Find Schools

Study Area & Zipcode

Most Popular Bachelor's Degree Schools in South Carolina

Find Schools Near

2023 Most Popular Bachelor's Degree Schools in South Carolina

40 Schools Ranked
$20,067 Avg Tuition & Fees*
$28,334 Avg Student Debt

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.

To help you arm yourself with the information you need to make your decision, Course Advisor has developed this Most Popular Bachelor's Degree Schools in South Carolina ranking. This report analyzed 40 schools in South Carolina to see which ones were the most popular bachelor's degree programs for students. To create this ranking we looked at how many students graduated from each school on the list.

Learn more about these popular schools below:

#1

University of South Carolina - Columbia

Columbia, South Carolina
7,272 Total Awards
$12,688 Average Tuition & Fees
$24,090 Avg Student Debt

Our analysis found University of South Carolina - Columbia to be the most popular school for students who want to pursue a bachelor’s degree in South Carolina. Columbia, South Carolina is the setting for this large institution of higher learning. The public school handed out bachelor’s degrees to 7,272 students in 2020-2021.

The average in-state tuition and fees for students at UofSC is $12,688. Those students who come from outside the state pay an average of $33,928. By the time they get their bachelor’s degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $24,090 in student loans. Around 56% of those degree recipients were women.

UofSC 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. Of all the undergraduates enrolled at the school during the 2019-2020 academic year, around 99% took at least some of their classes online.

Read full report on University of South Carolina - Columbia

#2

Clemson University

Clemson, South Carolina
5,155 Total Awards
$15,558 Average Tuition & Fees
$22,627 Avg Student Debt

You’ll be in good company if you attend Clemson University. The school came in at #2 on this year’s Most Popular Bachelor’s Degree Schools in South Carolina list. Clemson University is a large public school located in Clemson, South Carolina that handed out 5,155 bachelor’s degrees in 2020-2021.

In-state students pay an average of $15,558 in tuition and fees if they attend Clemson full time. Out-of-state students pay an average of $38,550. Bachelor’s Degree recipients from Clemson accumulate an average of $22,627 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. Of those students who received their degree, 52% were women.

You may have the opportunity to take online classes at Clemson. During the 2019-2020 year, about 90% of the undergraduates at the school took at least one online course.

Read More…

#3

College of Charleston

Charleston, South Carolina
2,134 Total Awards
$12,978 Average Tuition & Fees
$23,966 Avg Student Debt

You’ll be in good company if you decide to attend College of Charleston. It ranked #3 on our 2023 Most Popular Bachelor’s Degree Schools in South Carolina list. Located in Charleston, South Carolina, the fairly large public school handed out 2,134 bachelor’s degree awards in 2020-2021.

In-state students pay an average of $12,978 in tuition and fees if they attend C of C full time. If you are from out of state, expect to pay an average of $34,438. Bachelor’s Degree recipients from C of C accumulate an average of $23,966 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. Around 68% of those degree recipients were women.

C of C does offer online classes for certain degree levels. Of all the undergraduates enrolled at the school during the 2019-2020 academic year, around 91% took at least some of their classes online.

Full College of Charleston Report

#4

Coastal Carolina University

Conway, South Carolina
1,941 Total Awards
$11,640 Average Tuition & Fees
$27,362 Avg Student Debt

Out of the 40 schools in South Carolina that were part of this year’s ranking, Coastal Carolina University landed the # 4 spot on the list. This fairly large public school is located in Conway, South Carolina, and it awarded 1,941 bachelor’s degrees in 2020-2021.

Full-time students from South Carolina pay an average of $11,640 in tuition and fees if they choose to attend Coastal Carolina University. Out-of-state students pay an average of $27,394. Bachelor’s Degree recipients from Coastal Carolina University accumulate an average of $27,362 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. Of those students who received their degree, 58% were women.

One thing to take note of is that Coastal Carolina University does offer online classes in some areas. During the 2019-2020 year, about 52% of the undergraduates at the school took at least one online course.

