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Best Value Bachelor's Degree Schools in South Carolina

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2023 Best Value Bachelor's Degree Schools in South Carolina

Identifying High-Quality Schools With More Affordable Pricing

25 Schools Ranked
$28,431 Avg Tuition & Fees*
$28,334 Avg Student Debt*

There are lots of options to pick from today when trying to decide which program is right for you. You're no longer limited to schools in your local area, either, since online programs are becoming more prevalent. Or you may find the programs at a trade school or bootcamp to be a better alternative for you.

The Best Value Bachelor's Degree Schools in South Carolina ranking is one of many tools that Course Advisor has developed to help you make your educational decision. This report analyzed 25 schools in South Carolina to see which ones offered the best value bachelor's degree programs for students. The goal was to highlight schools with more affordable prices than others offering similar quality experiences.

When determining this ranking, we place a high emphasis on the school's quality as well as its sticker price. Even though a college may be affordable, it may not offer value. More specifically, we discount our quality score by the published tuition and fees charged by a school. This gives the cost per unit of quality for each college. The value is determined by how much quality your dollar buys.

Our calculations use out-of-state tuition and fees in our nationwide and regional rankings. Average in-state tuition and fees are used for our statewide rankings.

Top Value Bachelor's Degree Schools in South Carolina

Learn more about these excellent schools below:

#1

Citadel Military College of South Carolina

Charleston, South Carolina
716 Total Awards
$35,826 Average Tuition & Fees

Our analysis found Citadel Military College of South Carolina to be the best value school for students who want to pursue a bachelor’s degree in South Carolina. This small public school is located in Charleston, South Carolina, and it awarded 716 bachelor’s degrees in 2020-2021.

The average tuition and fees for an out-of-state undergraduate students at The Citadel are $35,826 a year. Bachelor’s Degree recipients from this school accumulate an average of $23,253 in student debt by the time they complete their degree.

The Citadel does offer online classes for certain degree levels. In 2019-2020 about 48% of the undergraduate students at the school chose to take one or more online courses.

The Citadel also took the #4 spot in our Best Bachelor’s Degree Schools in South Carolina rankings.

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#2

University of South Carolina - Columbia

Columbia, South Carolina
7,272 Total Awards
$33,928 Average Tuition & Fees

The excellent bachelor’s degree programs at University of South Carolina - Columbia helped the school earn the #2 place on this year’s ranking of the best value schools in South Carolina. This large public school is located in Columbia, South Carolina, and it awarded 7,272 bachelor’s degrees in 2020-2021.

Out-of-state tuition fees for undergraduate students at UofSC are $33,928 per year. On average, bachelor’s degree students take out $24,090 in loans while pursuing their degree.

If you are interested in distance education, be sure to check with the school since UofSC does offer online classes for certain majors. During the 2019-2020 year, about 99% of the undergraduates at the school took at least one online course.

UofSC also took the #5 spot in our Best Bachelor’s Degree Schools in South Carolina rankings.

Read full report on University of South Carolina - Columbia

#3

Clemson University

Clemson, South Carolina
5,155 Total Awards
$38,550 Average Tuition & Fees

Out of the 25 schools in South Carolina that were part of this year’s value ranking, Clemson University landed the # 3 spot on the list. Located in Clemson, South Carolina, the large public school awarded 5,155 diplomas to qualifed bachelor’s degree students in 2020-2021.

The average tuition and fees for an out-of-state undergraduate students at Clemson are $38,550 a year. By the time they get their bachelor’s degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $22,627 in student loans.

One thing to take note of is that Clemson does offer online classes in some areas. In fact, around 90% of the undergraduate population registered for at least one online class in 2019-2020.

Clemson not only placed well in our value ranking, but it is also #1 on our Best Bachelor’s Degree Schools in South Carolina list.

Full Clemson University Report

#4

University of South Carolina - Aiken

Aiken, South Carolina
602 Total Awards
$21,218 Average Tuition & Fees

You’ll join some of the best and brightest minds around you if you attend University of South Carolina - Aiken. The school came in at #4 on this year’s Best Value Bachelor’s Degree Schools in South Carolina list. Located in Aiken, South Carolina, the small public school awarded 602 diplomas to qualifed bachelor’s degree students in 2020-2021.

