10 Best Online Colleges in South Carolina 2025

According to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), about one-fifth of all college students are enrolled in exclusively online college programs in South Carolina. Perhaps you're also interested in becoming an online student, so you'd like to learn more about the best online colleges in South Carolina. Which schools in the state offer top online degrees?

Keep reading as we look at some of the best accredited online colleges in your state and provide general information about online degrees in South Carolina. We'll also answer some top questions you may have about completing online programs at South Carolina online colleges.

Best Accredited Online Colleges in South Carolina

The best colleges online are regionally accredited schools offering a range of degree programs that are affordable and accessible. Let's take an in-depth look at some of South Carolina's top accredited online colleges.

1. University of South Carolina

The University of South Carolina (USC) is a public school in Columbia and the flagship campus of the University of South Carolina System. It provides more than 50 online bachelor's, master's, and post-master's programs in areas of study like:

• integrated information technology
• interdisciplinary studies
• library and information science
• aerospace engineering
• education administration

The school awards financial aid to 95% of students. Convenient online coursework is flexible and taught by world-class faculty, making it one of the top schools in the state for remote learning.

Tuition Costs

Average Undergrad Tuition

In-State: $12,688

Out-of-State: $34,934

Average Graduate Tuition

In-State: $13,374

Out-of-State: $29,760

College Stats

Acceptance Rate: 61%

Retention Rate: 91%

Institution Type: Public university

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

2. North Greenville University

North Greenville University is a private school located in Tigerville. It awards a wide range of online undergraduate and graduate degrees. Areas of study include:

• cybersecurity
• Christian ministry
• educational specialist
• human resources management
• biomedical science

The school provides flexible scheduling options to fit the needs of busy students. It also provides financial aid to 100% of students, helping them afford a high-quality education and making it one of the best colleges online in South Carolina.

Tuition Costs

Average Undergrad Tuition

In-State and Out-of-State: $24,650

Average Graduate Tuition

In-State and Out-of-State: $11,094

College Stats

Acceptance Rate: 63%

Retention Rate: 69%

Institution Type: Private nonprofit university

Accreditation: SACSCOC

3. Columbia International University

Columbia International University is a private school in Columbia. Degrees at every program level are available online. Some of the majors include:

• psychology
• healthcare administration
• human services
• organizational leadership
• intercultural studies

This is a top-ranking school providing flexible degrees to fit into students' busy lives. As many as 97% of students receive financial aid, and the school's commitment to quality makes it one of the best in South Carolina.

Tuition Costs

Average Undergrad Tuition

In-State and Out-of-State: $27,900

Average Graduate Tuition

In-State and Out-of-State: $10,440

College Stats

Acceptance Rate: 98%

Retention Rate: 66%

Institution Type: Private nonprofit university

Accreditation: SACSCOC, Association for Biblical Higher Education Commission on Accreditation

4. Lander University

Lander University is a public school providing online classes and degree programs in various subjects. It is located in Greenwood and offers online graduate and undergraduate programs in fields like:

• RN-to-BSN
• public health
• business administration
• exercise science
• special education

This school's online programs are designed with flexibility in mind, making it possible for any student to finish their education. Up to 99% of students receive financial aid, and with some of the lowest tuition rates in South Carolina, this is one of the most affordable accredited colleges online in the state.

Tuition Costs

Average Undergrad Tuition

In-State: $11,700

Out-of-State: $21,300

Average Graduate Tuition

In-State: $9,810

Out-of-State: $9,910

College Stats

Acceptance Rate: 68%

Retention Rate: 69%

Institution Type: Public university

Accreditation: SACSCOC

5. Coastal Carolina University

Coastal Carolina University is a public school in Conway. Students attending this school online can pursue several undergraduate and graduate degrees and certificates, including:

• professional studies
• marketing
• accountancy
• liberal studies
• instructional technology

Students receive financial aid in 94% of cases, and tuition is highly affordable for online learners. The school is military-friendly and provides both full-time and part-time enrollment options, making it a top choice.

Tuition Costs

Average Undergrad Tuition

In-State: $11,640

Out-of-State: $29,628

Average Graduate Tuition

In-State: $10,674

Out-of-State: $21,348

College Stats

Acceptance Rate: 80%

Retention Rate: 76%

Institution Type: Public university

Accreditation: SACSCOC

6. Limestone University

Limestone University is a private school in Gaffney. Though it's a relatively small school, it provides an array of online learning options. Undergraduate and graduate degrees include:

• computer science
• social work
• sport business
• health informatics
• business administration

Many of the online programs offer concentrations so students can personalize their degrees for specific career interests. Limestone awards financial aid to 98% of students to make college affordable, and its strong academic programs make it one of the top colleges.

