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Most Popular Schools in South Carolina

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2023 Most Popular Schools in South Carolina

91 Schools Ranked
$37,273 Average Earnings
$23,819 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.

The Most Popular 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 91 schools in South Carolina to see which ones were the most popular 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
10,191 Total Awards
$47,342 Average Earnings
$23,887 Avg Student Debt

Our 2023 rankings named University of South Carolina - Columbia the most popular school in South Carolina for students working on their degree. UofSC is located in Columbia, South Carolina and has a large student population. In 2020-2021, this school awarded 10,191 degrees to qualified students.

Degree recipients from UofSC accumulate an average of $23,887 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. If you borrow this amount, expect your monthly student loan payment to be around $403, assuming you are on a 10-year repayment plan. Once they receive their degree, UofSC graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $47,342 during the early year of their career. Around 57% of those degree recipients were women.

Full University of South Carolina - Columbia Report

#2

Clemson University

Clemson, South Carolina
7,601 Total Awards
$47,889 Average Earnings
$22,627 Avg Student Debt

The programs at Clemson University helped the school earn the #2 place on this year’s ranking of the most popular schools in South Carolina. Clemson is a public institution located in Clemson, South Carolina. The school has a large population, and it awarded 7,601 degrees in 2020-2021.

On average, students take out $22,627 in loans while pursuing their degree. Those who take out this much in loans have to make a monthly payment of about $375 if they are on a 10-year repayment plan. During the early years of their career, Clemson graduates make an average of $47,889 annually. Around 53% of those degree recipients were women.

Read full report on Clemson University

#3

Tri-County Technical College

Pendleton, South Carolina
2,542 Total Awards
$34,761 Average Earnings
$14,532 Avg Student Debt

You’ll be in good company if you attend Tri-County Technical College. The school came in at #3 on this year’s Most Popular Schools in South Carolina list. TCTC is a public institution located in Pendleton, South Carolina. The school has a medium-sized population, and it awarded 2,542 degrees in 2020-2021.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $14,532 in student loans.After graduating from TCTC, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $34,761 during the early years of their career. Of those students who received their degree, 59% were women.

Full Tri-County Technical College Report

#4

College of Charleston

Charleston, South Carolina
2,417 Total Awards
$34,688 Average Earnings
$23,966 Avg Student Debt

You’ll be in good company if you attend College of Charleston. The school came in at #4 on this year’s Most Popular Schools in South Carolina list. C of C is a fairly large public school situated in Charleston, South Carolina. It awarded 2,417 degrees in 2020-2021.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $23,966 in student loans. For those students on a 10-year repayment plan, the average payment due each month is around $409. Once they receive their degree, C of C graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $34,688 during the early year of their career. Around 68% of those degree recipients were women.

Read full report on College of Charleston

#5

Coastal Carolina University

Conway, South Carolina
2,203 Total Awards
$33,500 Average Earnings
$27,362 Avg Student Debt

You’ll be in good company if you decide to attend Coastal Carolina University. It ranked #5 on our 2023 Most Popular Schools in South Carolina list. Located in Conway, South Carolina, the fairly large public school handed out 2,203 degrees in 2020-2021.

Degree recipients from Coastal Carolina University accumulate an average of $27,362 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. Those who take out this much in loans have to make a monthly payment of about $395 if they are on a 10-year repayment plan. Once they receive their degree, Coastal Carolina University graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $33,500 during the early year of their career. Of those students who received their degree, 59% were women.

Full Coastal Carolina University Report

#6

Trident Technical College

Charleston, South Carolina
2,180 Total Awards
$33,465 Average Earnings
$23,521 Avg Student Debt

Trident Technical College landed the #6 spot in the 2023 rankings for the most popular programs. Trident Technical College is located in Charleston, South Carolina and has a fairly large student population. In 2020-2021, this school awarded 2,180 degrees to qualified students.

