South Carolina has a multitude of colleges and universities for nearly any preference in a field of study. With the help of the state’s diversification and inclusion initiatives, more and more young people want to live in South Carolina. You will find higher education institutes near the sea, and you will find colleges and universities with some of the most stunning historical buildings in the US.
The state is filled with a healthy balance of public and private accredited colleges and universities with online programs. Some of the most reputable and popular public four-year schools include Clemson University, University of South Carolina, College of Charleston, Winthrop University, and Lander University. If you prefer private education, consider Coker College, Newberry College, Converse College, and Furman University. For those of you looking to skyrocket your military reputation, The Citadel is one of the premier military colleges in the country.
How Much Can You Make by Earning a Degree in South Carolina?
You will almost always make more money with a degree than without one. In fact, the higher your degrees of completion the more money you will make. It is possible to make decent wages with a high school diploma or an associate’s degree; however, you will catapult your earning potential with a bachelor’s or a master’s degree. These degrees are relatively easy to obtain today with the help of accredited online programs from reputable colleges and universities like those in South Carolina. Keep working or looking after your kids while you complete your degree one class at a time. And remember that many employers will provide tuition reimbursement for those who work to improve their skill set and knowledge base while in their employee.
Education Level & National Average Median Compensation
NO FORMAL EDUCATION | HIGH SCHOOL DIPLOMA | ASSOCIATE DEGREE | BACHELOR’S DEGREE | MASTER’S DEGREE | DOCTORAL DEGREE |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
$36,816* | $46,748* | $55,016* | $77,636* | $90,324* | $109,668* |
Featured Online Programs
Most Popular Degrees and Careers in South Carolina
A surge in new transplant residents has been occurring in South Carolina for several years. This population increase has made the state one of the fastest growing states in the US, with an excess of 5 million people now legal residents. The state is experiencing such shifts due to an influx in retirees moving to the Palmetto State with the appeal of a lower cost of living and significantly nicer weather than many places further north. Younger people are also moving to the state as job creation continues to occur at relatively high rates.
The largest employment positions vary greatly, such as administrative support, sales, transportation, production, healthcare, education, and management and the growing industries are having a tremendous impact on the region. The unemployment rate was recently a mere 3.3%, which is a bit less than the national average. As the state continues to diversify its employment opportunities the students will continue to shift their focus to meet these newly created jobs.
Top Business Careers and Salaries
Business careers in South Carolina exist in nearly every industry. You can work in healthcare, aeronautics, education, manufacturing, transportation, and more. Whether you wish to work in finance or in management, you will find a rewarding business career.
CAREER NAME | CURRENTLY EMPLOYED | AVERAGE ANNUAL WAGE |
---|---|---|
Claims Adjuster, Examiner and Investigator | 2,540 | $62,950 |
Compliance Officer | 3,830 | $62,630 |
Financial Analyst | 1,880 | $80,690 |
Fundraiser | 480 | $50,690 |
Human Resources Specialist | 7,770 | $61,350 |
Management Analyst | 10,170 | $78,770 |
Market Research Analysts and Marketing Specialist | 6,770 | $59,390 |
Marketing Manager | 1,980 | $113,660 |
Meeting, Convention and Event Planner | 1,310 | $44,180 |
Public Relations and Fundraising Manager | 610 | $87,780 |
- Accounting
- Business
- Business Administrator
- Business Manager
- Career in public relations
- Claims adjusters
- Compliance officers
- Economist
- Entrepreneur
- Event planner
- Financial Analyst
- Fundraisers
- Hospitality Manager
- Human Resources Manager
- Human resources specialist
- International Business Manager
- Management analysts
- Market research analysts
- Marketing Manager
- Operations Manager
- Organizational Leader
- Project Manager
- Supply Chain Manager
Top Computers Careers and Salaries
- Computer Engineer
- Computer Information Technologist
- Computer Programmer
- Computer Scientist
- Cybersecurity
- Database Administrator
- Database Management
- Software Engineer
- Web Development
Top Education Careers and Salaries
- Early Childhood Administrator
- Early Childhood Education Teacher
- General Education Teacher
- Secondary School Teacher
Top Healthcare Careers and Salaries
Health professional careers have a wide range, from taking blood to managing a hospital. This field is one of the most stable as it is consistently expected to have one of the highest growth rates of nearly all professions. You can always start as a nurse and work up to a specialized practitioner to increase your salary and advance your career.
