The best online colleges in South Carolina offer a wide variety of distance education programs at all degree levels. Much like an in-person credential, an online degree can help students advance their careers and improve access to higher-paying jobs. Another way to achieve this would be to consider beginning at an online community college in South Carolina and transferring to a four-year university.
Our list below includes accredited online colleges in South Carolina to help students find respected online degrees and achieve their educational goals. View our methodology for more details about our list, or learn about OnlineU.
2025 Best UUÖ±²¥s in South Carolina
#1 Citadel Military College of South Carolina Citadel Military College of South Carolina Citadel Military College of South Carolina
- Salary Score: A-
- Median Earnings: $65,975
- Online Enrollment: 616 enrolled
- Location: Charleston
Citadel Military College of South Carolina () offers a select number of fully online degrees. You can pursue online bachelor’s and master’s degrees. The school is particularly strong in online master's programs in business administration, civil engineering, and educational leadership. In addition to degrees, The Citadel has 11 online graduate certifications in topics such as geotechnical engineering, military leadership, and transportation engineering.
Why we like them: As the name suggests, The Citadel is a military-friendly institution. The community college’s Veteran Student Success Center (VSSC) helps service members, veterans, and their dependents manage their veteran educational benefits. These students can access financial aid assistance, a student success center, a student veterans association, and much more. We like that The Citadel provides military personnel and their families with an opportunity to thrive as online students.
#2 University of South Carolina - Columbia University of South Carolina - Columbia University of South Carolina - Columbia
- Salary Score: B+
- Median Earnings: $62,354
- Online Enrollment: 3,171 enrolled
- Location: Columbia
The University of South Carolina () offers more than 50 online bachelor's, master's, and postgraduate degrees spanning eight colleges. The two online bachelor’s degrees available include a Bachelor of Science in Integrated Information Technology and a Bachelor of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies in Services Management. The school is particularly known for its array of online master's and doctoral programs in nursing.
Why we like them: In partnership with Palmetto College, USC offers an online associate degree program. This program is ideal for students with less than 45 credit hours and who are also interested in a short-term credential. If you have more than 45 credit hours, you can apply for one of USC’s online bachelor’s degree completion programs. The programs are available in accounting, computer science, finance, management, and other majors.
#3 Clemson University Clemson University Clemson University
- Salary Score: B+
- Median Earnings: $62,274
- Online Enrollment: 2,208 enrolled
- Location: Clemson
At Clemson University (), you can earn one of 36 online graduate degrees as well as online certificates. Among the school's many offerings are master's degrees in business administration, public administration, and secondary education, as well as PhDs in healthcare genetics, learning sciences, and teaching and learning. Clemson offers instructor-driven courses and flexibility to help you meet your academic goals.
Why we like them: Clemson partners with corporate and academic groups to deliver curriculums that assist working professionals in advancing their careers. The online cooperative extension and MyCAA programs provide flexible and workday-mindful educational opportunities to help you increase your knowledge and skills in your profession. In addition to these programs, Clemson also has specialized programs, such as the Certification of Mastery in Packaging Management and Project Management Training. We like that Clemson aims to accommodate working professionals.
#4 Southern Wesleyan University Southern Wesleyan University Southern Wesleyan University
- Salary Score: B
- Median Earnings: $53,365
- Online Enrollment: 535 enrolled
- Location: Central
Southern Wesleyan University () offers eight online bachelor's programs in early childhood and family studies, special education, human services, and religion. In addition, you can pursue online master’s degrees in administration & supervision, e-learning & instructional design, counseling psychology, and business administration alongside two online doctoral programs. Online graduate certification programs are available in education and business topics, as well as online for-credit graduate courses for educators.
Why we like them: SWU is known for being a military- and veteran-friendly university. The school offers a tuition discount for active-duty military personnel and their spouses. Online courses typically last seven weeks, and you can review course materials when convenient rather than meeting with your class at a set time. These accelerated online courses can help you graduate faster and move on to the next step in your career journey.
#5 Charleston Southern University Charleston Southern University Charleston Southern University
- Salary Score: B
- Median Earnings: $53,269
- Online Enrollment: 563 enrolled
- Location: Charleston
Charleston Southern University () is a Baptist school with a wide variety of bachelor's programs online. You can pursue degrees in majors like applied computing, criminal justice, healthcare administration, human resources, project management, and student ministry. Most online undergraduate students complete their degree in under two years. Online courses are delivered asynchronously, so you can complete coursework on your schedule.
