Best Online Colleges in South Carolina 2025
What’s the cheapest way to earn a college degree in the Palmetto State? Pursuing an online degree allows you to potentially save on tuition, living expenses, and other costs. Some of the state’s best online colleges offer high quality at an affordable price.
Many South Carolina colleges feature online degrees. Learn more about the best online colleges in South Carolina to find the right fit for your budget and career goals.
Featured Online Programs
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
Top Online Colleges in South Carolina 2025
Charleston Southern University
Charleston, SC- 4 year
- Campus + Online
What Sets It Apart:
Charleston Southern University offers an efficient, flexible, and affordable online learning experience. The school offers fully online undergraduate and graduate programs in 20 subject areas, all of which use accelerated seven-week terms to facilitate rapid degree completion. According to CSU, most online degree-seekers graduate within 24 months.
CSU delivers all online degree programs asynchronously, giving students complete scheduling control.
Cost per Credit:
In State | $515
Out of State | $515
Why Students Choose CSU:
- Career-Focused Programs: CSU's online degree programs target practical areas like business, computing, counseling, nursing, and project management.
- Generous Financial Aid: Of CSU undergraduates, 91% receive grant or scholarship aid, with award values averaging $21,000 for the 2022-2023 school year.
- Inclusive Tuition Policy: CSU includes all required course materials in its published tuition rates.
Know Before You Enroll:
- Student Satisfaction Metrics: CSU has a below-average six-year graduation rate (49%) and a high transfer-out rate (40%).
- Religious Campus Culture: CSU is the only Christian college in South Carolina's coastal Lowcountry region.
- Consider a Campus Tour: Qualifying students who tour the CSU campus before enrolling qualify for a $1,000 grant.
- In-State$29,490
- Out-of-state$29,490
- In-State$5,085
- Out-of-state$5,085
- Retention Rate70%
- Acceptance Rate87%
- Students Enrolled3,418
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment50%
- AccreditationYes
Limestone University
- Gaffney, SC
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
What Sets It Apart:
The online program at Limestone University appeals primarily to working adults and nontraditional learners. Limestone's affordable, schedule-friendly online degree programs use a six-term structure, with students taking two classes per seven-and-a-half-week term. Most degree-seekers complete 36 credits per year, reducing the typical bachelor's graduation timeline by about six months.
Cost per Credit:
In State | $389
Out of State | $389
Why Students Choose Limestone:
- Barrier-Free Admissions: Limestone accepts most applicants, with 98% receiving an offer of admission.
- Tuition Discounts: Military personnel can take advantage of discounted online tuition of $248 per credit, and their children get a 10% tuition discount.
- Scholarships and Grants: Limestone awards nonrepayable financial aid to 90% of undergraduates, with an average aid amount of $15,732 in 2022-2023.
Know Before You Enroll:
- Transfer Credit Policies: Limestone maintains special transfer agreements with community and technical colleges throughout the Carolinas.
- Program Choice: Limestone's online bachelor's degrees extend only to business, computer science, healthcare administration, human resource management, liberal or professional studies, nursing, psychology, and social work.
- Low Graduation Rate: Just 28% of Limestone undergraduate students graduate within six years.
- In-State$25,200
- Out-of-state$25,200
- In-State$12,350
- Out-of-state$12,350
- Retention Rate65%
- Acceptance Rate89%
- Students Enrolled1,786
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment84%
- AccreditationYes
University of South Carolina-Columbia
- Columbia, SC
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
What Sets It Apart:
A large and well-established institution, the University of South Carolina engages online students with an "anytime, anywhere" learning model. Competitive tuition rates and a strong reputation underscore the school's value proposition.
USC is particularly friendly to military students: Military Times named it 2024's best college for veterans in the Southeast.
Cost per Semester:
In State | $6,144
Out of State | $17,949
Why Students Choose USC:
- Socioeconomic Mobility: First-generation degree-seekers make up about 20% of USC's student body.
- Hybrid Learning: USC offers a highly accessible hybrid learning environment, with about half of all Carolina Core undergraduate courses available in distance formats.
- Strong Satisfaction Metrics: USC has exceptional first-to-second-year retention (90%) and six-year graduation (78%) rates.
Know Before You Enroll:
- Limited Program Choice: USC offers only four 100% online programs leading to bachelor's degrees (information technology, liberal studies, organizational leadership, and service management).
