PC is located in Clinton, South Carolina, a college town in the Upstate, which is conveniently located approximately 40 miles from Greenville, 30 miles from Spartanburg, and 60 miles from Columbia. Through education and service, PC focuses on empowering students to create meaningful, lasting change. With the support of the community, students graduate with the confidence to move forward and make the world a better, more just and equitable place. PC has emphasized liberal arts education since its founding in 1880. Partly due to the success and recognition of the undergraduate science programs, the college has founded three graduate health science programs to meet the needs of the community. The PC School of Pharmacy, Physician Assistant Studies Program, and Occupational Therapy Program continue the College of Arts & Sciences' focus on education that has earned PC a reputation as being one of the top liberal arts colleges in the country. PC has earned distinction for the quality of its academic program and commitment to student success, including being named a College of Distinction. The college recntly earned a 4-star ranking from Money Magazine as one of America's Best Colleges. Also, the Center for First-Generation Student Success designated PC as one of the country's "First-Gen Forward" institutions, which acknowledges higher education institutions for their commitment to first-generation student success. The college holds a Carnegie classification as a Baccalaureate College with an Arts & Sciences Focus. PC is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges of Schools Commission on Colleges, with its most recent reaffirmation of accreditation in December 2017. PC offers more than 60 student clubs and organizations - from Greek Life to Student Government to Student Volunteer Services. PC competes in NCAA Division I (FCS) and offers 19 varsity athletic teams. The athletic program is predicated on the value of team and individual sports being an integral part of the educational process. Based on the ideal of being students first and athletes second, varsity participants are granted no special privileges and must meet the academic, admission, and other requirements of the college.
