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Best Value Basic Certificate Schools in South Carolina

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2023 Best Value Basic Certificate Schools in South Carolina

Identifying High-Quality Schools With More Affordable Pricing

20 Schools Ranked
$15,585 Avg Tuition & Fees*

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 Basic Certificate Schools in South Carolina ranking is one of many tools that Course Advisor has developed to help you make your educational decision. Our analysis looked at 20 schools in South Carolina to see which basic certificate programs offered the best value experiences for students with the aim of identifying those quality schools that are more affordable than some of their counterparts.

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 Basic Certificate Schools in South Carolina

Learn more about these excellent schools below:

#1

Trident Technical College

Charleston, South Carolina
788 Total Awards
$8,690 Average Tuition & Fees

Our analysis found Trident Technical College to be the best value school for students who want to pursue a basic certificate in South Carolina. Trident Technical College is located in Charleston, South Carolina and has a fairly large student population. In 2020-2021, this school awarded 788 basic certificates to qualified students.

Out-of-state tuition fees for undergraduate students at Trident Technical College are $8,690 per year.

Online courses are available at Trident Technical College, 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 89% took at least some of their classes online.

Trident Technical College not only placed well in our value ranking, but it is also #1 on our Best Basic Certificate Schools in South Carolina list.

Read More…

#2

Orangeburg Calhoun Technical College

Orangeburg, South Carolina
394 Total Awards
$7,490 Average Tuition & Fees

You’ll be in good company if you decide to attend Orangeburg Calhoun Technical College. It ranked #2 on our 2023 Best Value Basic Certificate Schools in South Carolina list. OCtech is a small public school situated in Orangeburg, South Carolina. It awarded 394 basic certificates in 2020-2021.

Out-of-state tuition fees for undergraduate students at OCtech are $7,490 per year.

If you are interested in distance education, be sure to check with the school since OCtech does offer online classes for certain majors. In fact, around 84% of the undergraduate population registered for at least one online class in 2019-2020.

OCtech also took the #4 spot in our Best Basic Certificate Schools in South Carolina rankings.

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#3

Tri-County Technical College

Pendleton, South Carolina
1,568 Total Awards
$10,304 Average Tuition & Fees

Out of the 20 schools in South Carolina that were part of this year’s value ranking, Tri-County Technical College landed the # 3 spot on the list. Located in Pendleton, South Carolina, the medium-sized public school handed out 1,568 basic certificate awards in 2020-2021.

TCTC undergraduate students pay an average of $10,304 in tuition and fees each year.

One thing to take note of is that TCTC does offer online classes in some areas. To give an idea of how popular online courses are at the school, 64% of undergraduates took at least one course online in 2019-2020.

TCTC not only placed well in our value ranking, but it is also #5 on our Best Basic Certificate Schools in South Carolina list.

Full Tri-County Technical College Report

#4

Aiken Technical College

Graniteville, South Carolina
85 Total Awards
$6,880 Average Tuition & Fees

A rank of #4 on this year’s list means Aiken Technical College is a great place for students working on their basic certificate who want the most bang for their educational buck. This small public school is located in Graniteville, South Carolina, and it awarded 85 basic certificates in 2020-2021.

The average tuition and fees for an out-of-state undergraduate students at Aiken Technical College are $6,880 a year.

Some students may be able to take online classes at Aiken Technical College. To give an idea of how popular online courses are at the school, 89% of undergraduates took at least one course online in 2019-2020.

Read full report on Aiken Technical College

#5

Greenville Technical College

Greenville, South Carolina
415 Total Awards
$9,410 Average Tuition & Fees

You’ll be in good company if you decide to attend Greenville Technical College. It ranked #5 on our 2023 Best Value Basic Certificate Schools in South Carolina list. GTC is a medium-sized public school situated in Greenville, South Carolina. It awarded 415 basic certificates in 2020-2021.

The average tuition and fees for an out-of-state undergraduate students at GTC are $9,410 a year.

Depending on your major, you may be able to take online classes at GTC. To give an idea of how popular online courses are at the school, 93% of undergraduates took at least one course online in 2019-2020.

Full Greenville Technical College Report

#6

Midlands Technical College

West Columbia, South Carolina
743 Total Awards
$13,812 Average Tuition & Fees

Midlands Technical College ranked #6 on this year’s Best Value Basic Certificate Schools in South Carolina list. Midlands Technical College is a medium-sized public school located in West Columbia, South Carolina that handed out 743 basic certificates in 2020-2021.

