Most Affordable Online Associate Degrees in South Carolina 2025

Earning an affordable associate degree online is more accessible than ever. Whether you're pursuing a career in criminal justice, healthcare, business, or information technology, the state offers numerous cheap online associate degree programs. These combine flexibility, affordability, and quality education, making them perfect for working adults and recent high school graduates alike.

How Much Does an Associate Degree Cost in South Carolina?

The cost of an associate degree in South Carolina varies by institution and residency status. Community colleges typically offer the most affordable options, with in-state tuition averaging between $4,000 and $6,000 per year. Out-of-state students may pay higher rates. However, many schools offer online programs at reduced credit hour tuition rates, making them among the most affordable online colleges. Additionally, financial aid options such as the FAFSA, scholarships, and grants can help further reduce expenses.

Cheapest Online Associate Degree Programs

South Carolina boasts 60 accredited colleges and universities, many of which offer affordable online associate degrees. These programs offer flexible online courses for students balancing education with work, family, or other personal commitments. Below are the top 10 cheapest online associate degrees in South Carolina offering high-quality education.

1. Spartanburg Methodist College

Spartanburg Methodist College (SMC) boasts the lowest online per-credit-hour cost of any public or private four-year college or university in South Carolina. SMC's online Associate of Arts (AA) degree emphasizes liberal arts and critical thinking, with small class sizes and personalized support. Students benefit from virtual tutoring, career services, and access to the college's online library. The program includes synchronous sessions for interactive learning and prepares graduates to transfer smoothly to four-year institutions within the region.

Average in-state tuition: $4,138 per year

Average out-of-state tuition: $4,138 per year

Program length: 24 months

Financial aid: FAFSA, grants and scholarships, employee tuition reimbursement, military and veteran benefits

Accreditation: The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)

2. Orangeburg-Calhoun Technical College

Orangeburg-Calhoun Technical College (OCtech) offers online associate degrees in business administration, healthcare sciences, and criminal justice entirely online. Courses feature flexible schedules with asynchronous lectures and access to online tutoring sessions for collaboration. Online students have access to the same resources as on-campus students, such as counseling, academic advising, career planning, and online library resources.

Average in-state tuition: $6,300 per year (Orangeburg and Calhoun County residents), $7,590 per year (other South Carolina residents)

Average out-of-state tuition: $10,230 per year

Program length: 24 months

Financial aid: FAFSA, scholarships, grants

Accreditation: SACSCOC

3. Florence-Darlington Technical College

Florence-Darlington Technical College (FDTC) offers online Associate of Arts (AA) and Associate of Applied Science (AAS) programs in either a virtual or hybrid format. Fields of study available online include business administration, criminal justice technology, and early childhood education. The college provides online tutoring, career services, and transfer advising. FDTC's partnerships with local industries support internship and job placement opportunities.

Average in-state tuition: $5,550 per year (Florence, Darlington, and Marion County residents), $5,880 per year (other South Carolina residents)

Average out-of-state tuition: $10,890 per year

Program length: 24 months

Financial aid: FAFSA, scholarships, grants

Accreditation: SACSCOC

4. Midlands Technical College

Midlands Technical College's (MTC) online associate degrees span eight schools of study, including business, engineering technology, and health sciences. Courses are delivered by the same faculty as on-campus, ensuring academic rigor. Online students receive dedicated support through virtual tutoring centers, library access, and academic advising. MTC maintains articulation agreements with regional universities for seamless transfer.

Average in-state tuition: $6,000 per year (Richland, Lexington, and Fairfield County residents), $7,500 per year (other South Carolina residents)

Average out-of-state tuition: $18,000 per year

Program length: 24 months

Financial aid: FAFSA, Grants, scholarships, and work-study positions

Accreditation: SACSCOC

5. Spartanburg Community College

Spartanburg Community College (SCC) online associate degrees are available in arts, management, and accounting, delivered in accelerated eight-week modules across five terms per year. Students benefit from multiple entry points, digital tutoring, and career support. Credit transfer to partner institutions like the University of South Carolina Upstate provides a clear pathway for students planning to continue their education with a bachelor's program.

Average in-state tuition: $6,120 per year (Spartanburg and Cherokee County residents), $6,990 per year (Union County residents), $7,560 per year (other South Carolina residents)

Average out-of-state tuition: $12,450 per year

Program length: 24 months

Financial aid: FAFSA, scholarships, grants

Accreditation: SACSCOC

6. York Technical College

York Tech's online AAS programs include criminal justice, business administration, and computer technology. The college also offers several flexible, short-term programs to earn your certificate or an accelerated associate degree in a shorter timeframe. These programs lead to credentials in various industries, including healthcare, manufacturing, construction, public safety, and information technology. Additionally, York Tech's transfer pathways with institutions like Clemson University facilitate a seamless transition to bachelor's degrees.

Average in-state tuition: $5,520 per year (in-county residents), $5,970 per year (other South Carolina residents)

Average out-of-state tuition: $12,150 per year

Program length: 24 months

Financial aid: FAFSA, South Carolina Tuition Tax Credits, Scholarships, and Grants

Accreditation: SACSCOC

7. Technical College of the Lowcountry

Technical College of the Lowcountry (TCL) offers AAS programs in human resources, entrepreneurship, project management, and much more. The curriculum blends asynchronous lessons, live seminars, and hands-on virtual labs. Online learners benefit from academic coaching, access to digital libraries, and career services. TCL's transfer degree completion program facilitates transfer to four-year bachelor's degree programs.

