This school rankings article features the top 20 online colleges in South Carolina.
Online degree programs are becoming more popular each year. From online certificates to PhDs, more schools than ever are offering distance education. This increase in online learning allows students to study at a college of their choice. You no longer need to relocate or sacrifice your career to get a college education. Additionally, online programs offer amazing flexibility. You can earn your college degree on your own schedule and complete coursework at a pace that works for you.
Featured Programs
Online schooling also carries the benefit of accelerated learning. In many cases, you can earn your degree faster than through traditional on-campus programs. Not only does this save you time, but it can also save you a lot of money. Online degree programs offer the same high-quality education you would receive on campus. You will earn the same respected degree. Moreover, such programs are taught by the same professional faculty members that teach your on campus peers.
With so many institutions offering online education, choosing the right college or university can be a challenge. However, if you want to attend a top online college in South Carolina, you’re in luck. This school rankings article provides a detailed list of the best South Carolina online colleges. It should be very handy in your school search.
You may also like our ranking of the 50 most affordable nonprofit online colleges.
Methodology for the Top Online Colleges in South Carolina
To find the 20 top colleges in SC, we consulted NCES. First, we looked for accredited institutions offering undergraduate or graduate degrees. We also included those schools offering professional certificates online. Then, we ranked them based on affordability.
Please note that the listed tuition costs for these South Carolina online colleges are based on the price per academic year for undergraduate students. For out-of-state students and online learners pursuing graduate degrees, the costs can differ.
Top Accredited Online Colleges in South Carolina-School Rankings
| School Name | UndergraduateIn-State Tuition | |
| #20 | ANDERSON UNIVERSITY | $30,720 |
| #19 | CHARLESTON SOUTHERN UNIVERSITY | $28,930 |
| #18 | SOUTHERN WESLEYAN UNIVERSITY | $26,498 |
| #17 | LIMESTONE UNIVERSITY | $26,300 |
| #16 | COLUMBIA INTERNATIONAL UNIVERSITY | $25,590 |
| #15 | NORTH GREENVILLE UNIVERSITY | $22,470 |
| #14 | CONVERSE UNIVERSITY | $19,850 |
| #13 | WINTHROP UNIVERSITY | $15,846 |
| #12 | CLEMSON UNIVERSITY | $15,558 |
| #11 | CITADEL MILITARY COLLEGE OF SOUTH CAROLINA | $12,570 |
| #10 | UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH CAROLINA | $12,688 |
| #9 | UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH CAROLINA UPSTATE | $11,583 |
| #8 | LANDER UNIVERSITY | $11,700 |
| #7 | COASTAL CAROLINA UNIVERSITY | $11,640 |
| #6 | UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH CAROLINA AIKEN | $10,760 |
| #5 | UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH CAROLINA LANCASTER | $7,558 |
| #4 | MIDLANDS TECHNICAL COLLEGE | $4,788 |
| #3 | TRIDENT TECHNICAL COLLEGE | $4,648 |
| #2 | FLORENCE-DARLINGTON TECHNICAL COLLEGE | $4,606 |
| #1 | PIEDMONT TECHNICAL COLLEGE | $4,547 |
Ranking the Top Online Colleges in South Carolina
#20. ANDERSON UNIVERSITY
Anderson, South Carolina
Anderson University is a private university founded in 1911. The school’s motto is: “To nourish humanity through the cross.” Its initial funding and land were provided by the South Carolina Baptist State Convention. Twenty years after its founding, the school became a coeducational institution. AU received university status in 2006. Currently, almost 3,500 students are enrolled at the college.
