Most Affordable Online Bachelor's Degrees in South Carolina 2025

Earning a degree doesn't have to mean taking on massive debt. South Carolina offers several accredited schools with affordable bachelor's degrees online, making it easier for students to reach their goals without breaking the bank.

Whether you're a working adult or right out of high school, these online courses deliver value and flexibility. We've researched the cheapest online bachelor's degree options in the state, providing pertinent information for each. Keep reading to discover schools that fit your budget and your educational goals.

How Much Does an Online Bachelor's Degree Cost in South Carolina?

An online bachelor's degree in South Carolina typically costs between $300 and $500 per credit hour, depending on the school and program. Public universities often offer the most affordable online bachelor's degree programs, especially for in-state students, while private colleges usually charge higher tuition.

University of South Carolina � Palmetto College charges $298 per credit hour for in-state bachelor's degrees. The average cost per credit hour for private four-year universities in South Carolina is $1,160. Many schools offer financial aid through FAFSA, scholarships, and grants, helping reduce the overall cost

Cheapest Online Bachelor's Degree Programs in South Carolina

South Carolina offers a variety of affordable online bachelor's degree programs from accredited institutions. Whether you're seeking flexibility, low tuition, or financial aid opportunities, the following schools provide quality education options for cheap.

1. University of South Carolina � Palmetto College

Palmetto College allows students with 45 or more transfer credits to complete their bachelor's degree online while staying connected to the University of South Carolina system. Virtual students benefit from access to academic advising, tutoring services, career resources, and the USC library network, creating a seamless and supported learning experience.

Average in-state tuition: $5,199

Average out-of-state tuition: $10,428

Financial aid: Pell Grants, federal loans, work-study, and institutional scholarships

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

2. Anderson University

Anderson University offers distance learning bachelor's degrees in healthcare, human resources, and criminal justice. Online students benefit from resources such as the Thrift Library's extensive digital collections and dedicated academic advisors. The university's commitment to integrating faith and learning is evident across its programs.

Average in-state tuition: $10,200

Average out-of-state tuition: $10,200

Financial aid: Pell Grants, federal student loans, work-study programs, and university scholarships

Accreditation: SACSCOC

3. Winthrop University

Winthrop University's online Bachelor of Professional Studies is designed for adult learners seeking career advancement. With options in health services and leadership, students benefit from flexible scheduling, personalized advising, and full access to digital library resources. It's one of several online colleges that accept the Pell Grant.

Average in-state tuition: $10,500

Average out-of-state tuition: $10,500

Financial aid: Pell Grants, federal student loans, work-study programs, institutional scholarships, and payment plans

Accreditation: SACSCOC

4. Coastal Carolina University

Coastal Carolina University offers online degree programs in fields such as marketing, health administration, information technology, and professional studies. Courses are taught by the same faculty as on-campus programs, ensuring consistent academic quality. Online students benefit from access to virtual academic resources and dedicated support services.

Average in-state tuition: $11,640

Average out-of-state tuition: $29,628

Financial aid: Federal and state grants, scholarships, student loans, and military benefits

Accreditation: SACSCOC

5. Limestone University

Limestone University offers online bachelor's degrees in fields such as business, computer science, criminal justice, and health care administration. Courses run in accelerated eight-week terms, and students have access to tutoring, library services, and academic advising. This is an online college with scholarships specifically available for adult and online learners.

Average in-state tuition: $11,670

Average out-of-state tuition: $11,670

Financial aid: Pell Grants, scholarships, federal loans, and military/veteran benefits

Accreditation: SACSCOC

6. Lander University

Lander University offers online bachelor's degrees in fields like business administration, healthcare management, and criminology. Online students benefit from personalized academic advising and a streamlined course platform designed for easy navigation. Small class sizes and responsive faculty create a supportive higher education environment tailored to working adults and transfer students.

Average in-state tuition: $11,700

Average out-of-state tuition: $21,300

Financial aid: Federal and state grants, scholarships, student loans, and work-study programs

Accreditation: SACSCOC

7. North Greenville University

North Greenville University offers distance education courses in subjects such as psychology, business, Christian ministries, and general studies. Designed with working adults in mind, NGU's undergraduate degrees feature supportive faculty, faith-integrated learning, and access to virtual academic resources, including success coaches who guide students from enrollment to coursework to graduation.

