Colleges in South Carolina

Why go to College in South Carolina?

South Carolina is a state full of Southern charm where both nature lovers and city dwellers can feel at home. Within its borders, you can find nearly all types of geographical landscapes: beaches, mixed forests, lakes, mountains, salt marshes, and islands. It is also home to the populous metropolitan areas of Charleston, Columbia, and Greenville, which are each filled with a mix of museums, restaurants, bars, and other cultural institutions and businesses. If you want to get a college education in a place that combines both urban and natural elements, you may want to explore universities and online schools in SC.

Population

South Carolina has a population of 4,625,364. It is the 23rd most populous state in the United States. The most populous cities include Charleston, Columbia, and Greenville.

Climate

South Carolina has a humid subtropical climate, which means residents experience intense, hot summers and temperate winters. The state has an average annual high of 75 degrees Fahrenheit and an annual low of 53 degrees Fahrenheit. South Carolina gets an abundant amount of rain each year but snowfall is rare, usually occurring only in high-altitude mountain regions.

Number of Higher Learning Institutions

There are 97 institutions of higher learning in South Carolina. The University of South Carolina is the largest university in the state, followed by Clemson University, both of which are among the country's top public universities. Top private universities in the state include Anderson University and Furman University.

Sporting Events

Although no professional sports teams are based in South Carolina, college football is very popular in the state. The University of South Carolina and Clemson University have an in-state rivalry that always draws big crowds each year. The state has also hosted some memorable NASCAR races at the Darlington Raceway. In addition, South Carolina has a high concentration of golf courses, making it a popular golf destination.

Nightlife

The city with the most nightlife options per capita is Greenville, which offers a selection of bars, music venues, theaters, and restaurants. As one of the state's top tourist attractions, Myrtle Beach boasts a variety food and entertainment spots, including gastronomy restaurants. As cities with a number of colleges and universities, Clemson, Charleston, and Columbia all offer a high concentration of bars, restaurants, and art venues.

What Options are Available for Colleges in South Carolina?

Popular Degree Programs in South Carolina

The is a strong correlation between the industries that are prominent in a region and the popularity of certain degrees. The life sciences, aerospace and aviation, and professional and business services are all relatively large industries in South Carolina. Therefore, it may come as no surprise that business management and administration is the most common major in the state, according to Business Insider. Oceanography is also a disproportionately popular major, meaning that there is a higher concentration of oceanography majors in South Carolina than in other U.S. states.

• Oceanography

  Oceanography is an earth science concerning the biological, geological, chemical, and physical aspects of the ocean. Biological oceanographers, more commonly known as marine biologists, study the living creatures and organisms of the ocean. Given that South Carolina is a coastal state replete with marine environments, it's understandable why so many students choose to major in oceanography.

• Business Management and Administration

  Business management and administration degrees prepare students for careers in the corporate world. Programs in this field impart foundational knowledge in areas like finance, human resources, accounting, management information systems, and supply chain management. Equipped with this degree, South Carolina students can go on to managerial or administrative roles at some of the state's top industries, like aerospace and aviation.

What Are the Best Online Colleges in South Carolina?

Selecting an online college in South Carolina suited to your needs and interests can be difficult. On top of tuition costs, a variety of factors might influence your decision, including whether the school offers synchronous, asynchronous, or hybrid courses. This section presents a list of the best online colleges in South Carolina with an overview of each, allowing you to get an idea of which colleges fulfill your particular requirements and which do not.