Anderson University offers over sixty programs, from bachelor’s to master’s degrees. Many of the degrees allow students to complete coursework online. AU’s online offerings provide value by offering convenience and flexibility, making this one of the best online universities in South Carolina. Online students can continue working to further their education and future. Some of the online degree programs at this South Carolina university include:
- Master of Science in Instructional Design and Learning Technology
- Master of Music in Music Education
- Master of Arts in Organizational Leadership
- MBA
- Doctor of Arts in Ministry
- Doctor of Science in Physical Therapy
- Ph.D. in Leadership
- Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Bachelor’s Degree In-state Tuition: $30,720
Financial Aid Available? Yes
#19. CHARLESTON SOUTHERN UNIVERSITY
Charleston, South Carolina
Charleston Southern University is a private Baptist college established in 1964. The school motto is: “Integrating Faith in Learning, Leading, and Serving .” CSU was initially called the Baptist College of Charleston. It operated out of the First Baptist Church of North Charleston. The institution gave students a higher education and incorporated religious teachings. Junior-level degree programs were first offered in 1965. The Baptist College of Charleston became Charleston Southern University in 1990. Today, more than 3,700 students attend classes at this college.
Charleston Southern University offers students a large selection of academic programs. Over fifty undergraduate programs and graduate degrees are available. The school provides flexible bachelor’s and master’s programs tailored to your needs. This is true whether you are finishing your first degree or looking to earn an advanced one. Some of CSU’s fully online degree programs include:
- Bachelor of Science in Psychology
- Bachelor of Science in Hospitality and Tourism Management
- Bachelor of Science in Supply Chain Management
- Bachelor of Arts in Applied Computing
- Bachelor of Science in Computer Science
- Master of Arts in Organizational Leadership
- Master of Science in Business Analytics
- Master of Science in Clinical Counseling
- Master of Science in Criminal Justice
Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Bachelor’s Degree In-state Tuition: $28,930
Financial Aid Available? Yes
#18 SOUTHERN WESLEYAN UNIVERSITY
Central, South Carolina
Southern Wesleyan University is a private Christian university founded in 1906. It was established by the Wesleyan Methodist Church. Originally named Wesleyan Methodist Bible Institute, it was renamed SWU in 1994. Pre-college education stopped in 1958 when the institution began offering four-year degrees. Today, Wesleyan University enrolls almost 1,600 students.
Southern Wesleyan offers more than 35 areas of study for undergraduates. Graduate and doctoral degrees are also offered. Online associate degrees are also available. The university’s online programs enable working online students to acquire a college degree on their schedule. The majority of the programs are concerned with business or education. Some of the degrees for online learners include:
- Associate of Arts in General Studies
- Bachelor of Science in Human Services
- Bachelor of Science in Psychology
- Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice
- Masters of Business Administration
- Master of Education in Classroom Leadership
- Master of Education in Administration & Supervision
- Doctor of Education
Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges
Bachelor’s Degree In-state Tuition: $26,498
Financial Aid Available? Yes
#17. LIMESTONE UNIVERSITY
Gaffney, South Carolina
Limestone University is a private, four-year college founded In 1845. It was the first women’s college in South Carolina. It was also one of the first women’s colleges in the US. It is the third oldest college in the state. Soon after its establishment, LU began to build its reputation as one of the best educational institutions in the area. The school became fully coeducational in the 1960s. The name changed from Limestone College to its current name, Limestone University, in 2020. Today, Limestone University enrolls almost 2,000 students.
Limestone College has offered opportunities for distance learners since the 1990s. Currently, LU offers students over fifty different degree programs. Over a dozen are available entirely online. Online learners can be admitted to the college at any time during the year because it operates on a continuous enrollment basis. The degrees offered online at this South Carolina university include the following:
- Associate of Arts in Business Administration
- Associate of Science in Computer Science
- Associate of Arts in Liberal Studies
- Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Studies
- Bachelor of Science in Liberal Studies
- Bachelor of Science in Nursing
- MBA in Sport Management
- MBA in Healthcare Administration
- Master of Science in Health Informatics
Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Bachelor’s Degree In-state Tuition: $26,300
Financial Aid Available? Yes
#16. COLUMBIA INTERNATIONAL UNIVERSITY
Columbia, South Carolina
Columbia International University is a private Christian university. It originally was a Bible school for students entering the ministry. Mainly providing classes to the local mill workers, Columbia Bible School soon began to grow its popularity. In 1927, the school converted into a college offering bachelor’s degrees. Through the years, the school slowly shifted its primary focus away from biblical studies to more contemporary academic topics. In 1994, the school was renamed Columbia International University. Today, CIU enrolls just over 1,200 students.