Read full report on Coastal Carolina University

#5

University of South Carolina - Upstate

Spartanburg, South Carolina
1,139 Total Awards
$11,583 Average Tuition & Fees
$28,943 Avg Student Debt

You’ll be in good company if you decide to attend University of South Carolina - Upstate. It ranked #5 on our 2023 Most Popular Bachelor’s Degree Schools in South Carolina list. USC Upstate is located in Spartanburg, South Carolina and has a medium-sized student population. In 2020-2021, this school awarded 1,139 bachelor’s degrees to qualified students.

Students from South Carolina who attend USC Upstate full time pay an average of $11,583 in tuition and fees. Out-of-state students pay an average of $23,085. By the time they get their bachelor’s degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $28,943 in student loans. Of those students who received their degree, 68% were women.

One thing to take note of is that USC Upstate does offer online classes in some areas. In fact, around 93% of the undergraduate population registered for at least one online class in 2019-2020.

Full University of South Carolina - Upstate Report

#6

Winthrop University

Rock Hill, South Carolina
1,001 Total Awards
$15,846 Average Tuition & Fees
$26,679 Avg Student Debt

Winthrop University landed the #6 spot in the 2023 rankings for the most popular bachelor’s degree programs. Located in Rock Hill, South Carolina, the medium-sized public school handed out 1,001 bachelor’s degree awards in 2020-2021.

Students from South Carolina who attend Winthrop full time pay an average of $15,846 in tuition and fees. Out-of-state students pay an average of $30,176. On average, bachelor’s degree students take out $26,679 in loans while pursuing their degree. Of those students who received their degree, 70% were women.

If you are interested in distance education, be sure to check with the school since Winthrop does offer online classes for certain majors. 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

Furman University

Greenville, South Carolina
780 Total Awards
$53,372 Average Tuition & Fees
$21,956 Avg Student Debt

Furman University ranked #7 on this year’s Most Popular Bachelor’s Degree Schools in South Carolina list. Furman University is a small private not-for-profit school located in Greenville, South Carolina that handed out 780 bachelor’s degrees in 2020-2021.

Furman does not offer a discount to in-state students, so the average tuition and fees for all undergraduates is $53,372. This amount may be reduced if you receive financial aid. Bachelor’s Degree recipients from Furman accumulate an average of $21,956 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. Of those students who received their degree, 61% were women.

Full Furman University Report

#8

Citadel Military College of South Carolina

Charleston, South Carolina
716 Total Awards
$12,570 Average Tuition & Fees
$23,253 Avg Student Debt

Citadel Military College of South Carolina landed the #8 spot in the 2023 rankings for the most popular bachelor’s degree programs. Charleston, South Carolina is the setting for this small institution of higher learning. The public school handed out bachelor’s degrees to 716 students in 2020-2021.

In-state students pay an average of $12,570 in tuition and fees if they attend The Citadel full time. Out-of-state students pay an average of $35,826. On average, bachelor’s degree students take out $23,253 in loans while pursuing their degree. Around 16% of those degree recipients were women.

Online courses are available at The Citadel, 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 48% took at least some of their classes online.

Read full report on Citadel Military College of South Carolina

#9

Anderson University South Carolina

Anderson, South Carolina
699 Total Awards
$30,720 Average Tuition & Fees
$27,992 Avg Student Debt

Anderson University South Carolina ranked #9 on this year’s Most Popular Bachelor’s Degree Schools in South Carolina list. Anderson University South Carolina is a private not-for-profit institution located in Anderson, South Carolina. The school has a small population, and it awarded 699 bachelor’s degrees in 2020-2021.

If you don’t receive financial aid, you can expect a bill for $30,720 to cover tuition and fees at Anderson University South Carolina. The school does not offer an in-state discount. Bachelor’s Degree recipients from Anderson University South Carolina accumulate an average of $27,992 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. Around 69% of those degree recipients were women.

Anderson University South 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. To give an idea of how popular online courses are at the school, 57% of undergraduates took at least one course online in 2019-2020.

Read full report on Anderson University South Carolina

#10

University of South Carolina - Aiken

Aiken, South Carolina
602 Total Awards
$10,760 Average Tuition & Fees
$28,762 Avg Student Debt

University of South Carolina - Aiken ranked #10 on this year’s Most Popular Bachelor’s Degree Schools in South Carolina list. UofSC Aiken is a small public school situated in Aiken, South Carolina. It awarded 602 bachelor’s degrees in 2020-2021.

