2023 Most Popular Associate Degree Schools in South Carolina
When it comes to higher education, there are a lot of options for students. 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.
Along with in-depth profiles of schools and the programs they offer, Course Advisor has created the Most Popular Associate Degree Schools in South Carolina to help you in your search for the best school for you. Our analysis looked at 38 schools in South Carolina to see which associate degree programs were the most popular for students. To create this ranking we looked at how many students graduated from each school on the list.
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Most Popular Associate Degree Schools in South Carolina
Learn more about these popular schools below:
Our 2023 rankings named Trident Technical College the most popular school in South Carolina for students working on their associate degree. Trident Technical College is a public institution located in Charleston, South Carolina. The school has a fairly large population, and it awarded 1,346 associate degrees in 2020-2021.
Students from South Carolina who attend Trident Technical College full time pay an average of $5,143 in tuition and fees. Those students who come from outside the state pay an average of $8,690. By the time they get their associate degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $26,670 in student loans. Of those students who received their degree, 68% were women.
If you are interested in distance education, be sure to check with the school since Trident Technical College does offer online classes for certain majors. In fact, around 89% of the undergraduate population registered for at least one online class in 2019-2020.
Out of the 38 schools in South Carolina that were part of this year’s ranking, Greenville Technical College landed the # 2 spot on the list. GTC is a medium-sized public school situated in Greenville, South Carolina. It awarded 1,277 associate degrees in 2020-2021.
Students from South Carolina who attend GTC full time pay an average of $5,186 in tuition and fees. Out-of-state students pay an average of $9,410. On average, associate degree students take out $23,618 in loans while pursuing their degree. Of those students who received their degree, 57% were women.
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.
You’ll be in good company if you decide to attend Midlands Technical College. It ranked #3 on our 2023 Most Popular Associate Degree Schools in South Carolina list. MTC is a medium-sized public school situated in West Columbia, South Carolina. It awarded 1,015 associate degrees in 2020-2021.
In-state students pay an average of $5,916 in tuition and fees if they attend MTC full time. Those students who come from outside the state pay an average of $13,812. Associate Degree recipients from MTC accumulate an average of $19,503 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. Around 63% of those degree recipients were women.
Online courses are available at MTC, but you will need to check with the school to see if they are available for your field of interest. In 2019-2020 about 88% of the undergraduate students at the school chose to take one or more online courses.
A rank of #4 on this year’s list means Horry-Georgetown Technical College is a great place for students working on their associate degree. Horry-Georgetown Technical College is a medium-sized public school situated in Conway, South Carolina. It awarded 1,008 associate degrees in 2020-2021.
Students from South Carolina who attend Horry-Georgetown Technical College full time pay an average of $5,356 in tuition and fees. Out-of-state students pay an average of $8,593. Associate Degree recipients from Horry-Georgetown Technical College accumulate an average of $22,793 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. Of those students who received their degree, 67% were women.
Horry-Georgetown Technical College does offer online classes for certain degree levels. In 2019-2020 about 63% of the undergraduate students at the school chose to take one or more online courses.
A rank of #5 on this year’s list means Tri-County Technical College is a great place for students working on their associate degree. TCTC is located in Pendleton, South Carolina and has a medium-sized student population. In 2020-2021, this school awarded 883 associate degrees to qualified students.
Students from South Carolina who attend TCTC full time pay an average of $5,840 in tuition and fees. If you are from out of state, expect to pay an average of $10,304. By the time they get their associate degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $14,135 in student loans. Of those students who received their degree, 62% were women.
One thing to take note of is that TCTC does offer online classes in some areas. In 2019-2020 about 64% of the undergraduate students at the school chose to take one or more online courses.
With a ranking of #6, York Technical College did quite well on this year’s most popular schools for students working on their associate degree. Rock Hill, South Carolina is the setting for this small institution of higher learning. The public school handed out associate degrees to 666 students in 2020-2021.
