Best Online Colleges in South Carolina for 2024

Get detailed info on Best Online Colleges in South Carolina and their online degrees, financial aid and scholarships, acceptance rate, tuition and fees.

Named in the honor of King Charles 1 of England, South Carolina is located in the south-eastern region of the United States. The education system of South Carolina is controlled and managed by the South Carolina Department of Education.

South Carolina has about 75 institutions out of which 33 are public, 24 are private, not-for-profit, 18 are private, for-profit, 46 are four-year degree institutions and 29 are two-year program colleges.

The colleges in Carolina have a good acceptance rate. They took in 246,563 degree-seeking students in 2016 and awarded 44,584 degrees. This is broadly classified as 11,517 Associate degrees, 25,107 Bachelor’s degrees, 6,068 Master’s degrees and 1,892 Doctor’s degrees awarded to students who do exceptionally well and make progress in their chosen field or program.

Opportunities for college education in South Carolina

The state is also known to promote online Education in colleges like Clemson University, University of South Carolina, North Greenville University, Converse College and Anderson College. These online education colleges help students get degrees of their choice such as Bachelors, Associate or Graduate Degrees in their chosen field or stream.

With an average of 30-35 online programs to choose from, these colleges also provide Financial Aids to the eligible students.

It is very important to advance with the growing technologies, and more importantly, use them for the benefit of the people of the state. One way to do so is by providing online education, in order to help the people to use this to their benefit and study at their own comforts.

The following is a list of top online colleges in South Carolina in 2019.

Clemson University
#

1 Clemson University

Clemson, South Carolina


Institution Type: Public

Financial Aid Percentage: 87%

Average Financial Aid: $10,514

Acceptance Rate: 51.00

Total Programs Offered (19)


5

Public Administration Programs

3

Business Management Programs

3

Interdisciplinary Studies Programs

8

Other Programs


Clemson University is a widely known public institution in the country, with more than 23000 students enrolled. The university is recognized and has got its accreditation by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

The university proudly claims its status of ‘military heritage’, for more than 10000 students have served in the armed forces, 491 alumni have sacrificed in pursuit of service to country, and many students received ‘Medal of Honor’ for on-duty service in combat. Clemson is popularly known for conducting national level research in the fields of Big Data Science, Cyber Infrastructure, Sustainable Environment and more.

The financial assistance is provided to students who are in need in the form of loans, grants, and scholarships. Reports claim that around 87% of the total students receive some type of student financial assistance. Any student coming to the university expects the best, and that is exactly why the university strives hard to offer top quality housing, academics, dining, events, and much more.

University of South Carolina
#

2 University of South Carolina

Columbia, South Carolina


Institution Type: Public

Financial Aid Percentage: 86%

Average Financial Aid: $6,127

Acceptance Rate: 68.00

Total Programs Offered (50)


14

Engineering Programs

9

Education Programs

6

Nursing Programs

21

Other Programs


The University of South Carolina is tagged as one of the flagship institutions of the state housing over 50000 students in its campus. The university has got its accreditation and is recognized by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).

The Carnegie Foundation declared the University of South Carolina as a center that carries on active research projects by its students. The numerous financial aid options are available to those who are in need. The assistance provided is in the form of loans, grants, and scholarships. Student Veteran Association (SVA) monitors the educational benefits to be provided to members of armed forces (served in the past or currently on duty), veterans, national guard and reserve members and their dependents.

Various clubs and organizations on campus such as Campus Recreation, Leadership and Service Center, Student Tickets, Student Media, and much more that are always focusing on providing quality time to all their students.

Limestone College
#

3 Limestone College

Gaffney, South Carolina


Institution Type: Private Not-For-Profit

Financial Aid Percentage: 100%

Average Financial Aid: $15,301

Acceptance Rate: 48.00

Total Programs Offered (26)


10

Business Management Programs

7

Computer Science Programs

3

Interdisciplinary Studies Programs

6

Other Programs


Limestone College is a leading 4-years not-for-profit co-educational institution providing online programs as well as on-campus programs in fields of arts & humanities, natural sciences, business and professional studies and more. The institutional accreditation and assessment of the college are governed by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).

The institute stands out among others for many distinguishing features. It claims to be a “tobacco-free campus” and also has devised policies for the same. The financial aid office at the university strives to meet the financial needs of the students by providing customized aid in the form of grants, scholarships, loans, and work-study programs. LC also offers special benefits and discounted resources on campus and online to veterans, military students and Member of service (MOS).

#

4 Columbia International University

Columbia, South Carolina


Institution Type: Private Not-For-Profit

Financial Aid Percentage: 100%

Average Financial Aid: $13,819

Acceptance Rate: 36.00

Total Programs Offered (25)


10

Theology Programs

7

Education Programs

4

Arts Programs

4

Other Programs


Columbia International University is a not-for-profit private institution of Christian orientation that is regionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC). The academic curriculum includes an extensive internship, research projects for undergraduates and professional specializations.

The university has numerous types of financial aid to help students afford education. It also offers $250 per credit hour as military benefits for veterans, members serving in the armed forces (or served in the past), and their dependents. The university is an active member of the well known ‘Yellow Ribbon Program’ with the help of which it advocates military aid and veteran benefits.

Various clubs and organizations on campus strive to provide numerous opportunities to all their students on campus by planning and hosting various events and activities on campus. This helps students get involved in on-campus events, explore their interests, and meet like-minded people.

#

5 Columbia College (SC)

Columbia, South Carolina


Institution Type: Private Not-For-Profit

Financial Aid Percentage: 100%

Average Financial Aid: $23,356

Acceptance Rate: 87.00

Total Programs Offered (9)


3

Health Science Programs

2

Safety Programs

2

Criminal Justice Programs

2

Other Programs


Columbia College is a private not-for-profit institution and a trademark known for leadership and professional supremacy in the state. The institution is accredited and is nationally recognized by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).