CAREER NAME | CURRENTLY EMPLOYED | AVERAGE ANNUAL WAGE |
---|---|---|
Biochemist and Biophysicist | 50 | $73,690 |
Biological Scientist | 200 | $79,710 |
Biological Technician | 520 | $54,720 |
Biomedical Engineer | 170 | $66,740 |
Home Health Aide | 29,510 | $22,470 |
Medical Assistant | 10,890 | $31,080 |
Microbiologist | 100 | $54,720 |
Nurse Practitioner | 2,450 | $100,680 |
Physical Therapist | 3,170 | $85,650 |
Registered Nurse | 46,860 | $64,840 |
- Biochemist
- Biological scientists
- Biological technicians
- Biomedical engineers
- Gerontology Nurse or Physician
- Healthcare Administrator
- Healthcare Manager
- Home health aide
- Medical assistants
- Microbiologist
- Nurse
- Nurse practitioner
- Physical therapist
- Registered nurse
Top Legal Careers and Salaries
Job Growth and Fastest Growing Occupations
South Carolina is experiencing job growth where other states are lacking. For people with an associate’s degree or higher, you can expect to see growth in the following jobs till 2021:
Occupation | Growth |
---|---|
Physical Therapists | 32.9% |
Healthcare Social Workers | 29.5% |
Civil Engineers | 22.3% |
Registered Nurses | 18.9% |
Elementary School Teachers | 14.6% |
Accountants and Auditors | 12.8% |
Top 15 Best Associate Degree Programs in South Carolina
Orangeburg Calhoun Technical College
Score: 85.48
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $5,954
- Out-of-State:$7,970
- Net Price: $4,531
- Acceptance Rate: 100%
- Retention Rate: 68%
- Graduation Rate: 28%
- Total Enrollment: 2,012
- Undergrad Students: 2,012
- Graduate Students: N/A
- Grads Salary: $44,400
- Student-to-faculty: 13:1
Tri-County Technical College
Score: 79.95
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $6,008
- Out-of-State:$11,096
- Net Price: $6,521
- Acceptance Rate: 100%
- Retention Rate: 55%
- Graduation Rate: 35%
- Total Enrollment: 5,629
- Undergrad Students: 5,629
- Graduate Students: N/A
- Grads Salary: $39,700
- Student-to-faculty: 19:1
Trident Technical College
Score: 76.52
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $5,059
- Out-of-State:$8,606
- Net Price: $2,135
- Acceptance Rate: 100%
- Retention Rate: 60%
- Graduation Rate: 24%
- Total Enrollment: 11,789
- Undergrad Students: 11,789
- Graduate Students: N/A
- Grads Salary: $38,800
- Student-to-faculty: 20:1
York Technical College
Score: 75.74
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $5,882
- Out-of-State:$10,824
- Net Price: $4,676
- Acceptance Rate: 100%
- Retention Rate: 62%
- Graduation Rate: 31%
- Total Enrollment: 4,521
- Undergrad Students: 4,521
- Graduate Students: N/A
- Grads Salary: $34,800
- Student-to-faculty: 19:1
Aiken Technical College
Score: 71.5
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $5,404
- Out-of-State:$6,916
- Net Price: $5,611
- Acceptance Rate: 100%
- Retention Rate: 55%
- Graduation Rate: 19%
- Total Enrollment: 2,121
- Undergrad Students: 2,121
- Graduate Students: N/A
- Grads Salary: $39,600
- Student-to-faculty: 14:1
Spartanburg Community College
Score: 71.28
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $6,198
- Out-of-State:$10,110
- Net Price: $6,421
- Acceptance Rate: 100%
- Retention Rate: 61%
- Graduation Rate: 29%
- Total Enrollment: 6,224
- Undergrad Students: 6,224
- Graduate Students: N/A
- Grads Salary: $33,200
- Student-to-faculty: 18:1
Horry-Georgetown Technical College
Score: 70.94
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $5,476
- Out-of-State:$8,836
- Net Price: $4,461
- Acceptance Rate: 100%
- Retention Rate: 63%
- Graduation Rate: 26%
- Total Enrollment: 8,137
- Undergrad Students: 8,137
- Graduate Students: N/A
- Grads Salary: $34,500
- Student-to-faculty: 23:1
Florence-Darlington Technical College
Score: 69.33
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $4,900
