Best Online Colleges in South Carolina for 2023

Online Higher Education in South Carolina

Opportunities vary based on degree type and the field entered, but online programs in South Carolina typically prepare students for professional success. As of March 2022, the state’s civilian labor force was 2,384,364. Of those, 2,303,592 were employed, leaving 80,772 without jobs. However, the state’s unemployment rate was 3.4%, down significantly from a high of 11.6% in April 2020.

As of May 2021, South Carolina had a mean hourly wage of $17.91 and an annual mean wage of $47,490. It should be noted that this is well below the national average of $56,310 for all occupations, but cost of living is also different for each state. Prospective students should also realize that some online degrees may lead to more lucrative professions than others. Some of the highest paying jobs in the state include chief executive, physicist, dentist, nurse anesthetist, cardiologist, dermatologist, physician, gynecologist, and surgeon.

As of the 2021-2022 academic year, the total student population in South Carolina was 238,111. This includes 208,708 undergraduate and 29,403 graduate school students. Overall, online education in the state is quite popular. A total of 84,330 students are enrolled in online classes exclusively, while an additional 94,973 students are enrolled in some online classes. This means that over 75% of undergraduate and graduate students will take at least one online course during the 2021-2022 academic year.

Education costs in South Carolina are comparable to other states. The average amount residents can expect to spend on tuition and fees in 2022 is $8,019. For those living outside the state, however, the average cost is $15,543. Additional expenses to keep in mind include room, board, books, and supplies. The average living costs for those who choose to live on campus in 2022 is $13,717, while those living off campus will pay an average of $14,586. Notably, the cost of books and supplies has spiked drastically in the last year. In 2021, students could expect to pay $1,537, but in 2022 the average is $3,448. This is an increase of over 224%.

Prospective students interested in online classes are likely to spend slightly less than traditional enrollees. This is because remote learning can cost less, especially when room, board, parking, and activity fees are not needed. While distance learning does not eliminate the need to pay for housing and food, certain circumstances can make these expenses less significant. Additionally, online students can still qualify for financial aid and can take advantage of grants, scholarships, and loans. In fact, all prospective students should complete and submit the FAFSA to their institutions.

What are the Best Online Universities & College Programs in South Carolina?

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Prospective students can choose from numerous online college programs in South Carolina. The state makes it easy to earn degrees of every kind, with options available at the associate, bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral levels. Many institutions also offer online professional certificates for undergraduate and graduate students.

Distance learning provides students with the ability to pursue their education from nearly anywhere in the world. This is particularly beneficial to non-traditional students who cannot attend classes in person. Those with full-time jobs and/or other responsibilities can study from their offices or homes instead of institution campuses. Additionally, online college programs usually have more flexible scheduling options, with courses taught during the day and evening.

While outcomes vary, most graduates will have the knowledge, skills, and academic experience needed to pursue further education or professional employment in their chosen fields. Prospective students should, however, always verify institutional accreditation status prior to enrolling.

Clemson University

College Type 4-year, Public Student Population 26,406 Graduation Rate 85% Net Price $22,935 Grads Salary $71,000

Bob Jones University

College Type 4-year, Private not-for-profit Student Population 3,029 Graduation Rate 65% Net Price $15,669 Grads Salary $65,000

University of South Carolina

College Type 4-year, Public Student Population 35,470 Graduation Rate 78% Net Price $21,784 Grads Salary $65,000

Southern Wesleyan University

College Type 4-year, Private not-for-profit Student Population 1,345 Graduation Rate 54% Net Price $18,614 Grads Salary $69,000

Francis Marion University

College Type 4-year, Public Student Population 4,148 Graduation Rate 44% Net Price $12,380 Grads Salary $57,000

Coastal Carolina University

College Type 4-year, Public Student Population 10,118 Graduation Rate 46% Net Price $14,716 Grads Salary $58,000

Columbia International University

College Type 4-year, Private not-for-profit Student Population 2,098 Graduation Rate 68% Net Price $18,651 Grads Salary $54,000

Winthrop University

College Type 4-year, Public Student Population 5,576 Graduation Rate 61% Net Price $19,300 Grads Salary $59,000

Lander University

College Type 4-year, Public Student Population 3,513 Graduation Rate 49% Net Price $15,541 Grads Salary $55,000

Charleston Southern University

College Type 4-year, Private not-for-profit Student Population 3,350 Graduation Rate 44% Net Price $17,496 Grads Salary $60,000

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Coker University

College Type 4-year, Private not-for-profit Student Population 1,087 Graduation Rate 53% Net Price $16,647 Grads Salary $53,000

Columbia College-Columbia,SC

College Type 4-year, Private not-for-profit Student Population 1,218 Graduation Rate 66% Net Price $20,277 Grads Salary $51,000

Claflin University

College Type 4-year, Private not-for-profit Student Population 2,048 Graduation Rate 50% Net Price $20,806 Grads Salary $57,000

Anderson University

College Type 4-year, Private not-for-profit Student Population 3,848 Graduation Rate 57% Net Price $21,576 Grads Salary $52,000

Strayer University-South Carolina

College Type 4-year, Private for-profit Student Population 2,806 Graduation Rate 50% Net Price $22,605 Grads Salary $56,000

North Greenville University

College Type 4-year, Private not-for-profit Student Population 2,280 Graduation Rate 51% Net Price $20,627 Grads Salary $52,000

Limestone University

College Type 4-year, Private not-for-profit Student Population 1,943 Graduation Rate 33% Net Price $24,967 Grads Salary $58,000