Affordable Degree Guide

Affordable Colleges and Tuition Costs in South Carolina

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This guide covers schools in South Carolina offering associate, bachelor’s, and master’s degree programs.

South Carolina, located in the southeastern United States, features a diverse geography that ranges from the Atlantic Ocean coastline and sandy beaches to rolling hills in the Piedmont region and the Blue Ridge Mountains in the northwest. Its coastal plains and rivers make it a popular destination for outdoor recreation and tourism.

With a population of over 5.4 million residents, South Carolina is one of the fastest-growing states in the nation. The state’s economy is driven by key industries such as advanced manufacturing, automotive, aerospace, agriculture, and tourism.

Cities like Charleston, Columbia, and Greenville serve as economic hubs, offering a mix of job opportunities and cultural attractions. South Carolina’s strategic location, business-friendly environment, and robust transportation infrastructure continue to attract investment and fuel economic growth.

In this guide

Tuition and Fee Overview in South Carolina

The cost of online degrees in South Carolina is influenced by the type of school and your residency. 

In-state students at public universities can expect to pay around $10,000 to $14,000 annually, while out-of-state students face much higher rates, often $25,000 or more. 

For more affordable options, online associate degrees from technical and community colleges are typically priced lower, while private universities generally have the highest tuition, sometimes exceeding $27,000 per year.

Community Colleges & Technical Colleges

The lowest tuition is $10,500 at Horry-Georgetown Technical College. The average cost for this degree is $15,289 based on 13 schools, with the highest tuition being $27,720 at Southern Wesleyan University.

Associate degree programs in South Carolina

  1. Horry-Georgetown Technical College

    Conway, South Carolina
    Delivery method: Online
    2024/2025 Cost per credit: $175 - $357
    Total cost per credit: $10,500 - $21,420
    Total tuition (in-state): $10,500
    Total tuition (out-of-state): $21,420
    Credits: 60
    Number of degree programs: 6
    Learn more: Program details

  2. Florence Darlington Technical College

    Florence, South Carolina
    Delivery method: Online
    2024/2025 Cost per credit: $185 - $274
    Total cost per credit: $11,100 - $18,084
    Total tuition (in-state): $11,100 - $12,210
    Total tuition (out-of-state): $16,440 - $18,084
    Credits: 60-66
    Number of degree programs: 2
    Learn more: Program details

  3. Tri-County Technical College

    Pendleton, South Carolina
    Delivery method: Online
    2024/2025 Cost per credit: $185 - $462
    Total cost per credit: $11,100 - $27,720
    Total tuition (in-state): $11,100
    Total tuition (out-of-state): $27,720
    Credits: 60
    Number of degree programs: 14
    Learn more: Program details

  4. York Technical College

    Rock Hill, South Carolina
    Delivery method: Online
    2024/2025 Cost per credit: $190 - $419
    Total cost per credit: $11,400 - $25,140
    Total tuition (in-state): $11,400
    Total tuition (out-of-state): $25,140
    Credits: 60
    Number of degree programs: 10
    Learn more: Program details

  5. Central Carolina Technical College

    Sumter, South Carolina
    Delivery method: Online
    2024/2025 Cost per credit: $198 - $338
    Total cost per credit: $11,800 - $20,280
    Total tuition (in-state): $11,880
    Total tuition (out-of-state): $20,280
    Credits: 60
    Number of degree programs: 4
    Learn more: Program details

  6. Northeastern Technical College

    Cheraw, South Carolina
    Delivery method: Online
    2024/2025 Cost per credit: $197 - $212
    Total cost per credit: $11,820 - $12,720
    Total tuition (in-state): $11,820
    Total tuition (out-of-state): $12,720
    Credits: 60
    Number of degree programs: 2
    Learn more: Program details

  7. Spartanburg Community College

    Spartanburg, South Carolina
    Delivery method: Online
    2024/2025 Cost per credit: $208 - $423
    Total cost per credit: $12,480 - $25,380
    Total tuition (in-state): $12,480
    Total tuition (out-of-state): $25,380
    Credits: 60
    Number of degree programs: 4
    Learn more: Program details