Students at CIU can select from many academic programs. The school features over twenty undergraduate and a dozen graduate programs. Many of these programs are also offered to students online. Some of the available online degrees for distance learners include:
- Associate of Arts in Business Administration
- Associate of Arts In Healthcare Administration
- Bachelor of Science in Human Services
- Bachelor of Science in Nursing
- Master of Arts in Addiction Counseling
- Master of Arts in Disaster Relief and Emergency Management
- Master of Education in Instruction and Learning
- Doctor of Philosophy in Intercultural Studies
- Doctor of Business Administration
Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Bachelor’s Degree In-state Tuition: $25,590
Financial Aid Available? Yes
#15. NORTH GREENVILLE UNIVERSITY
Tigerville, South Carolina
Greenville University is a private, comprehensive university established in 1891. Twelve years later, the school received its charter from the state and ran under the control of the Southern Baptist Convention. In 1949, the school began offering two-year degree programs and eventually added four-year degrees. Master’s degree programs were available starting in 2006. Now, over 2,300 students attend North Greenville University.
North Greenville University offers many different areas of study. Many of them are offered online. For this reason, the school is considered one of the top online colleges in South Carolina. Some of the fully online programs offered at this South Carolina university include:
- Bachelor’s in Business & Leadership
- Bachelor’s in Criminal Justice
- Bachelor’s in Cybersecurity
- Bachelor’s in Early Childhood Education
- Bachelor’s in Elementary Education Online
- Bachelor’s in General Studies
- MBA
- Master’s Christian Ministry
- Master’s in Education
- Master’s Educational Leadership
- Master’s in Human Resources Management
- Doctorate in Higher Education Leadership
- Doctorate in Ministry
Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).
Bachelor’s Degree In-state Tuition: $22,470
Financial Aid Available? Yes
#14. CONVERSE UNIVERSITY
Spartanburg, South Carolina
Converse University is a private institution established in 1889. It was named after the textile industry pioneer Dexter Edgar Converse. Originally called Converse College, the school operated as a stock company run by the town’s citizens. In 1896, Converse College received official support from the state of South Carolina. The first graduate program was added in 1964, and in 1975, the campus was added to the National Register of Historic Places. Currently, Converse University enrolls almost 1,400 students.
Converse offers dozens of undergraduate and graduate degree programs. Through its distance education division, it offers master’s degree programs in education and business. Online learners can take advantage of interesting and engaging programs. Fully online graduate programs for distance learners include:
- Master of Education in Gifted Education
- Master of Education in Advance Studies
- Master of Education in Art Education
- Master in Management in Professional Leadership
Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Bachelor’s Degree In-state Tuition: $19,850
Financial Aid Available? Yes
#13. WINTHROP UNIVERSITY
Rock Hill, South Carolina
Winthrop University is a public university established in 1886. The school’s motto is: “Truth with liberty .” Robert C. Winthrop founded Winthrop University through funding provided by the Peabody Education Board of Massachusetts. The school became coeducational in 1974. Today, Winthrop University enrolls over 5,000 students.
Students at Winthrop University can choose from an extensive catalog of academic programs. The school provides an online educational experience that improves access, fulfills new needs and interests, and maintains quality in-class learning. WU offers six online master’s degree programs for graduate students. The graduate programs for distance learners include:
- Master of Arts in Arts Administration
- Master of Social Work
- MBA
- Master of Education in Special Education Intervention
- Master of Science in Sport and Fitness Administration
- Master of Science in Human Nutrition
Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Bachelor’s Degree In-state Tuition: $15,846
Financial Aid Available? Yes
#12. CLEMSON UNIVERSITY
Clemson, South Carolina
Clemson University is the second-largest university in South Carolina. It was initially established in 1889 as the Clemson Agricultural College of South Carolina. In 1964, the school’s name was changed to Clemson University to better reflect the variety of academic programming offered. Today, Clemson is home to over 24,000 students.