- Degree Completion Options: Undergraduate transfer students have many more online program options than first-time, first-year undergraduates.
- Tuition Policy: Except for some online graduate programs, e-learners pay the same tuition as campus-based students.
- In-State$12,288
- Out-of-state$34,534
- In-State$13,374
- Out-of-state$29,760
- Retention Rate91%
- Acceptance Rate61%
- Students Enrolled36,579
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment61%
- AccreditationYes
Coastal Carolina University
- Conway, SC
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
What Sets It Apart:
Coastal Carolina University delivers an affordable learning experience: The school's tuition rates are about 8% lower than South Carolina's statewide average for public institutions. CCU also maintains a unique community partnership program that offers enriched opportunities to nontraditional students.
Cost per Semester:
In-State | $5,820
Out-of-State | $14,814
Why Students Choose CCU:
- Tuition Discounts: CCU offers online discounts to military students, transfer students, and South Carolina Technical College System faculty members.
- Savings Opportunities: The CCU Complete program allows eligible new online students to complete their first five courses for just $100 each.
- Strong Online Support: The Coastal Online student support network includes online library access, technical troubleshooting, tutoring programs, and more.
Know Before You Enroll:
- Accessible Higher Education: In 2023, 80% of undergraduate applicants received an offer of admission.
- Limited Online Options: CCU offers only five fully online undergraduate degree programs, three of which are exclusively for degree-completion students.
- Low Graduation Rate: Only about half (51%) of CCU undergraduates complete their degree within six years.
- In-State$11,640
- Out-of-state$29,628
- In-State$10,764
- Out-of-state$20,628
- Retention Rate76%
- Acceptance Rate80%
- Students Enrolled10,829
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment47%
- AccreditationYes
Lander University
- Greenwood, SC
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
What Sets It Apart:
Lander University features a varied lineup of programs oriented toward South Carolina's labor market, and the school's small class sizes afford students plenty of personalized faculty attention. Lander's 12 fully online undergraduate degree paths include business administration, criminology, cybersecurity, education, human services, nursing, paralegal studies, psychology, and public health.
Cost per Credit:
In State | $432
Out of State | $432
Why Students Choose Lander:
- Flexibility: Lander's asynchronous online learning model makes courses available on a 24/7/365 basis.
- Small Class Sizes: The average Lander class has just 22 students.
- Accessible Financial Aid: In 2023, 87% of Lander undergraduates received a scholarship or grant, with the average award exceeding $11,000.
Know Before You Enroll:
- More Selective Admissions: Lander offered admission to just 68% of undergraduate applicants in 2023.
- Low Graduation Rate: Less than half (48%) of Lander undergraduates complete their degree within six years.
- Part-Time Student Turnover: Lander retains only 14% of part-time first-year undergraduate students.
- In-State$10,700
- Out-of-state$20,300
- In-State$9,810
- Out-of-state$9,910
- Retention Rate66%
- Acceptance Rate67%
- Students Enrolled4,167
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment60%
- AccreditationYes
Price Check 
South Carolina has an incentive program that awards $1,000 to any resident who earns a GED certificate and completes short-term occupational training through a technical college in the state. South Carolina residents who are at least 60 years old can access free tuition at public universities.
10 Fast-Growing Jobs in South Carolina
South Carolina is known for its low cost of living, but that doesn’t mean there aren’t many opportunities to earn well above the national average. Some of the highest-paying jobs in South Carolina also rank among the most in-demand.
The demand for nurse practitioners in South Carolina, for example, is projected to grow by 61% from 2022-2032, while the median salary is over 170% of the national average. Other fast-growing jobs in the state include physician assistants, data scientists, software developers, and information security analysts.
Each of the fast-growing careers on our table requires at least a bachelor’s degree. Attending an online college in South Carolina can help qualify you for these promising job markets.
| Job | Projected Growth (2022-2032) | Annual Median Wage in SC (May 2023) | Degree Required |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nurse Practitioners | 61% | $116,240 | Master’s Degree |
| Data Scientists | 48% | $90,660 | Bachelor’s Degree |
| Information Security Analysts | 43% (2018-2028) | N/A | Bachelor’s Degree |
| Physician Assistants | 39% | $119,190 | Master’s Degree |
| Software Developers | 39% | $108,690 | Bachelor’s Degree |
| Personal Financial Advisors | 39% | $98,900 | Bachelor’s Degree |
| Medical and Health Services Managers | 38% | $105,220 | Bachelor’s Degree |
| Operations Research Analysts | 35% | $74,880 | Bachelor’s Degree |
| Logisticians | 34% | $76,920 | Master’s Degree |
Majors to Consider to Prepare for South Carolina’s Job Market
Careers in information technology, health science, and finance are expected to see massive growth in South Carolina over the next decade. A degree in healthcare, nursing, computer science, or business can help prepare you for one of these high-demand jobs.
