20 Affordable Colleges in South Carolina

In the following ranking, we highlight the 20 best affordable colleges in South Carolina. Although South Carolina is sometimes overshadowed by its northern neighbor, particularly when universities such as Duke and the University of North Carolina attract attention on ESPN, it would certainly deserve its own segment if a channel were to exist that was entirely devoted to higher education. From the University of South Carolina, a nationally recognized public university, to Clemson University, a school known for its friendly community and school spirit, there are plenty of options for students with all types of budgets. In fact, 90 percent of the schools listed below boast tuition rates of $20,000 or less per year. Each of the following best affordable colleges in South Carolina is not only easy on the wallet, but many also boast attractive features such as small class sizes, bustling student life, challenging academics, and powerful athletic programs.

Methodology

We understand how time-consuming it can be to keep track of all of the schools in which you may be interested, not to mention how confusing it can be to narrow down your options if you are not quite sure what to look for. In order to develop our list of the best affordable colleges in South Carolina, we started out by using the College Navigator  tool at the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES). There, we conducted a search for colleges in South Carolina that offered bachelor’s degrees.  We then awarded points as outlined below based on affordability, class size, and student success. Ties in points were broken by the lowest-cost tuition.

AVERAGE COST OF ATTENDANCE

Although the following list of institutions is based on affordability as stated on the NCES website, as you compare tuition rates, it is important to keep in mind that there is more to a program than simply the cost, so try to avoid choosing a school just because it offers the cheapest program. Instead, make sure it offers the major you want to pursue, opportunities for experiential learning, or extracurriculars such as athletics, organizations, and/or clubs you might like to join. We have provided tuition rates below based on the cost of an in-state student taking 15 hours of classes per semester for one full year of study and awarded points according to the ranges below.

Points:
Under $7,500: 3 points
$7,500 to $15,000: 2 points
$15,001 and above: 1 point

STUDENT-TO-FACULTY RATIO

In order to determine the average class size of each institution, we awarded points based on student-to-faculty ratios, as listed on the NCES website. Keep in mind that there is no one-size-fits-all type of school and that the environment in which you learn best will most likely differ from the next student. Consider whether you are looking to attend a large state university that offers plenty of opportunities for student involvement or a small private college in which you can benefit from more personalized attention. For the purpose of this article, we awarded the most points to colleges and universities that reported small class sizes and the lowest student-to-faculty ratios.

Points:
10:1 or less: 3 points
11:1 to 15:1: 2 points
Greater than 15:1: 1 point

GRADUATION RATE

Finally, we looked at graduation rates from NCES as a measure of student success and, ultimately, student satisfaction. Although such is not always the case, generally speaking, schools with high graduation rates employ experienced faculty members, offer affordable tuition rates, and provide the academic support students need to succeed. As a result, students are more likely to continue their studies at that institution and graduate with their degree. On the other hand, colleges and universities with low graduation rates may be lacking in a certain area, thus causing students to leave in the middle of their studies and earn their degrees elsewhere. Therefore, we awarded the most points to schools with the highest graduation rates as outlined below.

Points
More than 50 percent: 3 points
Between 30 percent and 50 percent: 2 points
Less than 30 percent: 1 point

Ranking 20 Best Affordable Colleges in South Carolina

20. Claflin University

ORANGEBURG, SOUTH CAROLINA

Claflin University is a low-cost HBCU in South Carolina founded in 1869.

Points: 5

Claflin University is a private HBCU located in Orangeburg, South Carolina. Founded by northern missionaries in 1869 after the Civil War, this affordable accredited university in South Carolina initially educated freed men and their children. Today, Claflin enrolls more than 2,200 students from 43 countries in its four academic schools: Natural Sciences and Mathematics, Humanities and Social Sciences, Education, and Business. Students looking for an economical degree in South Carolina can choose from more than 37 undergraduate majors, four graduate degrees, and seven online programs in areas such as studio art, organizational management, biotechnology, and African and African-American studies. Home to the South Carolina Center for Biotechnology, Claflin is also known for its science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) programs. Approximately 83% of faculty holds terminal degrees in their fields. Outside of the classroom, students have many opportunities to participate in global leadership programs, experiential learning, and study-abroad options.