Degree recipients from Trident Technical College accumulate an average of $23,521 in student debt by the time they complete their degree.After graduating from Trident Technical College, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $33,465 during the early years of their career. Of those students who received their degree, 63% were women.

Full Trident Technical College Report

#7

Piedmont Technical College

Greenwood, South Carolina
2,032 Total Awards
$32,435 Average Earnings
$20,831 Avg Student Debt

Piedmont Technical College landed the #7 spot in the 2023 rankings for the most popular programs. Greenwood, South Carolina is the setting for this small institution of higher learning. The public school handed out degrees to 2,032 students in 2020-2021.

On average, students take out $20,831 in loans while pursuing their degree. During the early years of their career, Piedmont Technical College graduates make an average of $32,435 annually. Of those students who received their degree, 55% were women.

Read full report on Piedmont Technical College

#8

Greenville Technical College

Greenville, South Carolina
2,011 Total Awards
$36,132 Average Earnings
$20,734 Avg Student Debt

Greenville Technical College did quite well in this year’s ranking of the most popular places for students. It came in at #8 on the list. Located in Greenville, South Carolina, the medium-sized public school awarded 2,011 diplomas to qualifed students in 2020-2021.

On average, students take out $20,734 in loans while pursuing their degree. Once they receive their degree, GTC graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $36,132 during the early year of their career. Of those students who received their degree, 52% were women.

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#9

Midlands Technical College

West Columbia, South Carolina
1,802 Total Awards
$34,029 Average Earnings
$19,195 Avg Student Debt

Midlands Technical College came in at #9 in this year’s edition of the Most Popular Schools in South Carolina ranking. West Columbia, South Carolina is the setting for this medium-sized institution of higher learning. The public school handed out degrees to 1,802 students in 2020-2021.

Degree recipients from MTC accumulate an average of $19,195 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. Those who take out this much in loans have to make a monthly payment of about $103 if they are on a 10-year repayment plan. Once they receive their degree, MTC graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $34,029 during the early year of their career. Around 66% of those degree recipients were women.

Full Midlands Technical College Report

#10

Horry-Georgetown Technical College

Conway, South Carolina
1,583 Total Awards
$31,926 Average Earnings
$20,687 Avg Student Debt

Horry-Georgetown Technical College did quite well in this year’s ranking of the most popular places for students. It came in at #10 on the list. This medium-sized public school is located in Conway, South Carolina, and it awarded 1,583 degrees in 2020-2021.

On average, students take out $20,687 in loans while pursuing their degree.After graduating from Horry-Georgetown Technical College, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $31,926 during the early years of their career. Of those students who received their degree, 62% were women.

Full Horry-Georgetown Technical College Report

#11

York Technical College

Rock Hill, South Carolina
1,461 Total Awards
$34,715 Average Earnings
$14,369 Avg Student Debt

York Technical College came in at #11 in this year’s edition of the Most Popular Schools in South Carolina ranking. York Technical College is a small public school situated in Rock Hill, South Carolina. It awarded 1,461 degrees in 2020-2021.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $14,369 in student loans.After graduating from York Technical College, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $34,715 during the early years of their career. Around 61% of those degree recipients were women.

Full York Technical College Report

#12

Winthrop University

Rock Hill, South Carolina
1,368 Total Awards
$31,689 Average Earnings
$26,679 Avg Student Debt

Winthrop University ranked #12 on this year’s Most Popular Schools in South Carolina list. Located in Rock Hill, South Carolina, the medium-sized public school handed out 1,368 degrees in 2020-2021.

Degree recipients from Winthrop accumulate an average of $26,679 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. If you borrow this amount, expect your monthly student loan payment to be around $267, assuming you are on a 10-year repayment plan. Once they receive their degree, Winthrop graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $31,689 during the early year of their career. Of those students who received their degree, 73% were women.