Clemson University offers a wide range of academic programs. Students can choose from over eighty undergraduate programs and over 110 graduate degrees. CU offers many fully online Master’s and Ph.D. programs as well. They are taught by dedicated educators who provide high-quality education via cutting-edge technology. Clemson is thought to be one of the best online colleges in South Carolina. Some of the graduate online programs include:
- Master of Science in Athletic Leadership
- Master of Education in Educational Leadership
- Master of Education in Special Education
- Master of Science in Biological Sciences
- Master of Science in Automotive Engineering
- Master of Science in Data Science and Analytics
- Master of Science in Medical Device Reprocessing
- Ph.D. in Healthcare Genetics
- Ph.D. in Literacy, Language, and Culture
- Ph.D. in Parks, Recreation, and Tourism Management
Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
Bachelor’s Degree In-state Tuition: $15,558
Financial Aid Available? Yes
#11. CITADEL MILITARY COLLEGE OF SOUTH CAROLINA
Charleston, South Carolina
Founded in 1842, Citadel Military College of South Carolina is a private military university. It was established to become the premier military education facility in the United States. CMCSC wanted to focus not only on academic achievement but also on developing leadership skills and character. The institution recently introduced The Citadel Graduate College. Today, Citadel Military College of South Carolina enrolls almost 2,400 students.
CMCSC offers over fifty undergraduate and graduate degrees. The online programs are administered through The Citadel Graduate College & Evening Undergraduate Studies. Some of the online programs offered by CMCSC include:
- Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice
- Bachelor of Science in Tactical Strength and Conditioning
- MBA
- Master of Science in Intelligence and Security Studies
- Master of Arts in Leadership
- Master of Science in Social Science
- Master of Science in Civil Engineering
- Master of Science in Interdisciplinary STEM Education
Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Bachelor’s Degree In-state Tuition: $12,570
Financial Aid Available? Yes
#10. UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH CAROLINA
Columbia, South Carolina
The University of South Carolina is the flagship university of the USC system and well known for academic excellence. The school’s motto is “Learning humanizes character and does not permit it to be cruel .” It was founded in 1801 as South Carolina College by the South Carolina General Assembly. Today, USC has grown to become one of the state’s premier learning institutions. This large college is currently home to a student body of over 34,000.
The University of South Carolina offers more than 350 undergraduate and graduate degree programs. Of these programs, over 50 are made available to students entirely online, making USC one of the best online colleges in South Carolina. The programs are offered in a flexible asynchronous format allowing online learners to study on their schedule. Some of the fully remote programs offered at this online college in SC include:
- Bachelor of Science in Nursing
- Bachelor of Science in Integrated Information Technology
- Bachelor of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies in Services Management
- Master of Education in Education Administration
- Master of Education in Language and Literacy
- Master of Science in Data and Communication
- Master of Engineering in Aerospace Engineering
- Master of Science in Civil Engineering
- Master of Music Education
- Doctorate of Philosophy in Civil Engineering
- Doctor of Education in Educational Practice
Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Bachelor’s Degree In-state Tuition: $12,688
Financial Aid Available? Yes
#9. UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH CAROLINA UPSTATE
Spartanburg, South Carolina
USC-Upstate was founded in 1967 as Spartanburg Regional Campus. It was originally a two-year junior college and quickly grew in popularity. By 1975, the school was remade into a four-year institution and renamed the University of South Carolina Spartanburg. With this expansion in academic programming came another enrollment surge. Soon, USC Spartanburg had become one of the top schools in the state. In 2004, the school was renamed the University of South Carolina Upstate to better reflect its location. Currently, almost 6,000 students are enrolled at USC-Upstate.
