About 5.9 percent of students attending South Carolina’s Title IV institutions are in fully online programs. 83.1 percent of those students are undergraduates, and 91.1 percent live in South Carolina. This means that online colleges in South Carolina are an excellent option for students who want a bachelor’s degree, and there are many great options for graduates and students with other goals. There are many reasons for students to choose distance learning in this state. The biggest reason is quality.
The Commission on Higher Learning established the following standards for online education in South Carolina: quality instruction, equitable access, collaboration, program suitability for online learning, market demand, individual student success, and so forth. Institutions in South Carolina take these standards very seriously, doing everything they can to implement them in their programs.
South Carolina’s membership with the Southern Regional Education Board’s Electronic Campus is another quality that makes its one of the best states to choose when it comes to online learning. Because of this membership, out-of-state students have the option to enroll in a South Carolina college and pay in-state tuition. It is hard to meet all the qualifications for this opportunity, but the fact that it is an option speaks to the level South Carolina is on when it comes to online education.
There are many excellent online colleges in South Carolina, but we couldn’t list them all. We only had room for the best.
Here are the 21 best online colleges in South Carolina:
1. Columbia International University
- Average Net Price: $17,942
- City: Columbia
- Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
- School Type: Private not-for-profit, 4-year or above
- Degree Levels: Associate’s Degree, Bachelor’s Degree, Certificate, Doctoral Degree, Master’s Degree, Post-Bachelor’s Certificate, Post-Master’s Certificate
Columbia International University is a Christian school that was founded in 1923. This university is known for liberal arts and humanities. Students who want to enroll in this online college can complete their degree entirely online. All they need is access Canvas- the online platform for this university- and a webcam. Online degrees include bible exposition, intercultural studies, Muslim Studies, and theological studies. The faculty belongs to a local Protestant church, but the population of the school is multi-denominational.
2. Coastal Carolina University
- Average Net Price: $14,654
- City: Conway
- Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
- School Type: Public, 4-year or above
- Degree Levels: Bachelor’s Degree, Doctoral Degree, Master’s Degree, Post-Bachelor’s Certificate, Post-Master’s Certificate
Coastal Carolina University was founded in 1954 under the College of Charleston and became an independent school in 1993. It has come a long way since then, particularly in its online education. CCU’s degrees are mostly in business and education. Online students have access to the same academic advising as on-campus students. Students should expect to spend at least six hours per credit per week. The online programs include information systems technology, instructional technology, literacy, special education, marketing, and health administration. Full-time teachers in South Carolina public schools can apply for a 30 percent tuition discount on the educational specialist program and a 50 percent discount on the Master of Education program.
3. Winthrop University
- Average Net Price: $15,426
- City: Rock Hill
- Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
- School Type: Public, 4-year or above
- Degree Levels: Bachelor’s Degree, Certificate, Master’s Degree, Post-Bachelor’s Certificate, Post-Master’s Certificate
Winthrop University’s initial purpose was to train female teachers, and today nearly half of the faculty are women. This school is well-known for diversity. It is also known for its excellent online programs. Students use Blackboard to access online courses and an Office of Online Learning to learn how to use resources efficiently. There are fully-online programs and hybrid programs. In 2018, four fully-online graduate programs will be released. Programs at Winthrop include social work, business administration, special education intervention, and arts administration. Winthrop is dedicated to helping students complete their degree, providing around 90 percent of students with some financial aid.
4. Clemson University
- Average Net Price: $16,622
- City: Clemson
- Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
- School Type: Public, 4-year or above
- Degree Levels: Bachelor’s Degree, Certificate, Doctoral Degree, Master’s Degree, Post-Bachelor’s Certificate
Clemson University is not only one of the best online colleges in South Carolina, but it is also the 40th best public school in the country according to Forbes. Students can complete programs completely online or through a hybrid format. The faculty has a lot of experience with using online learning technology. Programs include athletic leadership, biological sciences, human resource development, healthcare genetics, industrial engineering, public administration, and youth development leadership. Alumni from this university include U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations, Nikki Haley, former U.S. Senator of North Carolina, John Edwards, and the longest serving U.S. Senator ever, Strom Thurmond.
5. University of South Carolina-Columbia
- Average Net Price: $19,434
- City: Columbia
- Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
- School Type: Public 4-year or above
- Degree Levels: Bachelor’s Degree, Doctoral Degree, Master’s Degree, Post-Bachelor’s Certificate, Post-Master’s Certificate
University of South Carolina-Columbia this is the main campus of the second oldest college in the state. However, for distance learners the campus is anywhere they want it to be, and the programs are many. Students can receive their bachelor’s degrees from Clemson through Palmetto College. The online programs include education, engineering, public health, health, information technology, nursing, and teaching online.
6. Medical University of South Carolina
- Average Net Price: In-State-$33,388, Out-of-State-$59,852
- City: Charleston
- Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
- School Type: Public, 4-year or above
- Degree Levels: Bachelor’s Degree, Doctoral Degree, Master’s Degree, Post-Bachelor’s Certificate, Post-Master’s Certificate
The National Council for State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements has given the Medical University of South Carolina approval to provide online education for almost every state in America. The university is South Carolina’s only academic health center and largest non-federal employer in Charleston. This school has a medical center with over 700 beds with a children’s hospital and many other fantastic branches.