  8. Trident Technical College

    North Charleston, South Carolina
    Delivery method: Online
    2024/2025 Cost per credit: $209 - $357
    Total cost per credit: $12,540 - $21,420
    Total tuition (in-state): $12,540
    Total tuition (out-of-state): $21,420
    Credits: 60
    Number of degree programs: 4
    Learn more: Program details

  9. Technical College of the Lowcountry

    Beaufort, South Carolina
    Delivery method: Online
    2024/2025 Cost per credit: $228 - $474
    Total cost per credit: $13,680 - $32,232
    Total tuition (in-state): $13,680 - $15,504
    Total tuition (out-of-state): $28,440 - $32,232
    Credits: 60-68
    Number of degree programs: 7
    Learn more: Program details

  10. University of South Carolina

    Columbia, South Carolina
    Delivery method: Online
    2024/2025 Cost per credit: $298 - $743
    Total cost per credit: $17,880 - $44,580
    Total tuition (in-state): $17,880
    Total tuition (out-of-state): $44,580
    Credits: 60
    Number of degree programs: 1
    Learn more: Program details

  11. Greenville Technical College

    Greenville, South Carolina
    Delivery method: Online
    2024/2025 Cost per credit: $334 - $367
    Total cost per credit: $20,040 - $22,020
    Credits: 60
    Number of degree programs: 6
    Learn more: Program details

  12. Columbia International University

    Columbia, South Carolina
    Delivery method: Online
    2024/2025 Cost per credit: $445
    Total cost per credit: $26,700
    Credits: 60
    Number of degree programs: 6
    Learn more: Program details

  13. Southern Wesleyan University

    Central, South Carolina
    Delivery method: Online
    2024/2025 Cost per credit: $462
    Total cost per credit: $27,720
    Credits: 60
    Number of degree programs: 1
    Learn more: Program details

Tuition and cost data in this table, researched in July 2025 from university websites, are statewide averages and exclude additional costs like housing, meals, books, and fees. Rates are subject to change; verify current information directly with institutions.

Public and Private Institutions

The most affordable option is at Winthrop University with a tuition of $35,040. The average tuition for a Bachelor’s degree across 20 schools is $68,662, with Coastal Carolina University having the highest cost at $146,880.

Bachelor’s degree programs in South Carolina

  1. Winthrop University

    Rock Hill, South Carolina
    Delivery method: Online
    2024/2025 Cost per credit: $292
    Total tuition per credit: $35,040
    Credits: 120
    Number of degree programs: 1
    Learn more: Program details

  2. University of South Carolina Aiken

    Aiken, South Carolina
    Delivery method: Online
    2024/2025 Cost per credit: $306
    Total tuition per credit: $36,720
    Credits: 120
    Number of degree programs: 33
    Learn more: Program details

  3. Spartanburg Methodist College

    Spartanburg, South Carolina
    Delivery method: Online
    2024/2025 Cost per credit: $375
    Total tuition per credit: $45,000
    Credits: 120
    Number of degree programs: 7
    Learn more: Program details

  4. Lander University

    Greenwood, South Carolina
    Delivery method: Online
    2024/2025 Cost per credit: $390
    Total tuition per credit: $46,800
    Credits: 120
    Number of degree programs: 13
    Learn more: Program details

  5. North Greenville University

    Tigerville, South Carolina
    Delivery method: Online
    2024/2025 Cost per credit: $395
    Total tuition per credit: $47,400
    Credits: 120
    Number of degree programs: 8
    Learn more: Program details

  6. Newberry College

    Newberry, South Carolina
    Delivery method: Online
    2024/2025 Cost per credit: $405
    Total tuition per credit: $48,600
    Credits: 120
    Number of degree programs: 6
    Learn more: Program details

  7. Anderson University

    Anderson, South Carolina
    Delivery method: Online
    2024/2025 Cost per credit: $425
    Total tuition per credit: $51,000
    Credits: 120
    Number of degree programs: 19
    Learn more: Program details