- Out-of-State:$6,772
- Net Price: $2,334
- Acceptance Rate: 100%
- Retention Rate: 62%
- Graduation Rate: 19%
- Total Enrollment: 2,940
- Undergrad Students: 2,940
- Graduate Students: N/A
- Grads Salary: $33,400
- Student-to-faculty: 17:1
Central Carolina Technical College
Score: 69.07
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $6,594
- Out-of-State:$9,016
- Net Price: $5,521
- Acceptance Rate: 100%
- Retention Rate: 61%
- Graduation Rate: 22%
- Total Enrollment: 3,314
- Undergrad Students: 3,314
- Graduate Students: N/A
- Grads Salary: $33,900
- Student-to-faculty: 15:1
Piedmont Technical College
Score: 68.29
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $5,675
- Out-of-State:$6,923
- Net Price: $11,045
- Acceptance Rate: 100%
- Retention Rate: 61%
- Graduation Rate: 28%
- Total Enrollment: 5,315
- Undergrad Students: 5,315
- Graduate Students: N/A
- Grads Salary: $33,300
- Student-to-faculty: 11:1
Northeastern Technical College
Score: 67.17
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $6,024
- Out-of-State:$6,024
- Net Price: $6,910
- Acceptance Rate: 100%
- Retention Rate: 49%
- Graduation Rate: 26%
- Total Enrollment: 1,466
- Undergrad Students: 1,466
- Graduate Students: N/A
- Grads Salary: $31,500
- Student-to-faculty: 13:1
Spartanburg Methodist College
Score: 67.11
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $19,350
- Out-of-State:$19,350
- Net Price: $16,333
- Acceptance Rate: 82%
- Retention Rate: 41%
- Graduation Rate: 36%
- Total Enrollment: 1,064
- Undergrad Students: 1,064
- Graduate Students: N/A
- Grads Salary: $33,900
- Student-to-faculty: 18:1
Midlands Technical College
Score: 61.85
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $5,916
- Out-of-State:$13,812
- Net Price: $6,323
- Acceptance Rate: 100%
- Retention Rate: 47%
- Graduation Rate: 15%
- Total Enrollment: 9,091
- Undergrad Students: 9,091
- Graduate Students: N/A
- Grads Salary: $35,300
- Student-to-faculty: 17:1
University of South Carolina-Lancaster
Score: 59
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $7,558
- Out-of-State:$18,238
- Net Price: $10,795
- Acceptance Rate: 76%
- Retention Rate: 37%
- Graduation Rate: 16%
- Total Enrollment: 1,772
- Undergrad Students: 1,772
- Graduate Students: N/A
- Grads Salary: $32,300
- Student-to-faculty: 16:1
Technical College of the Lowcountry
Score: 58.95
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $6,100
- Out-of-State:$11,044
- Net Price: $7,257
- Acceptance Rate: 100%
- Retention Rate: 48%
- Graduation Rate: 14%
- Total Enrollment: 2,196
- Undergrad Students: 2,196
- Graduate Students: N/A
- Grads Salary: $31,800
- Student-to-faculty: 12:1
Top 25 Best Bachelor's Programs in South Carolina
Clemson University
Score: 89.15
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $15,554
- Out-of-State:$39,498
- Net Price: $24,577
- Acceptance Rate: 43%
- Retention Rate: 92%
- Graduation Rate: 85%
- Total Enrollment: 28,466
- Undergrad Students: 22,566
- Graduate Students: 5,900
- Grads Salary: $76,000
- Student-to-faculty: 16:1
University of South Carolina-Columbia
Score: 83.19
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $12,688
- Out-of-State:$34,934
- Net Price: $22,427
- Acceptance Rate: 64%
- Retention Rate: 90%
- Graduation Rate: 78%
- Total Enrollment: 35,653
- Undergrad Students: 27,343
- Graduate Students: 8,310
- Grads Salary: $71,000
- Student-to-faculty: 18:1
Southern Wesleyan University
Score: 81.66
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $27,870
- Out-of-State:$27,870
- Net Price: $17,639
- Acceptance Rate: 51%
- Retention Rate: 67%
- Graduation Rate: 60%
- Total Enrollment: 1,175
- Undergrad Students: 896
- Graduate Students: 279
- Grads Salary: $74,000
- Student-to-faculty: 12:1
