10 Cheapest and Most Affordable Colleges in South Carolina

If you’re thinking about going to college in South Carolina, you’ll be glad to know that the state offers some of the most affordable higher education options in the Southeast. From well-known public universities to smaller regional schools and technical colleges, South Carolina’s institutions keep tuition costs relatively low while still delivering strong academic programs.

Many of these colleges are backed by state-funded scholarships like Palmetto Fellows, LIFE, and HOPE, which can significantly lower your out-of-pocket expenses if you qualify. Whether you’re a recent high school grad or returning to school after some time away, there are plenty of budget-friendly paths to a degree here.

South Carolina also offers various learning environments: urban campuses, beachside schools, and peaceful small-town colleges, so you can find a setting that suits your lifestyle and goals. Even better, many schools prioritize job-ready degrees that connect directly to growing local industries, helping you get real value from your investment.

Why You Should Get a Degree in South Carolina

South Carolina is a smart choice for college if you’re looking to keep costs down without sacrificing quality. The state is home to a wide range of institutions, from research universities to liberal arts colleges and technical schools, all offering degrees that can lead to solid career opportunities.

One of the biggest benefits is access to generous scholarships. Programs like Palmetto Fellows, LIFE, and HOPE can cover a large portion of your tuition if you meet the eligibility requirements. That kind of financial support means you can focus more on learning and less on debt.

Plus, South Carolina’s economy is growing. With strong industries in healthcare, aerospace, tourism, and advanced manufacturing, you’ll have solid options for internships and jobs after graduation. And with the added perks of low living costs and scenic beauty, from the beaches to the mountains, you’ll enjoy more than just an education here.

10 Most Affordable Colleges in South Carolina

South Carolina makes it easier to earn a degree without overwhelming debt. Whether you’re looking for a historically Black university, a technical-focused institution, or a regional public college, the state offers plenty of options with tuition rates well below the national average. Even better, South Carolina’s generous scholarship programs, like Palmetto Fellows, LIFE, and HOPE, can help cover costs even further if you qualify.

Here are 10 of the most affordable colleges in South Carolina, with key details on what each one offers.

South Carolina State University

Located in Orangeburg, South Carolina State is the state’s only public historically Black university. It combines a proud legacy with career-driven academic programs designed to support underserved communities.

Main Courses:

Business, engineering technology, education, and criminal justice with hands-on, career-oriented programs.

Pros:

• Strong HBCU legacy with deep community roots
• Small class sizes and personalized attention
• Historic Orangeburg campus with active student life

Cons:

• Some budget and enrollment issues have affected campus services
• Fewer program expansions in recent years

Average Annual In-State Tuition:

$9,528

Clinton College

This private HBCU in Rock Hill offers a Christian-based education in a welcoming, small-college environment. Clinton College focuses on personal growth, leadership, and faith-centered learning.

Main Courses:

Liberal arts, business administration, religious studies, and early childhood education with a faith-based approach.

Pros:

• Supportive, tight-knit community
• Christian values and individualized mentorship
• Affordable private college option

Cons:

• Limited program variety and campus resources
• Smaller campus with fewer extracurricular options

Average Annual In-State Tuition:

$9,920

University of South Carolina Beaufort

Part of the USC system, USC Beaufort gives you access to a big-name education in a smaller, scenic setting near the coast. With campuses in Beaufort and Bluffton, it’s a great fit if you want a coastal college vibe.

Main Courses:

Hospitality management, coastal ecology, nursing, and business, designed to leverage the coastal setting.

Pros:

• Part of the respected USC system
• Scenic campuses in Beaufort and Bluffton
• Small classes and coastal career connections

Cons:

• Fewer majors and facilities than the larger USC campuses
• Less residential life and fewer student activities

Average Annual In-State Tuition:

$10,344

University of South Carolina Aiken

USC Aiken delivers a top-rated regional public university experience with a focus on small class sizes and strong faculty mentorship. It’s located in a safe suburban area with close ties to local industries.

Main Courses:

Nursing, business, education, and industrial process engineering with applied learning experiences.

