Best Online Colleges in South Carolina

Whitney Sandoval
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Updated on March 22, 2024
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What can you do with a college degree in South Carolina? Discover the state’s fastest-growing job and the best online colleges in South Carolina.

Tucked next to the Atlantic Ocean, South Carolina is known for its warm weather, sandy beaches, and Southern hospitality. With colleges located in bustling cities like Charleston and Myrtle Beach, as well as smaller cities with ample Southern charm, South Carolina has something for any college student.

South Carolina pairs its rich history and culture with exciting opportunities for students and recent graduates. Many cities, like Columbia, offer a cost of living below the national average, which can save you out-of-pocket expenses as a college student.

Whether you live in South Carolina or not, you can also take advantage of the affordability and flexibility of earning an online degree at one of the best colleges in South Carolina.

Explore Featured Programs

Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.

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Best Online College in South Carolina

#1 Best Online Colleges in South Carolina

University of South Carolina-Columbia

  • Location-markerColumbia, SC
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
Average Undergrad Tuition
  • In-State$12,288
  • Out-of-state$34,534
Average Graduate Tuition
  • In-State$13,374
  • Out-of-state$29,760
  • Retention Rate91%
  • Acceptance Rate61%
  • Students Enrolled36,579
  • Institution TypePublic
  • Percent Online Enrollment61%
  • AccreditationYes

badge-check How We Rank Schools

To create this ranking, BestColleges sourced the most recent data available from the National Center for Education Statistics and the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. We then ranked each school according to the top variables college students selected in our College Choice and Admissions Survey. To learn more, check out our full rankings methodology or read the summary below.

10 Fast-Growing Jobs in South Carolina

The South Carolina job market has a variety of positions projected to grow in the coming years, many of which offer above-average salaries. For example, the U.S. Department of Labor projects that many South Carolina tech careers, including information security analyst and software quality assurance analyst, will grow by 8-10% from 2023-2025 and provide competitive pay.

Attending a South Carolina college can plug you into an alum network and help you connect with local industries in the state. And, if you live locally, you should consider pursuing an internship in one of these fields while still attending school.

10 Fast-Growing Jobs in South Carolina
JobJob Growth 2023-2025Average Annual Wage 2022
Information Security Analyst9.7%$102,270
Data Scientist9.4%$100,550
Insurance Underwriter8.8%$68,750
Operations Research Analyst8.8%$83,830
Software Quality Assurance Analyst or Tester8.7%$87,670
Veterinary Assistant or Laboratory Animal Caretaker8.7%$32,450
Physician Assistant8.6%$106,200
Medical and Health Services Manager8.3%$114,970
Physical Therapist Assistants7.8%$63,330
Software Developer7.8%$105,360
Source: U.S. Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics

Cost of College in South Carolina

According to the National Center for Education Statistics, the national average tuition and fees for a public four-year university was $9,596 for the 2021-2022 academic year. For that same year, the average cost of tuition and fees in South Carolina was $12,605 for an in-state resident.

Although the typical tuition and fees in South Carolina are above the national average, some colleges offer a flat, discounted rate for online tuition. Some schools also allow out-of-state distance learners to pay in-state rates. Additionally, online students often pay less in certain student fees since they’re not on campus.

You can also save money on tuition by applying for grants and scholarships. Other ways to decrease out-of-pocket costs include setting up a budget and taking prerequisite classes at a community college.

Cost of College in South Carolina in 2021-2022
Institution TypeAverage Annual Tuition and Required Fees
Public 4-year (In-State)$12,605
Public 4-year (Out-of-State)$33,217
Private 4-year$27,840
Public 2-year (In-State)$4,991
Public 2-year (Out-of-State)$10,330
Source: NCES

Frequently Asked Questions About Online Colleges in South Carolina

You can earn a bachelor’s or graduate degree online from the University of South Carolina. The college offers dozens of online courses and degree programs that can be completed 100% online.


Note: The insights on this page — excluding school descriptions — were reviewed by an independent third party compensated for their time by BestColleges. Page last reviewed February 15th, 2024.

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