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Best Value Teaching Schools in South Carolina

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2023 Best Value Teaching Schools in South Carolina

Identifying High-Quality Schools With More Affordable Pricing

17 Schools Ranked
$27,076 Avg Tuition & Fees*
$23,819 Avg Student Debt*

Today's teaching students have lots of options to pick from when considering higher education opportunities. As online education oppotunities continue to grow, you're not restricted to just schools in your local area anymore. Even some of the 'big name' schools are offering online courses. Also, there are a number of trade schools and bootcamps with offerings that you might find attractive.

To assist you in seeing some of the education options that are available to you, Teaching Degree Search has created its Best Value Teaching Schools in South Carolina ranking. This report analyzed 17 schools in South Carolina to see which ones offered the best value programs for teaching students. The goal was to highlight schools with more affordable prices than others offering similar quality experiences.

This ranking is not just a list of inexpensive schools. We also consider each school's quality, since we believe a low-quality school may not be a 'bargain' at any price. More specifically, we discount our quality score by the published tuition and fees charged by a school. This gives the cost per unit of quality for each college. The value is determined by how much quality your dollar buys.

For nationwide and regional rankings, we use out-of-state tuition and fees in our calculations. Average in-state tuition and fees are used for our statewide rankings.

Top Value Teaching Schools in South Carolina

Learn more about these excellent schools below:

#1

Citadel Military College of South Carolina

Charleston, South Carolina
69 Total Awards
$35,826 Average Tuition & Fees

Our analysis found Citadel Military College of South Carolina to be the best value school for teaching students in South Carolina. Located in Charleston, South Carolina, the small public school awarded 69 diplomas to qualifed students in 2020-2021.

The average tuition and fees for an out-of-state undergraduate students at The Citadel are $35,826 a year. By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $23,253 in student loans. Those who take out this much in loans have to make a monthly payment of about $501 if they are on a 10-year repayment plan. Once they receive their degree, The Citadel graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $46,152 during the early year of their career.

The Citadel also made our Best Teaching Schools in South Carolina list, coming in at #2.

Read full report on Citadel Military College of South Carolina

#2

Clemson University

Clemson, South Carolina
792 Total Awards
$38,550 Average Tuition & Fees

The excellent programs at Clemson University helped the school earn the #2 place on this year’s ranking of the best value teaching schools in South Carolina. Located in Clemson, South Carolina, the large public school awarded 792 diplomas to qualifed students in 2020-2021.

Out-of-state tuition fees for undergraduate students at Clemson are $38,550 per year. On average, students take out $22,627 in loans while pursuing their degree. For those students on a 10-year repayment plan, the average payment due each month is around $375. During the early years of their career, Clemson graduates make an average of $47,889 annually.

Clemson did well in our overall quality rankings, too. It placed #1 on our Best Teaching Schools in South Carolina list.

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#3

University of South Carolina - Aiken

Aiken, South Carolina
82 Total Awards
$21,218 Average Tuition & Fees

You’ll be in good company if you decide to attend University of South Carolina - Aiken. It ranked #3 on our 2023 Best Value Teaching Schools in South Carolina list. UofSC Aiken is a public institution located in Aiken, South Carolina. The school has a small population, and it awarded 82 degrees in 2020-2021.

The average tuition and fees for an out-of-state undergraduate students at UofSC Aiken are $21,218 a year. Degree recipients from the school accumulate an average of $28,762 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. If you borrow this amount, expect your monthly student loan payment to be around $208, assuming you are on a 10-year repayment plan.After graduating from UofSC Aiken, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $30,542 during the early years of their career.

Read full report on University of South Carolina - Aiken

#4

Coastal Carolina University

Conway, South Carolina
269 Total Awards
$27,394 Average Tuition & Fees

Out of the 17 schools in South Carolina that were part of this year’s ranking, Coastal Carolina University landed the # 4 spot on the list. Coastal Carolina University is a fairly large public school located in Conway, South Carolina that handed out 269 degrees in 2020-2021.

Coastal Carolina University undergraduate students pay an average of $27,394 in tuition and fees each year. By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $27,362 in student loans. If you borrow this amount, expect your monthly student loan payment to be around $395, assuming you are on a 10-year repayment plan. During the early years of their career, Coastal Carolina University graduates make an average of $33,500 annually.

Full Coastal Carolina University Report

#5

College of Charleston

Charleston, South Carolina
177 Total Awards
$34,438 Average Tuition & Fees

The excellent programs at College of Charleston helped the school earn the #5 place on this year’s ranking of the best value teaching schools in South Carolina. This fairly large public school is located in Charleston, South Carolina, and it awarded 177 degrees in 2020-2021.