In-State Tuition: $16,854
Out-of-State Tuition: $16,854
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 13:1
Graduation Rate: 50%

19. Clemson University

CLEMSON, SOUTH CAROLINA

Clemson University is a low-cost college in South Carolina.

Points: 5

Founded in 1889, Clemson University is an affordable university in South Carolina. Enrolling more than 23,000 undergraduate and graduate students who are looking for an affordable degree in South Carolina. Clemson offers low-cost academic programs that lay the groundwork for innovative research. Students can choose from more than 80 undergraduate majors and 110 graduate degree programs in areas such as business, biology, marketing, and psychology as well as mechanical engineering, industrial engineering, nursing, and finance. Campus involvement, mentoring programs, travel abroad, and research opportunities are all part of the undergraduate experience, and students can choose to participate in more than 400 student organizations and clubs.

In-State Tuition: $15,374
Out-of-State Tuition: $37,128
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 16:1
Graduation Rate: 83 percent

18. Morris College

SUMTER, SOUTH CAROLINA

Morris College is an affordable HBCU in South Carolina.

Points: 5

Located in Sumter, Morris College is a private HBCU and one of the cheapest colleges in South Carolina. Founded and operated by the Baptist Educational and Missionary Convention of South Carolina, the school organizes its academic programs into six divisions: Social Sciences, Natural Sciences and Mathematics, Religion and Humanities, Education, Business Administration, and General Studies. At the undergraduate level, Morris offers top-value programs in education, mass communication, pastoral ministry, Christian education, political science, business administration, recreation administration, organizational management, and more. Outside of the classroom, students have many opportunities to get involved through more than 50 student organizations, including Greek life, singing groups, class memberships, recreational clubs, academic clubs, honor societies, and the Student Government Association.

In-State Tuition: $13,886
Out-of-State Tuition: $13,886
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 16:1
Graduation Rate: 31 percent

17. Coastal Carolina University

CONWAY, SOUTH CAROLINA

Coastal Carolina University is a best-value affordable South Carolina university.

Points: 5

Coastal Carolina University is an inexpensive accredited university located in Conway. Founded in 1954, the school is a sea-grant institution and a partial owner of Waties Island, an undeveloped Atlantic barrier island and a natural laboratory for the school’s research and instruction. Students seeking an economical degree in South Carolina can choose from more than 74 areas of study that lead to a baccalaureate degree, including majors in anthropology and geography, communication, finance, engineering science, management, marine science, sociology, and recreation and sport management. Graduate students may choose from 26 master’s programs, two educational specialist degrees, and two doctorates. The 633-acre campus is home to a disc golf course, a rock climbing wall, and the Coastal Science Center, and more than 160 student organizations provide activities and ways to get involved.

In-State Tuition: $11,716
Out-of-State Tuition: $26,828
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 17:1
Graduation Rate: 44 percent

16. South Carolina State University

ORANGEBURG, SOUTH CAROLINA

South Carolina State University is one of the low-cost HBCU colleges in South Carolina.

Points: 5

Located on a historic 160-acre campus in Orangeburg, South Carolina State University is an accredited best-value university in South Carolina. Established in 1896, SCSU HBCU is also a member-school of the Thurgood Marshall College Fund and enrolls 4,500 students from 21 countries. Approximately 80 percent of faculty members hold terminal degrees in their fields, and the school’s 17:1 student-to-faculty ratio allows for small class sizes that give students the personal attention they need to succeed. With more than 50 majors and three undergraduate colleges, students looking for a low-cost degrees in South Carolina are likely to find a program here. In fact, SCSU is consistently recognized as one of the top producers in the nation of African-American students who receive bachelor’s degrees in English language and literature, computer science and mathematics, engineering technology, business, education, and biology.

