Best Colleges in South Carolina for Associate, Bachelor’s & Master’s

South Carolina College Guide – What You Need to Know

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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.

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What are the most popular bachelor's degrees offered in South Carolina?

South Carolina is on trend with most states in regard to business, marketing, and health professions being highly popular bachelor’s degree programs. These three areas seem to remain in demand nationwide and will continue to do so for years to come. The strategic location of South Carolina has made it an ideal location to be used as a transportation hub. This has created a demand for transportation, logistics, supply chain, and procurement majors in the state. And the automotive and aeronautics industries continue to prosper. Unlike most other states, South Carolina has an extraordinary biotechnology industry that is booming.

Most Popular Degrees:

How Much Can You Make by Having 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
$30,784* $38,792* $46,124* $64,896* $77,844* $96,772*
*National Average Earnings by Degree Level
arizona-National-Average-earning-by-educational-attainment
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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 Biological and Biomedical Sciences Careers and Salaries

Many careers in bioscience involve research or technology. South Carolina is home to a number of industry-leading businesses and laboratories in this field. You can choose a support role or a more hands-on role in this industry.

OCCUPATION CURRENTLY EMPLOYED AVERAGE INCOME
Biological Technician 520 $54,720
Biochemist and Biophysicist 50 $73,690
Biological Scientist 200 $79,710
Biomedical Engineer 170 $66,740
Microbiologist 100 $54,720
  • Biological technicians will perform experiments and assist scientists.
  • A biochemist studies the interaction of living organisms with chemicals.
  • Biological scientists might work in any number of studies, including the environment, plants, or animals.
  • Biomedical engineers apply the basic principles of engineering to medicine and biology.
  • A microbiologist will study microscopic organisms, such as fungi, bacteria, and algae.

Best South Carolina Schools in Biological and Biomedical Sciences

  • Clemson University
  • University of South Carolina, Columbia
  • Citadel Military College

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.

OCCUPATION CURRENTLY EMPLOYED AVERAGE INCOME
Claims Adjuster, Examiner and Investigator 2,540 $62,950
Compliance Officer 3,830 $62,630
Human Resources Specialist 7,770 $61,350
Management Analyst 10,170 $78,770
Financial Analyst 1,880 $80,690
  • Claims adjusters work for insurance companies to determine compensation on claims.
  • Compliance officers work to ensure a company follows both internal and external rules and regulations.
  • A human resources specialist will help recruit, perform background checks on, and place new employees.
  • Management analysts advise companies on ways to incorporate efficiency.
  • A financial analyst weighs the pros and cons of an investment and makes suggestions.
  • Accountants analyze financial data for stakeholders and shareholders in a way that is easy to understand.

Best South Carolina Schools for Business

  • Clemson University
  • College of Charleston
  • Furman University

Top Health Professions 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.

OCCUPATION CURRENTLY EMPLOYED AVERAGE INCOME
Home Health Aide 29,510 $22,470
Medical Assistant 10,890 $31,080
Nurse Practitioner 2,450 $100,680
Physical Therapist 3,170 $85,650
Registered Nurse 46,860 $64,840
  • A home health aide cares for people in their home who cannot take care of certain aspects of their health any longer.
  • Medical assistants are responsible for both clinical and administrative duties.
  • A nurse practitioner works closely with doctors to perform medical procedures and prescribe medications.
  • A physical therapist helps people recover and regain full mobility if possible after an injury.
  • A registered nurse provides basic care in a hospital, school, company, or doctor’s office.
  • A healthcare administrator role is to ensure that a healthcare facility runs smoothly and efficiently by making sure they have all the necessary resources and policies in place.

Best South Carolina Schools in Health Professions

  • Clemson University
  • University of South Carolina, Upstate
  • Coker College

Top Marketing Careers and Salaries

Marketing continues to become increasingly complex with the introduction of digital marketing years ago. Companies have to stay on trend with the latest social media channels, create content, analyze marketing campaigns, and much more. A marketing professional can also work on events to help make them a success.

OCCUPATION CURRENTLY EMPLOYED AVERAGE INCOME
Market Research Analysts and Marketing Specialist 6,770 $59,390
Meeting, Convention and Event Planner 1,310 $44,180
Fundraiser 480 $50,690
Public Relations and Fundraising Manager 610 $87,780
Marketing Manager 1,980 $113,660
  • Market research analysts examine information on competitors and consumers.
  • An event planner coordinates all activities required to make an event successful.
  • Fundraisers work to invite the right people and persuade people to donate money.
  • A career in public relations requires diplomacy, exceptional communication skills, and the ability to work under intense pressure.
  • Marketing managers are responsible for marketing budgets and campaigns.

