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.
Popular Online Programs
Find a program that meets your affordability, flexibility, and education needs through an accredited, online school.
Best Online Colleges in South Carolina
Read About Our Methodology
#1 Best Online Colleges in South Carolina
Coastal Carolina University
- Conway, SC
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $487
Out-of-State | $1,231
Credits to Graduate: 12-120
Located in Myrtle Beach, Coastal Carolina University (CCU) has grown from 53 students in 1954 to an enrollment of more than 10,000 learners today. The school offers online certificates and programs at the bachelor's, master's, and doctoral levels. Distance learners can study fields like computer science education, health administration, and geospatial technologies.
First-time students applying to undergraduate programs must submit high school transcripts and SAT or ACT scores. CCU also provides test-optional admissions for qualifying applicants. Transfer students with 24 or more credits should hold a minimum 3.0 GPA. Many of the online graduate degrees and certificates offer multiple application deadlines per year.
Percent Online Enrollment
65%
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
Columbia College
- Columbia, SC
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $395-$580
Out-of-State | $395-$580
Credits to Graduate: 9-120
Founded in 1854, Columbia College offers online programs at the undergraduate and graduate levels. Distance learners can pursue minors, certificates, and full degrees in fields like trauma-informed education, cybersecurity, forensic psychology, and healthcare administration. Courses last seven weeks and run asynchronously.
The school's master's degrees are designed to take one year. Prospective online undergraduates must submit an application, personal statement, and transcripts. Columbia College accepts up to 90 transfer credits for undergraduate degrees, provided the learner holds a minimum 2.0 GPA. Graduate school applicants must submit a personal statement, transcripts, and two letters of recommendation. Prospective graduate students with a GPA lower than 3.0 can supplement their application with GRE or MAT scores.
Percent Online Enrollment
80%
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
Coker University
- Hartsville, SC
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $425
Out-of-State | $425
Credits to Graduate: 18-120
A private liberal arts college in Hartsville, Coker University enrolls about 1,000 students from 33 states and 16 countries. In addition to 60 on-campus programs, the university offers four fully bachelor's programs, two nursing bridge programs, and two master's degrees online. Learners can study fields like psychology, sociology, and business management.
Coker partners with several local technical and community colleges to facilitate seamless transfer of associate degree credits toward the school's bachelor's programs. Though the university does not require standardized test scores for admission, prospective students who want to apply for institutional scholarships need to send ACT or SAT scores.
Percent Online Enrollment
79%
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
Limestone University
- Gaffney, SC
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $479
Out-of-State | $479
Credits to Graduate: 30-120
Located in Gaffney, Limestone University established its virtual campus in 1996 and now offers associate, bachelor's, and master's degrees online. Online courses run in 7.5-week terms. Students can take two courses per term, earning up to 36 credits each year. Learners can study fields such as business administration, computer science, education teacher leadership, and social work.
Limestone offers six annual start dates. The university maintains transfer-friendly relationships with select technical and community colleges in North and South Carolina. Only civilian students under 21 must send SAT/ACT scores during the application process.
Percent Online Enrollment
75%
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.
Popular Online 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.