In-state students pay an average of $10,760 in tuition and fees if they attend UofSC Aiken full time. Those students who come from outside the state pay an average of $21,218. On average, bachelor’s degree students take out $28,762 in loans while pursuing their degree. Of those students who received their degree, 72% were women.

Some students may be able to take online classes at UofSC Aiken. In 2019-2020 about 93% of the undergraduate students at the school chose to take one or more online courses.

Read full report on University of South Carolina - Aiken

#11

Francis Marion University

Florence, South Carolina
600 Total Awards
$11,160 Average Tuition & Fees
$29,728 Avg Student Debt

Francis Marion University landed the #11 spot in the 2023 rankings for the most popular bachelor’s degree programs. Francis Marion University is a small public school situated in Florence, South Carolina. It awarded 600 bachelor’s degrees in 2020-2021.

Students from South Carolina who attend Francis Marion University full time pay an average of $11,160 in tuition and fees. Those students who come from outside the state pay an average of $21,544. By the time they get their bachelor’s degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $29,728 in student loans. Around 72% of those degree recipients were women.

You may have the opportunity to take online classes at Francis Marion University. During the 2019-2020 year, about 64% of the undergraduates at the school took at least one online course.

Read full report on Francis Marion University

#12

Charleston Southern University

Charleston, South Carolina
541 Total Awards
$28,960 Average Tuition & Fees
$28,719 Avg Student Debt

Charleston Southern University landed the #12 spot in the 2023 rankings for the most popular bachelor’s degree programs. 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 at CSU is $28,960. In-state students do not receive a discount, however you may be able to reduce your price if you receive financial aid. Bachelor’s Degree recipients from CSU accumulate an average of $28,719 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. Of those students who received their degree, 66% were women.

Some students may be able 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.

Full Charleston Southern University Report

#13

Lander University

Greenwood, South Carolina
536 Total Awards
$11,700 Average Tuition & Fees
$26,468 Avg Student Debt

With a ranking of #13, Lander University did quite well on this year’s most popular schools for students working on their bachelor’s degree. Located in Greenwood, South Carolina, the small public school awarded 536 diplomas to qualifed bachelor’s degree students in 2020-2021.

In-state students pay an average of $11,700 in tuition and fees if they attend Lander University full time. If you are from out of state, expect to pay an average of $21,300. By the time they get their bachelor’s degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $26,468 in student loans. Of those students who received their degree, 70% were women.

Lander University does offer online classes for certain degree levels. To give an idea of how popular online courses are at the school, 81% of undergraduates took at least one course online in 2019-2020.

Read More…

#14

Bob Jones University

Greenville, South Carolina
497 Total Awards
$21,062 Average Tuition & Fees
$17,432 Avg Student Debt

Bob Jones University came in at #14 in this year’s edition of the Most Popular Bachelor’s Degree Schools in South Carolina ranking. Located in Greenville, South Carolina, the small private not-for-profit school awarded 497 diplomas to qualifed bachelor’s degree students in 2020-2021.

If you don’t receive financial aid, you can expect a bill for $21,062 to cover tuition and fees at Bob Jones University. The school does not offer an in-state discount. Bachelor’s Degree recipients from Bob Jones University accumulate an average of $17,432 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. Of those students who received their degree, 60% were women.

You may have the opportunity to take online classes at Bob Jones University. During the 2019-2020 year, about 18% of the undergraduates at the school took at least one online course.

Read full report on Bob Jones University

#15

Wofford College

Spartanburg, South Carolina
493 Total Awards
$49,550 Average Tuition & Fees
$19,282 Avg Student Debt

With a ranking of #15, Wofford College did quite well on this year’s most popular schools for students working on their bachelor’s degree. Located in Spartanburg, South Carolina, the small private not-for-profit school awarded 493 diplomas to qualifed bachelor’s degree students in 2020-2021.

