62 Universities Located in America's Most Underrated Cities

28. Clemson University (Clemson, SC): Top Public in the Upstate

Dominated by passionate Tiger athletics, Clemson University is also a top-tier public research institution nestled in Upstate South Carolina. It offers nationally recognized programs in engineering, computer science, architecture, agriculture, and business. The university emphasizes undergraduate research and maintains strong ties to industry, particularly automotive and advanced materials. Clemson provides a high-energy, tight-knit community feel within a classic college town setting, offering academic rigor and big-time sports culture that draws talented students seeking both challenge and spirit.