Is it too early to plant tulip bulbs in Columbia South Carolina?

Actually for most bulb planting you are a bit too late. Google they type you have and read up on them. There are so many varieties and hybrids I would not want to guess!

http://www.clemson.edu/extension/hgic/plants/landscape/flowers/hgic1155.html

I believe you can plant bulbs ground freezes. Bulbs to plant now include daffodils, jonquils, hyacinths, gladiolias, campernelles and tulips!

http://www.southernliving.com/home-garden/gardens/bulbs-to-plant-for-spring

Does Carolina have a winter? You can plant bulbs any time before the soil freezes. If you don't have cold snaps put your bulbs in your freezer before planting them. They won't bloom without the cold snap, just like they won't bloom the following year if you don't let their leaves dry out before removing them