  8. Coker University

    Hartsville, South Carolina
    Delivery method: Online
    2024/2025 Cost per credit: $425
    Total tuition per credit: $51,000
    Credits: 120
    Number of degree programs: 5
    Learn more: Program details

  9. Columbia College

    Columbia, South Carolina
    Delivery method: Online
    2024/2025 Cost per credit: $427
    Total tuition per credit: $52,948
    Credits: 124
    Number of degree programs: 17
    Learn more: Program details

  10. Columbia International University

    Columbia, South Carolina
    Delivery method: Online
    2024/2025 Cost per credit: $445
    Total tuition per credit: $53,400
    Credits: 120
    Number of degree programs: 7
    Learn more: Program details

  11. Southern Wesleyan University

    Central, South Carolina
    Delivery method: Online
    2024/2025 Cost per credit: $462
    Total tuition per credit: $55,440
    Credits: 120
    Number of degree programs: 7
    Learn more: Program details

  12. The Citadel, the Military College of South Carolina

    Charleston, South Carolina
    Delivery method: Online
    2024/2025 Cost per credit: $520
    Total tuition per credit: $62,400
    Credits: 120
    Number of degree programs: 5
    Learn more: Program details

  13. Charleston Southern University

    North Charleston, South Carolina
    Delivery method: Online
    2024/2025 Cost per credit: $515
    Total tuition per credit: $64,375
    Credits: 125
    Number of degree programs: 18
    Learn more: Program details

  14. Clemson University

    Clemson, South Carolina
    Delivery method: Online
    2024/2025 Cost per credit: $550
    Total tuition per credit: $66,000
    Credits: 120
    Number of degree programs: 1
    Learn more: Program details

  15. Claflin University

    Orangeburg, South Carolina
    Delivery method: Online
    2024/2025 Cost per credit: $590
    Total tuition per credit: $70,800
    Credits: 120
    Number of degree programs: 4
    Learn more: Program details

  16. University of South Carolina

    Columbia, South Carolina
    Delivery method: Online
    2024/2025 Cost per credit: $433 - $869
    Total tuition per credit: $51,960 - $104,280
    Total tuition in-state: $51,960
    Total tuition out-of-state: $104,280
    Credits: 120
    Number of degree programs: 27
    Learn more: Program details

  17. University of South Carolina Beaufort

    Bluffton, South Carolina
    Delivery method: Online
    2024/2025 Cost per credit: $431 - $891
    Total tuition per credit: $51,720 - $106,920
    Total tuition in-state: $51,720
    Total tuition out-of-state: $106,920
    Credits: 120
    Number of degree programs: 7
    Learn more: Program details

  18. University of South Carolina Upstate

    Spartanburg, South Carolina
    Delivery method: Online
    2024/2025 Cost per credit: $467 - $946
    Total tuition per credit: $56,040 - $113,520
    Total tuition in-state: $56,040
    Total tuition out-of-state: $113,520
    Credits: 120
    Number of degree programs: 14
    Learn more: Program details

  19. Bob Jones University

    Greenville, South Carolina
    Delivery method: Online
    2024/2025 Cost per credit: $956
    Total tuition per credit: $114,720
    Credits: 120
    Number of degree programs: 3
    Learn more: Program details

  20. Coastal Carolina University

    Conway, South Carolina
    Delivery method: Online
    2024/2025 Cost per credit: $485 - $1,224
    Total tuition per credit: $58,200 - $146,880
    Total tuition in-state: $58,200
    Total tuition out-of-state: $146,880
    Credits: 120
    Number of degree programs: 3
    Learn more: Program details

Tuition and cost data in this table, researched in July 2025 from university websites, are statewide averages and exclude additional costs like housing, meals, books, and fees. Rates are subject to change; verify current information directly with institutions.

For a Master’s degree, the tuition costs range from $12,750 at Coker University to $40,680 at Clemson University. The average tuition for a Master’s program is $24,054 across 18 schools.