In-state students pay an average of $5,410 in tuition and fees if they attend York Technical College full time. Out-of-state students pay an average of $10,354. Associate Degree recipients from York Technical College accumulate an average of $14,975 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. Around 61% of those degree recipients were women.
You may have the opportunity to take online classes at York Technical College. During the 2019-2020 year, about 94% of the undergraduates at the school took at least one online course.
With a ranking of #7, Piedmont Technical College did quite well on this year’s most popular schools for students working on their associate degree. Located in Greenwood, South Carolina, the small public school handed out 629 associate degree awards in 2020-2021.
Students from South Carolina who attend Piedmont Technical College full time pay an average of $5,315 in tuition and fees. If you are from out of state, expect to pay an average of $6,593. On average, associate degree students take out $22,261 in loans while pursuing their degree. Around 70% of those degree recipients were women.
Depending on your major, you may be able to take online classes at Piedmont Technical College. Of all the undergraduates enrolled at the school during the 2019-2020 academic year, around 88% took at least some of their classes online.
With a ranking of #8, Spartanburg Community College did quite well on this year’s most popular schools for students working on their associate degree. This medium-sized public school is located in Spartanburg, South Carolina, and it awarded 595 associate degrees in 2020-2021.
Full-time students from South Carolina pay an average of $6,030 in tuition and fees if they choose to attend Spartanburg Community College. If you are from out of state, expect to pay an average of $9,822. Associate Degree recipients from Spartanburg Community College accumulate an average of $12,880 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. Of those students who received their degree, 55% were women.
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. In 2019-2020 about 52% of the undergraduate students at the school chose to take one or more online courses.
Florence-Darlington Technical College came in at #9 in this year’s edition of the Most Popular Associate Degree Schools in South Carolina ranking. This small public school is located in Florence, South Carolina, and it awarded 383 associate degrees in 2020-2021.
Full-time students from South Carolina pay an average of $4,870 in tuition and fees if they choose to attend Florence-Darlington Technical College. Those students who come from outside the state pay an average of $6,742. Of those students who received their degree, 58% were women.
You may have the opportunity to take online classes at Florence-Darlington Technical College. Of all the undergraduates enrolled at the school during the 2019-2020 academic year, around 79% took at least some of their classes online.
With a ranking of #10, Central Carolina Technical College did quite well on this year’s most popular schools for students working on their associate degree. This small public school is located in Sumter, South Carolina, and it awarded 335 associate degrees in 2020-2021.
Full-time students from South Carolina pay an average of $6,594 in tuition and fees if they choose to attend Central Carolina. If you are from out of state, expect to pay an average of $9,016. On average, associate degree students take out $19,704 in loans while pursuing their degree. Around 62% of those degree recipients were women.
Some students may be able to take online classes at Central Carolina. During the 2019-2020 year, about 60% of the undergraduates at the school took at least one online course.
With a ranking of #11, Orangeburg Calhoun Technical College did quite well on this year’s most popular schools for students working on their associate degree. Located in Orangeburg, South Carolina, the small public school awarded 249 diplomas to qualifed associate degree students in 2020-2021.
Full-time students from South Carolina pay an average of $5,714 in tuition and fees if they choose to attend OCtech. Out-of-state students pay an average of $7,490. On average, associate degree students take out $17,364 in loans while pursuing their degree. Around 63% of those degree recipients were women.
You may have the opportunity to take online classes at OCtech. In fact, around 84% of the undergraduate population registered for at least one online class in 2019-2020.
Aiken Technical College came in at #12 in this year’s edition of the Most Popular Associate Degree Schools in South Carolina ranking. Aiken Technical College is a small public school located in Graniteville, South Carolina that handed out 245 associate degrees in 2020-2021.
Full-time students from South Carolina pay an average of $5,306 in tuition and fees if they choose to attend Aiken Technical College. Those students who come from outside the state pay an average of $6,880. By the time they get their associate degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $19,031 in student loans. Of those students who received their degree, 57% were women.