7. W L Bonner College
- Average Net Price: $5,436
- City: Columbia
- Accreditation: The Association for Biblical Higher Education
- School Type: Private not-for-profit, 4-year or above
- Degree Levels: Associate’s Degree, Bachelor’s Degree, Certificate
W L Bonner College is associated with the American Association of Biblical Higher Education. Originally, the school was established to educate pastors, ministers, and missionaries. Now, students are accepted and taught regardless of their faith. The first president of this school, W.L. Bonner, put in a lot of work to establish this accredited college in 1995. His hard work has paid off, and the college has helped more than 3,000 people into full-time ministry.
8. Lander University
- Average Net Price: $13,038
- City: Greenwood
- Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
- School Type: Public, 4-year or above
- Degree Levels: Bachelor’s Degree, Certificate, Master’s Degree
Lander University was founded in 1872 as a women’s college. The school offers graduate degrees online and an online bachelor’s in nursing as well. People know the school for its nursing degree. Students must have a minimum of a 2.6 GPA and complete anatomy, physiology, and statistics courses. Students typically complete this program in two years.
9. University of South Carolina-Upstate
- Average Net Price: $14,123
- City: Spartanburg
- Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
- School Type: Public, 4-year or above
- Degree Levels: Bachelor’s Degree, Master’s Degree, Post-Bachelor’s Certificate
The University of South Carolina-Upstate is one of the university’s seven locations. It started out as a two-year college in 1967 but is now the fastest growing university in South Carolina. Of course, this means the online program has come a long way. The average cost for on-campus and online students is the same, and both kinds of students have the same access to financial aid and student services. Programs at USC Upstate include criminal justice, information management and systems, informatics, early childhood, elementary, and visual impairment. If you participate in online learning at USC Upstate, chances are you will remain a vital part of the community in Spartanburg. 80 percent of alumni still live in and contribute to the beautiful city.
10. North Greenville University
- Average Net Price: $15,422
- City: Tigerville
- Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
- School Type: Private not-for-profit, 4-year or above
- Degree Levels: Bachelor’s Degree, Doctoral Degree, Master’s Degree
North Greenville University is amongst the best online colleges in South Carolina and the best regional colleges in the South. It ranked 27th in the U.S. News & World Report’s list in 2016. Students do have to be 22 or older to enroll in programs at NGC. However, there are many options available to those students, including accelerated courses that they can complete in eight weeks. The following programs are fully online: Business administration, Christian ministry, education, general studies, and elementary educational studies. The school provides a Christian environment for its students and focuses on personal values and faith.
11. Citadel Military College of South Carolina
- Average Net Price: $17,162
- City: Charleston
- Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
- School Type: Public, 4-year or above
- Degree Levels: Bachelor’s Degree, Master’s Degree, Post-Master’s Certificate
Citadel Military College of South Carolina is one of six senior military colleges in the country. Students live by the motto of “Duty, Honor, Respect.” This college’s online program benefits working adults and active military personnel the most. An undergraduate degree helps those serving in our armed forces in advancing in their careers. The online programs include intelligence and security studies, international politics and military affairs, social science, business administration, interdisciplinary STEM education, leadership, and criminal justice. The US News & World Report ranked Citadel as the best college for veterans in the South.
12. Converse College
- Average Net Price: $17,322
- City: Spartanburg
- Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
- School Type: Private not-for-profit, 4-year or above
- Degree Levels: Bachelor’s Degree, Master’s Degree, Post-Master’s Certificate
Converse College was founded in 1889 and is a relatively small college, but it is one of the best online colleges in South Carolina. The faculty use the most effective online teaching methods and create new online courses for students. Online degree programs can be completed by anyone and include advanced studies, art education, gifted education, and literacy. Phyllis Harris, who is the senior vice president and general legal counsel for Wal-Mart, is an alumnus from Converse.
13. Charleston Southern University
- Average Net Price: $17,417
- City: Charleston
- Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools
- School Type: Private not-for-profit, 4-year or above
- Degree Levels: Bachelor’s Degree, Master’s Degree, Post-Master’s Certificate
Charleston Southern University is affiliated with the South Carolina Baptist Convention and was established in 1964. However, only one of 17 online degrees has anything to do with theology. Students learn technical skills and problem-solving abilities at this school. There are a few degrees that require a relevant associate’s degree. These degrees do not have that requirement: management, Christian studies, project management, supply chain management, business administration, healthcare administration, hospitality and tourism management, and human resource management.
