The state of South Carolina is historically tied to Christian principles, and currently remains an overwhelmingly Protestant territory. The largest Christian group in the state is of the Evangelical Protestant faith, with a membership of nearly 1.5 million. Mainline Protestants, Black Protestants, and Catholics comprise the next-largest denominations in South Carolina, respectively, according to the Association of Religion Data Archives (ARDA).

Baptists, Methodists, non-denominational, and Presbyterian groups claimed the most adherents within the Christian community, as of 2010, as did Catholics. From 2000 to 2010, Presbyterian-Reformed, Methodist/Pietist, and Lutheran faith groups reported the largest increase in growth of adherents and new congregations in the state.

Education in South Carolina

Initiatives to encourage higher learning in South Carolina have been strong in recent years. In fact, the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) reported a 17.4% increase in fall college enrollment between 2005 and 2010, and the state has been awarded for important initiatives in academic achievement of K-12 students, as well. South Carolina is home to many Christian colleges, including both traditional schools with Christian programs, as well as those with exclusively Christian curriculum.

Erskine College, North Greenville University, and Southern Wesleyan University are among the largest colleges in the area, featuring high-quality faith-based programs in addition to a full range of business, liberal arts, science, and healthcare options, just to name a few. Whether students are looking for Bible and religious studies, theology, Christian studies, or ministry majors, these South Carolina Christian colleges offer diverse and varied learning opportunities that combine higher learning and spiritual pursuits.

Working in South Carolina

South Carolina’s labor force is employed mostly by the education services, healthcare and social assistance industry. Manufacturing and retail trade are also dominant industries in the state, according to figures reported in a 2010 Census. With a relatively large overall population, South Carolina also provides a wealth of resources to its residents in the workforce, earning a ranking among Forbes’ recent list of “Best States for Business.”

The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) cites jobs in trade, transportation and utilities, government, professional, and business services, as being the most popular in the state.

Many South Carolina Christian colleges have been nationally recognized for academic excellence. Students seeking a fulfilling and well-rounded educational experience at a Christian college in South Carolina may want to read more about the top state schools, below: