Online Colleges in South Carolina
Online colleges help recent high school graduates and nontraditional students advance their education, career prospects, and salary potential. Degree-seekers attending an accredited school enjoy the same educational experience and learning outcomes as their on-campus peers.
South Carolina online colleges prepare degree-seekers for a well-paying career. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that bachelor's degree-holders over 25 earn significantly more than their coworkers with only a high school diploma or associate degree. As a result, prospective students should view a college degree as a long-term financial investment.
Although online colleges in South Carolina vary in admission criteria, typical application requirements include official high school transcripts or GED scores. Some specialized online programs, such as RN-to-BSN, use an undergraduate GPA cutoff and require a background check. Contact a college or university's admissions advisors to learn more about the application process.
Learn the Basics of Online Degrees in South Carolina
Does the University of South Carolina have online degrees?
UofSC offers over a dozen online bachelor's programs for transfer degree-seekers with at least 45 credits. The university awards online master's degrees in six academic areas.
How much does it cost to get an online degree?
Online bachelor's degree costs vary. Factors influencing tuition include whether learners qualify for in-state tuition at public online colleges.
Is an online degree cheaper?
The answer depends on multiple factors, such as residency, degree type, and fees. Students consult with a school's financial aid advisors to calculate a degree's total cost.
How many colleges and universities are in South Carolina?
South Carolina features 37 four-year colleges and universities, institutions educating approximately 150,000 undergraduate and graduate students. The state also hosts 16 technical and junior colleges.
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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
#1 Online Colleges In South Carolina
North Greenville University
- Tigerville, SC
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
With a variety of undergraduate and graduate programs, North Greenville University enrolls students on its campus in Tigerville, South Carolina. The school's online programs add 396 students to its total enrollment. The institution offers affordable tuition rates for its online learners.
Online students at the accredited school can qualify for federal financial aid, including the Pell Grant. The school's bachelor's programs report a 63% admission rate and a 59% graduation rate for undergraduates.
North Greenville University has been accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Percent Online Enrollment
16%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
#2 Online Colleges In South Carolina
Anderson University
- Anderson, SC
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
With affordable distance learning programs, Anderson University in South Carolina is one of the cheapest online schools. At the private school, a total of 1,545 students enroll online.
Students take advantage of financial aid opportunities, including grants and scholarships, to keep their expenses low. According to the institution, 100% of undergraduates use some form of financial aid to pay for their degree. The admission rate for prospective students is 69%, and the university reports that 67% of enrolled students graduate.
Distance learners choose from multiple online undergraduate and graduate programs.
The school holds accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Percent Online Enrollment
44%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
#3 Online Colleges In South Carolina
Clemson University
- Clemson, SC
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Clemson University offers undergraduate and graduate degrees from its campus in South Carolina. In addition to on-campus students, the school enrolls 7,423 learners in its online programs. Distance learners can save money on their college degree with the school's online programs.
As an accredited institution, students attending the school qualify for federal financial aid like the Pell Grant. Students seeking a bachelor's degree at the institution receive an average of $9,672 in financial aid to pay for college. Taking financial aid into account, undergraduates spend an average of $21,482 per year to enroll at the school. The institution reports a 51% admission rate and an 84% graduation rate for its bachelor's programs.
The school holds accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Percent Online Enrollment
29%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
#4 Online Colleges In South Carolina
Limestone College
- Gaffney, SC
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Limestone College, located in Gaffney, South Carolina, ranks among the most affordable colleges with online degree options. As a private school, the institution enrolls 768 distance learners.
Students use financial aid, including scholarships and grants, to keep their college costs low. The institution reports that 99% of undergraduates pay for their degree with financial aid. The admission rate is 51% for new students, and the school reports a 33% graduation rate.
Distance learners who choose the school enroll in a variety of online undergraduate and graduate programs. The online programs at the school include two online associate degrees and nine online bachelor's degrees.
Limestone College is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Percent Online Enrollment
35%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
#5 Online Colleges In South Carolina
Columbia International University
- Columbia, SC
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
A private, religiously non-affiliated institution, Columbia International University boasts cheap programs. Students attending the school choose from a variety of on-campus and online programs. The school delivers one online master's degree and an online bachelor's program.
The convenient format appeals to busy students and working adults. Like on-campus students, online learners work with advisors, IT professionals, and other support staff. Online degree-seekers complete rigorous curricula. The school’s affordability is a key factor in student enrollment.
Columbia International University by the Numbers:
Undergraduate Tuition Rate: $23,090/year in-state, $23,090/year out-of-state
Graduate School Tuition Rate: $9,360 in-state and out-of-state
Percent of Students Accepted: 48%
Graduation Percentage: 51%
Transfer Credits Accepted: No
Columbia International University holds accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges, an independent accrediting agency.
Percent Online Enrollment
66%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
#6 Online Colleges In South Carolina
University of South Carolina
- Columbia, SC
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
From its campus in Columbia, the University of South Carolina ranks among the most affordable colleges with online degree programs. A total of 11,313 students take distance learning programs at the public institution.
Grants, scholarships, and other forms of financial aid help distance learners lower the cost of a degree. The institution reports that undergraduates receive an average of $6,282 in financial aid. A total of 95% of undergraduate students receive some form of financial aid to pay for their degree. The admission rate for applicants is 69%, and of enrolled students, 77% complete a degree at the school.