Citadel Military College of South Carolina
Score: 81.18
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $12,570
- Out-of-State:$37,370
- Net Price: $21,846
- Acceptance Rate: 99%
- Retention Rate: 84%
- Graduation Rate: 70%
- Total Enrollment: 3,721
- Undergrad Students: 2,695
- Graduate Students: 1,026
- Grads Salary: $76,000
- Student-to-faculty: 11:1
Furman University
Score: 80.68
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $58,312
- Out-of-State:$58,312
- Net Price: $33,370
- Acceptance Rate: 67%
- Retention Rate: 88%
- Graduation Rate: 85%
- Total Enrollment: 2,443
- Undergrad Students: 2,283
- Graduate Students: 160
- Grads Salary: $71,000
- Student-to-faculty: 9:1
Wofford College
Score: 78.96
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $54,100
- Out-of-State:$54,100
- Net Price: $31,192
- Acceptance Rate: 60%
- Retention Rate: 89%
- Graduation Rate: 83%
- Total Enrollment: 1,823
- Undergrad Students: 1,823
- Graduate Students: N/A
- Grads Salary: $66,000
- Student-to-faculty: 11:1
Bob Jones University
Score: 78.65
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $23,400
- Out-of-State:$23,400
- Net Price: $18,733
- Acceptance Rate: 100%
- Retention Rate: 80%
- Graduation Rate: 69%
- Total Enrollment: 3,095
- Undergrad Students: 2,665
- Graduate Students: 430
- Grads Salary: $70,000
- Student-to-faculty: 12:1
College of Charleston
Score: 78.28
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $12,978
- Out-of-State:$36,858
- Net Price: $21,120
- Acceptance Rate: 76%
- Retention Rate: 80%
- Graduation Rate: 65%
- Total Enrollment: 10,885
- Undergrad Students: 9,972
- Graduate Students: 913
- Grads Salary: $71,000
- Student-to-faculty: 16:1
Presbyterian College
Score: 77.49
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $43,300
- Out-of-State:$43,300
- Net Price: $21,571
- Acceptance Rate: 59%
- Retention Rate: 68%
- Graduation Rate: 63%
- Total Enrollment: 1,199
- Undergrad Students: 955
- Graduate Students: 244
- Grads Salary: $69,000
- Student-to-faculty: 11:1
Columbia International University
Score: 73.99
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $27,900
- Out-of-State:$27,900
- Net Price: $19,911
- Acceptance Rate: 48%
- Retention Rate: 66%
- Graduation Rate: 70%
- Total Enrollment: 2,481
- Undergrad Students: 1,001
- Graduate Students: 1,480
- Grads Salary: $56,000
- Student-to-faculty: 13:1
Winthrop University
Score: 73.24
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $15,956
- Out-of-State:$30,286
- Net Price: $17,008
- Acceptance Rate: 70%
- Retention Rate: 67%
- Graduation Rate: 61%
- Total Enrollment: 4,712
- Undergrad Students: 3,741
- Graduate Students: 971
- Grads Salary: $60,000
- Student-to-faculty: 12:1
Lander University
Score: 73.03
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $11,700
- Out-of-State:$21,300
- Net Price: $15,524
- Acceptance Rate: 67%
- Retention Rate: 66%
- Graduation Rate: 45%
- Total Enrollment: 4,167
- Undergrad Students: 3,562
- Graduate Students: 605
- Grads Salary: $68,000
- Student-to-faculty: 16:1
Coastal Carolina University
Score: 70.96
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $11,640
- Out-of-State:$29,628
- Net Price: $14,016
- Acceptance Rate: 79%
- Retention Rate: 71%
- Graduation Rate: 48%
- Total Enrollment: 10,337
- Undergrad Students: 9,794
- Graduate Students: 543
- Grads Salary: $62,000
- Student-to-faculty: 16:1
Anderson University-South Carolina
Score: 70.21
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $33,580
- Out-of-State:$33,580
- Net Price: $21,633
- Acceptance Rate: 45%
- Retention Rate: 81%
- Graduation Rate: 60%
- Total Enrollment: 4,121
- Undergrad Students: 3,237
- Graduate Students: 884
- Grads Salary: $53,000
- Student-to-faculty: 14:1
Francis Marion University
Score: 70.12