Why we like them: At CSU, you can graduate faster so you can make the next step in your career. CSU offers accelerated seven-week online classes so you can fast-track your bachelor's degree. Additionally, CSU offers many online student services to support your online learning experience. You can access career services, learning and writing centers, and veteran services.
#6 University of South Carolina-Upstate University of South Carolina-Upstate University of South Carolina-Upstate
- Salary Score: B-
- Median Earnings: $50,209
- Online Enrollment: 1,184 enrolled
- Location: Spartanburg
The University of South Carolina - Upstate () has online graduate and undergraduate degree programs in health informatics, political science, information management, nursing, and public relations. To give you flexibility in earning your degree, the university offers several online learning formats, including asynchronous, synchronous, asynchronous/synchronous mix, and flexible face-to-face online. USC-Upstate strives to provide convenient, affordable, and relevant online programs.
Why we like them: If you attend Palmetto College, you may be eligible for the tuition-discounted rate if you decide to pursue a four-year degree at USC-Upstate. Please note that this opportunity is unavailable for all of the university’s online programs. Also, by attending USC-Upstate, you can expect to receive the same quality online education that’s delivered on campus. You’ll learn from the same instructors and receive mentoring and personalized attention to help you meet your academic goals.
#7 Bob Jones University Bob Jones University Bob Jones University
- Salary Score: B-
- Median Earnings: $50,083
- Online Enrollment: 429 enrolled
- Location: Greenville
Bob Jones University () offers a number of online degree programs through its School for Continuing, Online and Professional Education. Each bachelor’s-level degree is a completion program intended for students who already have some college credits. Bachelor’s students can choose from programs in business, professional studies, and Christian worldview and ministry. Master’s students have a few more choices, including biblical counseling, educational leadership, and teaching and learning. BJU students must agree to live by the school’s evangelical Christian lifestyle rules, which include restrictions on sexual behavior, alcohol use, and music choices.
Why we like them: BJU is experienced in handling the concerns of homeschooled students, who form one-third of its student body. The university’s small class sizes increase the chances of personalized attention and aid for each learner, which may further comfort homeschooled students who aren’t used to large classes. First-year BJU students receive automatic consideration for institutional scholarships based on merit, program of study, or family background.
#8 University of South Carolina - Aiken University of South Carolina - Aiken University of South Carolina - Aiken
- Salary Score: B-
- Median Earnings: $49,090
- Online Enrollment: 1,245 enrolled
- Location: Aiken
Through the University of South Carolina's Aiken (), you can earn one of 16 online bachelor's and master's degrees. A total of 11 bachelor's degree completion programs are available in business, finance, emerging media, psychology, special education, and more. As a distance learner, you can also pursue MBAs in general management, accounting, finance, project management, or a master's of educator leadership.
Why we like them: USC Aiken offers competitive tuition rates for its online degrees. In addition, the university has an online degree completion program. If you have previous college credit but have yet to graduate, USC Aiken partners with Palmetto College to provide a flexible and convenient way to finish your degree.
#9 Anderson University - SC Anderson University - SC Anderson University - SC
- Salary Score: B-
- Median Earnings: $48,825
- Online Enrollment: 872 enrolled
- Location: Anderson
, which is a private, nonprofit college associated with the Baptist church, offers a limited number of online bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees. You can explore online majors in music education, business administration, health care management, and others. These online programs are designed for working students seeking to further their education while managing their busy schedules.
Why we like them: As a Baptist university, Anderson’s online programs are taught by faculty who are dedicated to the Christian faith. In addition, Anderson has been recognized as an Apple Distinguished School since 2014. The school has provided all residential students with an iPad Air and Apple Pencil through Anderson's Digital Learning Initiative. We appreciate that Anderson strives to provide the best learning experience for its online students.
#10 Columbia College - SC Columbia College - SC Columbia College - SC
- Salary Score: N/A
- Median Earnings: $41,633
- Online Enrollment: 796 enrolled
- Location: Columbia
At — SC, you can choose from 12 online bachelor's degrees and five online minors and certificates. The college offers majors in business administration, business analytics, organizational leadership, computer science, emergency management, healthcare, and speech-language pathology, among others. You can also pursue certifications in topics like cyber security, investigation, and speech-language pathology.