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1	University of South Carolina-Columbia Columbia, SC		ADMISSIONS RATE 65% GRADUATION RATE 72% ONLINE ENROLLMENT 5% RETENTION RATE 87% DEFAULT RATE 4% USC Columbia provides students with high quality online degree programs that are backed by the academic resources of the entire USC system. Online bachelor's programs are offered in subjects such as business, criminal justice, education, nursing, and information science. USC Columbia is among online colleges in South Carolina that allows state residents to pay half the tuition of non-residents. Courses are delivered through the Blackboard learning platform, and many classes are taught asynchronously. To enroll in an online degree completion program, students must have earned at least 45 transfer credits, with some programs requiring students to have at least 60 transfer credits. Students without enough transfer credits are encouraged to earn their necessary credits at any of the two-year USC campuses in the state: USC Lancaster, USC Sumter, USC Salkehatchie, USC Union, or any technical college.	Visit Site
2	North Greenville University Tigerville, SC		ADMISSIONS RATE 58% GRADUATION RATE 55% ONLINE ENROLLMENT 13% RETENTION RATE 73% DEFAULT RATE 6% Located in Tigerville, NGU serves 2,500 undergraduate, graduate, and online students through more than 50 degree options. The private university, founded in 1891, is affiliated with the South Carolina Baptist Convention. NGU offers online undergraduate programs in six areas: business and leadership, Christian ministries, criminal justice, elementary education studies, general studies, and psychology. Several of the degrees allow students to choose concentrations, and all programs provide elective choices for online students. Courses are eight weeks long and delivered through the Blackboard learning platform. Applicants to online undergraduate programs must be over the age of 22 and can be either first-time freshmen or transfer students. All students pay the same tuition rate at this online college in South Carolina.	Visit Site
3	Anderson University Anderson, SC		ADMISSIONS RATE 55% GRADUATION RATE 49% ONLINE ENROLLMENT 9% RETENTION RATE 73% DEFAULT RATE 9% Anderson University offers online undergraduate programs in business, Christian studies, criminal justice, allied health, arts and sciences, and nursing. It also awards online graduate degrees in business, Christian studies, education, and music. Located on 270 acres in the city of Anderson, the university serves over 3,400 students. Many undergraduate programs come with concentration options, and courses are delivered through the Canvas learning platform. Online students are supported by coaches who work with students from the application phase through graduation. All online students pay the same tuition regardless of residency, though South Carolina residents may be eligible for the SC State Tuition Grant. The application process for this online school in South Carolina is straightforward, requiring an online application, application fee, and transcripts for first-time freshmen and transfer students.	Visit Site
4	Charleston Southern University Charleston, SC		ADMISSIONS RATE 60% GRADUATION RATE 39% ONLINE ENROLLMENT 17% RETENTION RATE 65% DEFAULT RATE 7% Serving over 3,600 students, CSU is one of the largest independent colleges in the state of South Carolina. The institution, located in Charleston, offers 48 undergraduate programs, including six online bachelor's degrees and 10 online master's degrees. Online programs are delivered through Blackboard, and CSU offers 24/7 technology support. Tuition for online programs is charged per credit hour, with the same tuition for all students regardless of residency. Charleston Southern University is among online colleges in South Carolina requiring freshmen applicants to submit standardized test scores, unless they are over the age of 21. They also need to submit high school transcripts. Students are considered transfer applicants if they have completed 24 transferable hours with a minimum GPA of 2.0. Students who have not met these requirements will also need to submit high school transcripts.	Visit Site