The average tuition and fees for an out-of-state undergraduate students at C of C are $34,438 a year. Degree recipients from the school accumulate an average of $23,966 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. Those who take out this much in loans have to make a monthly payment of about $409 if they are on a 10-year repayment plan.After graduating from C of C, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $34,688 during the early years of their career.

C of C also took the #4 spot in our Best Teaching Schools in South Carolina rankings.

Full College of Charleston Report

#6

University of South Carolina - Upstate

Spartanburg, South Carolina
216 Total Awards
$23,085 Average Tuition & Fees

University of South Carolina - Upstate came in at #6 in this year’s edition of the Best Value Teaching Schools in South Carolina ranking. USC Upstate is located in Spartanburg, South Carolina and has a medium-sized student population. In 2020-2021, this school awarded 216 degrees to qualified students.

Out-of-state tuition fees for undergraduate students at USC Upstate are $23,085 per year. By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $28,943 in student loans. If you borrow this amount, expect your monthly student loan payment to be around $139, assuming you are on a 10-year repayment plan.After graduating from USC Upstate, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $35,146 during the early years of their career.

Read full report on University of South Carolina - Upstate

#6

University of South Carolina - Columbia

Columbia, South Carolina
614 Total Awards
$33,928 Average Tuition & Fees

University of South Carolina - Columbia landed the #6 spot in the 2023 rankings for the best value teaching programs. UofSC is a large public school situated in Columbia, South Carolina. It awarded 614 degrees in 2020-2021.

Out-of-state tuition fees for undergraduate students at UofSC are $33,928 per year. By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $23,887 in student loans. If you borrow this amount, expect your monthly student loan payment to be around $403, assuming you are on a 10-year repayment plan. Once they receive their degree, UofSC graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $47,342 during the early year of their career.

Full University of South Carolina - Columbia Report

#8

Converse College

Spartanburg, South Carolina
116 Total Awards
$19,850 Average Tuition & Fees

Converse College ranked #8 on this year’s Best Value Teaching Schools in South Carolina list. Converse is located in Spartanburg, South Carolina and has a small student population. In 2020-2021, this school awarded 116 degrees to qualified students.

Out-of-state tuition fees for undergraduate students at Converse are $19,850 per year. On average, students take out $25,647 in loans while pursuing their degree.After graduating from Converse, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $28,782 during the early years of their career.

Full Converse College Report

#9

Francis Marion University

Florence, South Carolina
100 Total Awards
$21,544 Average Tuition & Fees

Francis Marion University landed the #9 spot in the 2023 rankings for the best value teaching programs. Francis Marion University is located in Florence, South Carolina and has a small student population. In 2020-2021, this school awarded 100 degrees to qualified students.

The average tuition and fees for an out-of-state undergraduate students at Francis Marion University are $21,544 a year. By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $29,728 in student loans. Those who take out this much in loans have to make a monthly payment of about $175 if they are on a 10-year repayment plan. Once they receive their degree, Francis Marion University graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $37,287 during the early year of their career.

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#10

Winthrop University

Rock Hill, South Carolina
253 Total Awards
$30,176 Average Tuition & Fees

Winthrop University landed the #10 spot in the 2023 rankings for the best value teaching programs. Winthrop is a medium-sized public school situated in Rock Hill, South Carolina. It awarded 253 degrees in 2020-2021.

The average tuition and fees for an out-of-state undergraduate students at Winthrop are $30,176 a year. Degree recipients from the school accumulate an average of $26,679 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. Those who take out this much in loans have to make a monthly payment of about $267 if they are on a 10-year repayment plan. Once they receive their degree, Winthrop graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $31,689 during the early year of their career.

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#11

Anderson University South Carolina

Anderson, South Carolina
244 Total Awards
$30,720 Average Tuition & Fees

Anderson University South Carolina ranked #11 on this year’s Best Value Teaching Schools in South Carolina list. Anderson University South Carolina is a small private not-for-profit school located in Anderson, South Carolina that handed out 244 degrees in 2020-2021.

Out-of-state tuition fees for undergraduate students at Anderson University South Carolina are $30,720 per year. On average, students take out $27,992 in loans while pursuing their degree. Those who take out this much in loans have to make a monthly payment of about $343 if they are on a 10-year repayment plan.After graduating from Anderson University South Carolina, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $40,621 during the early years of their career.

Anderson University South Carolina also made our Best Teaching Schools in South Carolina list, coming in at #5.