Average in-state tuition: $11,850

Average out-of-state tuition: $11,850

Financial aid: Federal grants and loans, institutional aid, and military benefits

Accreditation: SACSCOC

8. The Citadel, The Military College of South Carolina

The Citadel's online bachelor's programs combine structured military-influenced discipline with flexible learning for civilian students. With access to leadership-focused faculty, virtual career development tools, and Citadel's Daniel Library, students receive a distinctive academic experience rooted in service and ethics, without needing to be part of the Corps of Cadets.

Average in-state tuition: $12,570

Average out-of-state tuition: $37,370

Financial aid: Federal and state grants, scholarships, VA benefits, work-study, and student loans

Accreditation: SACSCOC

9. Southern Wesleyan University

Southern Wesleyan University offers full-time bachelor's degrees in areas like business administration, early childhood and special education, human services, and psychology. Students benefit from personalized career support through services like CareerBeam, Handshake, and Focus 2. Flexible course schedules and responsive faculty make it a strong choice for adult learners earing their college degree.

Average in-state tuition: $13,860

Average out-of-state tuition: $13,860

Financial aid: Federal grants and loans, institutional scholarships, and military benefits

Accreditation: SACSCOC

10. Clemson University

Clemson University offers a fully online bachelor's degree in nursing (BSN) as well as an RN to BS Completion Program. Though the online tuition is $550 per credit hour, institutional scholarships and federal financial aid help reduce overall costs. Distance learners gain access to Clemson's top-ranked faculty, library databases, and academic support tailored to the nursing profession.

Average in-state tuition: $15,554

Average out-of-state tuition: $39,498

Financial aid: Clemson scholarships, federal and state grants, loans, and military benefits

Accreditation: SACSCOC

How We Rank Schools

We rank online schools based on key factors that matter most to students seeking a high-quality, flexible, and affordable education. Our evaluation includes the following:

• Accreditation: All schools are accredited by recognized regional accrediting bodies to ensure academic credibility.
• Affordability: We prioritize schools with tuition under $500 per credit hour and strong financial aid availability.
• Program reputation and quality: We consider faculty credentials, student outcomes, and program-specific strengths.
• Online format: We assess ease of access, virtual support services, and the quality of online learning platforms.

FAQs About the Cheapest Bachelor's Degrees in South Carolina

If you're exploring low-cost online degree options in South Carolina, these frequently asked questions can help clarify tuition, transfer credits, financial aid, and what to expect from an online education.

What Is the Cheapest Online Bachelor's Degree in South Carolina?

The University of South Carolina � Palmetto College offers the lowest tuition for online classes in the state, with prices averaging $5,199. It is a cheap online college that accepts financial aid and has scholarships available for distance education programs. As one of the best online colleges, it provides robust student support services, including academic advising, career resources, tutoring, and access to the USC library system.

What Is the Cheapest Way To Get a Bachelor's Degree?

A few ways to earn a bachelor's degree at a cheaper rate are to transfer credits from a community college, test out of general education courses, and apply for grants or scholarships. Choosing online colleges that accept transfer credits can significantly cut costs and time, especially if paired with financial aid and low per-credit tuition rates.

You can also explore online colleges with tuition payment plans, which give you greater flexibility in financing your degree.

Is Online College Worth It?

Online college is worth it for students who need flexibility without sacrificing educational quality. Many programs offer the same curriculum as on-campus options, plus access to digital resources and support services. For working adults or those with family obligations, online degrees can provide a practical, affordable path to career advancement.

What Other Fees Should I Expect for an Online Bachelor's Degree?

In addition to tuition, students earning an online bachelor's degree may encounter technology fees, course materials, lab fees for science-based classes, and proctoring charges for exams. Some schools also charge application or graduation fees. It's important to review each college's detailed cost breakdown to avoid unexpected expenses during your program.

Explore Online Bachelor's Degrees

Exploring affordable online bachelor's degrees in South Carolina is a smart first step toward reaching your academic goals. Continue browsing Learn.org for more information, insights, and expert-reviewed education resources.