Tuition Costs

Average Undergrad Tuition

In-State and Out-of-State: $27,500

Average Graduate Tuition

In-State and Out-of-State: $12,350

College Stats

Acceptance Rate: 98%

Retention Rate: 64%

Institution Type: Private nonprofit university

Accreditation: SACSCOC

7. Clemson University

Clemson University is a top public school boasting low acceptance rates and high graduation rates. It offers online graduate degrees focusing on various topics, including:

• athletic leadership
• bioengineering
• secondary education
• public administration
• wildlife and fisheries biology

Clemson provides affordable in-state tuition rates and awards financial aid to 84% of students. Due to its reputation and array of high-quality graduate programs, it is one of the best colleges in the state.

Tuition Costs

Average Graduate Tuition

In-State: $11,220

Out-of-State: $23,372

College Stats

Acceptance Rate: 38%

Retention Rate: 93%

Institution Type: Public university

Accreditation: SACSCOC

Other Featured Online Schools

The online learning format enables study at schools remotely, far from the school's physical location. Let's look at some top online schools providing quality degrees to students throughout the U.S., including South Carolina students.

Western Governors University

Western Governors University is an online-only college. This private school, headquartered in Utah, offers undergraduate and graduate programs in areas of study like:

• finance
• elementary education
• cloud computing
• data analytics
• health science

All programs are competency-based, enabling students to take control of their education and graduate in a timeframe that works for them. The school is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities.

Liberty University

Liberty University is a private school located in Virginia. It offers hundreds of degree and certificate programs, many of which are available online. Areas of study include:

• anthropology
• Biblical studies
• composition
• digital design
• fire administration

Many of the degrees offer specializations so students can tailor their programs to their interests, and courses are both flexible and accelerated. The school is accredited by the SACSCOC.

Colorado State University Global

Colorado State University Global is a public school with many online degrees and specializations. Many of the programs have a professional business focus. Options include:

• marketing
• business management
• computer science
• criminal justice
• project management

The school is transfer-friendly, provides affordable tuition, and offers multiple yearly start dates for maximum accessibility. It is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

How We Rank Schools

The schools above were chosen using data from the NCES and the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. We used the following criteria when choosing the schools:

• Accreditation: Each school is accredited by a reputable accrediting body, such as the SACSCOC.
• Reputation: All of the schools have solid reputations for providing high-quality online academic programs.
• Accessibility: Each school is accessible for students thanks to factors like high acceptance rates, affordable tuition, financial aid, and flexible coursework.

Pros and Cons of Online Degree Programs in South Carolina

Though online education has many benefits, there are also a few drawbacks you may want to consider. Let's look more closely at some common pros and cons of distance education:

Pros of earning an online degree:

• Flexible: Online degrees are often highly flexible, providing coursework that you can complete on your own time and balance with other commitments like work and family.
• Affordable: Online learning opportunities often cost less than on-campus programs thanks to lower tuition or fewer fees and related expenses.
• Take classes from anywhere: Online courses make it possible to study from anywhere with an internet connection.

Cons of earning an online degree:

• No face-to-face interaction: Some students do better in a traditional classroom setting, where they can interact with peers and teachers. Online programs may cause them to feel isolated.
• Lack of structure: Since online programs are flexible, they often lack structure. This may be challenging for students who do best in a structured, scheduled classroom environment.
• Employer skepticism: It's becoming increasingly common to get college degrees online, but some employers are still skeptical of these kinds of degrees.

How To Choose the Best Online College in South Carolina

When choosing a college, the most important thing is to make sure it's accredited and has a strong reputation. Online degrees from these types of schools are most likely to be accepted in the workforce.

You'll also want to consider cost and affordability, student resources, and whether or not a school offers your desired major online. Check the admissions requirements to ensure you meet them all and find out about transferring credits if you have previous college, work, or test credits.

How Much Does an Online Degree in South Carolina Cost?

Tuition costs vary depending on whether you pay in-state or out-of-state tuition and whether you attend a private or public school. They may also vary by degree level.