USC-Upstate offers many different degree programs for students to pick from. These include undergraduate and graduate degrees. Choose from fully online or hybrid programs so you can earn your degree however it is most convenient. This flexibility makes it one of the best online colleges in South Carolina. Some of the fully online degrees offered by USC-Upstate include:
- Bachelor of Arts in Communications
- Bachelor of Science in Engineering Technology Management
- Bachelor of Arts in English
- Bachelor of Arts in Health Management Information
- Master of Science in Business Analytics
- Master of Science in Nursing
- Master of Science in Informatics
Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Bachelor’s Degree In-state Tuition: $11,583
Financial Aid Available? Yes
#8. LANDER UNIVERSITY
Greenwood, South Carolina
Lander University is a public university founded in 1872. It was initially known as the Williamston Female College. It was a private institution for the first 26 years, funded by the South Carolina Conference of the Methodist Episcopal Church. In 1973, Lander College gained support from the state of South Carolina and became a public college. Lander University was renamed in 1992 after expanding its curriculum to include graduate-level programming. Today, Lander has grown to enroll a student body of almost 3,600. It is one of the most affordable colleges in
South Carolina.
Lander University offers over sixty academic programs, including undergraduate and graduate degrees. Seven online undergraduate degree programs are available to fit anyone’s schedule. LU’s online format provides the same high-quality education as its on-campus learning. Some of the online programs offered include:
- Bachelor of Science in Business Administration
- Bachelor of Science in Human Services
- Bachelor of Science in Paralegal Studies
- Bachelor of Science in Criminology
- Bachelor of Science in Nursing
- Bachelor of Science in Public Health
- Bachelor of Applied Science in Business Administration
Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Bachelor’s Degree In-state Tuition: $11,700
Financial Aid Available? Yes
#7. COASTAL CAROLINA UNIVERSITY
Conway, South Carolina
Coastal Carolina University is a public institution established in 1954. The school’s motto is “From Liberty, Truth.” It was initially established as a community college known as Coastal Carolina Junior College. In 1993, the school became independent of USC and was renamed Coastal Carolina University. Today, Coastal Carolina University has a student body of about 10,000.
Coastal Carolina University offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs. Many of these programs are featured through Coastal Online. CCU is one of the best online colleges in South Carolina. Its online and hybrid programs share the same staff and material as on-campus options. Some of the numerous degrees offered online include:
- Bachelor of Science in Health Administration
- Bachelor of Science in Hospitality, Resort & Tourism Management
- Bachelor of Science in Marketing
- MBA
- Master of Science in Information Systems Technology
- Master of Education in Instructional Technology
- Master of Education in Language, Literacy, & Culture
Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
Bachelor’s Degree In-state Tuition: $11,640
Financial Aid Available? Yes
#6. UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH CAROLINA AIKEN
Aiken, South Carolina
Established in 1961, the University of South Carolina Aiken initially operated out of a historic mansion. It was formed out of a partnership with the University of South Carolina. In 1968, the school was redesignated as a junior college and began to offer two-year degree programs. By the 1990s, the school began to offer master’s degree programs. In 2001, the school was renamed to its current name: the University of South Carolina Aiken. Today, USC – Aiken enrolls a student body of around 3,200 and is known for academic excellence.
USC Aiken maintains a sizable catalog of undergraduate and graduate programs to choose from. There are over 50 undergraduate programs and several graduate degrees. The school is considered one of the best business schools in SC. Only a handful of the degrees are offered online. However, these affordable online programs are excellent and provide a personalized learning experience. The five online degrees featured at USC Aiken include:
- Bachelor of Science in Nursing
- MBA
- MBA in Project Management
- MBA in Accounting
- MBA in Finance
Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Bachelor’s Degree In-state Tuition: $10,760
Financial Aid Available? Yes
#5. UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH CAROLINA LANCASTER (PALMETTO)
Lancaster, South Carolina
USC Lancaster was founded in 1959. It is the oldest of USC’s four regional campuses. The school is also called Palmetto College. This small school seeks to make higher education affordable and accessible. It offers a good selection of associate and bachelor’s degree programs. Students can also complete their first two years of a degree at Palmetto and transfer to another institution for the remainder of their studies. This enables them to save on tuition while getting their core courses out of the way. About 1800 students attend the college. It has a low student-to-faculty ratio of 16:1, ensuring that all students receive personal attention.