The average tuition and fees at Wofford is $49,550. In-state students do not receive a discount, however you may be able to reduce your price if you receive financial aid. Bachelor’s Degree recipients from Wofford accumulate an average of $19,282 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. Around 56% of those degree recipients were women.

Read full report on Wofford College

#16

Claflin University

Orangeburg, South Carolina
437 Total Awards
$17,046 Average Tuition & Fees
$31,687 Avg Student Debt

Claflin University landed the #16 spot in the 2023 rankings for the most popular bachelor’s degree programs. Claflin is a private not-for-profit institution located in Orangeburg, South Carolina. The school has a small population, and it awarded 437 bachelor’s degrees in 2020-2021.

If you don’t receive financial aid, you can expect a bill for $17,046 to cover tuition and fees at Claflin. The school does not offer an in-state discount. By the time they get their bachelor’s degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $31,687 in student loans. Around 71% of those degree recipients were women.

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. To give an idea of how popular online courses are at the school, 8% of undergraduates took at least one course online in 2019-2020.

Full Claflin University Report

#17

Limestone College

Gaffney, South Carolina
408 Total Awards
$26,300 Average Tuition & Fees
$35,082 Avg Student Debt

With a ranking of #17, Limestone College did quite well on this year’s most popular schools for students working on their bachelor’s degree. Located in Gaffney, South Carolina, the small private not-for-profit school handed out 408 bachelor’s degree awards in 2020-2021.

If you want to attend Limestone College, expect to pay an average of $26,300 in tuition and fees. Of course, this could be reduced if you receive financial aid. By the time they get their bachelor’s degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $35,082 in student loans. Around 56% of those degree recipients were women.

Limestone College 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, 75% of undergraduates took at least one course online in 2019-2020.

Read More…

#18

University of South Carolina - Beaufort

Bluffton, South Carolina
407 Total Awards
$10,730 Average Tuition & Fees
$29,735 Avg Student Debt

University of South Carolina - Beaufort did quite well in this year’s ranking of the most popular places for students to get a bachelor’s degree. It came in at #18 on the list. Bluffton, South Carolina is the setting for this small institution of higher learning. The public school handed out bachelor’s degrees to 407 students in 2020-2021.

Students from South Carolina who attend USCB full time pay an average of $10,730 in tuition and fees. If you are from out of state, expect to pay an average of $21,776. On average, bachelor’s degree students take out $29,735 in loans while pursuing their degree. Around 70% of those degree recipients were women.

USCB does offer online classes for certain degree levels. In 2019-2020 about 95% of the undergraduate students at the school chose to take one or more online courses.

Read full report on University of South Carolina - Beaufort

#19

North Greenville University

Tigerville, South Carolina
404 Total Awards
$21,372 Avg Student Debt

North Greenville University did quite well in this year’s ranking of the most popular places for students to get a bachelor’s degree. It came in at #19 on the list. North Greenville is located in Tigerville, South Carolina and has a small student population. In 2020-2021, this school awarded 404 bachelor’s degrees to qualified students.

On average, bachelor’s degree students take out $21,372 in loans while pursuing their degree. Around 55% of those degree recipients were women.

Online courses are available at North Greenville, but you will need to check with the school to see if they are available for your field of interest. To give an idea of how popular online courses are at the school, 10% of undergraduates took at least one course online in 2019-2020.

Full North Greenville University Report

#20

South Carolina State University

Orangeburg, South Carolina
309 Total Awards
$11,060 Average Tuition & Fees
$36,196 Avg Student Debt

With a ranking of #20, South Carolina State University did quite well on this year’s most popular schools for students working on their bachelor’s degree. Located in Orangeburg, South Carolina, the small public school awarded 309 diplomas to qualifed bachelor’s degree students in 2020-2021.

The average in-state tuition and fees for students at South Carolina State University is $11,060. Those students who come from outside the state pay an average of $21,750. By the time they get their bachelor’s degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $36,196 in student loans. Around 61% of those degree recipients were women.

If you are interested in distance education, be sure to check with the school since South Carolina State University does offer online classes for certain majors. During the 2019-2020 year, about 51% of the undergraduates at the school took at least one online course.