Full Anderson University South Carolina Report

#12

Southern Wesleyan University

Central, South Carolina
86 Total Awards
$26,498 Average Tuition & Fees

Southern Wesleyan University came in at #12 in this year’s edition of the Best Value Teaching Schools in South Carolina ranking. Located in Central, South Carolina, the small private not-for-profit school awarded 86 diplomas to qualifed students in 2020-2021.

Out-of-state tuition fees for undergraduate students at SWU are $26,498 per year. By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $35,319 in student loans. Once they receive their degree, SWU graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $39,672 during the early year of their career.

Read full report on Southern Wesleyan University

#13

North Greenville University

Tigerville, South Carolina
105 Total Awards
$22,470 Average Tuition & Fees

North Greenville University ranked #13 on this year’s Best Value Teaching Schools in South Carolina list. North Greenville is a private not-for-profit institution located in Tigerville, South Carolina. The school has a small population, and it awarded 105 degrees in 2020-2021.

Out-of-state tuition fees for undergraduate students at North Greenville are $22,470 per year. On average, students take out $21,372 in loans while pursuing their degree. If you borrow this amount, expect your monthly student loan payment to be around $258, assuming you are on a 10-year repayment plan. Once they receive their degree, North Greenville graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $32,605 during the early year of their career.

In addition to its best value ranking, and one of the reasons why the school is on the list, North Greenville is ranked #3 for overall quality in South Carolina.

Read full report on North Greenville University

#14

Charleston Southern University

Charleston, South Carolina
73 Total Awards
$28,960 Average Tuition & Fees

Charleston Southern University landed the #14 spot in the 2023 rankings for the best value teaching programs. This small private not-for-profit school is located in Charleston, South Carolina, and it awarded 73 degrees in 2020-2021.

Out-of-state tuition fees for undergraduate students at CSU are $28,960 per year. Degree recipients from the school accumulate an average of $28,719 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. For those students on a 10-year repayment plan, the average payment due each month is around $160. Once they receive their degree, CSU graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $37,960 during the early year of their career.

Read full report on Charleston Southern University

#15

South Carolina State University

Orangeburg, South Carolina
106 Total Awards
$21,750 Average Tuition & Fees

South Carolina State University came in at #15 in this year’s edition of the Best Value Teaching Schools in South Carolina ranking. South Carolina State University is a public institution located in Orangeburg, South Carolina. The school has a small population, and it awarded 106 degrees in 2020-2021.

The average tuition and fees for an out-of-state undergraduate students at South Carolina State University are $21,750 a year. Degree recipients from the school accumulate an average of $36,196 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. Those who take out this much in loans have to make a monthly payment of about $357 if they are on a 10-year repayment plan. During the early years of their career, South Carolina State University graduates make an average of $29,211 annually.

Read full report on South Carolina State University

#16

Columbia College

Columbia, South Carolina
151 Total Awards
$18,218 Average Tuition & Fees

Columbia College did quite well in this year’s ranking of the best value places for teaching students. It came in at #16 on the list. Columbia, South Carolina is the setting for this small institution of higher learning. The private not-for-profit school handed out degrees to 151 students in 2020-2021.

Columbia College South Carolina undergraduate students pay an average of $18,218 in tuition and fees each year. Degree recipients from the school accumulate an average of $29,206 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. Once they receive their degree, Columbia College South Carolina graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $39,032 during the early year of their career.

Read More…

#17

Bob Jones University

Greenville, South Carolina
104 Total Awards
$21,062 Average Tuition & Fees

Bob Jones University ranked #17 on this year’s Best Value Teaching Schools in South Carolina list. Located in Greenville, South Carolina, the small private not-for-profit school awarded 104 diplomas to qualifed students in 2020-2021.

Bob Jones University undergraduate students pay an average of $21,062 in tuition and fees each year. Degree recipients from the school accumulate an average of $17,432 in student debt by the time they complete their degree.After graduating from Bob Jones University, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $37,074 during the early years of their career.

Full Bob Jones University Report

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Notes and References

Footnotes

*These averages are for the top 17 schools only.

References

  • The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), a branch of the U.S. Department of Education (DOE) serves as the core of our data about colleges.
  • Some other college data, including much of the graduate earnings data, comes from the U.S. Department of Education’s (College Scorecard).
  • Information about the national average student loan default rate is from the U.S. Department of Education and refers to data about the 2016 borrower cohort tracking period for which the cohort default rate (CDR) was 10.1%.

More about our data sources and methodologies.

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