In keeping with the school’s mission of providing accessible education, USC Lancaster offers weekend and evening courses. But it also offers numerous opportunities for online education, making it one of the best online colleges in South Carolina. It also offers degree completion programs. Some of the online programs include:
- Associate of Arts & Associate of Science
- Bachelor of Science in Applied Computer Science, Cybersecurity
- Bachelor of Arts in Communication
- Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice
- Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education
- Bachelor of Arts in Emerging Media
- Bachelor of Arts in Health Informatics
- Bachelor of Science in Human Services
- RN-BSN, Bachelor of Science in Nursing
- Bachelor of Arts in Organizational Leadership
- Bachelor of Arts in Psychology
- Bachelor of Arts in Sociology
- Bachelor of Arts in Special Education
Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Bachelor’s Degree In-state Tuition: $7,558
Financial Aid Available? Yes
#4 MIDLANDS TECHNICAL COLLEGE
West Columbia, South Carolina
Midlands Technical College is one the largest two-year colleges in South Carolina. It enrolls over 28,000 students. The college was formed in 1974. Its mission statement explains that MTC’s programs “provide accessible, affordable, quality education that prepares a diverse student population to succeed in the job market, to transfer to senior colleges and universities, and to achieve their professional and personal goals.”
Midlands Technical College has an array of more than 450 online classes to meet the needs of transfer students and those seeking job training. In addition, there are more than 150 across eight schools.
MTC is not considered an online school. In fact, the only online degree MTC offers is an Associate of Science in Criminal Justice. However, most of the other programs have several online courses that can fulfill many of the degree requirements. MTC is also one of the most affordable online colleges on our list, so it’s a good school to keep in mind as you undertake your school search.
Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges
Bachelor’s Degree In-state Tuition: $4,788
Financial Aid Available? Yes
#3 TRIDENT TECHNICAL COLLEGE
Charleston, South Carolina
Trident Technical College is a two-year public community college formed in 1973. It is a member of the South Carolina Technical College System. The college was the merger of the Berkeley-Charleston-Dorchester Technical Education Center and Palmer College. The school’s vision is to “educate the individual. Accelerate the economy. Inspire the future.” Today, TTC enrolls approximately 12,000 students.
Trident Technical College offers associate’s degrees and certificates in many fields. The online programs are for those interested in transferring to a university or pursuing a technical education. For prospective students, this is one of the most affordable SC online colleges on our list. TTC offers four associate degrees and several certificates. Some of the online programs available include:
- Associate of Arts: General Studies
- Associate of Applied Science in Criminal Justice
- Associate of Applied Science in Homeland Security
- Associate of Arts in Hospitality and Tourism Management
- Computer Network Technician Certificate
- Cosmetologist Certificate
- Microsoft Network Systems Administration Certificate
Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges
Bachelor’s Degree In-state Tuition: $4,648
Financial Aid Available? Yes
#2 FLORENCE-DARLINGTON TECHNICAL COLLEGE
Florence, South Carolina
Florence-Darlington Technical College is a public college that opened in 1963. It is a member of the South Carolina Technical College System. The school’s vision statement is: “Florence-Darlington Technical College transforms diverse lives through excellence and innovation in education.” Today, FDTC enrolls more than 6,000 students. And with an in-state tuition price of less than $5,000, it is one of the most affordable online colleges on our list.
Florence-Darlington Technical College was the first in South Carolina to provide an online degree. The institution now offers three online associate degrees and three certifications. The majority of the programs are in business and manufacturing. Online students can do their assignments whenever convenient, but they must log in at least every other day. Featured online programs at FDTC include:
- Associate in Arts
- Associate in Criminal Justice Technology
- Associate in Science
- Certificate in Accounting
- Certificate in Criminal Justice Technology
- Certificate in Management
Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges
Bachelor’s Degree In-state Tuition: $4,606
Financial Aid Available? Yes
#1 PIEDMONT TECHNICAL COLLEGE
Greenwood, South Carolina
Piedmont Technical College is a two-year public community college. It was founded in 1966. The school’s mission is “to transform lives and strengthen communities by providing opportunities for intellectual and economic growth.” PTC serves the most geographically diverse area in the South Carolina Technical College System. The student population is around 4,491. Piedmont is the most affordable South Carolina school on our list. Although there are only a handful of online education programs, it is still thought to be one of the best online colleges in South Carolina.