14. Anderson University
- Average Net Price: $21,537
- City: Anderson
- Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
- School Type: Private not-for-profit, 4-year or above
- Degree Levels: Bachelor’s Degree, Doctoral Degree, Master’s Degree
Apple has recognized Anderson University as a distinguished school because of the university’s commitment to technology and learning. Even though it was only established as a university in 2006, Anderson is one of the best online colleges in South Carolina. Students learn from professors who are experts in their respective subjects in a plethora of fully online degrees. These programs include ministry, music education, business administration in healthcare leadership, business administration in human resources, business administration in marketing, nursing, criminal justice, liberal studies, and Christian studies. Sue Monk Kidd and James Lee Barrett are famous alumni from this university.
15. Limestone College
- Average Net Price: $22,324
- City: Gaffney
- Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
- School Type: Private not-for-profit, 4-year or above
- Degree Levels: Associate’s Degree, Bachelor’s Degree, Master’s Degree
Limestone College is the oldest women’s college in South Carolina. The population of the school is around 3,500 students, making the student to faculty ratio ideal for people looking for accessible professors who know them. Programs at this college include health care administration, psychology, liberal studies, and social work. Limestone partners with technical colleges in the state, meaning students can easily transfer credits to this school.
16. Southern Wesleyan University
- Average Net Price: $22,950
- City: Central
- Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
- School Type: Private not-for-profit, 4-year or above
- Degree Levels: Associate’s Degree, Bachelor’s Degree, Master’s Degree
Southern Wesleyan University provides evening and online programs that are very flexible for working adults. The school has made an effort to accommodate these adult students for 30 years. Students will learn how to communicate, process information, and problem solve. This university teaches Christian principles in their programs that students can take with them into the professional world.
17. University of South Carolina-Beaufort
- Average Net Price: $9,404
- City: Bluffton
- Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
- School Type: Public, 4-year or above
- Degree Levels: Associate’s Degree, Bachelor’s Degree
Students interested in an online bachelor’s degree from the University of South Carolina-Beaufort must complete an associate’s degree on-campus first. They must also have at least a 2.0 GPA. Because they have to finish their associate’s degree first, they can complete their bachelor’s in two years. One interesting perk about the bachelor’s in health promotion is that graduates from that program are qualified to take the national CHES certification exam.
18. Francis Marion University
- Average Net Price: $11,194
- City: Florence
- Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools
- School Type: Public, 4-year or above
- Degree Levels: Bachelor’s Degree, Master’s Degree, Post-Master’s Certificate
Francis Marion University was named after a general who fought in the American Revolution and was named Francis Marion College until 1992. Many know Florence for having the best industry and infrastructure in the region While FMU does not offer bachelor’s degrees online, there are many graduate programs with a hybrid format. On top of that, students can earn a Master’s of Education in Instructional Accommodation entirely online. This is important because graduates in this program should understand how non-traditional students learn. FMU is one of the best regional schools in the South and was home to alumni like New York Mets pitcher Josh Edgin.
19. University of South Carolina-Aiken
- Average Net Price: $13,318
- City: Aiken
- Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
- School Type: Public, 4-year or above
- Degree Levels: Bachelor’s Degree, Master’s Degree
Another satellite campus of the second oldest university in the state, University of South Carolina-Aiken provides students with an intimate vibe due to its small population. This is the perfect online college for horse lovers because they can choose from 26 online equestrian classes. These include equine massage, health and disease management, and training performance horses. Of course, not all students are horse-lovers, but they can enroll in other programs including business administration in accounting, business administration in management, and special education.
20. Coker College
- Average Net Price: $25,536
- City: Hartsville
- Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
- School Type: Private not-for-profit, 4-year or above
- Degree Levels: Bachelor’s Degree, Master’s Degree
Coker College was considered by U.S. News & World Report and by The Princeton Review as one of the best colleges in the South. It certainly has a very good online program. Coker encourages discussion-based learning and real-life experiences. This teaching approach has created an excellent culture for this school in Hartsville.
21. Columbia College
- Average Net Price: $27,350
- City: Columbia
- Accreditation: The Higher Learning Commission
- School Type: Private not-for-profit, 4-year or above
- Degree Levels: Bachelor’s Degree, Master’s Degree
Columbia College’s online programs include nursing, sociology, human service, art history, and public administration. Students can complete courses in any order, and they can choose to complete courses in eight weeks. There are many resources available to students such as technical support, academic advising, and an online library. There is generous financial aid available to veterans. Online students pay the same tuition as on-campus students, and there are no out-of-state fees.
The Ranking Process
The number of degree levels a college offers was a huge determining factor for this list. The more degrees a school offers, the higher it is on this list. That way, students in all phases of life can find what they are looking for. Tuition was another factor in ranking the schools. The less expensive a school is, the higher it is on this list. Other factors in the ranking process were accreditation and the school type. However, most of these schools are accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges, and they are all 4-year universities.
We know that finding the best school for your unique situation and interests can be a difficult task. That’s why we’ve evaluated thousands of school based on the factors most important to you. For more information about our evaluation and ranking system, as well as other lists that were ranked by the factors most important to you, see our methodology page.
If your school is on this list, and you would like to add or edit the information, then you are more than welcome to contact us. If your school is not on this list, you are also welcome to contact us to add your school to future lists.
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