Best South Carolina Schools for Marketing

  • University of South Carolina, Columbia
  • Clemson University
  • Charleston Southern University

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.

OCCUPATION CURRENTLY EMPLOYED AVERAGE INCOME
Clinical, Counseling and School Psychologist 1,230 $63,050
Social Science Research Assistant 110 $56,720
Healthcare Social Workers 2,130 $57,470
Directors, Religious Activities and Education 60 $72,420
Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder and Mental Health Counselor 1,710 $41,620
  • School psychologists work with both students and teachers to improve educational success.
  • Social science research assistants may assist with surveys or help with the preparation of findings.
  • A healthcare social worker will work with patients in a hospital, outpatient clinic, nursing facility, or other location.
  • A director of social work could be responsible for the implementation of a program at a rehabilitation center or prepare activities at a religious community center.
  • Mental health counselors work with people in many areas, such as addiction, family problems, marriage, and parenting.
  • Addiction Counselor

Best South Carolina Schools in Social Sciences

  • University of South Carolina, Columbia
  • Clemson University
  • Wofford College

Additional Careers in South Carolina

Want to See All the South Carolina Occupational Wage Averages

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%

Best Associate Degrees in South Carolina

Best Associate Degrees in South Carolina
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You can earn your associate degree in South Carolina in an in-demand program like nuclear medicine technology, radiation therapy, physical therapy assisting, radiologic technology, or occupational therapy if you’re looking to enter the healthcare field. If this isn’t your passion, there are plenty of other options available in IT, accounting, business, and more. You can find the best associate degrees available from the following colleges and universities. Why not take a look?

University of South Carolina-Lancaster
College Type
2-year, Public		 Campus Housing
No		 Student Population
1,810		 Graduation Rate
22%		 Net Price
$8,914 		Grads Salary
$44,900
Spartanburg Methodist College
College Type
4-year, primarily associate's, Private not-for-profit		 Campus Housing
Yes		 Student Population
1,051		 Graduation Rate
48%		 Net Price
$12,457 		Grads Salary
$37,900
Spartanburg Community College
College Type
2-year, Public		 Campus Housing
No		 Student Population
4,108		 Graduation Rate
28%		 Net Price
$4,023 		Grads Salary
$33,100
Trident Technical College
College Type
2-year, Public		 Campus Housing
No		 Student Population
11,650		 Graduation Rate
18%		 Net Price
$2,506 		Grads Salary
$35,100
Tri-County Technical College
College Type
2-year, Public		 Campus Housing
No		 Student Population
6,181		 Graduation Rate
32%		 Net Price
$8,603 		Grads Salary
$33,600
Aiken Technical College
College Type
2-year, Public		 Campus Housing
No		 Student Population
1,925		 Graduation Rate
26%		 Net Price
$4,362 		Grads Salary
$25,500
Horry-Georgetown Technical College
College Type
2-year, Public		 Campus Housing
No		 Student Population
6,409		 Graduation Rate
24%		 Net Price
$4,753 		Grads Salary
$25,800
York Technical College
College Type
2-year, Public		 Campus Housing
No		 Student Population
4,178		 Graduation Rate
25%		 Net Price
$7,870 		Grads Salary
$31,200
Northeastern Technical College
College Type
2-year, Public		 Campus Housing
No		 Student Population
1,465		 Graduation Rate
27%		 Net Price
$6,246 		Grads Salary
$28,500
Florence-Darlington Technical College
College Type
2-year, Public		 Campus Housing
No		 Student Population
3,315		 Graduation Rate
17%		 Net Price
$3,176 		Grads Salary
$25,800
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Best Bachelor's Degrees in South Carolina

Best Bachelor's Degrees in South Carolina
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You can make it even easier for yourself when looking for gainful employment with a bachelor's degree from a South Carolina college or university. There are many bachelor's programs offered in the state including some in chemical engineering, actuarial mathematics, mechanical engineering, computer science, management information systems, business administration, finance, and much, much more. Here you’ll find our list of the top schools in the state, which you can use to find a program that matches your needs.