Full South Carolina State University Report

#21

Columbia College

Columbia, South Carolina
278 Total Awards
$18,218 Average Tuition & Fees
$29,206 Avg Student Debt

With a ranking of #21, Columbia College did quite well on this year’s most popular schools for students working on their bachelor’s degree. Columbia College South Carolina is a private not-for-profit institution located in Columbia, South Carolina. The school has a small population, and it awarded 278 bachelor’s degrees in 2020-2021.

If you want to attend Columbia College South Carolina, expect to pay an average of $18,218 in tuition and fees. Of course, this could be reduced if you receive financial aid. Bachelor’s Degree recipients from Columbia College South Carolina accumulate an average of $29,206 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. Of those students who received their degree, 86% were women.

One thing to take note of is that Columbia College South Carolina does offer online classes in some areas. Of all the undergraduates enrolled at the school during the 2019-2020 academic year, around 80% took at least some of their classes online.

Full Columbia College Report

#21

Newberry College

Newberry, South Carolina
278 Total Awards
$28,250 Average Tuition & Fees
$30,105 Avg Student Debt

Newberry College did quite well in this year’s ranking of the most popular places for students to get a bachelor’s degree. It came in at #21 on the list. 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.

If you don’t receive financial aid, you can expect a bill for $28,250 to cover tuition and fees at Newberry College. The school does not offer an in-state discount. On average, bachelor’s degree students take out $30,105 in loans while pursuing their degree. Around 52% of those degree recipients were women.

Newberry College does offer online classes for certain degree levels. In 2019-2020 about 3% of the undergraduate students at the school chose to take one or more online courses.

Read full report on Newberry College

#23

Southern Wesleyan University

Central, South Carolina
259 Total Awards
$26,498 Average Tuition & Fees
$35,319 Avg Student Debt

With a ranking of #23, Southern Wesleyan University did quite well on this year’s most popular schools for students working on their bachelor’s degree. SWU is located in Central, South Carolina and has a small student population. In 2020-2021, this school awarded 259 bachelor’s degrees to qualified students.

If you don’t receive financial aid, you can expect a bill for $26,498 to cover tuition and fees at SWU. The school does not offer an in-state discount. On average, bachelor’s degree students take out $35,319 in loans while pursuing their degree. Around 66% of those degree recipients were women.

Online courses are available at SWU, but you will need to check with the school to see if they are available for your field of interest. To give an idea of how popular online courses are at the school, 58% of undergraduates took at least one course online in 2019-2020.

Read More…

#24

Converse College

Spartanburg, South Carolina
237 Total Awards
$19,850 Average Tuition & Fees
$25,647 Avg Student Debt

Converse College landed the #24 spot in the 2023 rankings for the most popular bachelor’s degree programs. This small private not-for-profit school is located in Spartanburg, South Carolina, and it awarded 237 bachelor’s degrees in 2020-2021.

The average tuition and fees at Converse is $19,850. In-state students do not receive a discount, however you may be able to reduce your price if you receive financial aid. On average, bachelor’s degree students take out $25,647 in loans while pursuing their degree. Of those students who received their degree, 96% were women.

Depending on your major, you may be able to take online classes at Converse. Of all the undergraduates enrolled at the school during the 2019-2020 academic year, around 92% took at least some of their classes online.

Read More…

#25

Strayer University - South Carolina

Greenville, South Carolina
210 Total Awards
$13,515 Average Tuition & Fees
$44,452 Avg Student Debt

With a ranking of #25, Strayer University - South Carolina did quite well on this year’s most popular schools for students working on their bachelor’s degree. Strayer University - South Carolina is located in Greenville, South Carolina and has a small student population. In 2020-2021, this school awarded 210 bachelor’s degrees to qualified students.

If you don’t receive financial aid, you can expect a bill for $13,515 to cover tuition and fees at Strayer University - South Carolina. The school does not offer an in-state discount. By the time they get their bachelor’s degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $44,452 in student loans. Around 76% of those degree recipients 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.

Read full report on Strayer University - South Carolina

View Most Popular 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.

Featured Schools

Find Schools Near You

Our free school finder matches students with accredited colleges across the U.S.