In-State Tuition: $11,060
Out-of-State Tuition: $21,750
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 17:1
Graduation Rate: 34 percent

15. Newberry College

NEWBERRY, SOUTH CAROLINA

Newberry College top-value accredited college in South Carolina that enrolls 1,200 students each year.

Points: 6

Established in 1856, Newberry College is an accredited and inexpensive college that enrolls more than 1,200 students each year. Popular areas of study at this Lutheran college include business administration, arts and communications, nursing, music, humanities, social and behavioral sciences, sports professions, sciences and mathematics, teacher education, and pre-professional programs. Students may also benefit from veterans’ programs, ROTC, and study-abroad opportunities. Student organizations include special interest groups, honors societies, and academic clubs, and campus ministry groups offer community service events and worship. Students looking for entertainment off-campus can enjoy downtown Newberry or Lake Murray, a local favorite for camping and boating.

In-State Tuition: $26,424
Out-of-State Tuition: $26,424
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 14:1
Graduation Rate: 51 percent

14. Columbia International University

COLUMBIA, SOUTH CAROLINA

Columbia International University is an affordable South Carolina university that was founded in 1923.

Points: 6

Columbia International University, founded in 1923 as Columbia Bible School, is an accredited university in South Carolina located on a 400-acre campus in Columbia. As one of the cheapest colleges in South Carolina for Christian studies, CCU offers 24 undergraduate majors, seminary and graduate programs, professional certificates, and flexible online degrees for working adults. Secular options include bachelor’s degrees in church ministry, Bible teaching, Bible, and youth ministry, family, and culture as well as a dual pastoral theology program that leads to a Master of Divinity. Nonsecular options include teacher education, sport management, disaster relief and emergency management, digital media and cinema, and business administration. Student life is comprised of CIU athletics, an on-campus chapel, and student organizations that offer opportunities to serve one another and the community.

In-State Tuition: $23,690
Out-of-State Tuition: $23,690
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 15:1
Graduation Rate: 64 percent

13. North Greenville University

TIGERVILLE, SOUTH CAROLINA

North Greenville University is an affordable accredited college in South Carolina.

Points: 6
North Greenville University is a private low-cost South Carolina university that is affiliated with the Southern Baptist Convention. The school enrolls more than 2,300 students each year who benefit from a Christ-centered education while pursuing Bachelor of Science and Bachelor of Arts degrees. Students looking to pursue a cheap degree in South Carolina can choose from 36 majors in six colleges, including areas of study such as youth ministry, engineering and mathematics, outdoor leadership, Christian studies, and broadcast media. NGU also offers affordable online programs in areas such as elementary education, Christian ministries, and business and leadership. Student life at NGU involves on-campus ministries and outreach, intramurals and NCAA Division II athletics, and student clubs and organizations.

In-State Tuition: $19,750
Out-of-State Tuition: $19,750
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 14:1
Graduation Rate: 54 percent

12. Converse College

SPARTANBURG, SOUTH CAROLINA

Converse College is a low-cost college in South Carolina.

Points: 6

Converse College, located in Spartanburg, is a top-value accredited college in South Carolina. Cheap majors offered at the undergraduate level include business administration, art, child and family studies, education, interior design, healthcare administration, musical theater, and religion. Approximately 95 percent of full-time faculty hold the terminal degree in their field, and the 13:1 student-to-faculty ratio ensures personal mentoring for all students. Recognized as one of the most affordable colleges in South Carolina, Converse reports that 94 percent of graduates earn their degrees within four years. Student life includes excursions to nearby Charlotte or Charleston, popular on-campus events such as the Spring Fling or the Winter Ball, student clubs and organizations, athletics, and traditions that are more than 125 years old such as Celebration Weekend, 1889 Spirit Week, Founder’s Day, and Opening Convocation.