Why we like them: If you want to graduate fast, Columbia College may be the right school for you. The school offers seven-week courses, so you’ll accelerate through your degree program quite quickly. In addition, you have the ability to transfer up to 90 credit hours or 24 training hours from previous college credits. To save you money on tuition, Columbia offers free e-books, so you won’t have to spend hundreds of dollars on required textbooks.
#11 Lander University Lander University Lander University
- Salary Score: N/A
- Median Earnings: $42,382
- Online Enrollment: 794 enrolled
- Location: Greenwood
Lander University () provides distance learners with a range of undergraduate and graduate degree choices. Bachelor’s degree students can opt for majors such as early childhood education, public health, nursing, human services, and business administration. Master’s-level offerings include exercise science, emergency management, business administration, and education programs.
Why we like them: LU encourages students to join its Experience Your Education program to receive experiential learning credits. Participants can undergo an internship, research project, tutoring experience, or student teaching opportunity in their chosen field. Students in this program may learn skills relevant to their future career and can add it to their resumes to demonstrate their dedication and experience.
#12 Limestone University Limestone University Limestone University
- Salary Score: N/A
- Median Earnings: $44,637
- Online Enrollment: 731 enrolled
- Location: Gaffney
At Limestone University (), you can choose from a wide variety of online bachelor's degrees in everything from healthcare administration to computer science. A few examples of potential degrees you can pursue at Limestone include a Bachelor of Applied Science in Professional Studies, a Bachelor of Computer Science in Information Technology, and a Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Arts. The university also offers online associate and master’s degree programs.
Why we like them: If you’re a working professional, you’re likely looking for flexibility in your online education. Fortunately, Limestone strives to accommodate working adults with busy schedules. Online courses are delivered in seven-and-a-half-week terms, so you can move through your programs quickly. You can apply at any time and start your degree on one of six start dates throughout the year.
#13 Winthrop University Winthrop University Winthrop University
- Salary Score: N/A
- Median Earnings: $44,464
- Online Enrollment: 665 enrolled
- Location: Rock Hill
At Winthrop University (), you can earn one of six online master's degrees. The possible areas of study are arts administration, social work, business administration, special education, sport and fitness administration, and human nutrition. By attending Winthrop for graduate studies, you can expect to receive a quality online education.
Why we like them: Learning in a virtual environment can be challenging for some, so we appreciate that Winthrop invests in excellent online learning tools and resources. Winthrop facilitates online learning through the Blackboard learning management system. Through Blackboard, you’ll receive 24/7 access to online coursework, contact your instructor directly, and connect with your classmates through discussion boards. In addition to the robust Blackboard learning platform, you’ll get access to various online student support services. These include enrollment assistance, technical support, career services, and academic support.
#14 Coastal Carolina University Coastal Carolina University Coastal Carolina University
- Salary Score: N/A
- Median Earnings: $45,026
- Online Enrollment: 554 enrolled
- Location: Conway
Coastal Carolina University () offers a selection of 10 online bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees, as well as four online graduate certificates. At the bachelor's level, you can study information technology, hospitality management, marketing, or health administration. At the master's level, degrees are available in business administration, information systems technology, and education.
Why we like them: If you’re seeking an online school that offers several opportunities to save on tuition costs, consider CCU. The university has tuition discount programs that can lower your costs. CCU has promotional tuition rates for active duty students, eRate for degree completion programs, and a $100-course promotion for students with previous college credit but no degree. We know that online education can be a financial burden for many students, so we appreciate that CCU provides opportunities for students to save money.
#15 North Greenville University North Greenville University North Greenville University
- Salary Score: N/A
- Median Earnings: $38,208
- Online Enrollment: 347 enrolled
- Location: Tigerville
North Greenville University () provides a range of online degrees for prospective students. Bachelor’s-level programs include business and leadership, criminal justice, psychology, early childhood and elementary education, and cybersecurity. Faculty provide a Baptist perspective on course material and NGU expects all students to live by its Bible-based code of conduct.
Why we like them: NGU has small class sizes that average 11 for online undergraduate courses and 12 for online graduate classes. Small classes generally contain more dialogue and interaction between students and faculty and allow for more questions to be answered. The university also organizes many opportunities for community and international service, including mission trips abroad that online students can qualify for.