Among the schools featured in this article, average tuition costs range from around $9,800 to more than $34,000 a year. Other expenses, like book costs and mandatory fees, may further raise the overall cost of your degree.

Tips on How To Make Online College in South Carolina More Affordable

Even affordable online colleges in South Carolina can be pricey. Fortunately, there are many ways to reduce your costs and get your degree on a budget.

The best online colleges in South Carolina accept financial aid through the FAFSA, and many offer scholarships as well. They may also help students save money by accepting transfer credits, waiving application fees, and providing payment plans. Check out the list below to learn more about these options:

• online colleges that accept FAFSA
• online colleges with payment plans
• online colleges that accept the Pell Grant
• online colleges that accept transfer credits
• online colleges with scholarships
• online colleges with no application fee

South Carolina Scholarships & Grants

South Carolina provides several state-funded scholarships and grants like the HOPE Scholarship, LIFE Scholarship, Palmetto Fellows Scholarship, and the South Carolina Need-Based Grant. Various private scholarships are also available, including the following listed below.

Archibald Rutledge Scholarship Competition

This scholarship competition is available to high school seniors living in and planning to attend college in South Carolina. Students compete in various academic and artistic endeavors such as dance, theatre, and creative writing to earn scholarship money for college.

Award Amount: $2,000

Deadline: February 19, 2025

Sunshine Opportunity Scholarship

Sunshine Opportunity Scholarships are available to students in Florida, North Carolina, and South Carolina through the Godbold Foundation. It provides up to 10 scholarships each year for students planning to attend school in their home state. Students must maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher.

Award Amount: $25,000

Deadline: March 2, 2025

Meeting Street Scholarship Fund

This scholarship provides up to $10,000 per year for up to four years for students from eligible high schools who enroll in eligible colleges in South Carolina. To qualify, students must also qualify for LIFE and Palmetto Fellows Scholarships and receive the Pell Grant upon completing the FAFSA.

Award Amount: up to $40,000

Deadline: June 13, 2025

Top Majors for South Carolina Graduates

The schools discussed above provide many degree programs in a variety of majors. Some of the most common majors for online students in South Carolina include:

• Criminal Justice: Criminal justice is usually available as a bachelor's degree. It is an ideal major for students hoping to pursue law enforcement or legal careers.
• Healthcare Administration: Healthcare administration is a common bachelor's or master's degree. It provides business-related training for those hoping to work in leadership or management positions in healthcare organizations.
• Nursing: Bachelor's, master's, and doctoral programs in nursing are all available. They are typically offered as bridge or degree completion programs for registered nurses hoping to advance their careers.
• Business Administration: Business administration is a popular bachelor's, master's, and doctoral major. Students learn advanced business management and organizational skills to pursue careers in all facets of business leadership.
• Psychology: Psychology is available at every program level. This major teaches students about human thought and behavior, providing skills that benefit a wide range of human services careers.

FAQs About Accredited Online Colleges in South Carolina

If you still have questions about getting an online bachelor's or master's degree, you're not alone. Read on for answers to some frequently asked questions.

How Quickly Can I Earn My Degree Online in South Carolina?

Typically, online students can earn a bachelor's degree in four years and a master's degree in two years. However, accelerated online degrees in South Carolina can speed up the process, making it possible to finish a bachelor's program in three years or less and a master's program in one year or less.

Is Online College Free in South Carolina?

All online colleges in South Carolina charge for tuition, fees, and other expenses, but students can have most or all of these expenses covered by using financial aid. The state's scholarship and grant programs, federal aid from the FAFSA, and private scholarships are all available to cover school costs, potentially negating student expenses and enabling them to attend for free or nearly free.

Which Financial Aid Is Available at the Cheapest Online Colleges in South Carolina?

The cheapest online colleges in South Carolina are public community colleges. These schools provide a range of financial aid options, including state programs like the Lottery Tuition Assistance program, federal aid like the Pell Grant, and private or school-based scholarships.

Are There Any Affordable Online Business Degrees in South Carolina?

One of the most affordable top online schools in South Carolina is Lander University. It provides both undergraduate and graduate degrees in business administration online.

Discover Online Degrees for Learners in South Carolina

If you're ready to start pursuing an online educational program, consider the schools featured on Learn.org. Reach out to any of the colleges today to learn more about their academic programs and to choose the best one for you.