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $11,160
- Out-of-State:$21,544
- Net Price: $12,614
- Acceptance Rate: 83%
- Retention Rate: 65%
- Graduation Rate: 39%
- Total Enrollment: 4,045
- Undergrad Students: 3,635
- Graduate Students: 410
- Grads Salary: $65,000
- Student-to-faculty: 13:1
North Greenville University
Score: 69.36
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $24,650
- Out-of-State:$24,650
- Net Price: $11,705
- Acceptance Rate: 76%
- Retention Rate: 71%
- Graduation Rate: 54%
- Total Enrollment: 2,125
- Undergrad Students: 1,839
- Graduate Students: 286
- Grads Salary: $52,000
- Student-to-faculty: 13:1
Claflin University
Score: 68.34
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $17,046
- Out-of-State:$17,046
- Net Price: $19,951
- Acceptance Rate: 78%
- Retention Rate: 79%
- Graduation Rate: 50%
- Total Enrollment: 1,830
- Undergrad Students: 1,749
- Graduate Students: 81
- Grads Salary: $59,000
- Student-to-faculty: 13:1
South Carolina State University
Score: 67.91
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $11,060
- Out-of-State:$21,750
- Net Price: $17,435
- Acceptance Rate: 84%
- Retention Rate: 68%
- Graduation Rate: 34%
- Total Enrollment: 2,649
- Undergrad Students: 2,374
- Graduate Students: 275
- Grads Salary: $69,000
- Student-to-faculty: 17:1
Charleston Southern University
Score: 66.78
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $31,030
- Out-of-State:$31,030
- Net Price: $17,536
- Acceptance Rate: 87%
- Retention Rate: 70%
- Graduation Rate: 44%
- Total Enrollment: 3,418
- Undergrad Students: 2,836
- Graduate Students: 582
- Grads Salary: $60,000
- Student-to-faculty: 12:1
Newberry College
Score: 66.37
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $30,050
- Out-of-State:$30,050
- Net Price: $19,405
- Acceptance Rate: 75%
- Retention Rate: 69%
- Graduation Rate: 49%
- Total Enrollment: 1,312
- Undergrad Students: 1,296
- Graduate Students: 16
- Grads Salary: $57,000
- Student-to-faculty: 14:1
Columbia College-Columbia,SC
Score: 66.03
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $21,450
- Out-of-State:$21,450
- Net Price: $18,779
- Acceptance Rate: 98%
- Retention Rate: 55%
- Graduation Rate: 55%
- Total Enrollment: 1,514
- Undergrad Students: 1,173
- Graduate Students: 341
- Grads Salary: $58,000
- Student-to-faculty: 11:1
Coker University
Score: 64.49
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $31,854
- Out-of-State:$31,854
- Net Price: $19,345
- Acceptance Rate: 94%
- Retention Rate: 63%
- Graduation Rate: 42%
- Total Enrollment: 1,160
- Undergrad Students: 1,060
- Graduate Students: 100
- Grads Salary: $61,000
- Student-to-faculty: 12:1
Benedict College
Score: 61.53
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $18,000
- Out-of-State:$18,000
- Net Price: $17,845
- Acceptance Rate: 68%
- Retention Rate: 65%
- Graduation Rate: 20%
- Total Enrollment: 1,840
- Undergrad Students: 1,796
- Graduate Students: 44
- Grads Salary: $63,000
- Student-to-faculty: 17:1
Strayer University-South Carolina
Score: 55.89
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $13,920
- Out-of-State:$13,920
- Net Price: $18,573
- Acceptance Rate: 100%
- Retention Rate: 100%
- Graduation Rate: 25%
- Total Enrollment: 1,841
- Undergrad Students: 1,625
- Graduate Students: 216
- Grads Salary: $56,000
- Student-to-faculty: 41:1
Voorhees University
Score: 55.7
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $12,630
- Out-of-State:$12,630
- Net Price: $14,587
- Acceptance Rate: 100%
- Retention Rate: 65%
- Graduation Rate: 36%
- Total Enrollment: 507
- Undergrad Students: 473
- Graduate Students: 34
- Grads Salary: $44,000
- Student-to-faculty: 13:1
Top 20 Best Master's Programs in South Carolina
Clemson University
Score: 90.34
