Best Online Colleges in South Carolina
Key Takeaways
- Nearly 200,000 of South Carolinians aged 18-24 hold at least an associate degree or some college experience, and the state aims to increase the percentage of South Carolinians with a college education from 46.8% as of 2020 to 60% by 2030.
- Most colleges in South Carolina are accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).
- South Carolina participates in the Academic Common Market, which allows non-residents to enroll in eligible programs in South Carolina and pay in-state tuition.
South Carolina is home to a growing job market and historic Southern charm, beautiful coastal beaches and a pleasant climate. By enrolling in an online college in South Carolina, you can take advantage of these perks and build the skills necessary for a rewarding career.
This state-specific guide examines top online colleges, accreditation standards, average costs, and potential career paths. Consider your goals, and explore how an online college in South Carolina can help you reach them.
South Carolina at a Glance
- According to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), there are 38 nonprofit four-year institutions in South Carolina.
- Per the U.S. Census Bureau, around 33% of adults in the state hold a bachelor’s degree or higher.
- In fall 2023, 56% of students at South Carolina institutions were enrolled in online courses, according to NCES.
- Per NCES, in fall 2023, there were over 59,000 students aged 25 and older enrolled at South Carolina colleges.
5 Best Online Colleges in South Carolina
Lander University
- Greenwood, SC
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- Accredited
With high-quality online programs, Lander University is an ideal option for online learners. The public institution's four online programs provide flexible learning options for busy students based in any location. Online degree-seekers can complete coursework at their convenience, from anywhere, eliminating the need to live near campus.
Online enrollees often participate in class discussions through forums and chat. Gaining professional experience through opportunities such as internships can help individuals secure roles in their field after graduation. Academic advisors help learners choose courses that align with their professional goals, customizing the curriculum to their needs.
Many degree-seekers pursue external funding from sources such as nonprofits and professional associations to cover the cost of their degree. Institutional scholarships and fellowships feature eligibility requirements, which students can learn about from financial aid officers. Financial aid reduces the overall cost of earning a degree for 100% of the school's enrollees.
45%
$10,700
68%
$20,300
- Acceptance Rate
- 43%
- Students Enrolled
- 3,226
- Institution Type
- Public
North Greenville University
- Tigerville, SC
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- Accredited
Students who plan to attend school online can consider North Greenville University's remote academic programs. Along with 18 online programs, the private school delivers in-person classes at its campus in Tigerville. The institution provides online resources to support its 396 distance learners, including virtual library access and tutoring.
Online enrollees can network with peers and receive assistance from instructors through the virtual classroom environment. In addition to completing general education requirements, learners take advanced courses in their field. Academic advisors assist students in selecting electives based on their individual goals and interests. Options for gaining professional experience while enrolled include internships and research projects.
The financial aid office provides information about degree costs and funding options to help applicants create a budget. Students who demonstrate financial need may qualify for federal grants, scholarships, or work-study programs.
16%
$21,120
72%
$21,120
- Acceptance Rate
- 63%
- Students Enrolled
- 2,426
- Institution Type
- Private
Anderson University
- Anderson, SC
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- Accredited
Online learners at Anderson University participate in high-quality programs that provide important academic preparation. A leader in distance learning, the private institution offers 11 online programs reaching 1,545 students across the globe. Learners with personal or professional responsibilities can choose online programs that allow them to complete assignments according to their schedule.
Instructors provide distance learners with support and opportunities to participate in class discussions. Internship opportunities help participants improve their professional credentials. Academic advisors help degree candidates choose courses that align with their professional goals, customizing the curriculum to their needs.
Degree-seekers with financial need can apply for federal scholarships, grants, and loans. Students can consult financial aid officers for information about institutional and outside funding options. Of the school's enrollees, 100% receive financial aid, which can help make higher education more accessible.
44%
$26,130
80%
$26,130
- Acceptance Rate
- 69%
- Students Enrolled
- 3,543
- Institution Type
- Private
Southern Wesleyan University
- Central, SC
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- Accredited
Southern Wesleyan University provides high-quality online programs, which meet the same standards as on-campus options. Degree-seekers can pursue in-person programs in Central or enroll in one of the private school's 10 online options. The institution enrolls 923 online learners, who complete rigorous coursework to earn their degree.