#16 Coker College Coker College Coker College
- Salary Score: N/A
- Median Earnings: $42,673
- Online Enrollment: 227 enrolled
- Location: Hartsville
Prospective students can apply for online bachelor’s or master’s degrees at Coker University (). The available bachelor’s programs are in sociology, psychology, criminology, business management, and nursing (an RN-to-BSN program for registered nurses). There are two master’s programs in nursing, including a bridge program for RNs to proceed directly to the Master of Science in Nursing level.
Why we like them: CU has a favorable student-to-faculty ratio. This indicates that you are more likely to receive individualized help from instructors, who may feel less overwhelmed than if they were responsible for teaching and assessing more students. The university also has a large contingent of students identifying as Black, which might reassure applicants from this background that they’re well represented at CU. Additionally, exposure to greater diversity fosters a richer learning environment where everyone can broaden their understanding of various issues.
#17 Claflin University Claflin University Claflin University
- Salary Score: N/A
- Median Earnings: $34,234
- Online Enrollment: 187 enrolled
- Location: Orangeburg
Claflin University () applicants can consider online versions of their bachelor’s or master’s degree. Available bachelor’s degrees include psychology, nursing, organizational management, and criminal justice programs. At the master’s level, CU offers degrees in curriculum and instruction, criminal justice, business administration, and nursing.
Why we like them: CU is part of the Historically Black Colleges and Universities group and its student body consists mostly of people who identify as Black. This may appeal to Black applicants seeking this kind of educational environment. Also, exposure to diversity can help break down stereotypes and reduce bias among students, giving people the opportunity to develop more inclusive attitudes. Women are also well represented at 70% of the total.
Higher Education in South Carolina
South Carolina has evenly split between public and private. You could earn an associate degree from a two-year community college in South Carolina, then attend a college or university for a bachelor's and graduate program, all without leaving the state. Just under of bachelor's graduates stay in South Carolina, while many of the rest head to neighboring North Carolina or Georgia.
If you're looking for specific degrees in the state, check out the best online MSW programs in South Carolina or one of South Carolina's online nursing programs.
UUÖ±²¥s in South Carolina
In 2022, in South Carolina were enrolled in distance education courses during the fall. This significant percentage illustrates a substantial shift towards online learning within the state. This trend is likely influenced by the flexibility and accessibility of online education, as well as the continuing effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. The high enrollment in distance education signifies a change in student preferences and demands, which can impact future educational strategies, drive the expansion of online programs, and necessitate investments in digital learning infrastructure to support this growing mode of education.
You can find online degrees at all levels in South Carolina. The following highlights some differences among these degree levels:
Certificate program (6-12 months)
Common Admissions Requirements
- Official high school or GED transcripts
Associate degree (2 years)
Common Admissions Requirements
- Official high school or GED transcripts
- SAT or ACT scores
Bachelor's degree (4 years)
Common Admissions Requirements
- Official high school or GED transcripts (minimum 2.5 GPA)
- SAT or ACT scores
- Letter of recommendation
- Personal statement on education and career goals
Master's degree (2-3 years)
Common Admissions Requirements
- Official bachelor's degree transcripts (minimum 3.0 GPA)
- Two letters of recommendation
- Personal statement on career goals
Doctoral degree (3-10 years)
Common Admissions Requirements
- Official bachelor's or master's degree transcripts (minimum 3.0-3.25 GPA)
- Two letters of recommendation
- Personal statement on career goals
For college options in other locations, view OnlineU's best online college rankings by state.
Popular Online Degree Programs in South Carolina
According to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), South Carolina schools in the 2021-22 academic year. The following subjects were some of the most commonly studied in the Palmetto State:
Business
Business programs are intended for students who want to work for money-making organizations in a variety of capacities. Depending on your skills and interests, you might pursue a bachelor's degree in a business specialty, such as a marketing bachelor's degree or a business management program. There are also related options, like pursuing a finance degree or even a supply chain management degree.
Humanities
Humanities programs include diverse majors. For example, you can pursue an English degree or an art history degree. Additionally, there are other kinds of history degrees available that include niches ranging from a bachelor's in anthropology to a bachelor's in philosophy. In general, humanities degrees emphasize critical thinking and writing about a focused area of human existence.