5	Limestone College Gaffney, SC		ADMISSIONS RATE 46% GRADUATION RATE 39% ONLINE ENROLLMENT 33% RETENTION RATE 56% DEFAULT RATE 14% While the main campus is in Gaffney, Limestone College offers eight state-wide locations for evening classes along with a number of online programs. Students can choose from the following degrees: associate of arts, associate of science, bachelor of arts, bachelor of science, or bachelor of social work. Online and evening courses are offered in eight-week terms, with six terms per year. This allows students to take two classes per term, or 36 credits per year. Like other online schools in South Carolina, classes at Limestone are taught asynchronously and delivered through Blackboard. Online and evening students are charged a special tuition rate that is lower than that of on-campus students. Military members also receive a tuition discount. To apply, students must submit transcripts, and non-military students under the age of 21 must submit standardized test scores.	Visit Site
6	University of South Carolina-Upstate Spartanburg, SC	ADMISSIONS RATE 56% GRADUATION RATE 40% ONLINE ENROLLMENT 6% RETENTION RATE 70% DEFAULT RATE 8% Another of the top online colleges in South Carolina is USC-Upstate, which offers a number of online degrees for undergraduate and graduate students. Online and hybrid degree completion programs at the school are delivered through Blackboard, with four online bachelor's completion programs offered entirely online. Courses may be taken synchronously or asynchronously, depending on the course and instructor. Online students at USC Upstate pay the same tuition, have access to the same student services, and can participate in the same student organizations as on-campus students. The admissions requirements are the same for online students and on-campus students. Transfer students with fewer than 30 transferable college credits need to meet freshman entrance requirements, which include standardized test scores for students under the age of 22. Students can transfer up to 76 credits from an accredited two-year college. Residents of the state will pay approximately half the tuition of non-residents.	Visit Site
7	Lander University Greenwood, SC	ADMISSIONS RATE 62% GRADUATION RATE 46% ONLINE ENROLLMENT 3% RETENTION RATE 69% DEFAULT RATE 7% Lander, a state university and one of the online colleges in South Carolina, is located in Greenwood. The institution was founded in 1872 and now serves 3,000 students through five colleges and a school of nursing. Aside from an online certificate in healthcare management, the RN to BSN is the university's only online program option. The BSN completion program requires 126 credit hours, and at least 32 credits must be earned at Lander. RN-BSN students can usually graduate in 1.5 to two years. Courses are taught asynchronously and delivered through Blackboard, though a one-day on-campus orientation is required of all RN-BSN students. Applicants to the RN-BSN program must first apply to Lander and then apply to the School of Nursing. Prospective students should be licensed nurses with a minimum undergraduate GPA of 2.6, though students with a lower GPA can become eligible by completing additional requirements.	Visit Site
8	Columbia College Columbia, SC	GRADUATION RATE 46%	ONLINE ENROLLMENT 57%	RETENTION RATE 49%	DEFAULT RATE 12%	Columbia College offers degrees through its women's college, evening and online programs, and graduate program. Fully online bachelor's degrees are offered in disciplines such as criminal justice, emergency management, and fire science. Requirements for these degree options can usually be fulfilled in three years. For licensed nurses with associate degrees, the college also offers an RN to BSN degree that can normally be completed in two years. The online programs start every five weeks and applicants must meet one or more of the following conditions: have transferrable credit with a 2.0 GPA, hold an approved training academy certification, or submit a personal statement. Tuition is charged at a per-credit-hour rate and is the same for all students regardless of residency status. Columbia is among online schools in South Carolina to provide students with e-books and a laptop, which are included in the cost of tuition. Online courses are delivered through the Canvas learning platform.	Visit Site
9	University of South Carolina-Beaufort Bluffton, SC	ADMISSIONS RATE 63% GRADUATION RATE 23% ONLINE ENROLLMENT 5% RETENTION RATE 58% DEFAULT RATE 10% USCB serves 2,000 students through over 30 different degree programs, and also offers three online bachelor of science degrees in health promotion, hospitality management, and human services. The online degree completion programs require students to have 60 transferable college credits. The remaining degree requirements can be completed online at USCB. Transfer students should have a minimum undergraduate GPA of 2.0 and apply by July 1 for the fall semester and December 1 for the spring semester. In-state residents pay less tuition than out-of-state students. The university also offers a number of institutional scholarships, financial aid options, and a payment plan.	Visit Site