In-State Tuition: $18,340
Out-of-State Tuition: $18,340
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 14:1
Graduation Rate: 56 percent

11. Bob Jones University

GREENVILLE, SOUTH CAROLINA

Bob Jones University is an affordable accredited university in South Carolina.

Points: 6

Located in Greenville, Bob Jones University is a high-value accredited college in South Carolina. This low-cost college is a nondenominational evangelical university that is comprised of six schools: Arts and Science, Business, Education, Fine Arts and Communication, Health Professions, and Religion. Ranked as the fourth best-value college in the state, approximately 94 percent of new students who apply for financial aid at BJU receive it. Some of the school’s most popular undergraduate majors include nursing, business administration, and cinema production as well as secular-focused areas of study such as biblical studies, biblical counseling, Christian ministries, cross-cultural service, and ministry and leadership. There are plenty of opportunities for students to get involved at BJU through societies, traditions and activities, intramural and intercollegiate sports, and outreach with a local ministry, church, or community.

In-State Tuition: $18,150
Out-of-State Tuition: $18,150
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 13:1
Graduation Rate: 66 percent

10. Winthrop University

ROCK HILL, SOUTH CAROLINA

Winthrop University has been granting affordable degrees in South Carolina since 1886.

Points: 6

One of the most economical colleges in South Carolina, Winthrop University is a coeducational, public liberal arts university located just 25 miles southwest of Charlotte in Rock Hill. Founded in 1886, Winthrop enrolls more than 6,100 undergraduate and graduate students through five schools and colleges. Students can choose from six types of top-value baccalaureate degrees: Bachelor of Social Work, Bachelor of Science, Bachelor of Music Education, Bachelor of Music, Bachelor of Fine Arts, and Bachelor of Arts. Popular areas of study at Winthrop include business, psychology, biology, exercise science, social work and youth services, and early childhood education. Student life at Winthrop is comprised of fraternities and sororities, intramural sports and group fitness, and more than 170 student organization, including campus ministry, honorary clubs, and service, residential, religious, professional, and political groups.

In-State Tuition: $15,730
Out-of-State Tuition: $29,986
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 14:1
Graduation Rate: 56 percent

9. Voorhees College

DENMARK, SOUTH CAROLINA

Voorhees College is an affordable HBCU college in South Carolina that was founded in 1897.

Points: 6

Voorhees College is a top choice for students searching for the cheapest colleges in South Carolina. This HBCU, located in Denmark, was founded in 1897 and is affiliated with the Episcopal Church. Voorhees is known for combining rigorous, high-quality academic programs with a tradition of spiritual development and community service. Best-value majors at Voorhees consist of organizational management, sociology, childhood development, emergency management, and sports management as well as health and recreation, criminal justice, mass communications, and business administration, to name a few. Outside of the classroom, students are sure to find an organization or club that keeps them engaged and involved, including an array of recreational sports teams, faith-based groups, Greek organizations, and groups that center on academic majors.

In-State Tuition: $12,630
Out-of-State Tuition: $12,630
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 13:1
Graduation Rate: 43 percent

8. University of South Carolina-Columbia

COLUMBIA, SOUTH CAROLINA

The University of South Carolina-Columbia has been granting affordable degrees in South Carolina since 1801.

Points: 6

The University of South Carolina-Columbia is a public affordable South Carolina university and the flagship institution of the University of South Carolina System. Operating seven campuses across the state, it is recognized as an “up-and-coming” university by U.S. News & World Report. USC, founded in 1801 as South Carolina College, is also one of the cheapest colleges in South Carolina for students looking to pursue a bachelor’s degree. USC provides more than 350 areas of study, including low-cost programs in engineering, criminal justice, cardiovascular technology, molecular biology, and biochemistry. All students are required to complete the Carolina Core which is comprised of general education classes designed to bring a richness of perspectives into the classroom. Students may participate in more than 400 organizations as well as a variety of service opportunities, including alternative breaks and weekly volunteerism.