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $15,554
- Out-of-State:$39,498
- Net Price: $24,577
- Acceptance Rate: 43%
- Retention Rate: 92%
- Graduation Rate: 85%
- Total Enrollment: 28,466
- Undergrad Students: 22,566
- Graduate Students: 5,900
- Grads Salary: $76,000
- Student-to-faculty: 16:1
University of South Carolina-Columbia
Score: 84.6
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $12,688
- Out-of-State:$34,934
- Net Price: $22,427
- Acceptance Rate: 64%
- Retention Rate: 90%
- Graduation Rate: 78%
- Total Enrollment: 35,653
- Undergrad Students: 27,343
- Graduate Students: 8,310
- Grads Salary: $71,000
- Student-to-faculty: 18:1
Southern Wesleyan University
Score: 83.55
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $27,870
- Out-of-State:$27,870
- Net Price: $17,639
- Acceptance Rate: 51%
- Retention Rate: 67%
- Graduation Rate: 60%
- Total Enrollment: 1,175
- Undergrad Students: 896
- Graduate Students: 279
- Grads Salary: $74,000
- Student-to-faculty: 12:1
Citadel Military College of South Carolina
Score: 82.65
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $12,570
- Out-of-State:$37,370
- Net Price: $21,846
- Acceptance Rate: 99%
- Retention Rate: 84%
- Graduation Rate: 70%
- Total Enrollment: 3,721
- Undergrad Students: 2,695
- Graduate Students: 1,026
- Grads Salary: $76,000
- Student-to-faculty: 11:1
Furman University
Score: 81
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $58,312
- Out-of-State:$58,312
- Net Price: $33,370
- Acceptance Rate: 67%
- Retention Rate: 88%
- Graduation Rate: 85%
- Total Enrollment: 2,443
- Undergrad Students: 2,283
- Graduate Students: 160
- Grads Salary: $71,000
- Student-to-faculty: 9:1
Bob Jones University
Score: 80.43
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $23,400
- Out-of-State:$23,400
- Net Price: $18,733
- Acceptance Rate: 100%
- Retention Rate: 80%
- Graduation Rate: 69%
- Total Enrollment: 3,095
- Undergrad Students: 2,665
- Graduate Students: 430
- Grads Salary: $70,000
- Student-to-faculty: 12:1
College of Charleston
Score: 79.82
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $12,978
- Out-of-State:$36,858
- Net Price: $21,120
- Acceptance Rate: 76%
- Retention Rate: 80%
- Graduation Rate: 65%
- Total Enrollment: 10,885
- Undergrad Students: 9,972
- Graduate Students: 913
- Grads Salary: $71,000
- Student-to-faculty: 16:1
Presbyterian College
Score: 78.98
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $43,300
- Out-of-State:$43,300
- Net Price: $21,571
- Acceptance Rate: 59%
- Retention Rate: 68%
- Graduation Rate: 63%
- Total Enrollment: 1,199
- Undergrad Students: 955
- Graduate Students: 244
- Grads Salary: $69,000
- Student-to-faculty: 11:1
Columbia International University
Score: 75.65
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $27,900
- Out-of-State:$27,900
- Net Price: $19,911
- Acceptance Rate: 48%
- Retention Rate: 66%
- Graduation Rate: 70%
- Total Enrollment: 2,481
- Undergrad Students: 1,001
- Graduate Students: 1,480
- Grads Salary: $56,000
- Student-to-faculty: 13:1
Winthrop University
Score: 75.19
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $15,956
- Out-of-State:$30,286
- Net Price: $17,008
- Acceptance Rate: 70%
- Retention Rate: 67%
- Graduation Rate: 61%
- Total Enrollment: 4,712
- Undergrad Students: 3,741
- Graduate Students: 971
- Grads Salary: $60,000
- Student-to-faculty: 12:1
Lander University
Score: 75.12
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $11,700
- Out-of-State:$21,300
- Net Price: $15,524
- Acceptance Rate: 67%
- Retention Rate: 66%
- Graduation Rate: 45%
- Total Enrollment: 4,167
- Undergrad Students: 3,562
- Graduate Students: 605
- Grads Salary: $68,000
- Student-to-faculty: 16:1
Coastal Carolina University
Score: 73.2
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $11,640