Out-of-state tuition fees for undergraduate students at UofSC Aiken are $21,218 per year. On average, bachelor’s degree students take out $28,762 in loans while pursuing their degree.

Some students may be able to take online classes at UofSC Aiken. In fact, around 93% of the undergraduate population registered for at least one online class in 2019-2020.

Read More…

#5

University of South Carolina - Upstate

Spartanburg, South Carolina
1,139 Total Awards
$23,085 Average Tuition & Fees

You’ll join some of the best and brightest minds around you if you attend University of South Carolina - Upstate. The school came in at #5 on this year’s Best Value Bachelor’s Degree Schools in South Carolina list. University of South Carolina - Upstate is a medium-sized public school located in Spartanburg, South Carolina that handed out 1,139 bachelor’s degrees in 2020-2021.

USC Upstate undergraduate students pay an average of $23,085 in tuition and fees each year. Bachelor’s Degree recipients from this school accumulate an average of $28,943 in student debt by the time they complete their degree.

Online courses are available at USC Upstate, but you will need to check with the school to see if they are available for your field of interest. In fact, around 93% of the undergraduate population registered for at least one online class in 2019-2020.

Read full report on University of South Carolina - Upstate

#6

University of South Carolina - Beaufort

Bluffton, South Carolina
407 Total Awards
$21,776 Average Tuition & Fees

University of South Carolina - Beaufort came in at #6 in this year’s edition of the Best Value Bachelor’s Degree Schools in South Carolina ranking. USCB is a public institution located in Bluffton, South Carolina. The school has a small population, and it awarded 407 bachelor’s degrees in 2020-2021.

Out-of-state tuition fees for undergraduate students at USCB are $21,776 per year. On average, bachelor’s degree students take out $29,735 in loans while pursuing their degree.

Online courses are available at USCB, but you will need to check with the school to see if they are available for your field of interest. Of all the undergraduates enrolled at the school during the 2019-2020 academic year, around 95% took at least some of their classes online.

Read More…

#7

College of Charleston

Charleston, South Carolina
2,134 Total Awards
$34,438 Average Tuition & Fees

College of Charleston ranked #7 on this year’s Best Value Bachelor’s Degree Schools in South Carolina list. C of C is a fairly large public school situated in Charleston, South Carolina. It awarded 2,134 bachelor’s degrees in 2020-2021.

Out-of-state tuition fees for undergraduate students at C of C are $34,438 per year. By the time they get their bachelor’s degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $23,966 in student loans.

Depending on your major, you may be able to take online classes at C of C. During the 2019-2020 year, about 91% of the undergraduates at the school took at least one online course.

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#8

Coastal Carolina University

Conway, South Carolina
1,941 Total Awards
$27,394 Average Tuition & Fees

Coastal Carolina University landed the #8 spot in the 2023 rankings for the best value bachelor’s degree programs. Located in Conway, South Carolina, the fairly large public school handed out 1,941 bachelor’s degree awards in 2020-2021.

Coastal Carolina University undergraduate students pay an average of $27,394 in tuition and fees each year. On average, bachelor’s degree students take out $27,362 in loans while pursuing their degree.

Some students may be able to take online classes at Coastal Carolina University. In fact, around 52% of the undergraduate population registered for at least one online class in 2019-2020.

Read full report on Coastal Carolina University

#9

Lander University

Greenwood, South Carolina
536 Total Awards
$21,300 Average Tuition & Fees

Lander University came in at #9 in this year’s edition of the Best Value Bachelor’s Degree Schools in South Carolina ranking. Lander University is located in Greenwood, South Carolina and has a small student population. In 2020-2021, this school awarded 536 bachelor’s degrees to qualified students.

Lander University undergraduate students pay an average of $21,300 in tuition and fees each year. On average, bachelor’s degree students take out $26,468 in loans while pursuing their degree.

Depending on your major, you may be able to take online classes at Lander University. In 2019-2020 about 81% of the undergraduate students at the school chose to take one or more online courses.

