Education

The Greater Columbia area offers twenty-two school districts and eighty private school opportunities for families to consider when moving to the area. South Carolina is committed to meeting all standards set by the U.S. Department of Education, which provides a challenging and creative learning environment for students. South Carolina students made dramatic improvements on national standardized science tests in 2005 and was one of five states to show improvement in the 2005 science administration of the National Assessment of Educational Progress, also known as "The Nation's Report Card."

Higher education is also well represented in the Columbia area. Columbia is home to the University of South Carolina, Benedict and Allen Colleges, Columbia College, Columbia International University, Midlands Technical College and Newberry College. Each college offers educational opportunities ranging from a two-year vocational degree to advanced degrees.

The University of South Carolina is continuing to expand in support of research initiatives in nanotechnology, health sciences, future fuels, and the environment. This expansion will comprise of a new innovation district, called Innovista. Innovista will comprise of space for residences, retail, restaurants, and recreation that will complement stated research goals. Innovista will be a place to live, learn, and work.

South Carolina offers a state Education Lottery designed to support a variety of educational programs including: K-12, higher education programs and scholarships.

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