The average tuition and fees for an out-of-state undergraduate students at MTC are $13,812 a year.

MTC does offer online classes for certain degree levels. In 2019-2020 about 88% of the undergraduate students at the school chose to take one or more online courses.

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#7

Spartanburg Community College

Spartanburg, South Carolina
285 Total Awards
$9,822 Average Tuition & Fees

Spartanburg Community College came in at #7 in this year’s edition of the Best Value Basic Certificate Schools in South Carolina ranking. Located in Spartanburg, South Carolina, the medium-sized public school awarded 285 diplomas to qualifed basic certificate students in 2020-2021.

Spartanburg Community College undergraduate students pay an average of $9,822 in tuition and fees each year.

If you are interested in distance education, be sure to check with the school since Spartanburg Community College does offer online classes for certain majors. Of all the undergraduates enrolled at the school during the 2019-2020 academic year, around 52% took at least some of their classes online.

Read More…

#8

Piedmont Technical College

Greenwood, South Carolina
1,300 Total Awards
$6,593 Average Tuition & Fees

Piedmont Technical College did quite well in this year’s ranking of the best value places for students to get a basic certificate. It came in at #8 on the list. Piedmont Technical College is a small public school situated in Greenwood, South Carolina. It awarded 1,300 basic certificates in 2020-2021.

Out-of-state tuition fees for undergraduate students at Piedmont Technical College are $6,593 per year.

You may have the opportunity to take online classes at Piedmont Technical College. In 2019-2020 about 88% of the undergraduate students at the school chose to take one or more online courses.

Read full report on Piedmont Technical College

#9

York Technical College

Rock Hill, South Carolina
740 Total Awards
$10,354 Average Tuition & Fees

York Technical College did quite well in this year’s ranking of the best value places for students to get a basic certificate. It came in at #9 on the list. York Technical College is located in Rock Hill, South Carolina and has a small student population. In 2020-2021, this school awarded 740 basic certificates to qualified students.

York Technical College undergraduate students pay an average of $10,354 in tuition and fees each year.

Some students may be able to take online classes at York Technical College. To give an idea of how popular online courses are at the school, 94% of undergraduates took at least one course online in 2019-2020.

Full York Technical College Report

#10

Florence-Darlington Technical College

Florence, South Carolina
175 Total Awards
$6,742 Average Tuition & Fees

Florence-Darlington Technical College landed the #10 spot in the 2023 rankings for the best value basic certificate programs. Florence-Darlington Technical College is a small public school situated in Florence, South Carolina. It awarded 175 basic certificates in 2020-2021.

The average tuition and fees for an out-of-state undergraduate students at Florence-Darlington Technical College are $6,742 a year.

Florence-Darlington Technical College does offer online classes for certain degree levels. To give an idea of how popular online courses are at the school, 79% of undergraduates took at least one course online in 2019-2020.

Read full report on Florence-Darlington Technical College

#11

Horry-Georgetown Technical College

Conway, South Carolina
540 Total Awards
$8,593 Average Tuition & Fees

Horry-Georgetown Technical College ranked #11 on this year’s Best Value Basic Certificate Schools in South Carolina list. Conway, South Carolina is the setting for this medium-sized institution of higher learning. The public school handed out basic certificates to 540 students in 2020-2021.

Out-of-state tuition fees for undergraduate students at Horry-Georgetown Technical College are $8,593 per year.

You may have the opportunity to take online classes at Horry-Georgetown Technical College. During the 2019-2020 year, about 63% of the undergraduates at the school took at least one online course.

Read More…

#12

Central Carolina Technical College

Sumter, South Carolina
231 Total Awards
$9,016 Average Tuition & Fees

Central Carolina Technical College came in at #12 in this year’s edition of the Best Value Basic Certificate Schools in South Carolina ranking. Sumter, South Carolina is the setting for this small institution of higher learning. The public school handed out basic certificates to 231 students in 2020-2021.

Central Carolina undergraduate students pay an average of $9,016 in tuition and fees each year.

Central Carolina 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 2019-2020 about 60% of the undergraduate students at the school chose to take one or more online courses.

