Best Public Colleges in South Carolina 2024
Public colleges and universities account for almost 75 percent of all undergraduate students in the U.S. The best public colleges in South Carolina provide broad access to reputable degree programs, affordable tuition, and sprawling educational communities.
10 Best Public Colleges in South Carolina
- University of South Carolina
- Clemson University
- College of Charleston
- Coastal Carolina University
- The Citadel
- Lander University
- South Carolina State University
- Winthrop University
- Francis Marion University
- University of South Carolina Aiken
- University of South Carolina
- Clemson University
- College of Charleston
- The Citadel
- Coastal Carolina University
- South Carolina State University
- Winthrop University
- Francis Marion University
- University of South Carolina Upstate
- Lander University
- The Citadel 99%
- South Carolina State University 84%
- Francis Marion University 83%
- University of South Carolina Beaufort 80%
- Coastal Carolina University 79%
- University of South Carolina Upstate 79%
- College of Charleston 76%
- University of South Carolina Aiken 76%
- Winthrop University 70%
- Lander University 67%
- University of South Carolina 18 to 1
- South Carolina State University 17 to 1
- Coastal Carolina University 16 to 1
- Lander University 16 to 1
- Clemson University 16 to 1
- College of Charleston 16 to 1
- University of South Carolina Aiken 15 to 1
- University of South Carolina Upstate 15 to 1
- University of South Carolina Beaufort 14 to 1
- Francis Marion University 13 to 1
- Winthrop University $15,306
- Clemson University $14,118
- College of Charleston $12,518
- University of South Carolina $12,288
- Coastal Carolina University $11,460
- University of South Carolina Upstate $11,208
- Lander University $10,700
- University of South Carolina Aiken $10,398
- Francis Marion University $10,384
- University of South Carolina Beaufort $10,344
- Winthrop University $15,626
- College of Charleston $13,770
- University of South Carolina Aiken $13,734
- University of South Carolina Upstate $13,734
- University of South Carolina Beaufort $13,734
- University of South Carolina $13,374
- Clemson University $10,858
- The Citadel $10,740
- Coastal Carolina University $10,674
- Francis Marion University $10,612
- University of South Carolina Beaufort
- University of South Carolina Upstate
- University of South Carolina Aiken
- Francis Marion University
- Winthrop University
- South Carolina State University
- Lander University
- The Citadel
- Coastal Carolina University
- College of Charleston
- University of South Carolina Beaufort
- University of South Carolina Aiken
- Lander University
- University of South Carolina Upstate
- Francis Marion University
- Winthrop University
- South Carolina State University
- Coastal Carolina University
- The Citadel
- College of Charleston
- Clemson University 43%
- University of South Carolina 64%
- Lander University 67%
- Winthrop University 70%
- University of South Carolina Aiken 76%
- College of Charleston 76%
- University of South Carolina Upstate 79%
- Coastal Carolina University 79%
- University of South Carolina Beaufort 80%
- Francis Marion University 83%
- The Citadel 11 to 1
- Winthrop University 12 to 1
- Francis Marion University 13 to 1
- University of South Carolina Beaufort 14 to 1
- University of South Carolina Aiken 15 to 1
- University of South Carolina Upstate 15 to 1
- Coastal Carolina University 16 to 1
- Lander University 16 to 1
- Clemson University 16 to 1
- College of Charleston 16 to 1
- The Citadel $8,356
- South Carolina State University $9,528
- University of South Carolina Beaufort $10,344
- Francis Marion University $10,384
- University of South Carolina Aiken $10,398
- Lander University $10,700
- University of South Carolina Upstate $11,208
- Coastal Carolina University $11,460
- University of South Carolina $12,288
- College of Charleston $12,518
- Lander University $9,810
- South Carolina State University $9,928
- Francis Marion University $10,612
- Coastal Carolina University $10,674
- The Citadel $10,740
- Clemson University $10,858
- University of South Carolina $13,374
- University of South Carolina Aiken $13,734
- University of South Carolina Upstate $13,734
- University of South Carolina Beaufort $13,734
Colleges and Universities in South Carolina
The 31 public schools range in tuition from $5,000 to $17,000. The largest institution, the University of South Carolina (U of SC), is right in the middle, totaling $11,000 for fees. Located in Columbia, U of SC has over 30,000 students in attendance and offers over 300 degree options. Aside from the technical and community colleges in the state, there are four universities under $10,000. At $17,000, the Medical University of South Carolina is the most expensive public school in the state.
