The Way College Should Be

The Way College Should Be

At Spartanburg Methodist College, students get a real chance to succeed. Many earn two degrees, finish college with less debt than most graduates, and enter the workforce with the skills employers want.


This is the way college should be.

COLLEGE SHOULD BE AFFORDABLE, WITHOUT SACRIFICING QUALITY


HERE'S HOW SMC PUTS COLLEGE WITHIN REACH:

  • An image of a parent or caregiver embracing a child. They are posing for the camera after moving into the student's residence hall room on the SMC campus.
    Freshman Move-In Day, 2024.

    Over 60% of SMC students get a full tuition scholarship--meaning their state and federal grants cover part of the cost, then we add an SMC scholarship to take care of the rest. If you qualify, you’ll just pay for housing, meals, and fees at SMC. Plus, you’ll learn in a welcoming, tight-knit campus where professors know your name AND get a great education with built-in career prep you won’t find anywhere else. LEARN MORE

  • At SMC, you get the best of a private college—small classes, professors who actually know you, and personal support—without the massive price tag. In fact, we’re more affordable than 80% of private colleges in South Carolina, so you get top-tier quality for way less. LEARN MORE.
  • College should be about preparing you for the real world, not luxury perks. We keep tuition low and we invest in what actually matters: professors who mentor you, career prep built into every degree, and a friendly campus where you can grow, learn, and have fun—without the overpriced extras like luxury condos and on-campus ski resorts.
  • SMC grads start life after college with lower debt—25% less than the national average*. We make it possible by offering big scholarships and keeping costs focused on what truly matters: your education and future success. That means real savings, so you can focus on your future, not loan payments.
*Source: Internal analysis using Education Data debt information.


COLLEGE DEGREES SHOULD INCLUDE CAREER PREP


AT SMC, PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT ISN'T OPTIONAL; IT'S ESSENTIAL:

An African American student wearing a nametag speaks with a recruiter at a campus networking event.
Campus networking event
  • 80% of students* want a degree that leads to a career they love—but at every other college in the U.S., career prep takes extra time outside of class, and most students just don’t have that time. But career preparation isn’t optional if you want to land the job you want—it’s essential. That’s why at SMC, we build it into your four-year degree, so you’re job-ready without sacrificing time for classes, work, or enjoying college. LEARN MORE
  • ALL four-year degree students take career training classes and get hands-on professional experiences, right alongside their "major" (we call them concentrations at SMC). No extra time, no extra stress—just real experience that actually matters. You’ll do an internship or work-based project, get leadership and teamwork training, learn project management skills, and get the tools to figure out the right career before you graduate. Because no one wants to spend years earning a degree only to end up in a job they hate. LEARN MORE
  • SMC grads get hired faster and earn more. With built-in career training and real-world experience, 93% of our four-year grads are already working or in grad school soon after graduation—way ahead of the national average**. And they start out earning an average of $8,000 more than their peers in comparable degree fields***. Because your degree should work for you from day one.
*Source
**Source
***Internal analysis, SMC, 2022


COLLEGE SHOULD OFFER FLEXIBLE DEGREES THAT FIT YOUR GOALS


SMC HELPS YOU SHAPE YOUR DEGREE TO FIT YOUR FUTURE - WITHOUT THE GUESSWORK.

A male criminal justice professor wearing a blue shirt stands in a classroom in front of an digital board.
Dr. Taylor Brickley, Criminal Justice
  • At SMC, you're not just earning a four-year degree—you’re securing a two-year associate degree along the way. No extra effort, cost or time, just extra value. And if life hits pause—whether it’s finances, family, or something unexpected—you’ll still walk away with a degree in hand.
  • Along with traditional four-year degrees, SMC also offers flexible, customizable degree options. Our flexible degree structure lets you pair two concentrations (like traditional majors, but flexible and more career-focused) to create the best career path for you. LEARN MORE.
  • Employers believe a college degree + career skills is more important than what you study*. Because we've integrated professional skills into every four-year degree, you can study what you love. You'll be prepared for a rewarding career without compromising your passions. LEARN MORE.
*Source


COLLEGE SHOULD HAVE YOUR BACK


SMC OFFERS REAL SUPPORT, REAL CONNECTIONS AND A COMMUNITY WHERE YOU'LL THRIVE:

A group of male and female students of different races and ethnicities gather around a fire pit to roast marshmallows.
Halloween marshmallow roast, 2024.
  • We know applying to college can feel overwhelming, so we’ve made it simple. Our enrollment counselors guide you through every step, from application to financial aid to enrollment paperwork. Plus, we were the first college in the country to create Enrollment Days when you can handle everything in one place—no running from office to office. At SMC, starting college is easy, so you can focus on your future. LEARN MORE
  • At big colleges, you’re one of hundreds in a lecture hall—or just another face in a Zoom class- professors won’t know your name, and getting help is tough. At SMC, it’s the opposite. Small classes, professors who go out of their way to know you, and real support when you need it—so you’re never just a number." LEARN MORE
  • At SMC, your well-being comes first. From free counseling and 24/7 telehealth to academic accommodations and a dedicated wellness space, we make sure you have the support you need. Whether it’s mental health, academic help, or just a place to recharge, we’re here to help you thrive. LEARN MORE.
  • Here, you can choose to have an authentic college experience—residence halls, dining, sports, clubs, and events—in a close-knit, welcoming community. Need flexibility? Online students are still part of the Pioneer family, with access to campus amenities and ways to connect. Whether you live on campus, commute, or learn online, you’ll build friendships, make memories, and feel at home from day one.