Master’s degree programs in South Carolina

  1. Coker University

    Hartsville, South Carolina
    Delivery method: Online
    2024/2025 Cost per credit: $425
    Total tuition per credit: $12,750
    Credits: 30
    Number of degree programs: 1
    Learn more: Program details

  2. University of South Carolina Aiken

    Aiken, South Carolina
    Delivery method: Online
    2024/2025 Cost per credit: $450
    Total tuition per credit: $13,500
    Credits: 30
    Number of degree programs: 4
    Learn more: Program details

  3. Lander University

    Greenwood, South Carolina
    Delivery method: Online
    2024/2025 Cost per credit: $545
    Total tuition per credit: $16,350
    Credits: 30
    Number of degree programs: 11
    Learn more: Program details

  4. South Carolina State University

    Orangeburg, South Carolina
    Delivery method: Online
    2024/2025 Cost per credit: $552
    Total tuition per credit: $16,560
    Credits: 30
    Number of degree programs: 1
    Learn more: Program details

  5. Newberry College

    Newberry, South Carolina
    Delivery method: Online
    2024/2025 Cost per credit: $575
    Total tuition per credit: $17,250
    Credits: 30
    Number of degree programs: 4
    Learn more: Program details

  6. Southern Wesleyan University

    Central, South Carolina
    Delivery method: Online
    2024/2025 Cost per credit: $482 - $605
    Total tuition per credit: $14,460 - $18,150
    Credits: 30
    Number of degree programs: 3
    Learn more: Program details

  7. Charleston Southern University

    North Charleston, South Carolina
    Delivery method: Online
    2024/2025 Cost per credit: $625
    Total tuition per credit: $18,750
    Credits: 30
    Number of degree programs: 18
    Learn more: Program details

  8. Columbia International University

    Columbia, South Carolina
    Delivery method: Online
    2024/2025 Cost per credit: $550 - $625
    Total tuition per credit: $16,500 - $18,750
    Credits: 30
    Number of degree programs: 25
    Learn more: Program details

  9. Columbia College

    Columbia, South Carolina
    Delivery method: Online
    2024/2025 Cost per credit: $630
    Total tuition per credit: $18,900
    Credits: 30
    Number of degree programs: 8
    Learn more: Program details

  10. Claflin University

    Orangeburg, South Carolina
    Delivery method: Online
    2024/2025 Cost per credit: $590
    Total tuition per credit: $17,700 - $21,240
    Credits: 30-36
    Number of degree programs: 6
    Learn more: Program details

  11. Winthrop University

    Rock Hill, South Carolina
    Delivery method: Online
    2024/2025 Cost per credit: $653 - $780
    Total tuition per credit: $19,590 - $23,400
    Credits: 30
    Number of degree programs: 4
    Learn more: Program details

  12. The Citadel, the Military College of South Carolina

    Charleston, South Carolina
    Delivery method: Online
    2024/2025 Cost per credit: $720 - $800
    Total tuition per credit: $21,600 - $24,000
    Credits: 30
    Number of degree programs: 18
    Learn more: Program details

  13. North Greenville University

    Tigerville, South Carolina
    Delivery method: Online
    2024/2025 Cost per credit: $415 - $849
    Total tuition per credit: $12,450 - $25,470
    Credits: 30
    Number of degree programs: 10
    Learn more: Program details

  14. Anderson University

    Anderson, South Carolina
    Delivery method: Online
    2024/2025 Cost per credit: $445 - $920
    Total tuition per credit: $13,350 - $33,120
    Credits: 30-36
    Number of degree programs: 21
    Learn more: Program details

  15. University of South Carolina Beaufort

    Bluffton, South Carolina
    Delivery method: Online
    2024/2025 Cost per credit: $572 - $1,240
    Total tuition per credit: $17,160 - $37,200
    Total tuition in-state: $17,160
    Total tuition out-of-state: $37,200
    Credits: 30
    Number of degree programs: 1
    Learn more: Program details