Find college admissions consultants in your state.
In addition, over 25 private schools, 17 with religious affiliations, offer academic settings with small student populations, none exceeding 3,500. Though it is the most expensive at $50,000, Furman University boasts an 84% graduation rate. With Methodist connections, Wofford College charges a tuition of $44,000, and it bears noting that the campus is situated on a national arboretum. The University of South Carolina School of Law is one of the nation’s oldest law schools and the state’s only nonprofit law school. Graduates of the school have the opportunity to receive financial assistance from the Public Interest Law Loan Forgiveness Fund if they are employed in the field of public interest law.
Along the 60-mile stretch of beaches in South Carolina is iconic Myrtle Beach, home to one of the world’s tallest Ferris wheels. Cypress swamps, military museums, and tea gardens add to the southern charm of this state. And with over 50 higher education institutions, students have plenty of options for where to earn their associate, bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral degree.
Check out the top programs available, and earn your degree in The Palmetto State.
What are South Carolina’s Colleges & Universities?
- 2 Research Universities
- 31 Liberal Arts Colleges & Universities
- 11 Graduate Schools
- 12 Public Colleges & Universities
- 21 Private Colleges & Universities
- 16 Christian Colleges & Universities
- 27 Small Colleges & Universities (fewer than 5,000 students)
- 19 Affordable Colleges (below $20,000/year)
- 19 Community Colleges
- 21 Online Colleges
South Carolina’s Best Overall
What is the difference between public and private colleges?
Public and private colleges and universities operate under different business models. Public colleges and universities are owned by the state and receive both state and federal funding to operate. Private colleges and universities are private companies with private funding. If you’re looking at the pros and cons of private vs. public colleges, consider that many public colleges provide diverse course offerings, influential professors, and an excellent return on your investment.
Public colleges are schools that receive most of their funding from tax revenues. As a result, the cost of a bachelor’s degree at a public university is often lower than the equivalent cost at a private college — especially for students attending a public school in their home state. Attending a college in-state is usually the cheapest option. Private universities and colleges can be very competitive with their funding opportunities, so do not simply believe that private colleges are always going to be more expensive. According to National Center for Educational Statistics, the average annual cost (tuition, fees, room and board for full-time students) at a public university was slightly over $20,000. In contrast, private universities cost, on average, nearly $43,000 annually. But in the end, the cost of college comes down to each student’s academic and financial situation.
This list is composed entirely of public colleges and universities that offer bachelor’s degrees. We’ve identified 12 public universities in South Carolina. To be included in our list of the best public colleges in South Carolina, shcools must receive direct funding from the state, be fully accredited, and offer a broad range of bachelor’s degress.