Pros:

• Consistently ranked as a top regional public university
• Personalized instruction and undergrad research support
• Safe, suburban campus with close faculty connections

Cons:

• Fewer cultural and internship opportunities due to the location
• Smaller selection of degree programs

Average Annual In-State Tuition:

$10,390

Francis Marion University

Francis Marion is a public university in Florence that focuses on making higher education accessible for rural and first-generation college students. It combines affordability with strong support services.

Main Courses:

Nursing, business, education, and psychology with strong ties to regional healthcare and education networks.

Pros:

• Focus on first-generation and rural student support
• Affordable tuition with accessible financial aid
• Friendly campus culture with engaged professors

Cons:

• Located in rural Florence, with limited transportation options
• Fewer entertainment and off-campus amenities

Average Annual In-State Tuition:

$10,400

Lander University

Located in Greenwood, Lander University offers a classic college-town feel with a strong sense of community. Known for its hands-on programs and personalized instruction, it’s a great fit if you’re looking for smaller class sizes and career-ready degrees.

Main Courses:

Nursing, business, education, and exercise science with a focus on experiential learning.

Pros:

• Beautiful campus in a friendly, small-city setting
• Strong faculty-student relationships and hands-on instruction
• Affordable tuition with state aid options

Cons:

• Limited access to large-scale internships or cultural events
• A smaller town means fewer entertainment options

Average Annual In-State Tuition:

$10,700

University of South Carolina Upstate

USC Upstate is a career-focused public university in Spartanburg, strategically located in South Carolina’s booming Upstate region. It offers strong academic programs with practical connections to regional employers.

Main Courses:

Nursing, business, education, and information management systems with a practical career emphasis.

Pros:

• Strong job placement rates in a growing economic corridor
• Diverse student body and modern campus facilities
• Part of the University of South Carolina system

Cons:

• Primarily a commuter school with limited residential life
• Some students may want a more traditional campus atmosphere

Average Annual In-State Tuition:

$11,200

Coastal Carolina University

Located just minutes from Myrtle Beach, Coastal Carolina University blends academic rigor with a vibrant beachside lifestyle. It has a growing national reputation and unique programs tied to its coastal environment.

Main Courses:

Marine science, hospitality management, professional golf management, and business.

Pros:

• Strong academic offerings with coastal career opportunities
• Lively campus environment with excellent recreation
• Attractive location near Myrtle Beach

Cons:

• Higher cost of living in a tourist-heavy area
• Potential distractions from the surrounding entertainment scene

Average Annual In-State Tuition:

$11,460

Voorhees University

Voorhees is a small private HBCU in rural Denmark, SC, rooted in Christian values and leadership development. Focusing on community, it offers a personalized and spiritually grounded college experience.

Main Courses:

Business administration, sports management, criminal justice, and health sciences.

Pros:

• Tight-knit campus community with a focus on leadership
• Faith-based mission with supportive mentoring
• Affordable private college pricing

Cons:

• Rural location with limited local amenities
• Smaller scale means fewer programs and extracurricular options

Average Annual In-State Tuition:

$11,630

College of Charleston

Located in one of America’s most charming cities, the College of Charleston delivers a historic liberal arts experience with the amenities of a bustling urban environment. It’s especially popular for arts, science, and cultural studies.

Main Courses:

Business, marine biology, historic preservation, arts management, and international studies.

Pros:

• Gorgeous historic campus in downtown Charleston
• Strong academic reputation and diverse program offerings
• Vibrant cultural and social scene

Cons:

• Higher housing and living costs due to tourism
• Competitive admissions for popular programs

Average Annual In-State Tuition:

$12,970

Key Requirements for Enrolling in the Most Affordable South Carolina Colleges

Getting into one of South Carolina’s affordable colleges is manageable, but there are a few important steps to remember. Most schools maintain standard admissions requirements, from transcripts to test scores, while guiding you toward state-based scholarships that can lower costs.

South Carolina Diploma Verification

You’ll typically need a high school diploma or approved equivalency (like a GED) to apply. Most public institutions in South Carolina expect you to have completed the state’s College Preparatory Course Prerequisite Requirements, including credits in English, math, science, social studies, and a foreign language.