It provides financial assistance to all their non-traditional as well as on-campus students to help them make their education affordable. Through the Yellow Ribbon program, the college administers vocational rehabilitation facilities, educational benefits, and concessions are provided to the veterans or members of the military forces (besides their dependents).

The college runs a number of student organizations such as political action groups, student government, religious and musical groups, etc. The athletics teams of the university have bought many titles and have won many tournaments for the institution by competing in Appalachian Athletic Conference (AAC) as a member of the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA).

Trident Technical College
#

6 Trident Technical College

Charleston, South Carolina


Institution Type: Public

Financial Aid Percentage: 91%

Average Financial Aid: $5,408

Acceptance Rate: Request Info

Total Programs Offered (61)


14

Business Management Programs

11

Applied Science Programs

7

Criminal Justice Programs

29

Other Programs


Trident Technical College is a 2-years public institution that is regionally accredited and is recognized by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC). The institute is well-known in South Carolina for offering affordable online and on-campus education.

The financial aid unit of the college strives hard to provide required financial assistance to their students and help them pursue their education without any financial burden. The college offers military scholarships, veteran benefits and a free program called ‘Veteran Upward Bound’, for active service members, veterans and their dependents.

Wide options for student employment services are provided by the college through their Division of Apprenticeship, Division of Continuing Education and Economic Development, and much more.

The college keeps all their students engaging on campus by having various events and activities almost every day. Few clubs on campus include VET Tech Club, Visual Arts Club, Care Association, and much more.

Southern Wesleyan University (SWU)
#

7 Southern Wesleyan University (SWU)

Central, South Carolina


Institution Type: Private For-Profit

Financial Aid Percentage: 100%

Average Financial Aid: $18,241

Acceptance Rate: 55.00

Total Programs Offered (20)


14

Business Management Programs

4

Education Programs

1

Nursing Program

1

Other Program


Southern Wesleyan University is a non-profit, privately owned institution that has been affiliated to the Wesleyan Church. The university is assessed and accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC). The SWU has 1500 students enrolled for various courses with 423 online UG students.

The career services division of the college trains and provides counseling to students and conducts an annual job fair event ‘The Career Connections’. Out of total graduating students, 88% reported having received employment in their area of interest.

The concept of ‘inventive learning’ is the main focus of the institution. Student life at SWU is fun-filled with numerous activities and events on campus. Few clubs and organizations include Outdoor Club, Student Government Association, SWU Enactus, and many more. The ‘Blue Hill’ is a coffee shop set up by the students where sessions and workshops on business management and leadership management are held.

Coastal Carolina University (CCU)
#

8 Coastal Carolina University (CCU)

Conway, South Carolina


Institution Type: Public

Financial Aid Percentage: 75%

Average Financial Aid: $7,916

Acceptance Rate: 61.00

Total Programs Offered (15)


6

Business Management Programs

6

Education Programs

1

Health Science Program

2

Other Programs


Coastal Carolina University is a 4-years public institution accredited and assessed by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).

It offers quality online education, which is governed by Coastal’s Office of Online Learning (COOL), that offers quality highly valuable online programs. The academic curriculum consists of compulsory ‘Quality Experiential Learning’ program that is a requirement for students to complete their graduation. The program plays a significant role in developing skills and preparing them for the career ahead. The university carries out extensive research projects and also noticed an 81% increase in undergraduate research in a professional publication.

The financial aid department of the university is committed to working with their students in identifying the resources available for them to make their education affordable. The Office of Veteran Services works in collaboration with official regulatory bodies such as the Council of College and Military Educators, to offer education benefits to the MOS.

Spartanburg Community College
#

9 Spartanburg Community College

Spartanburg, South Carolina


Institution Type: Public

Financial Aid Percentage: 95%

Average Financial Aid: $9,434

Acceptance Rate: Request Info

Total Programs Offered (6)


3

Business Management Programs

2

Accounting Programs

1

Arts Program


Spartanburg Community College is a 2 year accredited, public college widely known for its contributions to business and economic growth. The institutional accreditation is given by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC). The online learning from SCC makes it easy for any student to earn a degree from their own place at their own pace.

The financial assistance from the college makes it easy for all the students to pay for their education very easily. The institution provides financial support in the form of loans, grants, and scholarships. SCC advocates military aid and veteran benefits through its Star Program and Student Veterans Association.

The college runs the Student Disability Services Office so that the infrastructure of the campus and other facilities are accessible by disabled students at their comfort. The services also include study materials in braille, customized seating facilities, extra 50% time while attempting exams and many other flexible facilities.

#

10 Piedmont Technical College

Greenwood, South Carolina


Institution Type: Public

Financial Aid Percentage: 95%

Average Financial Aid: $5,935

Acceptance Rate: Request Info

Total Programs Offered (10)


6

Business Management Programs

2

Human Services Programs

1

Arts Program

1

Other Program


Piedmont Technical College is a public college popular for extensively available opportunities of career study courses distance learning. The initiative is driven by the Department of Economic Development and Continuing Education, which offers professional development courses to interested individuals. The college is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) and excels in providing technical education.

The college offers online programs with advanced tools and resources to those who cannot pursue a traditional education on campus. Tuition fees are waived off for senior citizens (residents of South Carolina) who desire to take up academic courses, provided that the eligibility requirements are met.

The institute claims to award some or the other form of financial aid to approximately 90% of the students and every 7 out of 10 students’ tuition fee is waived off. PTC collaborates with ‘Yellow Ribbon Program’ and Student Support Services Veterans Program to offer tuition assistance and other educational benefits.