10 Cheapest Online Master's Degrees in South Carolina 2025

Online master's degrees help students advance their careers through flexible programs they can access from anywhere. Schools in South Carolina offer online degrees in business, information technology, nursing, education, social work, and beyond.

Do you want to save on distance education while earning an accredited graduate degree? Numerous schools in the state have affordable online master's programs. Below, we'll discuss some of the best institutions to earn a cheap master's degree online.

10 Most Affordable Online Master's Programs in South Carolina

Online education is a convenient academic option for students too busy to attend campus-based classes. If you want to save on the cost of your program, review the list of schools below to find cheap online master's degrees.

1. Carolina Coastal University

At Carolina Coastal University, students interested in an advanced learning experience can find reputable online master's programs in information systems technology and accountancy. Master of Education (MEd) degrees in instructional technology, special education, and language, literacy, and culture are also available.

The school offers an accredited Master of Business Administration (MBA) program with concentrations in healthcare administration, nonprofit administration, coastal marine wetland studies, and commercial and investment real estate students can complete in one year. This 30-credit degree has online, face-to-face, and hybrid learning formats.

• Average cost per credit hour: Starting at $359 (in-state)
• Financial aid: Students earning graduate degrees can save with help from assistantships and federal and private loans.
• Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)

2. University of South Carolina Upstate

The University of South Carolina Upstate offers nearly half a dozen online master's degrees in education, business, nursing, and beyond. Among these degrees is the MEd in applied learning and instruction, a 24-month program with concentrations in early childhood education, elementary education, and TESOL.

Registered nurses with a bachelor's degree can pursue advanced nursing roles with the school's 38-credit online Master of Science in Nursing (MSN). Master of Science (MS) programs are also available in business analytics, criminal justice, and informatics.

• Average cost per credit hour: Starting at $362.25
• Financial aid: Submitting the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) can qualify students for federal work-study, loans, and other aid.
• Accreditation: SACSCOC

3. University of South Carolina Beaufort

The MEd in literacy at the University of South Carolina Beaufort is a 100% online program preparing educators to improve reading achievement in pre-K-12 classrooms. In this 36-hour program, learners study advanced educational psychology and the foundations of reading and complete a practicum and capstone.

South Carolina residents with a state-certified teaching certificate receive a special rate for this two-year program. Enrollees can also pursue an affordable 12-credit graduate certificate, which leads to the South Carolina Read to Succeed endorsement.

• Average cost per credit hour: Starting at $362.25
• Financial aid: Education students attending USC Beaufort can reduce costs with institutional, donor-funded, and community scholarships, the ''Call Me MISTER'' Program, and the South Carolina Teacher Loan Program.
• Accreditation: SACSCOC

4. North Greenville University

Working professionals looking for master's degrees that pay well can find reputable options at North Greenville University, including Christian ministry, human resource management, and education programs.

The university offers an MBA with in-person and fully online program options for students interested in furthering their business careers in less than two years. Individuals seeking opportunities to study divinity or organizational leadership at the graduate level can find flexible, 100% online master's programs.

• Average cost per credit hour: Starting at $415
• Financial aid: Graduate students can qualify for federal financial aid and awards like the Patterson Graduate School Scholarship and the Richard Furman Scholarship (for graduate students in ministry programs).
• Accreditation: SACSCOC

5. Limestone University

At Limestone University in Gaffney, students can choose from more than half a dozen master's degrees in varying areas of study. For practicing classroom and community-based educators, the university offers an MEd in teacher leadership with a reduced rate for licensed teachers.

The school also offers a 100% online MSN for prospective advanced nursing professionals that can be completed in less than two years. Learners interested in an MBA can enroll in a program with healthcare administration, sport business, and management and leadership concentrations.

• Average cost per credit hour: Starting at $450
• Financial aid: Limestone accepts state and federal aid, scholarships, and private loans to help learners reduce costs.
• Accreditation: SACSCOC

6. Southern Wesleyan University

Southern Wesleyan University is home to three online master's degrees for students ready to advance their business, psychology, or education careers. Learners can enroll in a 60-credit MS in counseling psychology program consisting of seven-week online courses and an internship/practicum to prepare for the National Counselor Exam (NCE).

The 30-credit MBA helps enrollees qualify for advanced business roles or doctoral study. Students pursuing assistant principal, central office, or principal positions can choose the 36-credit online MEd in administration and supervision.

• Average cost per credit hour: Starting at $470
• Financial aid: Submitting the FAFSA form qualifies eligible students for federal work-study, loans, and other aid.
• Accreditation: SACSCOC

7. Charleston Southern University

Charleston Southern University offers flexible online degree programs with accelerated seven-week asynchronous courses and degree completion in less than 24 months. MS degrees in computer science, criminal justice, or public safety are great options for learners interested in reputable master's degrees.

