What’s the cheapest way to earn a college degree in the Palmetto State? Earning an online degree can save you money. That’s because you’ll potentially save on tuition, living expenses, and other costs. And the best online colleges offer high quality at an affordable price.
Many South Carolina colleges offer online degrees. Learn more about the best online colleges in South Carolina to find the right fit for your budget and career goals.
AffordableCollegesOnline.org is an advertising-supported site. Featured or trusted partner programs and all school search, finder, or match results are for schools that compensate us. This compensation does not influence our school rankings, resource guides, or other editorially-independent information published on this site.
Students From SC Attend These Programs
Find a program that meets your affordability, flexibility, and education needs through an accredited, online school.
Most Affordable Online Colleges in South Carolina
Read About Our Methodology
#1 Best Online Colleges in South Carolina
Trident Technical College
- Charleston, SC
- 2 years
- Online + Campus
Students can earn affordable degrees at Trident Technical College, a public, religiously non-affiliated school in Charleston. The school offers associate, diploma, and certificate programs in various fields. Learners build analytical and critical thinking skills they can use in their careers.
The school enrolls over 10,000 distance learners. Degree-seekers can apply for grants and scholarships to minimize student debt.
Trident Technical College Fast Facts:
Tuition for Undergrads: $5,024 per year (in state); $8,571 per year (out of state)
Average Price After Financial Aid: $2,506
Graduation Percentage: 18%
TTC is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Out-of-state
Not provided
Acceptance Rate
Not provided
Percent Online Enrollment
89%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
#2 Best Online Colleges in South Carolina
The Medical University of South Carolina
- Charleston, SC
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Headquartered in Charleston, The Medical University of South Carolina is a public school that prioritizes affordability across its on-campus, online, and hybrid programs. Enrolling just over 900 distance learners, the university offers a variety of undergraduate and graduate degrees in diverse healthcare disciplines.
The school's programs focus on both the administrative and clinical sides of the healthcare industry. Grants and scholarships can help students reduce out-of-pocket expenses.
The Medical University of South Carolina Fast Facts:
Tuition for Undergrads: $15,622 per year (in state); $24,508 per year (out of state)
Tuition for Grad Students: $16,333 per year (in state); $24,304 per year (out of state)
The institution is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Retention Rate
Not provided
Acceptance Rate
Not provided
Percent Online Enrollment
30%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
#3 Best Online Colleges in South Carolina
Charleston Southern University
- Charleston, SC
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
A private Baptist-affiliated school, Charleston Southern University delivers an affordable Christian education through both on-campus and online programs. The university's 11 online bachelor's programs and 12 online master's programs feature rigorous curricula and flexible schedules.
The school's convenient remote learning format appeals to busy students and working professionals. Like on-campus students, online degree-seekers work with advisors, career counselors, and other support staff. As students at an accredited school, enrollees may qualify for federal financial aid such as Pell Grants.
Charleston Southern University Fast Facts:
Tuition for Undergrads: $27,800 per year
Tuition for Grad Students: $7,800 per year
Percent of Students Accepted: 54%
Graduation Percentage: 44%
The institution is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Percent Online Enrollment
87%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
#4 Best Online Colleges in South Carolina
Voorhees College
- Denmark, SC
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
A private, Christian school located in Denmark, Voorhees College is one of South Carolina's historically Black colleges and universities. Online learners can pursue various undergraduate and graduate programs, including one online bachelor's program.
The school enrolls about 368 online learners. As an accredited online postsecondary institution, the institution qualifies for federal financial aid programs. Qualifying distance learners may also receive institutional aid. About 81% of degree-seekers use loans and 85% receive financial aid.
Voorhees College Fast Facts:
Tuition for Undergrads: $11,630 per year
Graduation Rate: 41%
Voorhees College is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Out-of-state
Not provided
Acceptance Rate
Not provided
Percent Online Enrollment
100%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
#5 Best Online Colleges in South Carolina
Claflin University
- Orangeburg, SC
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
A private, historically Black institution with no religious affiliation, Claflin University offers affordable degree paths for online and in-person enrollees. Working professionals can earn bachelor’s and graduate degrees online and at the university's campus in Orangeburg.
The institution enrolls about 200 students in its online programs. Bachelor's-level curricula emphasize the knowledge and skills that employers value, helping graduates achieve a positive return on their educational investment. Students can use grants and scholarships to pay for their education. The school delivers accredited programs, ensuring degree-seekers receive a high-quality education.
Claflin University Fast Facts:
Tuition for Undergrads: $16,476 per year
Tuition for Grad Students: $11,653 per year
Acceptance Rate: 65%
Percent of Students Who Earn a Bachelor's Degree: 50%
Claflin is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Percent Online Enrollment
10%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
How Much Is Online College in South Carolina?