  16. University of South Carolina Upstate

    Spartanburg, South Carolina
    Delivery method: Online
    2024/2025 Cost per credit: $572 - $1,240
    Total tuition per credit: $17,160 - $37,200
    Total tuition in-state: $17,160
    Total tuition out-of-state: $37,200
    Credits: 30
    Number of degree programs: 7
    Learn more: Program details

  17. Coastal Carolina University

    Conway, South Carolina
    Delivery method: Online
    2024/2025 Cost per credit: $598 - $1,203
    Total tuition per credit: $17,940 - $39,699
    Total tuition in-state: $17,940 - $19,734
    Total tuition out-of-state: $36,090 - $39,699
    Credits: 30-33
    Number of degree programs: 7
    Learn more: Program details

  18. Clemson University

    Clemson, South Carolina
    Delivery method: Online
    2024/2025 Cost per credit: $528 - $1,356
    Total tuition per credit: $15,840 - $40,680
    Credits: 30
    Number of degree programs: 33
    Learn more: Program details

Tuition and cost data in this table, researched in July 2025 from university websites, are statewide averages and exclude additional costs like housing, meals, books, and fees. Rates are subject to change; verify current information directly with institutions.

Key Higher Education Initiatives in South Carolina

The South Carolina Transfer and Articulation Center (SC TRAC), supported by the SC Commission on Higher Education (CHE), helps students easily transfer credits between the state’s public colleges. 

This initiative simplifies the path for students who start at a community college and want to finish a bachelor’s degree at a four-year university.

Finally, South Carolina is working to expand online learning and adult education through programs like SC Online, which connects students with accredited online programs throughout the state. 

These efforts collectively work to boost college readiness, improve retention, and increase graduation rates across South Carolina.

Financial Aid & Sponsorship in South Carolina

South Carolina provides a variety of financial aid and scholarship programs to help residents reduce the cost of college.

Students can qualify for state merit-based scholarships such as the LIFE Scholarship, Palmetto Fellows, and HOPE Scholarship, all of which reward strong academic performance and may include STEM enhancements. For those with financial need, the South Carolina Need-Based Grant and Tuition Grants Program offers additional support, including aid for students attending private colleges. 

The state also promotes career readiness through SC WINS Scholarships and Lottery Tuition Assistance, designed for students pursuing technical or high-demand fields. Programs like the Gamecock Guarantee and the Meeting Street Scholarship Fund offer extra financial support for low-income and first-generation students.

By completing the FAFSA and meeting eligibility requirements, South Carolina students can access a wide range of college financial aid options, making higher education more affordable across public universities, private colleges, and technical schools.

For step-by-step assistance with completing the FAFSA, visit the FAFSA resource. To discover scholarship opportunities in South Carolina, be sure to explore this guide: Finding Scholarships.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which South Carolina universities offer the best value for online education?

Winthrop University, Horry-Georgetown Technical College, and Coker University offer strong value through accredited online degree programs with competitive tuition rates. These schools balance affordability with quality education, making them ideal for budget-conscious students.

What are the most affordable colleges in South Carolina for online degrees?

Horry-Georgetown Technical College offers one of the lowest-cost online associate degrees at $10,500. For bachelor’s programs, Winthrop University provides an affordable option at $35,040. Students pursuing graduate degrees may consider Coker University, where online master’s programs start at just $12,750.

What types of degrees can I earn online in South Carolina?

South Carolina colleges offer online associate, bachelor’s, and master’s degrees in fields such as business, education, healthcare, criminal justice, computer science, and more. These flexible programs are designed for working adults and remote learners.

Are there financial aid programs for private college students in South Carolina?

Yes. The South Carolina Tuition Grants Program provides need-based financial aid specifically for students attending eligible private nonprofit colleges in the state. This funding can significantly reduce tuition costs for qualified applicants.

Can I get financial aid for an online degree in South Carolina?

Yes. Students enrolled in eligible online degree programs at accredited South Carolina institutions can receive federal and state financial aid. This includes grants, loans, and scholarships, provided they submit the FAFSA and meet the program’s requirements.