Additional programs are offered in supply chain management, nursing, clinical counseling, and business analytics. To help enrollees excel in their studies, CSU provides student support services such as academic advising, tutoring, and library access.

• Average cost per credit hour: Starting at $525
• Financial aid: Scholarships, student loans, and other financial assistance reduce costs for CSU students.
• Accreditation: SACSCOC

8. Lander University

At Lander University, online master's degree seekers can choose from reputable programs in business, education, exercise science, visual arts, and beyond. Degrees include an MBA with face-to-face or fully online coursework, exercise science degrees, and special education programs with 100% online learning formats.

The clinical nurse leader MSN is a fully online program offering nurse educator and nursing leadership and administration concentrations. Students enrolled in this and other programs benefit from advising, coaching, tutoring, and other support services.

• Average cost per credit hour: $545 (full-time)
• Financial aid: Scholarships and loans help enrollees cover the cost of tuition and fees. MBA students can save up to $2,000 with the Lander MBA Scholarship or the Lander MBA Alumni Scholarship.
• Accreditation: SACSCOC

9. Columbia College

Columbia College enrollees can earn online graduate degrees to advance their careers in criminal justice, organizational leadership, healthcare administration, and beyond. Programs include a 36-credit MBA and 12-month education programs in trauma-informed education and educational administration and leadership (K-12).

Designed for working professionals, Columbia College programs provide 100% online coursework delivered in short seven-week terms. Opportunities to accelerate degree completion are available through a generous transfer credit policy and the ability to choose from several program start dates.

• Average cost per credit hour: $630
• Financial aid: Learners can use scholarships, veterans' benefits, student employment, and federal financial aid to save.
• Accreditation: SACSCOC

10. The Citadel

The Citadel offers over a dozen online master's programs for working professionals ready to further their education beyond their undergraduate degrees. In addition to traditional academic programs, students can choose from military-based online graduate programs.

Areas of study include civil engineering, educational leadership, literacy education, middle grades teaching, and social science. Military-aligned online programs include MA degrees in international politics and military affairs, intelligence and security studies (ISS), and military history.

• Average cost per credit hour: $700
• Financial aid: Federal student aid, assistantships, and the South Carolina Teacher Loan are some savings opportunities for graduate students
• Accreditation: SACSCOC

How We Rank Schools

Our team selected the institutions in this rank list through a thorough vetting process that ensures they met the following criteria for delivering high-quality academic experiences:

• Accreditation: Every school has received accreditation from the SACSCOC, a nationally recognized organization.
• Affordability: These colleges and universities reduce school costs by providing scholarships, lower tuition rates, assistantships, or other financial aid.
• Program reputation: We verified that the institutions in this list offer quality academic programs for on-campus and online students.

FAQs About Cheap Online Master's Programs in South Carolina

In South Carolina, students on a budget can find numerous affordable online master's degrees. Review the frequently asked questions below to learn more about these programs.

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

Tuition for online master's degrees in South Carolina often depends on factors like residency (in-state vs. out-of-state), degree type (e.g., MEd vs. MBA), program of study (e.g., cybersecurity vs. public health), and enrollment status (part-time vs. full-time). If you're looking for affordable tuition, consider a budget-friendly school like Carolina Coastal University, which offers rates as low as $359 per credit hour.

Is There Financial Aid for Online Master's Programs in South Carolina?

Yes, online colleges offer financial aid to help graduate students cover the cost of their master's degrees. Here are some financial assistance options to consider:

• federal financial aid (i.e., work-study jobs, grants, student loans)
• state financial aid
• institutional, state, and private scholarships
• assistantships (research and teaching)
• fellowships
• military benefits
• employer tuition reimbursement

Are Online Master's Degrees Cheaper Than In-Person Programs?

Online and in-person master's degree program rates are often similar. You could encounter an institution that provides a discount for online learning or a college that increases the price by charging a distance education fee.

Some schools charge online and on-campus learners the same tuition. The best way to determine costs for your online master's degree is to contact your school's financial aid office.

How Long Does an Online Master's Program Take?

The time needed to complete an online master's degree varies. Traditionally, these programs take about two years to complete; however, you can save time by pursuing accelerated degrees with multiple enrollment dates, short course terms, and flexible schedules. Schools that accept prior learning credits (e.g., transfer credits, credit by examination, etc.) could also significantly reduce completion time.

Find an Online Master's Degree

Take steps toward an exciting higher education experience by exploring the degree programs on Learn.org. Contact schools directly to learn how they can help you reach your academic goals.