In-State Tuition: $12,618
Out-of-State Tuition: $33,298
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 17:1
Graduation Rate: 77 percent

7. Francis Marion University

FLORENCE, SOUTH CAROLINA

Francis Marion University is an affordable accredited university in South Carolina that enrolls 4,000 students each year.

Points: 6

Francis Marion University, one of the most affordable colleges in South Carolina, is a public liberal arts university located in Florence. Established in 1970, the school is named in honor of Brigadier General Francis Marion, an American Revolutionary War hero. FMU enrolls nearly 4,000 students from 26 states and 13 countries and offers a number of inexpensive undergraduate majors, including areas of study such as computational physics, marketing, business economics, and environmental science. All students are required to complete a core curriculum comprised of courses in basic communications, laboratory sciences, social sciences, and humanities. Approximately 90 percent of faculty hold the terminal degree in their field. A five-week leadership program is offered to students looking to pursue leadership roles in student organizations, honors societies, and student government. The school’s 468-acre campus is located just a short drive away from downtown Florence, where students can enjoy the FMU Performing Arts Center.

In-State Tuition: $11,976
Out-of-State Tuition: $22,488
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 15:1
Graduation Rate: 39 percent

6. University of South Carolina-Upstate

SPARTANBURG, SOUTH CAROLINA

The University of South Carolina-Upstate is a low-cost college in South Carolina that offers more than 40 degree programs.

Points: 6
Located in Spartanburg, the University of South Carolina-Upstate is an accredited university in South Carolina that enrolls more than 6,000 students. A member-school of the University of South Carolina System, USC Upstate is one of the cheapest colleges in South Carolina and among the top-rated public regional universities in the nation. Students may choose from more than 40 best-value undergraduate and graduate programs, including popular bachelor’s degrees in teacher education, nursing, business administration, sciences, and the liberal arts as well as master’s degrees in informatics, nursing, and education. With more than 250 student-athletes, USC Upstate is home to 17 NCAA Division I athletic teams, and it is a member of the Big South Conference. Students have access to several service-learning opportunities and leadership development programs, including special courses, alternative breaks, and monthly projects.

In-State Tuition: $11,852
Out-of-State Tuition: $23,520
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 15:1
Graduation Rate: 46 percent

5. Lander University

GREENWOOD, SOUTH CAROLINA

Lander University has been granting affordable degrees in South Carolina since 1872.

Points: 6

Located in Greenwood, Lander University is an affordable accredited college in South Carolina and the second-smallest public school in the state. Founded in 1872, Lander is comprised of five academic colleges, the William Preston Turner School of Nursing, and an Honors College. Undergraduates can choose from more than 60 low-cost areas of study, including majors such as special education, chemistry, music, and exercise science. Students may also take advantage of a number of study-abroad opportunities around the globe, from Asia to Europe to Central and South America and beyond. Outside of the classroom, student activities include 10 NCAA Division II athletic teams, intramural sports such as rugby and bass fishing, and more than 60 student organizations, including an equestrian team and performance ensembles. Lander’s Outdoor Adventures program hosts trips every semester such as camping, rock climbing, hiking, and whitewater rafting.

In-State Tuition: $11,700
Out-of-State Tuition: $21,300
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 14:1
Graduation Rate: 43%

4. University of South Carolina-Aiken

AIKEN, SOUTH CAROLINA

The University of South Carolina-Aiken offers affordable online degrees in South Carolina.

Points: 6
The University of South Carolina-Aiken is a top-value affordable college in South Carolina that offers undergraduate and graduate degree programs to more than 3,700 students. USC-Aiken confers 52 programs of study in popular inexpensive majors such as mathematics and computer science, communication, and nursing. Four economical online degree-completion programs are also available in special education, nursing, and business administration with concentrations in management and accounting. All students complete general courses that may include economics, literature, history, religion, languages, and philosophy in order to develop the practical skills they need to analyze problems, think critically, and communicate. Students may participate in more than 90 student organizations, and on-campus activities include leadership programs, NCAA Division I athletics, intramural sports, Greek life, and IMPACT projects such as volunteering at local nursing homes and animal shelters.