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#10

Francis Marion University

Florence, South Carolina
600 Total Awards
$21,544 Average Tuition & Fees

With a ranking of #10, Francis Marion University did quite well on this year’s best value schools for students working on their bachelor’s degree. Florence, South Carolina is the setting for this small institution of higher learning. The public school handed out bachelor’s degrees to 600 students in 2020-2021.

The average tuition and fees for an out-of-state undergraduate students at Francis Marion University are $21,544 a year. Bachelor’s Degree recipients from this school accumulate an average of $29,728 in student debt by the time they complete their degree.

Online courses are available at Francis Marion University, but you will need to check with the school to see if they are available for your field of interest. In 2019-2020 about 64% of the undergraduate students at the school chose to take one or more online courses.

Full Francis Marion University Report

#11

Winthrop University

Rock Hill, South Carolina
1,001 Total Awards
$30,176 Average Tuition & Fees

Winthrop University did quite well in this year’s ranking of the best value places for students to get a bachelor’s degree. It came in at #11 on the list. Winthrop is a medium-sized public school situated in Rock Hill, South Carolina. It awarded 1,001 bachelor’s degrees in 2020-2021.

The average tuition and fees for an out-of-state undergraduate students at Winthrop are $30,176 a year. On average, bachelor’s degree students take out $26,679 in loans while pursuing their degree.

Winthrop does offer online classes for certain degree levels. Of all the undergraduates enrolled at the school during the 2019-2020 academic year, around 95% took at least some of their classes online.

Read full report on Winthrop University

#12

South Carolina State University

Orangeburg, South Carolina
309 Total Awards
$21,750 Average Tuition & Fees

South Carolina State University came in at #12 in this year’s edition of the Best Value Bachelor’s Degree Schools in South Carolina ranking. Located in Orangeburg, South Carolina, the small public school awarded 309 diplomas to qualifed bachelor’s degree students in 2020-2021.

The average tuition and fees for an out-of-state undergraduate students at South Carolina State University are $21,750 a year. Bachelor’s Degree recipients from this school accumulate an average of $36,196 in student debt by the time they complete their degree.

You may have the opportunity to take online classes at South Carolina State University. Of all the undergraduates enrolled at the school during the 2019-2020 academic year, around 51% took at least some of their classes online.

Full South Carolina State University Report

#13

Columbia College

Columbia, South Carolina
278 Total Awards
$18,218 Average Tuition & Fees

Columbia College ranked #13 on this year’s Best Value Bachelor’s Degree Schools in South Carolina list. Columbia, South Carolina is the setting for this small institution of higher learning. The private not-for-profit school handed out bachelor’s degrees to 278 students in 2020-2021.

The average tuition and fees for an out-of-state undergraduate students at Columbia College South Carolina are $18,218 a year. Bachelor’s Degree recipients from this school accumulate an average of $29,206 in student debt by the time they complete their degree.

Online courses are available at Columbia College South Carolina, but you will need to check with the school to see if they are available for your field of interest. During the 2019-2020 year, about 80% of the undergraduates at the school took at least one online course.

Read full report on Columbia College

#14

North Greenville University

Tigerville, South Carolina
404 Total Awards
$22,470 Average Tuition & Fees

North Greenville University did quite well in this year’s ranking of the best value places for students to get a bachelor’s degree. It came in at #14 on the list. This small private not-for-profit school is located in Tigerville, South Carolina, and it awarded 404 bachelor’s degrees in 2020-2021.

The average tuition and fees for an out-of-state undergraduate students at North Greenville are $22,470 a year. On average, bachelor’s degree students take out $21,372 in loans while pursuing their degree.

One thing to take note of is that North Greenville does offer online classes in some areas. Of all the undergraduates enrolled at the school during the 2019-2020 academic year, around 10% took at least some of their classes online.

Read More…

#15

Southern Wesleyan University

Central, South Carolina
259 Total Awards
$26,498 Average Tuition & Fees

Southern Wesleyan University did quite well in this year’s ranking of the best value places for students to get a bachelor’s degree. It came in at #15 on the list. Central, South Carolina is the setting for this small institution of higher learning. The private not-for-profit school handed out bachelor’s degrees to 259 students in 2020-2021.