Students choose from multiple online degrees at the undergraduate and graduate levels. The school offers 27 online master's programs and 10 online doctoral programs for graduate students.
The University of South Carolina is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Percent Online Enrollment
32%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
#7 Online Colleges In South Carolina
Southern Wesleyan University
- Central, SC
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
From its campus in Central, South Carolina, Southern Wesleyan University ranks among the most affordable colleges with online degree programs. The private school counts 923 online students enrolled in its distance learning programs.
Distance learners qualify for financial aid, such as scholarships and grants, to lower the cost of their degree. The school reports that 99% of undergraduates use financial aid to cover college costs. The admission rate for new students is 35%, and 54% of enrolled students graduate from the school.
Students can earn an undergraduate or graduate degree online at the institution.
Southern Wesleyan University holds accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Percent Online Enrollment
65%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
#8 Online Colleges In South Carolina
Lander University
- Greenwood, SC
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Lander University is a public, religiously non-affiliated institution that provides inexpensive degrees. The postsecondary institution delivers both on-campus and online enrollment options for degree-seekers.
At the school, 1,442 learners choose an online format. Degree-seekers at the school qualify for federal student aid programs, since it is an accredited institution. The online format helps students save money on transportation, childcare, and on-campus housing. At the institution, 100% of undergraduates receive financial aid and 62% take out loans.
Lander University Fast Facts:
Tuition for Undergrads: $10,700/year in-state; $20,300/year out-of-state
Tuition for Grad Students: $8,856 in-state; $16,844 out-of-state
Average Net Price: $13,009
Student Acceptance Rate: 43%
Student Graduation Percentage: 45%
Transfer Credits Toward Degree: No
Lander University has been accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Percent Online Enrollment
45%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
#9 Online Colleges In South Carolina
Charleston Southern University
- Charleston, SC
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Charleston Southern University, a private, Christian institution, features cost-effective programs. Working professionals can earn associate, bachelor’s, and graduate degrees online. The school's distance learning options include five online bachelor's degrees and seven online master's degrees.
In total, 1,491 online students attend the school. Online learners at the accredited institution can qualify for federal financial aid programs. Distance students may also qualify for institutional aid to lower the cost of their degree. The institution reports that 99% of students receive financial aid and 59% take out loans.
Charleston Southern University by the Numbers:
Undergrad Tuition Rate: $26,000/year in-state; $26,000/year out-of-state
Graduate School Tuition: $7,500 in-state and out-of-state
Admission Rate: 50%
Student Graduation Percentage: 41%
Transfer Credits Toward Degree: No
The school has received accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Percent Online Enrollment
43%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
#10 Online Colleges In South Carolina
Coastal Carolina University
- Conway, SC
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
From its campus in Conway, South Carolina, Coastal Carolina University offers undergraduate and graduate degrees. The school's online programs enroll 4,337 students. Distance learners can save money on their college degree by choosing the school's online programs.
The accredited institution distributes federal financial aid to online learners, including the Pell Grant. Students earning a bachelor's degree at the school receive an average of $9,107 in financial aid to pay for their degree. After financial aid, undergraduates spend $15,111 per year on average to enroll at the school. The institution features an admission rate of 69% for new students and a graduation rate of 47% for undergraduates.
Coastal Carolina University holds accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges, an independent accrediting body.
Percent Online Enrollment
41%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
What Are the Goals of an Online Degree?
South Carolina online colleges offer undergraduate and graduate degrees, certificates, and continuing education courses to students worldwide. Online degree-seekers enrolling in one of the most affordable colleges in South Carolina save money on tuition. They also do not need to pay for related expenses, including on-campus housing, a meal plan, and commuting costs.
Online colleges attract prospective students with more than just cost savings. Many online programs feature an asynchronous curriculum. Learners view recorded lectures and complete coursework at their convenience. This flexibility allows degree-seekers to continue to work or raise children throughout their education.
Why Get an Online Degree?
Online degrees confer numerous benefits to academically motivated students. Some of the following outcomes may require professional experience in addition to a degree.
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Many employers reserve management-level positions for candidates with an undergraduate or graduate degree. Managers make decisions affecting a department or an entire organization.
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Professionals with a bachelor's or graduate degree earn more than individuals with only an associate degree or high school diploma.
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3
Qualify for a Graduate Program
An online bachelor's degree qualifies alumni to apply to graduate programs. Students earning a master's or doctorate specialize in one or more subjects and become an expert in their field.
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Online colleges in South Carolina feature degrees conveying in-demand skills, such as civil engineering, computer science, and information technology.
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5
Attain Personal Satisfaction
A college education involves new academic and personal challenges. Meeting these challenges head on and earning a degree instills graduates with lifelong pride.
What Are the Requirements for an Online School?
Online colleges use similar if not identical admission requirements as schools offering on-campus degrees. Some undergraduate online programs do not consider first-year applicants, and prospective transfer students must meet a GPA cutoff. Typically, graduate degrees require recommendation letters, a resume, and a satisfactory undergraduate GPA.
A program's graduation requirements vary by subject and degree type. A master's degree may require one or more internship or practicum experiences. Internships and practica allow students to apply academic knowledge in a real-world environment. Schools work with degree-seekers one on one to find appropriate placements in the local community.