
USC President Michael Amiridis said the rankings reflect the work being done across the university’s regional campuses.
“By expanding access to a University of South Carolina education to every corner of the state, Palmetto College is empowering students to achieve their goals while strengthening South Carolina’s workforce, economy and future growth,” Amiridis said.
The regional campuses also provide academic support, personal and career counseling and services aimed at helping students meet needs outside the classroom, including food pantries and clothing closets. They also work with K-12 students and families on college preparation and offer opportunities for high school students to earn college credit.
Reisenauer said USC Sumter plans to continue building on its role in the region.
“USC Sumter has a long tradition of transforming lives through accessible, high-quality education, and we remain dedicated to helping our students succeed both in the classroom and beyond,” he said.