The cost of college in South Carolina depends on the school. Even at public colleges, tuition depends on your state residency. You might spend as little as $12,500 per year or as much as $33,000 per year in tuition and fees.
Looking for the most affordable option? Typically, attending online college is cheaper than attending a non-campus program. And some schools offer a tuition discount for distance learners. Compare online colleges in South Carolina to see where you’ll save the most.
Cost of College in South Carolina (2020-21)
| Institution Type |
Average Tuition & Required Fees |
| Public, Four-Year (In-state) |
$12,544 |
| Public, Four-Year (Out-of-state) |
$33,055 |
| Private, Four-Year |
$27,317 |
Source: NCES
How to Pay for Online College
There’s good news when it comes to paying for online college — attending an accredited institution qualifies you for financial aid just like on-campus students.
Start the process by filling out the FAFSA. It not only qualifies you for federal student aid like the Pell Grant, but you’ll also potentially qualify for state and institutional aid. Here’s how most students pay for college.
Scholarships and Grants
Scholarships and grants give you money for college that you don’t have to pay back. That makes them the best form of financial aid. So start by applying for as many scholarships and grants as you can. Keep in mind that most need-based scholarships use the FAFSA to determine eligibility.
Income and Savings
Students pay half of college costs using income and savings, according to Sallie Mae. That includes the many students who work in college. And online college makes it easier to work while earning a degree. A consistent income stream during college can help you cover costs.
Federal and Private Students Loans
Once you’ve exhausted other financial options, you can take out loans to cover any remaining college costs. Prioritize federal loans over private loans because they typically offer lower interest rates and better repayment options.
Before borrowing money, make sure to calculate your estimated monthly student loan payment.
AffordableCollegesOnline.org is an advertising-supported site. Featured or trusted partner programs and all school search, finder, or match results are for schools that compensate us. This compensation does not influence our school rankings, resource guides, or other editorially-independent information published on this site.
Featured Online Bachelor's Programs
Find a program that meets your affordability, flexibility, and education needs through an accredited, online school.
South Carolina Scholarships
Can you use grants and scholarships at online colleges in South Carolina? If you attend an accredited institution, you’ll qualify for many scholarships, including the ones listed below.
South Carolina residents can qualify for $2,800 to $7,500 per year with these South Carolina scholarships, all of which offer renewal.
You’ll need a minimum 3.0 GPA GPA and attend an eligible institution. Because the exact criteria vary depending on the scholarship, make sure to check out the website for specifics.
Clemson offers scholarships to encourage admitted students to attend. The scholarships provide up to the full cost of attendance, including for out-of-state students.
There are also scholarships for South Carolina residents. Apply by submitting an application to Clemson and also submitting the FAFSA by March 1st.
The University of South Carolina automatically considers applicants for merit scholarships. These competitive scholarships provide up to $196,000 over four years.
You’ll need to apply to the university plus the Honors College. The university awards up to 45 academic scholarship awards every year for non-residents.
South Carolina public high school students can apply for this scholarship, which requires excellence in creative writing, dance, music, theater, or visual arts.
Apply by February 19, 2024, by submitting original materials related to one of the five eligible arts disciplines. The scholarship provides $2,000 each.
Frequently Asked Questions About Online Colleges in South Carolina
What is the cheapest online college in South Carolina?
The cheapest online colleges in South Carolina are North Greenville University and University of South Carolina Aiken. NGU reports an annual net price of $11,705, while UofSC Aiken costs $11,872. You can save money by choosing an affordable college.
Who is eligible for in-state tuition in South Carolina?
Like many other states, South Carolina requires students to meet residency guidelines to receive in-state tuition. You’ll need to prove that you’ve lived in South Carolina for at least 12 months.
However, some online colleges in South Carolina offer in-state tuition for out-of-state students who enroll in a fully online program.
How do you qualify for a South Carolina tuition grant?
You’ll need to be a South Carolina resident to receive the South Carolina Tuition Grant. You’ll also need to enroll full time at a South Carolina college as an undergrad. The amount awarded varies depending on several factors, and you’ll need to submit the FAFSA to determine your award.
Does the University of South Carolina offer online programs?
UofSC offers over 50 online programs, as well as several degree-completion programs. The university offers two online bachelor's programs: interdisciplinary studies in services management and integrated information technology. UofSC also awards online master's degrees in nine academic areas.
Does Clemson University offer online programs?
Yes, Clemson offers several online programs, particularly at the graduate level. You can earn a master’s in education, an MBA, or a master’s in data science and analytics through Clemson’s online and hybrid programs. The private university also offers several certificate options and an online RN-to-BSN program.
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