Natural Sciences and Mathematics
Natural sciences and mathematics are two key components of the acronym "STEM," which stands for "science, technology, engineering, and mathematics." STEM degrees in math and natural science include bachelor's programs in mathematics, physics degrees, and biology degrees.
Health
Health profession programs are popular choices given the size and complexity of the U.S. healthcare system. The health professions can refer to careers in the broader healthcare business — such as healthcare administration and healthcare management — or more focused jobs in patient care, such as those that require a nursing degree or dental hygiene degree.
Cost of UUÖ±²¥s in South Carolina
South Carolina's public colleges cost more on average than other public schools around the country. This is true for both in-state students — who qualify for more favorable tuition rates — and out-of-state learners. But South Carolina's private colleges may be more affordable than elsewhere, with an average rate for tuition and fees that's over $6,500 lower than the national average.
Annual Average Cost of Tuition and Required Fees (2022-2023) for South Carolina Colleges:
- (In-state) | $4,987 for two-year college
- (Out-of-state) | $33,346 for public, four-year college
- (In-state) | $12,604 for public, four-year college
- (Out-of-state) | $33,055 for private college
- (In-state) | $28,730 for private college
Source:
Financial Aid for Students in South Carolina
College students in South Carolina may be eligible for federal and state-funded financial aid in addition to grants, scholarships, work-study program funding, or student loans from private sources. Loans should be a last resort, because these must be repaid with interest and can lead to high levels of debt.
Completing a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is a good way to start applying for aid. This form gathers your financial information in one place so funders can determine your eligibility for specific programs. Unlike some states, South Carolina doesn't offer a comparable form to undocumented students that lets them access the state's financial aid programs.
All other South Carolina residents can consider the state's sponsored , which are awarded based on financial need, academic merit, or both.
Job Outlook for South Carolina College Graduates
South Carolina's Department of Employment and Workforce (DEW) in the 2020-2030 decade. The state's growing industries include several that require a college education in many cases, such as information, healthcare and social assistance, and professional, scientific, and technical services.
In this section, we list four of the fastest growing jobs in South Carolina that require a bachelor's degree or higher. Job outlook data comes from the U.S. Department of Labor-sponsored site and salary information comes from the (BLS).
Statisticians
Statisticians create reports about numerical data that's of interest to their employers, such as industry employment or retail sales information. A bachelor's degree in statistics, a data science degree, or general mathematics program might prove useful in this line of work.
Medical and Health Services Managers
Medical and health services managers supervise teams and oversee operations in healthcare facilities. This fast-growing profession typically requires a bachelor's degree in healthcare administration, but some positions may call for a master's degree in healthcare administration or healthcare management.
Software Developers
Software developers figure out what applications users want and need, then try to create them. Software development is related to but different from software engineering, and would-be developers might want to study software development, or obtain either a computer science degree, or cybersecurity degree.
Operations Research Analysts
Like statisticians, operations research analysts crunch numbers for a living. Their profession is dedicated to using data to maximize efficiency in a workplace. They also often study math, data science, or statistics in college.
FAQs About UUÖ±²¥s in South Carolina
What Are the Best Colleges in South Carolina?
It's hard to decide which colleges are best, but you might be able to figure out which you think are the best for you. The first step is ensuring that you only consider institutionally accredited colleges as a form of basic quality control. After this, you can compare schools based on criteria that matter to you: size, program offerings, graduation rate, online versus on-campus learning, and so on.
Elsewhere on our site, we rank the schools with the best online bachelor's degrees and programs in many popular major subjects.
How Many Colleges Are in South Carolina?
There are 66 colleges that confer associate, bachelor's, and graduate degrees in South Carolina. Half of them are public. They range from small local community colleges to the University of South Carolina, which enrolls undergraduates.
Can You Go to College for Free in South Carolina?
You might be able to attend a South Carolina college for no cost using a combination of financial aid sources. For example, it's possible to secure a need-based federal grant, a or need-based grant, and a private scholarship for studying a particular subject all at the same time. Such cases are relatively rare and take plenty of careful work to manage.
How Do I Get Grants for College in South Carolina?
The state gives some to students with the greatest financial need. Applicants must have been South Carolina residents for at least 12 months and must enroll in a public college. Grantees must complete a FAFSA each year to confirm their financial status.
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