- Out-of-State:$29,628
- Net Price: $14,016
- Acceptance Rate: 79%
- Retention Rate: 71%
- Graduation Rate: 48%
- Total Enrollment: 10,337
- Undergrad Students: 9,794
- Graduate Students: 543
- Grads Salary: $62,000
- Student-to-faculty: 16:1
Francis Marion University
Score: 72.5
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $11,160
- Out-of-State:$21,544
- Net Price: $12,614
- Acceptance Rate: 83%
- Retention Rate: 65%
- Graduation Rate: 39%
- Total Enrollment: 4,045
- Undergrad Students: 3,635
- Graduate Students: 410
- Grads Salary: $65,000
- Student-to-faculty: 13:1
North Greenville University
Score: 71.83
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $24,650
- Out-of-State:$24,650
- Net Price: $11,705
- Acceptance Rate: 76%
- Retention Rate: 71%
- Graduation Rate: 54%
- Total Enrollment: 2,125
- Undergrad Students: 1,839
- Graduate Students: 286
- Grads Salary: $52,000
- Student-to-faculty: 13:1
Anderson University-South Carolina
Score: 71.7
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $33,580
- Out-of-State:$33,580
- Net Price: $21,633
- Acceptance Rate: 45%
- Retention Rate: 81%
- Graduation Rate: 60%
- Total Enrollment: 4,121
- Undergrad Students: 3,237
- Graduate Students: 884
- Grads Salary: $53,000
- Student-to-faculty: 14:1
Claflin University
Score: 69.99
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $17,046
- Out-of-State:$17,046
- Net Price: $19,951
- Acceptance Rate: 78%
- Retention Rate: 79%
- Graduation Rate: 50%
- Total Enrollment: 1,830
- Undergrad Students: 1,749
- Graduate Students: 81
- Grads Salary: $59,000
- Student-to-faculty: 13:1
South Carolina State University
Score: 69.81
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $11,060
- Out-of-State:$21,750
- Net Price: $17,435
- Acceptance Rate: 84%
- Retention Rate: 68%
- Graduation Rate: 34%
- Total Enrollment: 2,649
- Undergrad Students: 2,374
- Graduate Students: 275
- Grads Salary: $69,000
- Student-to-faculty: 17:1
Charleston Southern University
Score: 68.68
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $31,030
- Out-of-State:$31,030
- Net Price: $17,536
- Acceptance Rate: 87%
- Retention Rate: 70%
- Graduation Rate: 44%
- Total Enrollment: 3,418
- Undergrad Students: 2,836
- Graduate Students: 582
- Grads Salary: $60,000
- Student-to-faculty: 12:1
Columbia College-Columbia,SC
Score: 67.8
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $21,450
- Out-of-State:$21,450
- Net Price: $18,779
- Acceptance Rate: 98%
- Retention Rate: 55%
- Graduation Rate: 55%
- Total Enrollment: 1,514
- Undergrad Students: 1,173
- Graduate Students: 341
- Grads Salary: $58,000
- Student-to-faculty: 11:1
Coker University
Score: 66.21
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $31,854
- Out-of-State:$31,854
- Net Price: $19,345
- Acceptance Rate: 94%
- Retention Rate: 63%
- Graduation Rate: 42%
- Total Enrollment: 1,160
- Undergrad Students: 1,060
- Graduate Students: 100
- Grads Salary: $61,000
- Student-to-faculty: 12:1
Cost of South Carolina College Education & Salaries
The cost of your overall education is highly important to consider. If you take out $100,000 in financial aid and only make $25,000 a year, you may struggle to pay your bills for the rest of your life. It is important to think about potential careers and the cost of your education before you select a school. Most four-year public colleges and universities are highly affordable for those paying in-state tuition. If you are not a state resident, you will have to pay out-of-state tuition which is often significantly more. If you plan to attend a four-year private school, it will cost in-state residents roughly double in most cases if not more. Private schools typically have the same tuition costs for in-state and out-of-state residents.