You may have the opportunity 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.
Spartanburg Methodist College landed the #13 spot in the 2023 rankings for the most popular associate degree programs. SMC is located in Spartanburg, South Carolina and has a small student population. In 2020-2021, this school awarded 239 associate degrees to qualified students.
The average tuition and fees at SMC is $18,000. In-state students do not receive a discount, however you may be able to reduce your price if you receive financial aid. Associate Degree recipients from SMC accumulate an average of $11,416 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. Of those students who received their degree, 48% were women.
One thing to take note of is that SMC does offer online classes in some areas. In 2019-2020 about 65% of the undergraduate students at the school chose to take one or more online courses.
Technical College of the Lowcountry did quite well in this year’s ranking of the most popular places for students to get an associate degree. It came in at #14 on the list. TCL is a public institution located in Beaufort, South Carolina. The school has a small population, and it awarded 190 associate degrees in 2020-2021.
Full-time students from South Carolina pay an average of $5,740 in tuition and fees if they choose to attend TCL. Those students who come from outside the state pay an average of $11,020. Associate Degree recipients from TCL accumulate an average of $16,491 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. Around 71% of those degree recipients were women.
If you are interested in distance education, be sure to check with the school since TCL does offer online classes for certain majors. 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.
University of South Carolina - Sumter did quite well in this year’s ranking of the most popular places for students to get an associate degree. It came in at #15 on the list. USC Sumter is a small public school situated in Sumter, South Carolina. It awarded 159 associate degrees in 2020-2021.
The average in-state tuition and fees for students at USC Sumter is $7,558. If you are from out of state, expect to pay an average of $18,238. By the time they get their associate degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $12,656 in student loans. Around 60% of those degree recipients were women.
USC Sumter 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. 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.
Northeastern Technical College ranked #16 on this year’s Most Popular Associate Degree Schools in South Carolina list. Northeastern Technical College is a small public school located in Cheraw, South Carolina that handed out 142 associate degrees in 2020-2021.
Students from South Carolina who attend Northeastern Technical College full time pay an average of $5,186 in tuition and fees. Those students who come from outside the state pay an average of $7,948. Of those students who received their degree, 65% were women.
Northeastern Technical College does offer online classes for certain degree levels. To give an idea of how popular online courses are at the school, 85% of undergraduates took at least one course online in 2019-2020.
University of South Carolina - Lancaster came in at #17 in this year’s edition of the Most Popular Associate Degree Schools in South Carolina ranking. University of South Carolina - Lancaster is a small public school located in Lancaster, South Carolina that handed out 135 associate degrees in 2020-2021.
The average in-state tuition and fees for students at USC Lancaster is $7,558. Those students who come from outside the state pay an average of $18,238. On average, associate degree students take out $20,221 in loans while pursuing their degree. Of those students who received their degree, 64% were women.
Depending on your major, you may be able to take online classes at USC Lancaster. In 2019-2020 about 98% of the undergraduate students at the school chose to take one or more online courses.
Read full report on University of South Carolina - Lancaster
University of South Carolina - Union landed the #18 spot in the 2023 rankings for the most popular associate degree programs. Union, South Carolina is the setting for this small institution of higher learning. The public school handed out associate degrees to 117 students in 2020-2021.
The average in-state tuition and fees for students at USC Union is $7,558. Out-of-state students pay an average of $18,238. On average, associate degree students take out $11,163 in loans while pursuing their degree. Of those students who received their degree, 52% were women.
Depending on your major, you may be able to take online classes at USC Union. During the 2019-2020 year, about 87% of the undergraduates at the school took at least one online course.
University of South Carolina - Salkehatchie came in at #19 in this year’s edition of the Most Popular Associate Degree Schools in South Carolina ranking. Allendale, South Carolina is the setting for this very small institution of higher learning. The public school handed out associate degrees to 91 students in 2020-2021.
