Most Affordable Colleges in South Carolina 2023

Most Affordable Colleges in South Carolina 2023
By James Barham
Published:
Updated:

Here are the most affordable colleges and universities in South Carolina. Our list will help you find the right kind of school for you, at a price you can afford.

10 Most Affordable Colleges in South Carolina 2022

  1. University of South Carolina
  2. Clemson University
  3. College of Charleston
  4. Coastal Carolina University
  5. The Citadel
  6. Lander University
  7. South Carolina State University
  8. Winthrop University
  9. Francis Marion University
  10. University of South Carolina Aiken

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.

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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?

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There are 19 colleges and universities in South Carolina with stated tuitions and fees under $20,000/year. The following list of the most affordable colleges and universities in South Carolina is composed entirely of schools offering bachelor’s degree programs, have stated tuition and fees near or under the national average of $16,000/year, and are fully accredited colleges.

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Most Affordable Colleges in South Carolina 2022

These schools are ranked by academic excellence, and all under $20,000/year.

  1. #1

    University of South Carolina

    Columbia , SC
    #1 Best Public Colleges in South Carolina 2023 #1 Best Colleges in South Carolina 2023 #1 Best Research Universities in South Carolina 2023 #1 Best Grad Schools in South Carolina 2023
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $13K

    Acceptance

    62%

    Graduation

    78%

    Student body

    33K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1240/28

    What 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
  3. #3

    College of Charleston

    Charleston , SC
    #1 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in South Carolina 2023 #3 Best Public Colleges in South Carolina 2023 #3 Best Colleges in South Carolina 2023 #4 The Most Influential Universities and Colleges Ranked by State 2023
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $13K

    Acceptance

    76%

    Graduation

    67%

    Student body

    10K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1155/24

    What is College of Charleston known for?

    College of Charleston’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    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
  4. #4

    Coastal Carolina University

    Conway , SC
    #3 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in South Carolina 2023 #3 Best Grad Schools in South Carolina 2023 #4 Best Public Colleges in South Carolina 2023 #5 The Most Influential Universities and Colleges Ranked by State 2023
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $12K

    Acceptance

    79%

    Graduation

    51%

    Student body

    10K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1100/22

    What 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
  5. #5

    The Citadel

    Charleston , SC
    #4 Best Small Colleges in South Carolina 2023 #5 Best Public Colleges in South Carolina 2023 #6 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in South Carolina 2023 #8 Best Colleges in South Carolina 2023

    Tuition + fees

    $13K

    Acceptance

    86%

    Graduation

    73%

    Student body

    4K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1120/23

    What is The Citadel known for?

    The Citadel’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    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
  7. #6

    Lander University

    Greenwood , SC
    #5 Best Small Colleges in South Carolina 2023 #6 Best Public Colleges in South Carolina 2023 #7 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in South Carolina 2023 #9 Best Colleges in South Carolina 2023

    Tuition + fees

    $12K

    Acceptance

    69%

    Graduation

    53%

    Student body

    3K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1015/19

    What 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
  10. #9

    Francis Marion University

    Florence , SC
    #7 Best Small Colleges in South Carolina 2023 #9 Best Public Colleges in South Carolina 2023 #10 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in South Carolina 2023

    Tuition + fees

    $11K

    Acceptance

    86%

    Graduation

    43%

    Student body

    3K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1000/18

    What 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
  11. #10

    University of South Carolina Aiken

    Aiken , SC
    #8 Best Small Colleges in South Carolina 2023 #10 Best Public Colleges in South Carolina 2023

    Tuition + fees

    $11K

    Acceptance

    84%

    Graduation

    43%

    Student body

    3K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1060/20

    What 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
  15. #13

    University of South Carolina Upstate

    Spartanburg , SC

    Tuition + fees

    $12K

    Acceptance

    76%

    Graduation

    47%

    Student body

    5K

    Median SAT/ACT

    995/19

    What is University of South Carolina Upstate known for?

    University of South Carolina Upstate’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

  16. #14

    University of South Carolina Beaufort

    Bluffton , SC

    Tuition + fees

    $11K

    Acceptance

    84%

    Graduation

    30%

    Student body

    2K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1025/19

    What is University of South Carolina Beaufort known for?

    University of South Carolina Beaufort’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    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
  17. #15

    Claflin University

    Orangeburg , SC
    #25 Best HBCU Online Master's Programs #10 Best Christian Colleges in South Carolina 2023

    Tuition + fees

    $17K

    Acceptance

    62%

    Graduation

    51%

    Student body

    2K

    Median SAT/ACT

    940/17

    What is Claflin University known for?

    Claflin University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Claflin University’s Online Degrees

    BS in Organizational Management
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Criminal Justice
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Nursing Rn To Bsn
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
  19. #16

    Morris College

    Sumter , SC

    Tuition + fees

    $15K

    Graduation

    25%

    Student body

    <1K

    What is Morris College known for?

    Morris College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

  20. #17

    Voorhees University

    Denmark , SC

    Tuition + fees

    $13K

    Graduation

    32%

    Student body

    <1K

    What is Voorhees University known for?

    Most Influential Alumni

    Voorhees University’s Online Degrees

    BS in Accounting
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Business Administration
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Organizational Management
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Sports Management
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Computer Science/Cybersecurity
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Emergency Management And Homeland Security
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Criminal Justice
    • Required Credits: 122
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Child Development
    • Required Credits: 128-129
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Interdisciplinary Studies
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in English
    • Required Credits: 121
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Mass Communications
    • Required Credits: 122
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Sociology
    • Required Credits: 122
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Public Health
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Psychology
    • Required Credits: 123
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
  21. #18

    Clinton College

    Rock Hill , SC

    Tuition + fees

    $10K

    Graduation

    38%

    Student body

    <1K

    What is Clinton College known for?

    Clinton College ’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

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South Carolina’s Most Affordable Colleges in Your Area of Interest

Anthropology Biology Business Chemistry Commun­ications Computer Science Criminal Justice Earth Sciences Economics Education Engineering History Law Literature Mathematics Medical Nursing Philosophy Physics Political Science Psychology Religious Studies Social Work Sociology
2021 Ranking Archive
  1. Clinton College
  2. University of South Carolina Beaufort
  3. University of South Carolina Aiken
  4. South Carolina State University
  5. Francis Marion University
  6. Coastal Carolina University
  7. University of South Carolina Upstate
  8. Lander University
  9. The Citadel
  10. University of South Carolina
  11. Voorhees University
  12. College of Charleston
  13. Allen University
  14. Morris College
  15. Clemson University
  16. Winthrop University
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