The U.S. Census Bureau reports that the median household income in South Carolina was $54,864 from 2016-2020. The state also offers lower-than-average cost of living should you choose to relocate for a career in manufacturing, agriculture, and engineering, the state’s dominant career paths. Explore our rankings of the top online colleges in South Carolina and how they can help you.
Top 5 online schools in South Carolina: Quick facts
The 10 best online colleges in South Carolina
Before browsing our rankings of the top online colleges in South Carolina, take a moment to review ZDnet’s ranking methodology. Keep in mind that our inclusion and ranking criteria incorporate the number and diversity of online bachelor’s and master’s degree programs. Unless otherwise indicated, data is drawn from the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System and College Scorecard. Note that for public colleges, the average annual net price given is for in-state students.
- Clemson UniversityClemson, South Carolina About the school: The second-largest university in South Carolina, Clemson University was founded in 1899. The school’s online catalog includes a master’s in automotive engineering; master’s in construction science, and an MBA.
Acceptance rate: 62%Graduation rate: 82%Avg. annual net price: $21,262Student body population: 27,341Student-to-teacher ratio: 16:1Number of online bachelor’s degrees: OneNumber of online master’s degrees: 21Avg. SAT range for admitted students: 1210-1390Minimum GPA: 2.0Course delivery method: Asynchronous/synchronous
Accreditation: Clemson University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC). 2. University of South CarolinaColumbia, South Carolina About the school: Established in 1801, University of South Carolina is one of the Palmetto State’s oldest institutions. Around half of the school’s core general education classes are available online, making the school an ideal option for degree completion.
Acceptance rate: 68%Graduation rate: 73%Avg. annual net price: $20,559Student body population: 35,471Student-to-teacher ratio: 18:1Number of online bachelor’s degrees: TwoNumber of online master’s degrees: 34Avg. SAT range for admitted students: 1140-1340Minimum GPA: 2.0Course delivery method: Asynchronous/synchronous
Accreditation: University of South Carolina is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC). 3. Medical University of South CarolinaCharleston, South Carolina About the school: Medical University of South Carolina is South Carolina’s only comprehensive university for medical education. It currently offers online programs in extracorporeal science, health informatics, and nurse anesthesia. Online courses use the Blackboard learning management system.
Explore What is the MCAT? This nearly century-old standardized test plays a key role in admissions decisions for U.S. medical schools and is required by nearly every program. Read now Acceptance rate: Not publicly availableGraduation rate: 94%Avg. annual net price: Not publicly availableStudent body population: 3,240Student-to-teacher ratio: 8:1Number of online bachelor’s degrees: OneNumber of online master’s degrees: FourAvg. SAT range for admitted students: Not required; programs may require MCAT or GRE scores.Minimum GPA: 2.0Course delivery method: Asynchronous/synchronous
Accreditation: Medical University of South Carolina is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC). 4. Coastal Carolina UniversityConway, South Carolina About the school: Coastal Carolina University serves the Myrtle Beach area and beyond with online programs, including an online master’s in information systems technology that can be completed in 18 months. The online master’s in education offers a 50% discount to certified teachers who are South Carolina residents.
Acceptance rate: 70%Graduation rate: 48%Avg. annual net price: $14,129Student body population: 10,473Student-to-teacher ratio: 17:1Number of online bachelor’s degrees: ThreeNumber of online master’s degrees: FiveAvg. SAT range for admitted students: 1020-1180Minimum GPA: Varies; average is 3.0-3.7Course delivery method: Asynchronous/synchronous
Accreditation: Carolina University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC). 5. Lander UniversityGreenwood, South Carolina About the school: Founded in 1872 as a women’s college, Lander University now features a variety of online undergraduate and graduate programs, including an online MBA, online master’s in Montessori education, and online master’s in emergency management.