Do not forget to include the cost of living and your book and class fees. These will all add up. It might be less expensive to live on campus in some towns or cities. In other cities, it will cost more to live on campus. These are all financial aspects to consider before you choose the right school for you, and remember that online courses can help you save money and provide you with greater flexibility in your life.
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Tuition Cost Analysis - In-state vs. National
Average Tuition & Fees at 4 Year Public Schools
In-State Tuition - $13,013
National Average – $9,580
Out-of-State Tuition – $32,174
National Average – $27,437
Percentage of Students Receiving Financial Aid
The vast majority of students in the US require at least some financial assistance regardless of the college or university. South Carolina is ranked number 14 in the US for the most financial aid awarded. Each student receives roughly $10,689 on average with a total of 194,600 students receiving federal aid each year and 63% percent of all applicants are approved for financial aid.
Financial Aid | South Carolina | Nationally |
---|---|---|
Received Federal Grants | 41% | 37.7% |
Average $ per Recipient | $10,689 | $10,927 |
* Institutional aid represents grant and scholarship funds directly awarded by a postsecondary institution.
* Financial aid data represents 4-year public and private nonprofit schools only.
Scholarships for South Carolina College Students
CCCS
Cancer for College Carolinas Scholarship
https://cancerforcollege.org/available-scholarships/
Amount: $5,000
Deadline: January 31
The Cancer for College Carolinas Scholarship is dedicated to applicants who have been diagnosed with cancer themselves. The applicants must also plan to attend an accredited degree program rather than a certificate program. You will have to be a full-time undergraduate student or a part-time graduate student to qualify. The recipient and their parent or guardian cannot earn more than $150,000 to be awarded this scholarship. You will be required to present financials, letters of recommendation, and your intent to attend a college or university in South Carolina or North Carolina.
AAN
African American Network
https://fftcscholarships.communityforce.com/Funds/Search.aspx
Amount: $2,000
Deadline: March 1
The African American Network Carolina Chapter is managed by the Fund For the Carolinas. This is also a part of Duke Energy which is a major employer in South Carolina. Applicants must be interested in one of several specific degrees, such as accounting, business administration, computer science, engineering, finance, mathematics, or science. You must be a graduating high school senior from either North Carolina or South Carolina, and your GPA and need for financial assistance will be important factors. You must attend a college or university in North Carolina or South Carolina.
ANSWE
Anderson Nontraditional Scholarship for Women’s Education
http://answerscholarship.org/
Amount: $2,000-$4,000
Deadline: March 1
The Anderson Nontraditional Scholarship for Women’s Education (ANSWER) is for women who are at least the age of 25 or older. Applicants must be raising children at home who are school-aged. ANSWER provides the scholarship and a network of women to offer advice and encouragement to other women who wish to continue their education. To be eligible, you must enter a two-year program for nursing or a CPCC health career. If you enroll in a four-year degree program, you will also qualify. Scholarships are based solely on donations from the ANSWER network, including individuals, businesses, houses of worship, and others.
BRMS
Bobbi Rossi Memorial Scholarship
https://www.yourfoundation.org/BobbiRossiScholarship
Amount: Varies
Deadline: March 17
The Bobbi Rossi Memorial Scholarship is part of the Central Carolina Community Foundation. Applicants must be working toward a nursing degree at the University of South Carolina and must be in the upper division of the program at the time of their application. They must also have at least a 3.0 GPA and be a full-time student the entire traditional school year. Applicants must demonstrate the ways in which they participate within the community and in campus life and prove their financial need to be considered.
CVRHS
Carolinas-Virginias Retail Hardware Scholarship
https://fftcscholarships.communityforce.com/Funds/Search.aspx
Amount: $1,250
Deadline: March 1
The Carolinas-Virginia Retail Hardware Association is managed by the Foundation for the Carolinas. Eligible individuals must be the child of an employee of a business that is a member of the Carolinas-Virginia Retail Hardware Association and a resident of South Carolina, North Carolina, West Virginia or Virginia. Eleven scholarships in total will be awarded each year. Recipients will have at least a 2.5 GPA, and a parent or guardian must have been a full-time employee of a member business for at least two years.
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Top Social Sciences Careers and Salaries
Careers in social sciences are always in demand no matter where one lives. The need for more mental health professionals continues to grow along with social workers in healthcare. You can find a niche within the social sciences and advance your career for decades if you so choose.