Online enrollees communicate with peers and professors in a virtual classroom environment. Learners complete general education requirements and advanced classes to prepare for roles in their field. Throughout their program, students consult with academic advisors before registering for classes. Experiential learning opportunities, such as internships, help enrollees practice working in a professional environment.
In addition to tuition, applicants should budget for fees and educational expenses, about which the financial aid office can provide information. Students who demonstrate financial need may qualify for federal grants, scholarships, or work-study programs.
65%
$24,926
69%
$24,926
- Acceptance Rate
- 35%
- Students Enrolled
- 1,430
- Institution Type
- Private
University of South Carolina-Columbia
- Columbia, SC
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- Accredited
While attending University of South Carolina-Columbia, students can choose from online programs across several fields. Along with educating enrollees at its Columbia-based campus, the school offers 50 distance programs for its 11,313 online enrollees. Online programs offer flexible scheduling options, which can be ideal for working professionals and other busy learners.
Degree candidates benefit from an online learning community, which can lead to professional connections. Along with completing independent research, many learners pursue internships to gain professional experience, which employers often prefer or require. Career counselors help enrollees identify the best professional path for them and prepare to find and secure jobs after graduation. Career workshops allow students to develop their professional network and explore their career options.
Applicants who need help understanding various funding options can receive help from the institution's dedicated financial aid counselors. Along with need-based aid, enrollees can apply for scholarships based on academic merit. Based on the school's reported information, 95% of the student body receives financial aid of some type.
32%
$12,288
89%
$33,528
- Acceptance Rate
- 69%
- Students Enrolled
- 35,364
- Institution Type
- Public
Who Accredits Online Colleges in South Carolina?
To ensure the validity of your academic credits and your federal financial aid eligibility, you must attend an accredited institution.
The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) has traditionally been the main accrediting body for South Carolina schools. Ensure that any school you consider is accredited by either SACSCOC or another recognized accreditor.
How Much Does College Cost in South Carolina?
In South Carolina, you can generally expect to pay above-average tuition rates at public institutions and below-average rates at private institutions. The state’s participation in the Southern Regional Education Board’s Academic Common Market (ACM) can provide relief to out-of-state students from other ACM states who study at public South Carolina colleges.
Regardless of the institution type you choose, you will likely face significant out-of-pocket costs to earn your degree. If you need help covering those costs, consider these state-backed programs:
- The merit-based SC Hope Scholarship Program for first-year college students
- The LIFE Scholarship, which provides up to $5,000 in non-repayable aid to applicants with high academic achievement
- The Lottery Tuition Assistance Program for students at two-year institutions
You can connect with these and many other state-backed scholarship and grant programs through the South Carolina Commission on Higher Education. Note that you must be a South Carolina resident to qualify for most aid options.
Career Opportunities in South Carolina
$44,760
Median annual wage in SC (May 2024)
+11.1%
Projected job growth in SC (2022-2032)
4.3%
Unemployment rate in SC (August 2025)
Projections Central, a site funded by the U.S. Department of Labor, projects statewide job growth of more than 11% in South Carolina from 2022-2032, boosting the appeal of the state’s labor market. You can take advantage of this trend by targeting a fast-growing career path when applying to online colleges in South Carolina.
For bachelor’s degree graduates, the fastest-growing roles in South Carolina include data scientist, information security analyst, actuary, personal financial advisor, and software developer, per CareerOneStop.
Popular Cities for Recent Grads
Charleston
- A historic city known for its architecture and tourism industry
- The Charleston area has a large population of young adults.
- Charleston County Economic Development reports that the city is seeing higher-than-average job growth.
Columbia
- South Carolina’s capital, with many government jobs
- Columbia also has a large young-adult population.
- Though the city itself is relatively small, a population of more than five million people lives within a 60-minute drive.
Greenville
- Noted for its booming arts and culture scene, located in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains
- The city is gaining recognition as one of the best places to live in the U.S.
- Greenville’s cost of living was 5.4% below the national average in 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
South Carolina is home to eight historically Black colleges and universities: Allen University, Benedict College, Claflin University, Clinton College, Denmark Technical College, Morris College, South Carolina State University, and Voorhees College.