Average in-state tuition: $6,840 per year (Beaufort, Colleton, Hampton, and Jasper county residents), $7,590 per year (other South Carolina residents)

Average out-of-state tuition: $14,220 per year

Program length: 24 months

Financial aid: FAFSA, SC State Aid, Federal Work Study, and resources for veterans

Accreditation: SACSCOC

8. Trident Technical College (TTC)

Trident Technical College (TTC) offers online AAS degrees in homeland security, hospitality, tourism management, and business technology. Coursework includes interactive video lectures, virtual labs, and group projects. Online learners access various distance learning courses in synchronous (same time, same location) and asynchronous (any time, any location) formats. TTC maintains transfer agreements with the University of South Carolina and other institutions for two-year associate degree students looking to complete bachelor's degrees.

Average in-state tuition: $5,640 per year (Charleston, Berkeley, and Dorchester County residents), $6,270 per year (other South Carolina residents)

Average out-of-state tuition: $10,710 per year

Program length: 24 months

Financial aid: FAFSA, SCWINS, grants, and scholarships

Accreditation: SACSCOC

9. Horry-Georgetown Technical College

Horry-Georgetown Technical College (HGTC) provides online AAS degrees in cybersecurity, business administration, and human services. Students receive online academic advising, career counseling, and access to e-library resources. HGTC partners with local businesses for internships and offers transfer agreements with the University of South Carolina's regional campuses.

Average in-state tuition: $5,250 per year (Horry or Georgetown County residents), $6,510 per year (other South Carolina residents)

Average out-of-state tuition: $10,710 per year

Program length: 24 months

Financial aid: FAFSA, grants, scholarships

Accreditation: SACSCOC

10. University of South Carolina-Palmetto College

Part of the University of South Carolina system, Palmetto College's AA allows students to complete all general education requirements fully online. Students can transfer seamlessly from online learning to four-year USC campuses or other institutions. The program offers multiple start dates, academic advising, and access to USC's online library resources.

Average in-state tuition: $10,000 per year

Average out-of-state tuition: $21,000 per year

Program length: 24 months

Financial aid: FAFSA, grants, and scholarships

Accreditation: SACSCOC

How We Rank Schools

We rank schools based on several key factors to help you find the best online colleges offering high-quality and affordable tuition for your online associate degree.

• Accreditation: We only include colleges accredited by recognized agencies like SACSCOC.
• Affordability: Schools must offer an average annual tuition of $10,000 or less.
• Program reputation and quality: We look for schools with well-reviewed online programs and strong graduation outcomes.
• Online format: Programs must be fully online or offer significant online coursework.

FAQs About the Cheapest Associate Degrees in South Carolina

If you're considering an online associate degree in South Carolina and have questions, you're not alone. These FAQs can help guide your decision.

Can I Get an Associate Degree Online in South Carolina?

Yes, many community and technical colleges in South Carolina offer online associate degrees. These programs provide flexibility and convenience for working adults, caregivers, or anyone needing an accessible distance education format that fits their schedule. These degrees are designed to prepare you for immediate employment or to be easily transferable to four-year degree programs

What Is the Cheapest and Fastest Way To Get an Associate Degree in South Carolina?

Community and technical colleges like Spartanburg Community College and Midlands Technical College are among the cheapest online associate degrees in South Carolina. They offer affordable tuition rates and accelerated distance learning programs. These institutions also accept transfer credits from prior learning, which can help you finish your degree faster and at a reduced cost.

It is also critical to research online colleges that accept financial aid to ensure your tuition expenses are reduced as much as possible through federal aid.

Are There Any 6-Month Associate Degrees in South Carolina?

While most associate degrees in South Carolina take 18 to 24 months to complete, some schools offer accelerated options that can be finished in as little as six months with prior credits or by taking intensive course loads. Fast-track online programs may be available in fields like business administration, information technology, or healthcare. These programs are ideal for motivated students looking to enter the workforce quickly. Explore 6-month online associate degrees to find flexible, affordable options.

What Are Some of the Fastest Associate Degrees You Can Get Online?

Some of the fastest associate degrees are in the fields of medical billing and coding, paralegal studies, early childhood education, and business administration. Many of these programs are competency-based or self-paced, which allows students to move quickly through material they already know.

Those looking to return to school to finish a degree should ensure the institution they select accepts transfer credits. These transfer credits can make it possible to complete some associate degrees in as little as six to 12 months, depending on the program's coursework requirements. Additionally, year-round enrollment can get you started on your distance learning journey immediately.

Earn Your Associate Degree Online

You can earn an affordable associate degree online in South Carolina. The state offers a wide range of affordable online colleges that allow you to pursue a flexible, high-quality associate degree. With low tuition rates, accessible financial aid, and fully online degree programs, it's easier than ever to get started on your academic journey, bringing you one step closer to achieving your career goals. Explore the colleges featured on Learn.org to find the best associate degree program for you.