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#13

University of South Carolina - Upstate

Spartanburg, South Carolina
1,248 Total Awards
$35,146 Average Earnings
$28,943 Avg Student Debt

University of South Carolina - Upstate landed the #13 spot in the 2023 rankings for the most popular programs. Located in Spartanburg, South Carolina, the medium-sized public school handed out 1,248 degrees in 2020-2021.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $28,943 in student loans. Those who take out this much in loans have to make a monthly payment of about $139 if they are on a 10-year repayment plan. During the early years of their career, USC Upstate graduates make an average of $35,146 annually. Of those students who received their degree, 69% were women.

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#14

Citadel Military College of South Carolina

Charleston, South Carolina
1,074 Total Awards
$46,152 Average Earnings
$23,253 Avg Student Debt

Citadel Military College of South Carolina came in at #14 in this year’s edition of the Most Popular Schools in South Carolina ranking. Citadel Military College of South Carolina is a small public school located in Charleston, South Carolina that handed out 1,074 degrees in 2020-2021.

On average, students take out $23,253 in loans while pursuing their degree. Those who take out this much in loans have to make a monthly payment of about $501 if they are on a 10-year repayment plan. During the early years of their career, The Citadel graduates make an average of $46,152 annually. Of those students who received their degree, 26% were women.

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#15

Medical University of South Carolina

Charleston, South Carolina
1,012 Total Awards
$83,655 Average Earnings
$29,465 Avg Student Debt

Medical University of South Carolina did quite well in this year’s ranking of the most popular places for students. It came in at #15 on the list. This small public school is located in Charleston, South Carolina, and it awarded 1,012 degrees in 2020-2021.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $29,465 in student loans. Those who take out this much in loans have to make a monthly payment of about $399 if they are on a 10-year repayment plan. During the early years of their career, MUSC graduates make an average of $83,655 annually. Around 69% of those degree recipients were women.

Full Medical University of South Carolina Report

#16

Anderson University South Carolina

Anderson, South Carolina
959 Total Awards
$40,621 Average Earnings
$27,992 Avg Student Debt

Anderson University South Carolina came in at #16 in this year’s edition of the Most Popular Schools in South Carolina ranking. Anderson University South Carolina is located in Anderson, South Carolina and has a small student population. In 2020-2021, this school awarded 959 degrees to qualified students.

On average, students take out $27,992 in loans while pursuing their degree. Those who take out this much in loans have to make a monthly payment of about $343 if they are on a 10-year repayment plan. Once they receive their degree, Anderson University South Carolina graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $40,621 during the early year of their career. Of those students who received their degree, 69% were women.

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#17

Spartanburg Community College

Spartanburg, South Carolina
935 Total Awards
$35,952 Average Earnings
$12,497 Avg Student Debt

Spartanburg Community College ranked #17 on this year’s Most Popular Schools in South Carolina list. Located in Spartanburg, South Carolina, the medium-sized public school awarded 935 diplomas to qualifed students in 2020-2021.

On average, students take out $12,497 in loans while pursuing their degree. During the early years of their career, Spartanburg Community College graduates make an average of $35,952 annually. Of those students who received their degree, 50% were women.

Full Spartanburg Community College Report

#18

Furman University

Greenville, South Carolina
882 Total Awards
$34,902 Average Earnings
$21,956 Avg Student Debt

Furman University ranked #18 on this year’s Most Popular Schools in South Carolina list. Furman University is a small private not-for-profit school located in Greenville, South Carolina that handed out 882 degrees in 2020-2021.

On average, students take out $21,956 in loans while pursuing their degree. Once they receive their degree, Furman graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $34,902 during the early year of their career. Of those students who received their degree, 63% were women.

Read full report on Furman University

#19

Francis Marion University

Florence, South Carolina
788 Total Awards
$37,287 Average Earnings
$29,728 Avg Student Debt

Francis Marion University came in at #19 in this year’s edition of the Most Popular Schools in South Carolina ranking. Located in Florence, South Carolina, the small public school handed out 788 degrees in 2020-2021.

