6 Most Affordable Online Colleges in South Carolina 2025

Discover the top institutions offering affordable online degrees in South Carolina. Uncover cost-effective education options in the Palmetto State.

Affordable online colleges are essential for those on a budget. Non-traditional students, professionals, and others looking to advance their education and career options can pursue programs at the cheapest online colleges in South Carolina.

Our guide discusses the best accredited online colleges in South Carolina so you can find a degree program that fits your needs and lifestyle.

List of the Cheapest & Most Affordable Online Colleges in South Carolina

When it comes to inexpensive colleges, it's easy to get confused navigating your options for online degrees. Below, we discuss cheap colleges in South Carolina that offer online degree programs tailored to the needs of adult learners, high school students, and other non-traditional learners.

1. Winthrop University

Winthrop University is consistently at the top of university rankings in South Carolina and offers a selection of online-only academic programs. Students interested in Winthrop can choose from the following online learning programs:

Bachelor of Professional Studies (BPS)
Master of Social Work
Master of Business Administration
Master of Education in counseling and development
Master of Education in educational leadership

Three start dates are held throughout the year for added flexibility, and Winthrop University has top recognition and accreditation. Tuition costs for the full-time online bachelor's degree are around $300 per credit hour, while master's degree programs cost between $653 and $780 per credit hour.

2. Bob Jones University

Bob Jones University is a private, Christian-faith-based school that offers a School for Continuing, Online, and Professional Education for online learners interested in higher education. This program is designed to be flexible and affordable, making it perfect for working professionals and adult learners.

Degree programs offered by this nonprofit school includes bachelor's degrees in topics like business administration and professional studies; master's degree programs are also available. Bob Jones University is accredited and accepts the FAFSA. Tuition is $450 per credit hour, and qualified South Carolina state residents can have their tuition fully covered.

3. University of South Carolina � Columbia

The largest university in South Carolina, the University of South Carolina - Columbia, offers more than 50 online degree options and is often regarded as one of the best online colleges in South Carolina. You can choose from online bachelor's degree programs, master's degrees, or post-graduate certificates that can fit your education conveniently into your lifestyle.

Tuition rates at USC are $512 per credit hour for undergraduate students. There are many scholarships and financial aid sources available to help make your online degree more affordable. The University of South Carolina is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

4. Coastal Carolina University

Coastal Carolina University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC). It offers several online degree programs for non-traditional students, adult learners, and working professionals. Online bachelor's degree offerings at Coastal Carolina include degrees in:

professional studies
healthcare administration, with certificate and/or licensure
information technology
marketing

Tuition rates are $487 per credit hour for undergraduates and $598 for graduate students. Additionally, Coastal Carolina offers an assortment of online master's degrees for graduate students, as well as certificates and online individual courses, to help you complete your distance education.

5. Limestone University

Limestone University, formerly Limestone College, offers online programs designed specifically for adult learners, working professionals, and those who need flexible and affordable educational options. The university is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges and offers both bachelor's degrees and graduate programs through its online schools.

Undergraduate tuition at Limestone University is $389 per credit hour, but military students or spouses can receive a reduced rate of $248. Each online course is offered in 7.5-week terms, each having six starting points throughout the year, increasing the affordability of your online education.

6. Voorhees College

Voorhees College offers robust online degree programs for students who need a convenient way to complete their education. All faculty members teaching the program are certified in online instruction, and courses are offered at an accelerated pace of two courses every eight weeks.

When enrolling in your chosen online degree program at Voorhees, you can gain credit for prior learning � and even things like professional training that you have already completed. Tuition rates at Voorhees College for undergraduate programs are $484 per credit hour.

Our Selection Criteria

Our selection criteria for cheap online colleges include the following factors:

Degree Offerings:A wide range of degree programs, including associate degrees, bachelor's degrees, and graduate-level degrees such as master's degrees and doctoral degrees, set an online college apart from the rest.
Accreditation:Ensuring that your online degree program is accredited means that your coursework, degree, credentials, and certifications will be valid upon graduation.
Financial Aid Opportunities:Making your online degree even more affordable means finding a college that accepts the FAFSA in addition to offering other types of financial aid and scholarships.
Tuition Cost:Online programs generally have a lower tuition cost, and we've selected some of the most affordable online colleges in South Carolina to help you obtain your degree.

How Much Does a Cheap Online College in South Carolina Cost?

From our list of affordable online colleges, Winthrop University has the cheapest bachelor's program at $300 per credit hour, while the most expensive online degree on this list is $512 per credit hour.

Average tuition rates for online courses and degrees in South Carolina are $380 to $480.

How Can I Make an Online Degree Program Affordable in South Carolina?

Making an online degree affordable involves a combination of choosing the right college and being financially prudent. Here are some strategies to help you achieve an affordable online degree.

Look for online colleges with lower tuition rates to reduce your overall expenses. You can consider public institutions that offer in-state tuition to online students, even if you're out of state.

You should also explore various financial aid options, such as federal grants, loans, and work-study programs. Seek out scholarships that are specifically designed for online students, and apply for as many as possible. Consider scholarships based on academic achievement, financial need, or your chosen field of study.

Learn more on how to make an online degree more affordable below:

FAQs About the Cheapest Online Colleges in South Carolina

Searching for an affordable online college can be daunting and raises many questions. Below, we answer FAQs about the cheapest colleges in South Carolina.

What Is the Cheapest Four-Year College in South Carolina?

Winthrop University is the cheapest online four-year college in South Carolina. Winthrop offers one online bachelor's degree for $300 per credit hour.

Coastal Carolina University offers one of the most reasonable tuition rates for on-campus degrees at $487 per credit hour.

Are Cheap Online Colleges in South Carolina Accredited?

All of the affordable online colleges in South Carolina on our list are accredited, which means the degrees and certifications you earn will be valid. You can check accreditation directly on a school's website, where you can usually find it under the ''About'' or ''Academics '' sections.

Do Any South Carolina Colleges Offer Free Tuition?

Some South Carolina colleges offer discounted tuition for in-state residents who meet certain criteria. To have tuition fully covered, you must have an average family income of less than $100,000.

There are also program-specific scholarships offered by cheap online colleges that allow you to make your bachelor's or master's degree as affordable as possible.

What Financial Aid Is Available for Affordable Online Bachelor's Degree Programs?

Most online bachelor's degree programs are eligible for federal funding, such as grants and scholarships. Students must submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to determine their eligibility. Other types of financial aid, such as scholarships and merit aid, can also help to lower the average cost.

Find Accredited Online Bachelor's Degree Programs

If you are interested in an accredited online bachelor's degree program provided by any of the cheap colleges in South Carolina, you're in luck. Learn.org can connect you to your preferred online degree so you can enroll in the educational program you need to enter the next phase of your career.