What Are the Best Online Community Colleges in South Carolina?

Among the chief considerations when choosing an online program are cost, degree completion time, admission requirements, and class size. If these factors concern you, you may want to consider an online program at a community college as opposed to a university. In general, community colleges offer associate degree programs that can be completed in two years rather than four (with credits that can be transferred to a four-year program if desired). They are also more affordable than university programs, have less strict admission requirements, and offer smaller class sizes. This section presents an overview of the best online community colleges in South Carolina along with a brief description of each.

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1	Piedmont Technical College Greenwood, SC		GRADUATION RATE 18%	ONLINE ENROLLMENT 29%	RETENTION RATE 58%	DEFAULT RATE 18%	PTC is an accredited, two-year junior college that offers career studies, hands-on training, and university transfer curricula. Both AA and AS degrees prepare students for seamless transfer into a four-year program at a senior institution. Graduates go on to major in education, social work, and STEM fields. Distance learners can also earn AAS degrees in business and in administrative office technology. PTC's hybrid programs support online learning as well, but require students to attend class on-campus 50% of the time. New students can waive mandatory placement testing if they earned sufficiently high scores on the ACT or SAT. For the ACT, students who score a 19 on the mathematics portion and a 20 on the English and reading portions can waive the relevant exams. In addition to the main campus in Greenwood, PTC also maintains campuses in Abbeville, Edgefield, Laurens, McCormick, Saluda, and Newberry. Courses at PTC begin in the spring, summer, and fall.	Visit Site
2	Trident Technical College Charleston, SC		GRADUATION RATE 11%	ONLINE ENROLLMENT 18%	RETENTION RATE 62%	DEFAULT RATE 15%	TTC has a presence and partnership with the community in Berkeley, Charleston, and Dorchester counties. The school offers a varied catalog of courses and four programs that students can take completely online. Online offerings include an associate of arts degree and AAS programs in criminal justice, business technology, and homeland security. The transfer-ready AA emphasizes communication, social sciences, and the humanities, and it fulfills the first two years of general education requirements for a bachelor's degree. TTC, which is one of the best online community college in South Carolina, maintains an open admissions policy, and classes begin in the spring, summer, and fall. There is also a yearly Maymester, which is an accelerated, one-month semester. TTC's main campus is in North Charleston, but there are seven other campuses and sites in the surrounding area.	Visit Site
3	Horry-Georgetown Technical College Conway, SC		GRADUATION RATE 20%	ONLINE ENROLLMENT 15%	RETENTION RATE 58%	DEFAULT RATE 18%	Situated on the Grand Strand in Myrtle Beach, HGTC is one of the best online community colleges in South Carolina. Through three campuses, the school serves the Horry and Georgetown area, which is one of the largest service areas in the state. This two-year college offers more than 80 associate degree, diploma, and certificate programs to students who are looking to enter the workforce or earn a four-year degree. HGTC enrolls over 7,750 students each year. HGTC offers 10 completely online degrees, including a transfer-ready AA degree, which offers majors in business administration, education, and the liberal arts. There are also six hybrid programs, which may require fieldwork or certification in order to pass. Founded in 1966, HGTC is the fourth largest of the 16 state technical colleges.	Visit Site
4	Florence-Darlington Technical College Florence, SC		GRADUATION RATE 8%	ONLINE ENROLLMENT 41%	RETENTION RATE 52%	DEFAULT RATE 17%	Of the online community colleges in South Carolina, FDTC can claim to be the first to offer complete programs from a distance. The Florence-based school is part of the state's technical college system and offers six undergraduate programs entirely online. In addition to the associate of arts, FDTC also offers two-year degrees in marketing, robotics production, and leadership and management. The AA focuses on developing a student's critical thinking, persuasive speech, and problem solving skills. Online courses are taught asynchronously. The school has an open admissions policy, and terms run for 16 or eight weeks in the spring and fall, and 10 weeks during the summer. The student-to-faculty ratio is 19:1, and the student population is over 6,000. FDTC maintains six campuses across the Pee Dee region.	Visit Site
5	Technical College of the Lowcountry Beaufort, SC		GRADUATION RATE 10%	ONLINE ENROLLMENT 13%	RETENTION RATE 45%	DEFAULT RATE 11%	With its newest eLearning campus, TLC has joined the online community colleges in South Carolina. Based in Beaufort, this two-year college serves approximately 5,000 students each year and graduates more than 300. TLC is one of the 16 career-oriented colleges that make up South Carolina's technical college system. The school offers more than 80 programs for workforce entry and four-year degree transfer. TLC offers nine certificate and degree options that students can complete entirely online. In addition to the associate of arts degree, there's also a 60-credit AAS in computer technology that prepares students for entry-level IT positions.	Visit Site
6	Spartanburg Community College Spartanburg, SC	GRADUATION RATE 16%	ONLINE ENROLLMENT 9%	RETENTION RATE 57%	DEFAULT RATE 17%	SCC is one of the emerging online community colleges in South Carolina. Located in Spartanburg, SCC offers more than 150 online classes, as well as transfer degrees that allow students to easily transfer into a four-year state program. For students ready to enter the workforce directly, SCC offers AAS programs in management, marketing, and fire service. The college annually serves about 10,000 students through classroom, hybrid, and online learning. Including the main campus in Spartanburg, SCC has five learning locations in the area and locally serves the postsecondary needs of students in the counties of Spartanburg, Cherokee, and Union. The school is unable to accept students from Alabama, Arkansas, Delaware, Indiana, Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, and Wisconsin into the school's online learning programs.	Visit Site
7	Orangeburg Calhoun Technical College Orangeburg, SC	GRADUATION RATE 11%	ONLINE ENROLLMENT 8%	RETENTION RATE 55%	DEFAULT RATE 18%	OCtech, a member of the American Association of Community Colleges, is one of several online community colleges in South Carolina specializing in transfer-ready associate degrees. For distance learners, OCtech has various programs and certificates with online components, plus five degrees students can complete entirely online. In addition to the associate of arts and associate of science, both of which cover the GE requirements for the first two years of any undergraduate degree, OCtech also offers associate degrees in business administration, computer technology, and criminal justice. There are also seven online professional development certificates. Students interested in pursuing bachelor's degrees in psychology, sociology, the humanities, literature, or the arts should complete an AA degree, while students who want to major in one of the STEM fields should earn the AS. Online class participation is asynchronous at OCtech. Students must maintain a 2.0 GPA in order to remain enrolled in distance learning.	Visit Site
8	Midlands Technical College West Columbia, SC	GRADUATION RATE 9%	ONLINE ENROLLMENT 7%	RETENTION RATE 47%	DEFAULT RATE 15%	MTC, part of a growing number of online community colleges in South Carolina, offers over 450 distance learning courses for academic and training students. The technical college in West Columbia offers four programs that students can complete entirely online: the AA, AS, and AAS in criminal justice, plus a criminal justice certificate. The 62-credit associate in arts degree is designed for students planning to major in areas such as business, the humanities, and education. For students looking to bolster their resumes, enhance their skills, or prepare for further study, MTC offers online classes in accounting, finance, design/composition, and college readiness. In addition to the main Airport Campus in West Columbia, MTC maintains five other sites in the Midlands, as well as the Fort Jackson Center for military personnel. Discounted tuition is available for students in the counties of Richland, Lexington, and Fairfield.	Visit Site

