The Best College Town In South Carolina
Not only is Beaufort one of the prettiest small towns in South Carolina, but it’s also one of the best college communities in the Southeastern region of the United States. Deservedly dubbed Low Country’s “Southern Belle,” Beaufort was founded in 1711 and is the state’s second oldest town after Charleston, 70 miles to the north.
Originally a focal point of trade thanks to its harbor, which provided access to the Sea Islands along the Atlantic coast, it was the arrival of Beaufort Academy 84 years later that cemented the town’s reputation as a place of learning. Fast forward to today and the presence of the University of South Carolina Beaufort (part of the larger University of South Carolina System) has guaranteed the town continues to flourish.
USC Beaufort’s History and Highlights
The roots of the University of South Carolina Beaufort (USCB) can be traced to a charter granted to Beaufort College in 1795, making it one of the oldest centers of learning in the South. Classes began in the early 1800s, spearheaded by local leaders who recognized how important higher education would be for the plantation economies and maritime industries of the time. Why Beaufort? The choice had much to do with its coastal position and its growing reputation as an intellectual hub, making it a fitting location to nurture an institution dedicated to broad-based learning.
Over time, Beaufort College faced challenges that closely mirrored the region’s own struggles, in particular, the Civil War, during which the institute was forced to close. During this period, it was used as a hospital by occupying Union forces, and the college had to adapt and rebuild during the Reconstruction period that followed the cessation of hostilities. Post-war uses for the college included serving as the headquarters of the Freedmen’s Bureau, an organization providing education and healthcare to former slaves, as well as a 50-year stint as an elementary school.
It was in 1959 that it officially became part of the University of South Carolina System headquartered out of Columbia. Today, USCB is recognized among the top regional public colleges in the Southeastern United States. It offers 50 graduate and undergraduate programs in subjects including liberal arts, hospitality management, business, and marine sciences.
From its initial low student count, USCB now claims an annual enrolment of 2,200. While small compared to many other universities in the country, its graduates continue to have a very positive impact in the fields in which they specialize, including everything from entrepreneurs to educators and civic leaders.
USC Beaufort’s Impact On The Town
From its earliest days as Beaufort College to its present status as a campus of the University of South Carolina, USCB has had a significant influence on the town’s character. As the college grew, it positively impacted the local economy.
Today, USCB along with its students, faculty, and staff, contribute an estimated $141 million to the local economy, in the process creating in excess of 1,230 jobs. In addition to direct employment, jobs are also created in dining, retail, and local services, as well as in hospitality and real estate.
It's not just the local economy that benefits from the university’s presence. The cultural ties between Beaufort and USCB are evident in shared traditions and events, most notably its soring Homecoming celebrations including a very popular oyster roast. The campus also organizes academic conferences, art exhibitions, and musical performances that are open to the public.
Campus Attractions and Landmarks
For visitors eager to get a better sense of USCB’s beautiful setting, there are a few must-see spots on campus to include on your Beaufort travel itinerary. The historic Beaufort College building still stands and is worth seeing during a campus stroll. Look out for the plaque recounting the college’s origins and the story of how it overcame the challenges of the Civil War and Reconstruction (it’s located near the main entrance and affixed to the building’s well-preserved façade).
The USCB Center for the Arts is another campus highlight and regularly features cultural happenings, including theatrical performances to film screenings. Local artists and touring acts also make use of the facility, drawing audiences from across the region.
Interested in learning more about Low Country history? The USCB Library features a collection of rare books and regional archives that spotlight the region’s rich past, including its Gullah heritage, Civil War engagements, and environmental development. Outside, a landscaped courtyard offers benches under moss-laden oaks and is an ideal spot to soak up the atmosphere.
Other Attractions in Beaufort
Downtown Beaufort is an easy 10-minute walk from campus and is lined with antebellum homes and boutique shops. A stroll along Bay Street is a must-do, while the Henry C. Chambers Waterfront Park provides a scenic promenade along the picturesque Beaufort River. It’s especially pleasant when local festivals like January’s Beaufort Oyster Festival are held here.
A few miles from town, Hunting Island State Park is one of South Carolina’s most-visited attractions. Consisting of over 5,000 acres of natural beauty, here you’ll find over five miles of beautiful beaches to explore. Be sure to also check out the Hunting Island Lighthouse, which offers guided tours and stunning views of the coastline.
For those fascinated by military history, a visit to Parris Island Museum is well worthwhile. The Marine Corps Recruit Depot at Parris Island has a long and storied legacy, and the museum displays artifacts from the depot’s founding as well as the evolution of the Marine Corps, including local ties to Beaufort (guided tours are available).
Given Beaufort’s status as a popular destination for friends and families of students, as well as for tourists exploring the Lowcountry region, there are plenty of lodging options. The City Loft Hotel is a great choice and is located in the downtown area. Featuring modern rooms, it also blends in well with its historic surroundings. A short walk away, the 4-star Rhett House Inn is set in a converted antebellum featuring plush common areas and a porch that overlooks garden paths.
For dining, both locals and visitors appreciate spots like Lowcountry Produce Market & Cafe on Carteret Street. A reasonable stroll from USCB, it serves sandwiches, salads, and homemade sweet treats and is popular with students. Another option is Blackstone’s Café, which offers a laid-back atmosphere and filling breakfasts. Establishments such as Plums Restaurant and Saltus River Grill along Bay Street are also great for those seeking fresh seafood and regional dishes.
The Final Word
Beaufort stands out as South Carolina’s best college town due to the synergy between this historically significant waterfront community and the university that has developed alongside it. From economic infusions to cultural events, USCB’s contributions are evident in every corner of the town. Whether you’re considering higher education, planning a visit, or are looking for a welcoming place to call home, Beaufort’s college-town energy can be felt the moment you arrive.