Out-of-state tuition fees for undergraduate students at SWU are $26,498 per year. Bachelor’s Degree recipients from this school accumulate an average of $35,319 in student debt by the time they complete their degree.

Some students may be able to take online classes at SWU. During the 2019-2020 year, about 58% of the undergraduates at the school took at least one online course.

In addition to its great value ranking, SWU is in the top 20% of all schools on our Best Bachelor’s Degree Schools in South Carolina list.

Read full report on Southern Wesleyan University

#15

Claflin University

Orangeburg, South Carolina
437 Total Awards
$17,046 Average Tuition & Fees

With a ranking of #15, Claflin University did quite well on this year’s best value schools for students working on their bachelor’s degree. This small private not-for-profit school is located in Orangeburg, South Carolina, and it awarded 437 bachelor’s degrees in 2020-2021.

The average tuition and fees for an out-of-state undergraduate students at Claflin are $17,046 a year. Bachelor’s Degree recipients from this school accumulate an average of $31,687 in student debt by the time they complete their degree.

Claflin does have options available for those who want to take online classes. You will need to check with the school to see if they are available for your specific major. In fact, around 8% of the undergraduate population registered for at least one online class in 2019-2020.

Full Claflin University Report

#17

Bob Jones University

Greenville, South Carolina
497 Total Awards
$21,062 Average Tuition & Fees

Bob Jones University ranked #17 on this year’s Best Value Bachelor’s Degree Schools in South Carolina list. Bob Jones University is a small private not-for-profit school located in Greenville, South Carolina that handed out 497 bachelor’s degrees in 2020-2021.

Bob Jones University undergraduate students pay an average of $21,062 in tuition and fees each year. On average, bachelor’s degree students take out $17,432 in loans while pursuing their degree.

Some students may be able to take online classes at Bob Jones University. In 2019-2020 about 18% of the undergraduate students at the school chose to take one or more online courses.

Read full report on Bob Jones University

#18

Limestone College

Gaffney, South Carolina
408 Total Awards
$26,300 Average Tuition & Fees

Limestone College did quite well in this year’s ranking of the best value places for students to get a bachelor’s degree. It came in at #18 on the list. Limestone College is a small private not-for-profit school situated in Gaffney, South Carolina. It awarded 408 bachelor’s degrees in 2020-2021.

Out-of-state tuition fees for undergraduate students at Limestone College are $26,300 per year. By the time they get their bachelor’s degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $35,082 in student loans.

Online courses are available at Limestone College, but you will need to check with the school to see if they are available for your field of interest. During the 2019-2020 year, about 75% of the undergraduates at the school took at least one online course.

Full Limestone College Report

#19

Anderson University South Carolina

Anderson, South Carolina
699 Total Awards
$30,720 Average Tuition & Fees

Anderson University South Carolina landed the #19 spot in the 2023 rankings for the best value bachelor’s degree programs. Anderson University South Carolina is located in Anderson, South Carolina and has a small student population. In 2020-2021, this school awarded 699 bachelor’s degrees to qualified students.

Out-of-state tuition fees for undergraduate students at Anderson University South Carolina are $30,720 per year. Bachelor’s Degree recipients from this school accumulate an average of $27,992 in student debt by the time they complete their degree.

Depending on your major, you may be able to take online classes at Anderson University South Carolina. During the 2019-2020 year, about 57% of the undergraduates at the school took at least one online course.

Full Anderson University South Carolina Report

#20

Newberry College

Newberry, South Carolina
278 Total Awards
$28,250 Average Tuition & Fees

With a ranking of #20, Newberry College did quite well on this year’s best value schools for students working on their bachelor’s degree. Newberry College is located in Newberry, South Carolina and has a small student population. In 2020-2021, this school awarded 278 bachelor’s degrees to qualified students.

Newberry College undergraduate students pay an average of $28,250 in tuition and fees each year. Bachelor’s Degree recipients from this school accumulate an average of $30,105 in student debt by the time they complete their degree.

One thing to take note of is that Newberry College does offer online classes in some areas. During the 2019-2020 year, about 3% of the undergraduates at the school took at least one online course.