On average, students take out $29,728 in loans while pursuing their degree. If you borrow this amount, expect your monthly student loan payment to be around $175, assuming you are on a 10-year repayment plan. During the early years of their career, Francis Marion University graduates make an average of $37,287 annually. Of those students who received their degree, 74% were women.

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#20

Orangeburg Calhoun Technical College

Orangeburg, South Carolina
718 Total Awards
$43,665 Average Earnings
$17,389 Avg Student Debt

With a ranking of #20, Orangeburg Calhoun Technical College did quite well on this year’s most popular schools for students working. OCtech is a small public school situated in Orangeburg, South Carolina. It awarded 718 degrees in 2020-2021.

Degree recipients from OCtech accumulate an average of $17,389 in student debt by the time they complete their degree.After graduating from OCtech, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $43,665 during the early years of their career. Around 64% of those degree recipients were women.

Full Orangeburg Calhoun Technical College Report

#21

Charleston Southern University

Charleston, South Carolina
724 Total Awards
$37,960 Average Earnings
$28,719 Avg Student Debt

Charleston Southern University ranked #21 on this year’s Most Popular Schools in South Carolina list. CSU is located in Charleston, South Carolina and has a small student population. In 2020-2021, this school awarded 724 degrees to qualified students.

Degree recipients from CSU accumulate an average of $28,719 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. If you borrow this amount, expect your monthly student loan payment to be around $160, assuming you are on a 10-year repayment plan. Once they receive their degree, CSU graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $37,960 during the early year of their career. Of those students who received their degree, 66% were women.

Read full report on Charleston Southern University

#22

University of South Carolina - Aiken

Aiken, South Carolina
716 Total Awards
$30,542 Average Earnings
$28,762 Avg Student Debt

With a ranking of #22, University of South Carolina - Aiken did quite well on this year’s most popular schools for students working. Aiken, South Carolina is the setting for this small institution of higher learning. The public school handed out degrees to 716 students in 2020-2021.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $28,762 in student loans. For those students on a 10-year repayment plan, the average payment due each month is around $208. Once they receive their degree, UofSC Aiken graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $30,542 during the early year of their career. Of those students who received their degree, 69% were women.

Read More…

#23

Bob Jones University

Greenville, South Carolina
626 Total Awards
$37,074 Average Earnings
$17,432 Avg Student Debt

Bob Jones University came in at #23 in this year’s edition of the Most Popular Schools in South Carolina ranking. Greenville, South Carolina is the setting for this small institution of higher learning. The private not-for-profit school handed out degrees to 626 students in 2020-2021.

Degree recipients from Bob Jones University accumulate an average of $17,432 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. During the early years of their career, Bob Jones University graduates make an average of $37,074 annually. Of those students who received their degree, 57% were women.

Read full report on Bob Jones University

#24

Florence-Darlington Technical College

Florence, South Carolina
615 Total Awards
$35,017 Average Earnings
$20,272 Avg Student Debt

Florence-Darlington Technical College came in at #24 in this year’s edition of the Most Popular Schools in South Carolina ranking. This small public school is located in Florence, South Carolina, and it awarded 615 degrees in 2020-2021.

Degree recipients from Florence-Darlington Technical College accumulate an average of $20,272 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. During the early years of their career, Florence-Darlington Technical College graduates make an average of $35,017 annually. Of those students who received their degree, 52% were women.

Full Florence-Darlington Technical College Report

#25

Central Carolina Technical College

Sumter, South Carolina
594 Total Awards
$32,123 Average Earnings
$18,612 Avg Student Debt

Central Carolina Technical College landed the #25 spot in the 2023 rankings for the most popular programs. Central Carolina Technical College is a small public school located in Sumter, South Carolina that handed out 594 degrees in 2020-2021.

Degree recipients from Central Carolina accumulate an average of $18,612 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. Once they receive their degree, Central Carolina graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $32,123 during the early year of their career. Of those students who received their degree, 57% were women.

Full Central Carolina Technical College Report

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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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