Clemson University
College Type
4-year, Public		 Campus Housing
Yes		 Student Population
25,822		 Graduation Rate
85%		 Net Price
$22,935 		Grads Salary
$69,900
Citadel Military College of South Carolina
College Type
4-year, Public		 Campus Housing
Yes		 Student Population
3,740		 Graduation Rate
71%		 Net Price
$17,920 		Grads Salary
$71,000
University of South Carolina-Columbia
College Type
4-year, Public		 Campus Housing
Yes		 Student Population
35,364		 Graduation Rate
78%		 Net Price
$21,784 		Grads Salary
$64,400
Bob Jones University
College Type
4-year, Private not-for-profit		 Campus Housing
Yes		 Student Population
3,008		 Graduation Rate
65%		 Net Price
$15,669 		Grads Salary
$62,400
Wofford College
College Type
4-year, Private not-for-profit		 Campus Housing
Yes		 Student Population
1,764		 Graduation Rate
80%		 Net Price
$30,431 		Grads Salary
$63,400
Presbyterian College
College Type
4-year, Private not-for-profit		 Campus Housing
Yes		 Student Population
1,309		 Graduation Rate
64%		 Net Price
$21,959 		Grads Salary
$63,900
College of Charleston
College Type
4-year, Public		 Campus Housing
Yes		 Student Population
10,384		 Graduation Rate
66%		 Net Price
$20,351 		Grads Salary
$60,600
Southern Wesleyan University
College Type
4-year, Private not-for-profit		 Campus Housing
Yes		 Student Population
1,430		 Graduation Rate
54%		 Net Price
$18,614 		Grads Salary
$64,700
Furman University
College Type
4-year, Private not-for-profit		 Campus Housing
Yes		 Student Population
2,567		 Graduation Rate
81%		 Net Price
$37,761 		Grads Salary
$67,500
Winthrop University
College Type
4-year, Public		 Campus Housing
Yes		 Student Population
5,865		 Graduation Rate
61%		 Net Price
$19,300 		Grads Salary
$58,100
Full Ranking Report

Best Master's Degrees in South Carolina

Best Master's Degrees in South Carolina
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An advanced degree is ready for you at one of South Carolina's best graduate schools. You could pursue a master's or doctorate in library science, public administration, cognitive neuroscience, zoology, infectious disease epidemiology, or juridical science. No matter your expertise, you can use the available programs to move your career forward. Check out our list of excellent schools and programs. It will give you a great place to start when you start looking to earn your terminal degree.

Clemson University
College Type
4-year, Public		 Campus Housing
Yes		 Student Population
25,822		 Graduation Rate
85%		 Net Price
$22,935 		Grads Salary
$69,900
Citadel Military College of South Carolina
College Type
4-year, Public		 Campus Housing
Yes		 Student Population
3,740		 Graduation Rate
71%		 Net Price
$17,920 		Grads Salary
$71,000
University of South Carolina-Columbia
College Type
4-year, Public		 Campus Housing
Yes		 Student Population
35,364		 Graduation Rate
78%		 Net Price
$21,784 		Grads Salary
$64,400
Bob Jones University
College Type
4-year, Private not-for-profit		 Campus Housing
Yes		 Student Population
3,008		 Graduation Rate
65%		 Net Price
$15,669 		Grads Salary
$62,400
Presbyterian College
College Type
4-year, Private not-for-profit		 Campus Housing
Yes		 Student Population
1,309		 Graduation Rate
64%		 Net Price
$21,959 		Grads Salary
$63,900
College of Charleston
College Type
4-year, Public		 Campus Housing
Yes		 Student Population
10,384		 Graduation Rate
66%		 Net Price
$20,351 		Grads Salary
$60,600
Southern Wesleyan University
College Type
4-year, Private not-for-profit		 Campus Housing
Yes		 Student Population
1,430		 Graduation Rate
54%		 Net Price
$18,614 		Grads Salary
$64,700
Furman University
College Type
4-year, Private not-for-profit		 Campus Housing
Yes		 Student Population
2,567		 Graduation Rate
81%		 Net Price
$37,761 		Grads Salary
$67,500
Columbia International University
College Type
4-year, Private not-for-profit		 Campus Housing
Yes		 Student Population
2,098		 Graduation Rate
68%		 Net Price
$18,651 		Grads Salary
$54,000
Winthrop University
College Type
4-year, Public		 Campus Housing
Yes		 Student Population
5,865		 Graduation Rate
61%		 Net Price
$19,300 		Grads Salary
$58,100
Full Ranking Report
Learn about MBA's in South Carolina

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.

College Cost Analysis - South Carolina vs National

Average South Carolina 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.

Best Scholarships for South Carolina

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_logo

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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