Read More…

#21

Converse College

Spartanburg, South Carolina
237 Total Awards
$19,850 Average Tuition & Fees

Converse College ranked #21 on this year’s Best Value Bachelor’s Degree Schools in South Carolina list. Located in Spartanburg, South Carolina, the small private not-for-profit school awarded 237 diplomas to qualifed bachelor’s degree students in 2020-2021.

The average tuition and fees for an out-of-state undergraduate students at Converse are $19,850 a year. Bachelor’s Degree recipients from this school accumulate an average of $25,647 in student debt by the time they complete their degree.

Depending on your major, you may be able to take online classes at Converse. In 2019-2020 about 92% of the undergraduate students at the school chose to take one or more online courses.

Read full report on Converse College

#22

Charleston Southern University

Charleston, South Carolina
541 Total Awards
$28,960 Average Tuition & Fees

Charleston Southern University came in at #22 in this year’s edition of the Best Value Bachelor’s Degree Schools in South Carolina ranking. CSU is a private not-for-profit institution located in Charleston, South Carolina. The school has a small population, and it awarded 541 bachelor’s degrees in 2020-2021.

The average tuition and fees for an out-of-state undergraduate students at CSU are $28,960 a year. By the time they get their bachelor’s degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $28,719 in student loans.

You may have the opportunity to take online classes at CSU. Of all the undergraduates enrolled at the school during the 2019-2020 academic year, around 91% took at least some of their classes online.

Read More…

#23

Wofford College

Spartanburg, South Carolina
493 Total Awards
$49,550 Average Tuition & Fees

Wofford College did quite well in this year’s ranking of the best value places for students to get a bachelor’s degree. It came in at #23 on the list. Spartanburg, South Carolina is the setting for this small institution of higher learning. The private not-for-profit school handed out bachelor’s degrees to 493 students in 2020-2021.

Wofford undergraduate students pay an average of $49,550 in tuition and fees each year. Bachelor’s Degree recipients from this school accumulate an average of $19,282 in student debt by the time they complete their degree.

Wofford did well in our overall quality rankings, too. It placed #2 on our Best Bachelor’s Degree Schools in South Carolina list.

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#24

Furman University

Greenville, South Carolina
780 Total Awards
$53,372 Average Tuition & Fees

Furman University did quite well in this year’s ranking of the best value places for students to get a bachelor’s degree. It came in at #24 on the list. Greenville, South Carolina is the setting for this small institution of higher learning. The private not-for-profit school handed out bachelor’s degrees to 780 students in 2020-2021.

Out-of-state tuition fees for undergraduate students at Furman are $53,372 per year. Bachelor’s Degree recipients from this school accumulate an average of $21,956 in student debt by the time they complete their degree.

In addition to its best value ranking, and one of the reasons why the school is on the list, Furman is ranked #3 for overall quality in South Carolina.

Read More…

#25

Coker University

Hartsville, South Carolina
180 Total Awards
$31,524 Average Tuition & Fees

Coker University ranked #25 on this year’s Best Value Bachelor’s Degree Schools in South Carolina list. Coker University is a small private not-for-profit school located in Hartsville, South Carolina that handed out 180 bachelor’s degrees in 2020-2021.

The average tuition and fees for an out-of-state undergraduate students at Coker are $31,524 a year. By the time they get their bachelor’s degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $35,690 in student loans.

Online courses are available at Coker, but you will need to check with the school to see if they are available for your field of interest. In fact, around 19% of the undergraduate population registered for at least one online class in 2019-2020.

Full Coker University Report

View Best Value Bachelor’s Degree Schools Nationwide >

Notes and References

Footnotes

*These averages are for the top 25 schools only.

References

  • The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), a branch of the U.S. Department of Education (DOE) serves as the core of our data about colleges.
  • Some other college data, including much of the graduate earnings data, comes from the U.S. Department of Education’s (College Scorecard).
  • Information about the national average student loan default rate is from the U.S. Department of Education and refers to data about the 2016 borrower cohort tracking period for which the cohort default rate (CDR) was 10.1%.

More about our data sources and methodologies.

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