Best Public Colleges in South Carolina 2023
- #2 15 Colleges with the Happiest Freshmen #1 Best Grad Schools in South Carolina 2024 #1 Cheap Colleges in South Carolina in 2024 #1 Best Colleges in South Carolina 2024
Other Rankings
- #1 Best Research Universities in South Carolina 2024
- #3 The Most Influential Universities and Colleges Ranked by State 2024
- #1 Best Online Bachelor’s of Human Services Degree Programs Ranked for 2024
- #1 Best Online Master's Programs in South Carolina 2024
- #1 Best Online Colleges in South Carolina 2024
- #1 Best Online Bachelor's in Cybersecurity in South Carolina
- #1 Best Online Bachelor’s of Elementary Education Degree Programs for 2025
- #2 Best Online Bachelor's in Organizational Leadership Degree Programs
- #2 Best Online Bachelor's in Sociology Degree Programs Ranked for 2025
- #2 Best Online Bachelor's in Public Health Degree Programs for Students
- #3 Best Online Bachelor's in Accounting 2025
- #3 Best Online Bachelor's in Cybersecurity
- #3 Best Online Bachelor's in Hospitality and Tourism Degree Programs for 2024
- #4 Best Online Bachelor’s of Education Degree Programs for 2024
- #5 Best Online Bachelor's in Computer Science Degree Programs
- #5 Best RN to BSN Online
- #5 Best Online Bachelor’s in Liberal Arts and Humanities Degree Programs for 2025
- #6 20 Best Online Master's of Speech Pathology Degree Programs
- #6 Best Online Bachelor's in Psychology Degree Programs for Students
- #7 Best Online Bachelor’s of Communications Degree Programs for 2025
- #7 Best Online Bachelor's in Criminal Justice
- #8 Best Online Bachelor’s in Business Administration Degree Programs
- #10 The Best Online Colleges Ranked for Students in 2024
- #10 Fastest Accelerated Online Computer Science Doctorates (PhDs)
- #1 20 Fastest Online Bachelor's of Business Degree Programs Ranked 2024
- #7 Fastest Accelerated Online Master's of Nursing Degree Programs 2024
Tuition + fees
$13K
Acceptance
64%
Graduation
78%
Student body
39K
Median SAT/ACT
1280/29
Career Outlook for degree at University of South Carolina
Cost of Degree: $12,688Expenses: $17,251Starting Salary: $53,900Cost Recoup Time: 11 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is University of South Carolina known for?
University of South Carolina’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Most Influential Alumni
University of South Carolina’s Online Degrees
BS in Hospitality Management
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BA in Organizational Leadership
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BS in Business Administration
Degree Concentrations
- Accounting
- Management
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BA in Information Management And Systems
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BS in Applied Computer Science
Degree Concentrations
- Cybersecurity
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BS in Criminal Justice
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BA in Elementary Educational Studies
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BA in Special Education
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BS in Human Services
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BA in Liberal Studies
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BA in Sociology
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BA in Communication
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BA in Health Informatics
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BSN in Nursing Rn To Bsn
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BS in Public Health
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BS in Psychology
Degree Concentrations
- Aiken
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BA in Psychology
Degree Concentrations
- Beaufort
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
- #1 The Most Influential Universities and Colleges Ranked by State 2024 #2 Best Grad Schools in South Carolina 2024 #2 Cheap Colleges in South Carolina in 2024 #2 Best Colleges in South Carolina 2024
Other Rankings
- #2 Best Research Universities in South Carolina 2024
- #1 Best Online MBA Programs in South Carolina
- #2 Best Online Master's Programs in South Carolina 2024
- #2 Best Online Colleges in South Carolina 2024
- #2 Most Unusual Doctoral Degrees You Can Earn Online (PhDs)
- #4 Best Online Master's in Biology
- #5 Best Online Master’s in Emergency Management 2025
- #6 Top 10 Best Online Communications PhD Degree Programs (Doctorates)
- #8 Best Online Master’s in Human Resources
- #9 Best Online Master’s in Sustainability and Green Technologies
- #9 Best Research Universities with Online Doctorates (PhDs) 2024
- #11 Top 20 Best Online Accredited Doctorate Degree Programs (PhDs) 2024
- #14 Best Data Science Online Master’s Programs 2025
- #16 Best Online Master's in Special Education 2025
- #16 Fastest Online Bachelor's Degrees Ranked for 2025
- #20 Fastest Online Doctoral Degree Programs Ranked for Students in 2024
- #21 Best Online Master’s in Engineering 2025
Tuition + fees
$16K
Acceptance
43%
Graduation
85%
Student body
30K
Median SAT/ACT
1315/30
Career Outlook for degree at Clemson University
Cost of Degree: $15,558Expenses: $19,192Starting Salary: $58,900Cost Recoup Time: 11 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Clemson University known for?
Clemson University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Most Influential Alumni
Clemson University’s Online Degrees
BS in Nursing Rn To Bsn
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
- #1 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in South Carolina 2024 #3 Cheap Colleges in South Carolina in 2024 #3 Best Colleges in South Carolina 2024 #4 The Most Influential Universities and Colleges Ranked by State 2024
Other Rankings
Tuition + fees
$13K
Acceptance
76%
Graduation
65%
Student body
13K
Median SAT/ACT
1215/27
Career Outlook for degree at College of Charleston
Cost of Degree: $12,978Expenses: $18,500Starting Salary: $48,700Cost Recoup Time: 12 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is College of Charleston known for?
