<p>Understand that USC-Beaufort is not USC-Columbia, any more than U. of Michigan-Flint is Ann Arbor. Until 2002, it was a two-year college offering access to basic higher education for local residents. Though it’s now four-year, it’s not much more ambitious in scope. It’s students are generally locals who have other priorities than going off to college in another area. Though it has some housing, most students will commute in and out while balancing their day jobs. I have nothing against USC-B - it plays an important role for residents of its part of the state - but it’s nothing to leave New York for. Attracting good students from other states is not what its mission entails. I have to assume that the only appeal it might hold for you is its proximity to Hilton Head. That’s all well and good too, but Hilton Head isn’t a town for college students; it’s a gated community for people my age (who have a lot more money than I do).</p>