Acceptance rate: 57%Graduation rate: 47%Avg. annual net price: $15,519Student body population: 3,825Student-to-teacher ratio: 16:1Number of online bachelor’s degrees: EightNumber of online master’s degrees: EightAvg. SAT range for admitted students: 920-1110Minimum GPA: 2.0Course delivery method: Asynchronous/synchronous
Accreditation: Lander University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC). 6. North Greenville UniversityTigerville, South Carolina About the school: Southern Baptist-affiliated North Greenville University offers online degrees in cybersecurity, Christian ministries, and business and leadership. The school also offers an online general studies degree completion program.
Acceptance rate: 65%Graduation rate: 58%Avg. annual net price: $20,058Student body population: 2,273Student-to-teacher ratio: 11:1Number of online bachelor’s degrees: NineNumber of online master’s degrees: 10Avg. SAT range for admitted students: 950-1110Minimum GPA: 2.0Course delivery method: Asynchronous/synchronous
Accreditation: North Greenville University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC). 7. Francis Marion UniversityFlorence, South Carolina About the school: Founded in 1970, Francis Marion University currently offers a hybrid master’s in curriculum and instruction and several hybrid degree completion programs in nursing, including an online RN to BSN that takes two years to complete.
Explore Best online master’s programs: Our top picks for 2022 We’ve chosen the best schools for online master’s programs to provide you with expertise and credibility to thrive in your career. Read now Acceptance rate: 75%Graduation rate: 56%Avg. annual net price: $12,662Student body population: 3,923Student-to-teacher ratio: 13:1Number of online bachelor’s degrees: OneNumber of online master’s degrees: FourAvg. SAT range for admitted students: 890-1110Minimum GPA: 2.0Course delivery method: Asynchronous/synchronous
Accreditation: Francis Marion University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC). 8. Southern Wesleyan UniversityCentral, South Carolina About the school: Founded in 1906, Southern Wesleyan University currently offers a variety of undergraduate and graduate online programs. These include an online MBA, online bachelor’s in ministry, and online master of education in administration and supervision.
Acceptance rate: 56%Graduation rate: 54%Avg. annual net price: $17,722Student body population: 1,300Student-to-teacher ratio: 13:1Number of online bachelor’s degrees: 10Number of online master’s degrees: FiveAvg. SAT range for admitted students: 1050-1110Minimum GPA: 2.0Course delivery method: Asynchronous/synchronous
Accreditation: Southern Wesleyan University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC). 9. Columbia CollegeColumbia, South Carolina About the school: A small liberal arts college affiliated with the United Methodist Church, Columbia College currently offers a variety of online undergraduate and graduate degrees. The school’s online bachelor’s in disaster and emergency management is only available online and allows students to transfer up to 90 credits of previous education or certified job training.
Acceptance rate: 97%Graduation rate: 54%Avg. annual net price: $20,247Student body population: 1,389Student-to-teacher ratio: 11:1Number of online bachelor’s degrees: 13Number of online master’s degrees: SevenAvg. SAT range for admitted students: 820-1050Minimum GPA: 2.0Course delivery method: Asynchronous/synchronous
Accreditation: Columbia College is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC). 10. University of South Carolina-AikenAiken, South Carolina About the school: Established in 1961, University of South Carolina-Aiken serves the suburban community of Aiken and beyond with online programs including several online MBAs, online bachelor’s in cybersecurity, and online bachelor’s in emerging media.
Explore Discover the best online cybersecurity degrees Cybersecurity careers can offer six-figure salaries and promising job growth. Online cybersecurity degree programs help professionals launch careers. Read now Acceptance rate: 56%Graduation rate: 46%Avg. annual net price: $12,387Student body population: 3,869Student-to-teacher ratio: 16:1Number of online bachelor’s degrees: EightNumber of online master’s degrees: FiveAvg. SAT range for admitted students: 970-1150Minimum GPA: 2.0Course delivery method: Asynchronous/synchronous
Accreditation: University of South Carolina-Aiken is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).
In conclusion
If you’re thinking of pursuing an online college in South Carolina, don’t hesitate to reach out to your local college or university for more information. Remember also that schools with rolling admissions make it easier than ever to start online college today, even if you work full time.