College of Charleston’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Engineering
- History
- Political Science
- Mathematics
- Education
- Medical
- Business
- Communications
- Anthropology
- Literature
Most Influential Alumni
College of Charleston’s Online Degrees
BPS in Professional Studies
Degree Concentrations
- Organizational Management And Development
- Project Management
- Organizational Management And Development
- Project Management
- Applied Communication
- Healthcare And Medical Services Management
- Healthcare And Medical Services Management
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BA in General Studies
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
- #3 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in South Carolina 2024 #4 Best Grad Schools in South Carolina 2024 #4 Cheap Colleges in South Carolina in 2024 #5 The Most Influential Universities and Colleges Ranked by State 2024
Other Rankings
- #5 Best Colleges in South Carolina 2024
- #2 Best Online MBA Programs in South Carolina
- #3 Top 3 Best Online MBA in Real Estate Degree Programs Ranked for 2024
- #3 Best Online Master's Programs in South Carolina 2024
- #5 Best Online MBA in Healthcare Management Ranked for Students in 2024
- #5 Best Online Colleges in South Carolina 2024
- #13 Best Online Bachelor's in Hospitality and Tourism Degree Programs for 2024
Tuition + fees
$12K
Acceptance
79%
Graduation
48%
Student body
12K
Median SAT/ACT
1105/22
Career Outlook for degree at Coastal Carolina University
Cost of Degree: $11,640Expenses: $15,786Starting Salary: $44,500Cost Recoup Time: 12 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Coastal Carolina University known for?
Coastal Carolina University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Most Influential Alumni
Coastal Carolina University’s Online Degrees
BSBA in Hospitality And Tourism Management
Degree Concentrations
- Event Planning
- Sustainable Resort Development
- Tourism Sales
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BSBA in Marketing
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BS in Health Administration
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
- #4 Best Small Colleges in South Carolina 2024 #5 Cheap Colleges in South Carolina in 2024 #6 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in South Carolina 2024 #8 Best Colleges in South Carolina 2024
Other Rankings
Tuition + fees
$13K
Acceptance
99%
Graduation
70%
Student body
4K
Median SAT/ACT
1180/25
Career Outlook for degree at The Citadel
Cost of Degree: $12,570Expenses: $19,373Starting Salary: $59,600Cost Recoup Time: 11 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is The Citadel known for?
The Citadel’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Engineering
- Chemistry
- Criminal Justice
- History
- Physics
- Mathematics
- Political Science
- Business
- Education
- Literature
Most Influential Alumni
The Citadel’s Online Degrees
BS in Business Administration
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BA in Criminal Justice
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BS in Intelligence And Security Studies
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BA in Secondary Education
Degree Concentrations
- Social Studies
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
- #5 Best Small Colleges in South Carolina 2024 #6 Cheap Colleges in South Carolina in 2024 #7 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in South Carolina 2024 #9 Best Colleges in South Carolina 2024
Other Rankings
Tuition + fees
$12K
Acceptance
67%
Graduation
45%
Student body
4K
Median SAT/ACT
1070/20
Career Outlook for degree at Lander University
Cost of Degree: $11,700Expenses: $14,870Starting Salary: $38,100Cost Recoup Time: 13 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Lander University known for?
Lander University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Most Influential Alumni
Lander University’s Online Degrees
BAS in Business Administration
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BS in Business Administration
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BS in Criminology
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BS in Paralegal Studies
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BS in Human Services
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BS in Health Promotion And Wellness
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
- #24 Most Influential HBCUs in the US Ranked for 2024 #5 Best Grad Schools in South Carolina 2024 #6 Best Small Colleges in South Carolina 2024 #7 Cheap Colleges in South Carolina in 2024
Other Rankings
Tuition + fees
$11K
Acceptance
84%
Graduation
34%
Student body
3K
Career Outlook for degree at South Carolina State University
Cost of Degree: $11,060Expenses: $19,000Starting Salary: $32,500Cost Recoup Time: 15 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is South Carolina State University known for?