In-State Tuition: $10,760
Out-of-State Tuition: $21,218
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 14:1
Graduation Rate: 40 percent

3. University of South Carolina-Beaufort

BEAUFORT, SOUTH CAROLINA

The University of South Carolina-Beaufort is an affordable South Carolina university that enrolls 2,000 students annually. 

Points: 6
A small public institutions that enroll more than 2,000 students from around the world, the University of South Carolina-Beaufort are comprised of a vibrant and dynamic community that serves the Low-country and beyond. This cheap accredited university offers 30 majors and academic programs that incorporate leading-edge technology and resources, extensive hands-on learning, and exceptional instruction. The 15:1 student-to-faculty ratio delivers a highly individualized learning environment, and students benefit from plentiful research opportunities in state-of-the-art laboratories. USCB’s Beaufort campus, nestled on the banks of the Intracoastal Waterway, is located in the heart of downtown Beaufort and is home to the Center for the Arts, the school’s studio arts program, and several other cultural centers.

In-State Tuition: $10,730
Out-of-State Tuition: $21,776
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 15:1
Graduation Rate: 32 percent

2. College of Charleston

CHARLESTON, SOUTH CAROLINA

The College of Charleston is an affordable accredited college in South Carolina offering 140 majors.

Points: 7

Founded in 1770 and chartered in 1785, the College of Charleston is a top-value affordable South Carolina college. This low-cost college, which is the oldest college in the state and 13th-oldest in the country, offers 140 majors and minors across a broad spectrum of areas of study. In fact, the College of Charleston was the first school in the country to provide a bachelor’s degree in data science, and it operates an entire school dedicated to languages, cultures, and world affairs. The school also offers 25 interdisciplinary, custom-made minors in topics as diverse as sustainability and environmental studies and society, law, and crime. Student life is comprised of more than 200 student clubs and organizations as well as nearly 20 NCAA Division I athletic teams.

In-State Tuition: $12,838
Out-of-State Tuition: $32,020
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 15:1
Graduation Rate: 71 percent

1. The Citadel Military College of South Carolina

CHARLESTON, SOUTH CAROLINA

The Citadel Military College of South Carolina is the best affordable college in South Carolina.

Points: 7

Our top-ranked best affordable college in South Carolina is The Citadel Military College of South Carolina. Located in Charleston, The Citadel boasts a 12:1 student-to-faculty ratio that ensures students have direct access to nationally recognized scholars. The Citadel is comprised of five schools: Education, Science and Mathematics, Humanities and Social Sciences, Engineering, and Business. Available inexpensive majors include business administration, intelligence and security studies, political science, and sports management. A number of engineering-focused programs are offered such as electrical and computer engineering, construction engineering, and civil and environmental engineering. The school is also home to the only bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering in the Charleston area, and its STEM Center of Excellence hosts the largest yearly STEM competition in the South. According to The Citadel, approximately one in three cadets are commissioned into the U.S. Armed Forces upon graduation, and alumni members include eight U.S. ambassadors, six state governors, and an astronaut.

In-State Tuition: $12,516
Out-of-State Tuition: $34,988
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 12:1
Graduation Rate: 72 percent

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the Most In-Demand Careers in South Carolina for Graduates with a Bachelor’s Degree?

Regardless of whether you know the career path you are following or you are looking to pursue a major that will lead to the highest salary, it is important to get an idea of the job outlook for the occupations you are considering. According to SC works online services, a tool fueled by South Carolina’s largest workforce development database, the following are the top 10 most in-demand careers in South Carolina for students who have graduated with a bachelor’s degree. We have also provided the annual average percentage change for employment between 2016 and 2026.