Education Trends in South Carolina

Educational trends in South Carolina match national averages fairly closely, but in general, students benefit from less public funding compared to other states. This is because South Carolina spends around $1,877 less than the average American state on each college student. However, a higher percentage of tax revenue is allocated to higher education in South Carolina than the national average, which is a good indicator of the value the state places on education. In terms of educational attainment -- the degree levels attained by individuals living in the state -- South Carolina trends are very similar to national trends.

Paying for College in South Carolina

College has gotten considerably more expensive in the past decade, and cost is definitely a factor for those deciding between schools. The cost of a college education includes not only tuition, but also textbooks, rent, food, administrative fees, transportation, and leisure spending. Whether you are enrolled in traditional colleges or online schools in SC can also affect total costs. Therefore, each of these components may factor into your school choice. Evaluate your priorities and decide in what areas you would like to keep spending to a minimum.

Tuition Prices

According to College Board, tuition in South Carolina is higher than the national average. The following table illustrates the average price of in-state tuition for both public two-year and public four-year colleges in South Carolina compared to average tuition prices in the United States. It is important to note that this is the average cost of in-state tuition, which means if you are an out-of-state student considering school in South Carolina, tuition will likely be higher. Tuition prices also do not include other expenses such as textbook costs, rent, transportation, or extracurricular fees.

Financial Aid

Financial aid can come from the federal government, states, colleges, or private institutions. Any student considering college should fill out the Free Application for Federal Financial Aid (FAFSA), which determines your eligibility for federal grants, loans, and work-study awards. Grants and scholarships are sums of money awarded based on need or merit and do not need to be paid back. Since they are free, they should be prioritized over other forms of financial aid. Work-study awards provide students with part-time employment opportunities that allow them to earn money to pay for school, which is a good option for students with time to spare. Student loans are sums of money that must be paid back over time. When deciding to attend either traditional or online schools in SC, loans should be evaluated carefully, particularly if you are considering private lenders that charge high interest rates.

Cost for Online Programs in South Carolina

Online schools in South Carolina are comparable in cost to their on-campus counterparts. While tuition costs are roughly the same, attending online colleges in SC can save you money in other areas. For instance, you don't necessarily have to live in close proximity to your school, allowing you to choose a more affordable neighborhood or even stay with your parents to save on rent. Taking classes from the comfort of your home also allows you to save money on expenses like transportation or child care.