South Carolina State University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Most Influential Alumni
- #8 Cheap Colleges in South Carolina in 2024 #9 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in South Carolina 2024 #4 Best Online MBA Programs in South Carolina #6 Best Online Master's Programs in South Carolina 2024
Tuition + fees
$16K
Acceptance
70%
Graduation
61%
Student body
6K
Median SAT/ACT
1087/22
Career Outlook for degree at Winthrop University
Cost of Degree: $15,866Expenses: $15,296Starting Salary: $39,800Cost Recoup Time: 14 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Winthrop University known for?
Winthrop University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Literature
- Computer Science
- History
- Social Work
- Business
- Philosophy
- Education
- Political Science
- Biology
- Communications
Most Influential Alumni
- #7 Best Small Colleges in South Carolina 2024 #9 Cheap Colleges in South Carolina in 2024 #10 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in South Carolina 2024 #7 Best Online Master's Programs in South Carolina 2024
Other Rankings
Tuition + fees
$11K
Acceptance
83%
Graduation
39%
Student body
5K
Median SAT/ACT
1006/18
Career Outlook for degree at Francis Marion University
Cost of Degree: $11,160Expenses: $13,307Starting Salary: $36,900Cost Recoup Time: 12 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Francis Marion University known for?
Francis Marion University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Most Influential Alumni
Francis Marion University’s Online Degrees
BSN in Nursing Rn To Bsn
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
- #8 Best Small Colleges in South Carolina 2024 #10 Cheap Colleges in South Carolina in 2024 #6 Best Online Bachelor's in Cybersecurity in South Carolina #8 Best Online Master's Programs in South Carolina 2024
Other Rankings
Tuition + fees
$11K
Acceptance
76%
Graduation
42%
Student body
5K
Median SAT/ACT
1065/21
Career Outlook for degree at University of South Carolina Aiken
Cost of Degree: $10,760Expenses: $12,547Starting Salary: $40,800Cost Recoup Time: 11 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is University of South Carolina Aiken known for?
University of South Carolina Aiken’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Most Influential Alumni
University of South Carolina Aiken’s Online Degrees
BSN in Nursing Rn To Bsn
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
Tuition + fees
$12K
Acceptance
79%
Graduation
43%
Student body
7K
Median SAT/ACT
1050/22
Career Outlook for degree at University of South Carolina Upstate
Cost of Degree: $11,583Expenses: $14,757Starting Salary: $41,300Cost Recoup Time: 12 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is University of South Carolina Upstate known for?
University of South Carolina Upstate’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- #15 Best Online Bachelor’s of Human Services Degree Programs Ranked for 2024 #18 Best Online Bachelor's in Public Health Degree Programs for Students #19 Best Online Colleges in South Carolina 2024 #25 Best Online Bachelor's in Hospitality and Tourism Degree Programs for 2024
Tuition + fees
$11K
Acceptance
80%
Graduation
38%
Student body
2K
Career Outlook for degree at University of South Carolina Beaufort
Cost of Degree: $10,730Expenses: $14,043Starting Salary: $40,400Cost Recoup Time: 12 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is University of South Carolina Beaufort known for?
University of South Carolina Beaufort’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
University of South Carolina Beaufort’s Online Degrees
BS in Hospitality Management
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BS in Human Services
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BA in Interdisciplinary Studies
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BA in Sociology
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BS in Public Health
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
South Carolina’s Best Public College in Your Area of Interest
2021 Ranking Archive
Many of our 2024 undergraduate focused rankings look considerably different than 2023. That’s because we took a fundamentally different approach. For 2024 we utilized our Concentrated Influence algorithm, designed to take away the size advantage larger schools have when we rank their faculty and alumni’s academic influence. Concentrated influence highlights smaller schools that are proportionally as successful as larger universities at cultivating influential alumni and faculty.
Check out our directory of public colleges throughout the U.S. for a look at the top public colleges in every state.