Piedmont Technical College administers several Associate’s degree programs and certificates. Students can complete coursework online with no campus visits required. The online school offers asynchronous classes that can be taken at any time of day. Online students can choose from six undergraduate degrees or an Office Technician certificate. PTC offers supported online degrees in:
- Associate in Arts
- Associate in Science
- Associate of Applied Science in Business Administration
- Associate of Applied Science in Administrative Office Technology, Accounting Concentration
- Associate of Applied Science in Administrative Office Technology, Legal Concentration
- Associate of Applied Science in Administrative Office Technology, Medical Concentration
Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges
Bachelor’s Degree In-state Tuition: $4,547
Financial Aid Available? Yes
Looking for a public online college? Check out these 50 schools.
More About College Education in South Carolina
South Carolina is home to many excellent colleges and universities. There are 60 schools in all, with the University of South Carolina Columbia being the largest. Most are accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools. Twenty-five of the colleges are private, and the rest are public institutions. Additionally, the state has eight Historically Black Colleges and Universities. As our list shows, many of these schools offer online degrees. If you are conducting a school search in SC, there are plenty of options.
South Carolina Resources For College Students
The South Carolina Commission on Higher Education offers many excellent resources. The information they provide is for both on-campus and online students in SC. For example, the group oversees a program called SC TRAK. This unique program was created for students and faculty. It is designed to facilitate credit transfers among the state’s colleges. It offers an easy way for prospective students to compare courses and costs among participating colleges. Students can look up transfer course equivalencies. They can get step-by-step guidance on the best way to plan their transfer to one of the best online colleges in SC.
Scholarships For Colleges in South Carolina
There are many funding opportunities for those who choose to attend college in South Carolina. While some are only available to residents, some also pertain to prospective students from other states pursuing an online degree. Many of these are also administered by the SCCHE, and more information about each is available on the SCCHE website. Some of the most popular scholarships for SC college students include:
Palmetto Fellows Scholarship
This is a merit-based scholarship that recognizes high school seniors with academic promise. Undergraduate students may receive up to $6,700 as freshmen and up to $7,500 the following three years of college.
LIFE Scholarship
The Legislative Incentive for Future Excellence (LIFE) Scholarship is also merit-based. This program is administered by the financial aid departments of select colleges in South Carolina. The scholarship can be used toward tuition for up to eight years. Students must enroll for the scholarship during their first year of an associate, bachelor’s, or graduate program. Amounts vary.
SC HOPE Scholarship Program
The merit-based HOPE scholarship is for students who do not qualify for the Palmetto or LIFE scholarships. This scholarship is awarded to first-year students only. Students may be eligible for awards up to $2,800.
South Carolina Need-based Grant
This is a grant program for SC college students who can demonstrate financial need. Part-time students may receive up to $1,750 each year they are enrolled. Full-time students may receive up to $3,500. To apply, students must complete the FAFSA.
South Carolina Lottery Tuition Assistance Program (LTAP)
The LTAP Program provides up to $85 per credit hour toward the cost of tuition. It is available for South Carolina students attending a two-year institution. Students must not be a recipient of any other scholarships on this list. And they must complete the FAFSA form to be eligible.
South Carolina National Guard College Assistance Program (SCNG CAP)
SCNG CAP is for SC Air National Guard or Army National Guard members. Eligible Air National Guard students may receive up to $9,000. Army National Guard students may receive up to $4,500. Students may be eligible for consecutive years, but the total benefits can not exceed $18,000.
South Carolina Workforce & Industry Needs Scholarship (SC WINS)
The SC WINS Scholarship was designed to address workforce shortages in the state. This scholarship is for technical college students who plan to work in South Carolina after graduation. This scholarship is a supplement to the LTAP program. It helps to cover fees left over after applying for all other grants and scholarships.
You may also be interested in checking out our article on the Top 50 Scholarships for Online Students.
This concludes our review of the top accredited online colleges in SC.
NPCO staff