Nursing
Nurse practitioners and physician assistants are highly sought after in South Carolina, and the demand for these professionals is projected to increase from 2022-2032. You can get ahead of this surge by earning a bachelor’s degree in nursing. Both of these careers also require a master’s degree.Healthcare Administration
If you’re more interested in the operations side of the healthcare industry, consider a degree in healthcare administration. This degree can prepare you for a career in the business side of healthcare, with career options such as hospital administrator, medical director, or health services manager.Business
Earning a bachelor’s degree in business or finance can provide an ideal pathway to a career as a personal financial advisor. You will then need to earn the relevant financial planner licensure or certification. You can also pursue certification to work as a certified financial planner, chartered financial analyst, registered investment advisor, or chartered financial consultant.Computer Science
Tech careers are booming in South Carolina, with some of the fastest-growing careers including software developer, data scientist, and information security analyst. A bachelor’s in computer science can be the starting point for your career, providing skills, certification, and networking opportunities.
What Is the Cost of College in South Carolina?
Tuition costs at public institutions in South Carolina are higher than the national average. In-state students can expect to pay around $11,000 more than the national average over the course of a four-year bachelor’s degree program. Out-of-state students will pay around $5,100 more annually than the national average.
While private colleges in South Carolina are less expensive than the national average, four years at the 2022-2023 tuition rate for an in-state student would cost nearly $115,000 plus transportation and living expenses. Online degrees can help you save more on tuition, as some universities offer lower tuition for online programs.
| Institution Type | Average Tuition and Required Fees in SC | Average Tuition and Required Fees in the U.S. |
|---|---|---|
| Public Four-Year (In-State) | $12,604 | $9,750 |
| Public Four-Year (Out-of-State) | $33,346 | $28,297 |
| Private Four-Year | $28,730 | $35,248 |
Scholarships and Cost Savings for Online Colleges in South Carolina
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 following:
South Carolina LIFE, HOPE, and Palmetto Fellows Scholarships
South Carolina residents can qualify for $2,800-$7,500 per year with renewable scholarships like the LIFE and Palmetto Fellows scholarships, with no stated deadline.
Clemson First-Year Recruiting Scholarship
In-state and out-of-state students can qualify for these university scholarships, which range from $500 to the total cost of attendance. Submit an application to Clemson and your FAFSA form by March 1 for consideration.
UofSC Academic Scholarship Awards
The University of South Carolina automatically considers applicants for merit scholarships that provide up to $204,000 over four years. You’ll need to apply to the Honors College by the Nov. 15 deadline to qualify.
Archibald Rutledge Scholarship Program
This scholarship awards up to $2,000 to South Carolina public high school students who excel in creative writing, dance, music, theater, or visual arts. Contact the school for the 2025 application deadline.
South Carolina Need-Based Grant
South Carolina residents who are full-time students can qualify for up to $3,500 by filling out the FAFSA by April 1. A candidate needs a 2.0 GPA for eligibility.
Tuition Reciprocity Benefits for Out-of-State Students in South Carolina
Like many other states, South Carolina requires you to meet residency guidelines to receive in-state tuition, including living 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 fully online programs.
Tuition reciprocity may also be another solution if you’re an out-of-state student considering a South Carolina school. Many states enter tuition reciprocity agreements, which allow you to access in-state tuition at universities outside of your home state. However, to qualify for reciprocity, you’ll need to attend a qualifying out-of-state school in person.
South Carolina Tuition Grant Eligibility
You must 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 undergraduate student.
The amount varies depending on several factors, and you’ll need to submit the FAFSA to determine your award.
Frequently Asked Questions About Online College in South Carolina
South Carolina has 38 private and public four-year colleges and universities, as well as 21 two-year colleges and universities, including public and private nonprofit schools. South Carolina colleges with the highest student enrollment include University of South Carolina Columbia, Clemson University, and the College of Charleston.
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