| Index | Columbia | South Carolina | National |
| Average Test Scores | 41% | 47% | 48% |
| Student/Teacher ratio | 16:1 | 16:1 | 16:1 |
| Total public schools | 73 | 932 | 79,221 |
| Total private schools | 39 | 369 | 24,874 |
| Total post-secondary schools | 14 | 96 | 7,963 |
| Index | Columbia | South Carolina | National |
| Completed 8th grade | 85.0% | 83.0% | 84.3% |
| Completed high school | 84.2% | 81.6% | 83.0% |
| Completed some college | 67.5% | 56.6% | 59.4% |
| Completed associate degree | 48.6% | 35.6% | 38.5% |
| Completed bachelors | 41.6% | 26.5% | 30.3% |
| Completed masters | 18.3% | 9.6% | 11.5% |
| Completed professional degree | 5.9% | 2.5% | 3.3% |
| Completed doctorate | 2.1% | 1.1% | 1.3% |
There are a total of 73 public schools, 39 private schools and 14 post-secondary schools in Columbia. Using the proficiency score averages, the average test scores for Columbia, SC schools is 41%. The average student to teacher ratio is 16:1. In Columbia, SC, an average of 85.0% of students have completed 8th grade and an average of 84.2% have completed high school.
| City | Population | Avg. Test Scores | National Avg. |
| Lexington, SC | 21,847 | 63% | 30.9% |
| Blythewood, SC | 3,646 | 63% | 30.6% |
| Irmo, SC | 12,397 | 59% | 22.6% |
| West Columbia, SC | 17,782 | 45% | 6.9% |
| Cayce, SC | 13,964 | 37% | 22.6% |
| Columbia, SC | 134,057 | 41% | 14.5% |
| City | Population | Avg. Test Scores | National Avg. |
| Warren, MI | 134,188 | 31% | 35.6% |
| Gainesville, FL | 133,611 | 52% | 8.1% |
| Coral Springs, FL | 133,370 | 62% | 28.7% |
| Cedar Rapids, IA | 133,125 | 63% | 30.3% |
| Visalia, CA | 133,100 | 37% | 23.0% |
| Columbia, SC | 134,057 | 41% | 14.5% |
Here are the best places to live in South Carolina
These are the largest cities in South Carolina
Most Dangerous States In The US
See the best places to live in Columbia