State Application Submission

Applications are usually submitted through the college’s official site or a shared platform. Fees range from $40 to $65 but can often be waived for eligible students who demonstrate financial need or apply during promotional windows.

SAT/ACT Score Report

Even though many schools have gone test-optional, submitting SAT or ACT scores can still improve your chances of receiving scholarships, especially for merit-based programs like Palmetto Fellows. Generally, stronger scores lead to more financial support.

How Do South Carolina College Costs Compare to National Averages?

South Carolina remains one of the more affordable states for higher education. Public universities like the University of South Carolina and Clemson University offer in-state tuition rates about 10–15% lower than the U.S. average. Even more impressively, technical colleges across the state charge just $4,500–$5,500 per year, making them some of the most affordable in the Southeast.

South Carolina’s generous financial aid programs further boost this price advantage. Awards like the Palmetto Fellows, LIFE, and HOPE scholarships can cover thousands in annual tuition, while the state’s relatively low cost of living keeps expenses like housing, food, and transportation much more manageable than in higher-cost regions.

What Are the Tuition Fees for International Students at Affordable South Carolina Colleges?

International students generally pay more than in-state residents, but South Carolina’s public institutions still offer strong value compared to national averages. At affordable schools like Lander University, Coastal Carolina, and the College of Charleston, international tuition typically ranges from $10,000 to $20,000 annually.

While international students can’t access state-based scholarships, many schools offer dedicated aid for international applicants, including merit-based scholarships, payment plans, and occasional assistantships. That said, make sure to factor in additional costs like SEVIS fees, mandatory health insurance, and higher housing deposits when budgeting for your degree.

How Does University of the People Compare with Most Affordable Colleges in South Carolina?

University of the People offers a radically different model if you’re looking for the lowest-cost option. It doesn’t charge tuition, just a small application fee and $120 per undergraduate course. Over a full degree, that adds up to around $4,800, which is thousands less than even the most affordable colleges in South Carolina.

UoPeople is accredited by the Distance Education Accrediting Commission (DEAC) and WASC, while South Carolina’s public colleges typically hold regional accreditation through SACSCOC. Both are legitimate, but regional accreditation may offer more flexibility with credit transfers or certain job requirements.

What really sets UoPeople apart is its fully online format and flexible, asynchronous schedule. You can study from anywhere, on your own time, which is ideal if you work, care for family, or can’t relocate. South Carolina colleges offer hybrid and online options, too, but most still follow traditional semester timelines and in-person expectations.

Ready to Choose the Most Affordable College?

As you narrow down your options, remember that the cheapest sticker price isn’t always the best deal. Compare total costs, including housing, food, books, and transportation, and look into financial aid, work-study programs, and scholarships like South Carolina’s Palmetto Fellows or LIFE. These can make a big difference.

Also, think about what matters most to you: Do you want a residential campus experience? Flexible online learning? A private college’s close-knit environment or a public university’s research opportunities? South Carolina offers all of these at lower-than-average prices, so it’s just a matter of finding the right fit.

FAQs

What is the cheapest four-year college in South Carolina?

South Carolina State University, with an in-state tuition of around $9,528, is typically the most affordable public four-year college in the state.

Which South Carolina colleges offer the best value degrees?

Colleges like USC Aiken, Lander University, and Coastal Carolina are praised for combining affordable tuition with strong job placement and academic quality.

What GPA do I need for affordable South Carolina colleges?

Most schools require a GPA between 2.5 and 3.0, though higher GPAs may qualify you for more scholarships.

Do South Carolina colleges offer tuition payment plans?

Yes, many colleges offer payment plans that let you divide tuition costs into monthly installments.

Can out-of-state students receive in-state tuition in South Carolina?

In some cases, such as military service, academic merit, or through specific reciprocity agreements, out-of-state students may qualify for reduced or in-state rates.

How affordable are South Carolina’s private colleges?

Private colleges like Clinton College and Voorhees University offer relatively low tuition rates and institutional aid, making them more affordable than many private institutions nationally.