In-state students pay an average of $7,558 in tuition and fees if they attend USC Salkehatchie full time. Those students who come from outside the state pay an average of $18,238. Associate Degree recipients from USC Salkehatchie accumulate an average of $14,561 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. Around 69% of those degree recipients were women.
USC Salkehatchie does offer online classes for certain degree levels. During the 2019-2020 year, about 71% of the undergraduates at the school took at least one online course.
Strayer University - South Carolina ranked #20 on this year’s Most Popular Associate Degree Schools in South Carolina list. Strayer University - South Carolina is located in Greenville, South Carolina and has a small student population. In 2020-2021, this school awarded 77 associate degrees to qualified students.
If you want to attend Strayer University - South Carolina, expect to pay an average of $13,515 in tuition and fees. Of course, this could be reduced if you receive financial aid. By the time they get their associate degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $30,752 in student loans. Of those students who received their degree, 75% were women.
Strayer University - South Carolina is primarily an online school, so it is a great choice for returning adults and students who work full time.
With a ranking of #21, Miller-Motte College Conway did quite well on this year’s most popular schools for students working on their associate degree. MMC Conway is a very small private for-profit school situated in Conway, South Carolina. It awarded 46 associate degrees in 2020-2021.
Associate Degree recipients from MMC Conway accumulate an average of $32,984 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. Around 78% of those degree recipients were women.
If you are interested in distance education, be sure to check with the school since MMC Conway does offer online classes for certain majors. Of all the undergraduates enrolled at the school during the 2019-2020 academic year, around 28% took at least some of their classes online.
Miller-Motte College Charleston did quite well in this year’s ranking of the most popular places for students to get an associate degree. It came in at #22 on the list. This very small private for-profit school is located in Charleston, South Carolina, and it awarded 44 associate degrees in 2020-2021.
By the time they get their associate degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $33,291 in student loans. Of those students who received their degree, 73% were women.
Depending on your major, you may be able to take online classes at MMC Charleston. To give an idea of how popular online courses are at the school, 23% of undergraduates took at least one course online in 2019-2020.
South University, Columbia landed the #23 spot in the 2023 rankings for the most popular associate degree programs. Located in Columbia, South Carolina, the very small private for-profit school awarded 39 diplomas to qualifed associate degree students in 2020-2021.
South University, Columbia does not offer a discount to in-state students, so the average tuition and fees for all undergraduates is $18,000. This amount may be reduced if you receive financial aid. By the time they get their associate degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $31,872 in student loans. Of those students who received their degree, 87% were women.
You may have the opportunity to take online classes at South University, Columbia. In fact, around 51% of the undergraduate population registered for at least one online class in 2019-2020.
Williamsburg Technical College did quite well in this year’s ranking of the most popular places for students to get an associate degree. It came in at #24 on the list. Williamsburg Technical College is a very small public school located in Kingstree, South Carolina that handed out 37 associate degrees in 2020-2021.
In-state students pay an average of $4,800 in tuition and fees if they attend Williamsburg Technical College full time. Those students who come from outside the state pay an average of $8,592. Around 81% of those degree recipients were women.
You may have the opportunity to take online classes at Williamsburg Technical College. In 2019-2020 about 54% of the undergraduate students at the school chose to take one or more online courses.
Limestone College landed the #25 spot in the 2023 rankings for the most popular associate degree programs. Located in Gaffney, South Carolina, the small private not-for-profit school handed out 33 associate degree awards in 2020-2021.
The average tuition and fees at Limestone College is $26,300. In-state students do not receive a discount, however you may be able to reduce your price if you receive financial aid. Associate Degree recipients from Limestone College accumulate an average of $30,279 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. Around 61% of those degree recipients were women.
Limestone College does offer online classes for certain degree levels. In 2019-2020 about 75% of the undergraduate students at the school chose to take one or more online courses.
Most Popular Associate Degree Schools in the Southeast Region
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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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