As for education , Columbia is home to the main campus of the University of South Carolina , a leading graduate research institution including schools of medicine, nursing and public health. Nine other degree-granting colleges and universities are located in Columbia, including Midlands Technical College, the largest technical college in the state. More than 130 public and 70 private schools with long established programs for all grades are also available in Richland and Lexington counties that make up Columbia. Almost every religious denomination is represented in Columbia. Large and small congregations offer worship opportunities and sponsor benevolent services for the community's well-being.
Shopping is plentiful in Columbia.
J.B. White's, and Rich's department stores anchor four regional shopping malls and a variety of specialty shops and boutiques compliment these in numerous shopping centers. Columbia's comfortable year-round climate makes almost any outdoor activity feasible at any time of year. While a mild dusting of snow every year or so guarantees a touch of winter, a round of golf in December is still highly possible. Whether on weeknights or weekends, Columbia is a melting pot of extracurricular activities. Parks with tennis courts and playgrounds, public and private clubs, and some dozen or so golf courses are available throughout the community.