• • Home Health Aides: 3.89 percent
  • Physician Assistants: 3.46 percent
  • Personal Care Aides: 3.26 percent
  • Operations Research Analysts: 3.18 percent
  • Rail-Track Laying and Maintenance Equipment Operators: 2.96 percent
  • Software Developers, Applications: 2.95 percent
  • Physical Therapist Aides: 2.78 percent
  • Medical Assistants: 2.73 percent
  • Computer Numerically Controlled (CNC) Machine Tool Programmers, Metal and Plastic: 2.44 percent
  • Machine Feeders and Offbearers: 2.41 percent

What Are the Highest-Paying Jobs in South Carolina?

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics is a fantastic resource for determining the highest-paying jobs in South Carolina. According to the Bureau, who calculated occupational employment and wage estimates using data collected from all regions and industry sectors across South Carolina, the state’s annual mean wage was $43,210 for all occupations. The top five highest-paying jobs include obstetricians and gynecologists, orthodontists, and oral and maxillofacial surgeons followed by anesthesiologists and family and general practitioners.

However, we felt it would be helpful to provide occupation information for careers that students could pursue either with a bachelor’s degree alone or with a bachelor’s degree and additional certification, licensure, experience, or training. The top 10 highest-paying occupations for bachelor’s recipients in South Carolina include:

• • Architectural and Engineering Managers: $132,810
  • Financial Managers: $125,710
  • Computer and Information Systems Managers: $120,720
  • Sales Managers: $118,750
  • Physical Scientists, All Other: $116,000
  • Industrial Production Managers: $115,760
  • Marketing Managers: $111,460
  • Sales Engineers: $110,310
  • Advertising and Promotions Managers: $109,980
  • Human Resources Managers: $106,500

What are the Best Schools in South Carolina for Bachelor’s Recipients?

Before you invest your money and time into a particular school and program, it is important to make the best decision possible to ensure you are getting the most out of your degree. Not only is South Carolina known for its world-famous barbecue, rich history, beaches, and southern charm, but it is also home to a number of top-ranked institutions of higher learning. With so many options to choose from, we wanted to help determine which schools give graduates the best bang for their buck. Below, we have provided early career pay, mid-career pay, and information pertaining to each school’s 20-year net return on investment (ROI), which is the amount one can expect after graduating over the next two decades,  according to Payscale . We ranked the following five schools in order based on ROI and provided figures based on in-state students earning a bachelor’s without financial assistance.

• • Clemson University
    – 20-Year Net ROI: $461,000
    – Early Career Pay: $56,300
    – Mid-Career Pay: $104,100
• • Citadel Military College of South Carolina
    – 20-Year Net ROI: $449,000
    – Early Career Pay: $58,800
    – Mid-Career Pay: $107,200
• • University of South Carolina-Columbia
    – 20-Year Net ROI: $237,000
    – Early Career Pay: $49,000
    – Mid-Career Pay: $87,500
• • University of South Carolina-Upstate
    – 20-Year Net ROI: $189,000
    – Early Career Pay: $45,300
    – Mid-Career Pay: $79,900
• • Coastal Carolina University
    – 20-Year Net ROI: $141,000
    – Early Career Pay: $43,600
    – Mid-Career Pay: $72,400

Although pursuing a degree from a military college is not necessarily the most traditional pass, The Citadel Military College of South Carolina is one of the best choices for students looking for the most affordable colleges in South Carolina. Here, students participate in cadet training in addition to their coursework, focusing on discipline, drills, weapons, and leadership. On the other hand, if a military-style school is not in your future, a more traditional college such as Clemson University offers the highest ROI on our list. Students enjoy a vast array of majors, including popular areas of study such as science and engineering, as well as plenty of student activities, including Greek life, intramural sports, and on- and off-campus events. Regardless of the school you choose, there are plenty of options for the  best affordable colleges in South Carolina for bachelor’s degrees.