Full Central Carolina Technical College Report

#13

Technical College of the Lowcountry

Beaufort, South Carolina
101 Total Awards
$11,020 Average Tuition & Fees

Technical College of the Lowcountry ranked #13 on this year’s Best Value Basic Certificate Schools in South Carolina list. TCL is located in Beaufort, South Carolina and has a small student population. In 2020-2021, this school awarded 101 basic certificates to qualified students.

The average tuition and fees for an out-of-state undergraduate students at TCL are $11,020 a year.

TCL does offer online classes for certain degree levels. In fact, around 94% of the undergraduate population registered for at least one online class in 2019-2020.

Full Technical College of the Lowcountry Report

#14

University of South Carolina - Columbia

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

With a ranking of #14, University of South Carolina - Columbia did quite well on this year’s best value schools for students working on their basic certificate. Located in Columbia, South Carolina, the large public school handed out 13 basic certificate awards in 2020-2021.

The average tuition and fees for an out-of-state undergraduate students at UofSC are $33,928 a year.

Online courses are available at UofSC, 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 99% of the undergraduates at the school took at least one online course.

UofSC also made our Best Basic Certificate Schools in South Carolina list, coming in at #2.

Read More…

#15

University of South Carolina - Beaufort

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

University of South Carolina - Beaufort ranked #15 on this year’s Best Value Basic Certificate Schools in South Carolina list. University of South Carolina - Beaufort is a small public school located in Bluffton, South Carolina that handed out 1 basic certificates in 2020-2021.

USCB undergraduate students pay an average of $21,776 in tuition and fees each year.

You may have the opportunity to take online classes at USCB. To give an idea of how popular online courses are at the school, 95% of undergraduates took at least one course online in 2019-2020.

Full University of South Carolina - Beaufort Report

#16

Coastal Carolina University

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

Coastal Carolina University did quite well in this year’s ranking of the best value places for students to get a basic certificate. It came in at #16 on the list. Conway, South Carolina is the setting for this fairly large institution of higher learning. The public school handed out basic certificates to 1 students in 2020-2021.

Out-of-state tuition fees for undergraduate students at Coastal Carolina University are $27,394 per year.

Online courses are available at Coastal Carolina University, 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 52% took at least some of their classes online.

Read More…

#17

College of Charleston

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

College of Charleston ranked #17 on this year’s Best Value Basic Certificate Schools in South Carolina list. C of C is a fairly large public school situated in Charleston, South Carolina. It awarded 9 basic certificates in 2020-2021.

C of C undergraduate students pay an average of $34,438 in tuition and fees each year.

C of C 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. During the 2019-2020 year, about 91% of the undergraduates at the school took at least one online course.

Full College of Charleston Report

#18

Lander University

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

Lander University did quite well in this year’s ranking of the best value places for students to get a basic certificate. It came in at #18 on the list. Greenwood, South Carolina is the setting for this small institution of higher learning. The public school handed out basic certificates to 2 students in 2020-2021.

Lander University undergraduate students pay an average of $21,300 in tuition and fees each year.

Some students may be able to take online classes at Lander University. Of all the undergraduates enrolled at the school during the 2019-2020 academic year, around 81% took at least some of their classes online.

Read full report on Lander University

#18

Clemson University

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

Clemson University did quite well in this year’s ranking of the best value places for students to get a basic certificate. It came in at #18 on the list. Clemson is located in Clemson, South Carolina and has a large student population. In 2020-2021, this school awarded 76 basic certificates to qualified students.

Out-of-state tuition fees for undergraduate students at Clemson are $38,550 per year.

Online courses are available at Clemson, 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 90% of the undergraduates at the school took at least one online course.

Clemson also made our Best Basic Certificate Schools in South Carolina list, coming in at #3.

Read full report on Clemson University

#20

Miller-Motte College Charleston

Charleston, South Carolina

Miller-Motte College Charleston ranked #20 on this year’s Best Value Basic Certificate Schools in South Carolina list. MMC Charleston is located in Charleston, South Carolina and has a very small student population. In 2020-2021, this school awarded 137 basic certificates to qualified students.

Out-of-state tuition fees for undergraduate students at MMC Charleston are $0 per year.

If you are interested in distance education, be sure to check with the school since MMC Charleston does offer online classes for certain majors. Of all the undergraduates enrolled at the school during the 2019-2020 academic year, around 23% took at least some of their classes online.

Read More…

View Best Value Basic Certificate Schools Nationwide >

Notes and References

Footnotes

*These averages are for the top 20 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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