Allen University

Columbia, SC

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Allen University - Columbia, SC

Area Guide

An HBCU with a storied past and a tight-knit student body

Private Walkable Convenient Close-Knit University

Originally founded in Cokesbury in 1870 and relocated 10 years later to the heart of Downtown Columbia, Allen University stands as one of the state’s oldest and most prominent universities. The Chappelle Administration Building is one of the most recognizable facades in the city, and marks the campus’ northwest corner along Harden Street. The Yellow Jackets — the university’s mascot — enjoy an extremely small student body of just 600, making for small, focused classes and a close-knit atmosphere across campus.

Columbia’s two most popular entertainment districts, Five Points and Main Street, are within walking distance, as is the up-and-coming Bull Street District. The area was once the old grounds of the Columbia Mental Hospital, but today they house the Segra Park baseball stadium and a number of new restaurants and developments.

Rent Trends

As of September 2025, the average apartment rent in Columbia, SC is $1,058 for a studio, $1,149 for one bedroom, $1,338 for two bedrooms, and $1,637 for three bedrooms. Apartment rent in Columbia has increased by 2.7% in the past year.

  • Studio

  • 459 sq ft

    Average Sq Ft

  • $1,058/month

    Average Rent

  • 1 BR

  • 735 sq ft

    Average Sq Ft

  • $1,149/month

    Average Rent

  • 2 BR

  • 1,067 sq ft

    Average Sq Ft

  • $1,338/month

    Average Rent

  • 3 BR

  • 1,360 sq ft

    Average Sq Ft

  • $1,637/month

    Average Rent

Transportation

45

Car-Dependent

out of 100 WalkScore® Rating

This area is considered a car-dependent area and most errands will require a car.

17

Minimal Transit

out of 100 TransitScore® Rating

You'll likely want a car when living in this area since it has few transit options.

38

Somewhat Bikeable

out of 100 BikeScore® Rating

You might be able to find places to ride your bike in this area, but you’ll most likely want your car for most errands.

Schools

Brennen Elementary

Public

Grades PK-5

806 Students

Brockman Elementary

Public

Grades PK-5

268 Students

Rosewood Elementary

Public

Grades K-5

329 Students

Killian Elementary

Public

Grades PK-5

742 Students

Meadowfield Elementary

Public

Grades PK-5

639 Students

Crayton Middle

Public

Grades 6-8

905 Students

Dent Middle

Public

Grades 6-8

1,018 Students

Longleaf Middle

Public

Grades 6-8

802 Students

Hand Middle

Public

Grades 6-8

652 Students

W. G. Sanders Middle

Public

Grades 6-8

533 Students

A. C. Flora High

Public

Grades 9-12

1,352 Students

Dreher High

Public

Grades 9-12

1,150 Students

Spring Valley High

Public

Grades 9-12

2,187 Students

Ridge View High

Public

Grades 9-12

1,711 Students

Irmo High

Public

Grades 9-12

1,307 Students

Points of Interest

Parks and Recreation

  • McKissick Museum
  • Melton Memorial Observatory
  • South Carolina State Museum
  • EdVenture Children's Museum
  • Riverbanks Zoo

Airports

  • Columbia Metro

Top Apartments Near Allen University

Houses Near Allen University

Property Management Companies

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Methodology

† Our analysis of utilities, groceries, transportation, healthcare, home prices, and other goods and services is sourced from the Cost of Living Index, a respected benchmark published by the Council for Community and Economic Research (C2ER) that provides a thorough overview of living expenses across different regions.

Rent data is provided by CoStar Group’s Market Trend reports. As the industry leader in commercial real estate information, analytics, and news, CoStar conducts extensive research to produce and maintain a comprehensive database of commercial real estate information. We combine this data with public record to provide the most up-to-date rental information available.

Consumer goods, services, and home prices are sourced from the Cost of Living Index published by the Council for Community and Economic Research (C2ER). The data on this page is updated quarterly. It was last published in September 2025.