Cost of Living by Region

Overall, the cost of living in South Carolina is relatively affordable. On average, students living in South Carolina will pay less for rent than students living in Boston, MA or Hartford, CT, but more than students living in Gainesville, FL. But even within South Carolina, there can be considerable variation in costs of living. For instance, students of Furman University in Greenville will pay less on average for rent than students attending Charleston Southern University. The following table shows the average cost of rent for two-bedroom apartments along with the purchase price of three-bedroom, two-bathroom homes in five different cities.

Scholarships for South Carolina College Students

No matter whether they are enrolled in traditional or online colleges in SC, there are a variety of scholarships available for postsecondary students. Most of the scholarships listed below are merit-based awards. However, you may also qualify for need-based awards from state and federal government, colleges, and private institutions. In addition, if you already know what field you are interested in, many professional organizations offer scholarships for students with specific majors. There may also be scholarships specifically for students of online colleges in SC. All of these options should be considered as you narrow down your search. Below is a selection of scholarships available to students in South Carolina:

Palmetto Fellows Scholarship Program

$6,700 for freshman year and up to $7,500 for the following three years; must be enrolled in a public high school in South Carolina and have applied for or been accepted to a four-year university in South Carolina.

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Horatio Alger State Scholarship

Up to $10,000; must be committed to completing a bachelor's degree at an accredited university in South Carolina, demonstrate financial need, and maintain a 2.0 GPA.

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LIFE Scholarship Program

Varies depending on the institution; must demonstrate merit and must be enrolled in their first postsecondary education program.

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HOPE Scholarship

Up to $2,800 toward first year's tuition; must be enrolled as a first-year student at a four-year institution in South Carolina and have graduated high school with a 3.0 GPA or higher.

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Dayco Scholarship

Varies annually depending on available funds; must have earned a 3.25 GPA upon high school graduation and be an employee or dependent of an employee of Dayco Products, Inc. who has worked for the South Carolina branch for at least four years.

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Palmetto Fellows and LIFE Scholarship Enhancements

Up to $2,500 per year, beginning in sophomore year; must be enrolled in a math or science major and must have completed 14 hours of math or science courses.

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USC Top Scholars Awards

Up to $20,000 per year; must have applied to the University of South Caroline; previous Top Scholars had an average SAT score of 1520 and average GPA of 4.82.

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Harry Hampton Wildlife Fund Scholarship

$5,000 per year for four consecutive years; must be a resident of South Carolina and attend a higher education institution in South Carolina, and must major in a wildlife or natural resources related subject with a minimum GPA of 2.5.

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South Carolina Press Association Scholarship

$3,000 per year; must be a journalism student attending a four-year college in South Carolina.

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South Carolina Teaching Fellows Program

Up to $24,000; must be dedicated to the teaching profession and must maintain a GPA of 2.75.

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Can All Scholarships Be Used for Online Programs?

The majority of scholarships can be used for either online colleges in South Carolina or traditional on-campus programs. Scholarships are much more likely to have requirements regarding state residency than requirements about course format. However, these residency requirements may affect what scholarships can be used on distance education programs. To be safe, always verify with the scholarship provider about any possible restrictions concerning online programs.

Employment Outlook in South Carolina

Employment rates in South Carolina are roughly the same as the national average. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the occupation groups with the highest employment rates in the state include office and administrative support positions, sales positions, as well as food preparation and serving positions. The annual mean wage in South Carolina is slightly lower than the national average, but since cost of living is relatively affordable, the difference in wages may not have a significant impact on the quality of life in the state. The following tables demonstrate the unemployment rate and annual mean wage for the state of South Carolina:

Top Employers and Industries in South Carolina

The following tables illustrate the top three industries and top three employer types in South Carolina.

Accreditation for Colleges in South Carolina

Accreditation ensures that schools or programs are held to a high standard of academic quality. Colleges in South Carolina can be regionally or nationally accredited. The most widely recognized type of accreditation is regional accreditation. There are six regional college accrediting agencies in the United States that evaluate schools within their respective regions based on admission requirements, student services, quality of faculty, and overall quality of education. The regional agency responsible for South Carolina is the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.

Online schools in South Carolina can be either regionally or nationally accredited. National accreditation agencies are not limited by geographic area and tend to be more focused on vocational programs. Popular national accrediting agencies include the Distance Education and Training Council and the Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools. Nationally accredited schools are not as standardized as regionally accredited schools, so transferring credits may be a problem. However, nationally accredited colleges tend to be more affordable.