Many students are drawn to accredited online colleges in South Carolina because of reduced tuition costs and greater scheduling flexibility. In addition, despite the delivery style, virtual schools in South Carolina offer the same high-quality programs as their on-campus counterparts.
A college education is critical for securing a solid career and attaining professional success. This guide will show you the best online colleges in South Carolina along with the best accredited online college degrees and certificate programs available at each.
Fully Accredited Online Colleges in South Carolina: Two Types of Accreditation
There are two types of accreditation for online colleges, regional and national. Both types of accreditation bring benefits to students, however, there are differences between them that can affect a student’s future.
Regionally Accredited Online Colleges
Regionally accredited online colleges are generally more respected by employers and other educational institutions because of the rigorous academic quality and standards required to receive the accreditation. In addition, the majority of regionally accredited colleges are non-profit.
Another difference is the acceptability of credits. Regionally accredited schools accept credits from both regional and national accredited schools. This can give students more significant opportunities when transferring to another school after completing a program.
Nationally Accredited Online Colleges
Alternatively, credits earned at a nationally accredited school are generally not accepted regionally. This limits a student’s ability to transfer to other educational institutions or pursue a higher degree.
Nationally accredited online colleges also differ in ownership. All nationally accredited colleges must be privately owned, whereas regionally accredited colleges can be private and public. Nationally accredited online colleges are also less expensive, and the admission requirements are more straightforward.
Why Is Accreditation Important for College?
Accreditation is important for college because it ensures that the school meets specific standards and provides quality education. This is essential when choosing a college, as it can help ensure a good education. Additionally, it provides more education options after completion through transfer credits and more career options when entering the workforce.
How to Find an Accredited Online College in South Carolina
You can find out whether an online college in South Carolina is accredited by consulting credible and up-to-date sources on accredited schools. Some of the resources you can use to find an accredited online institution in South Carolina are included below.
Check the US Department of Education’s Database
The US Department of Education’s Database of Accredited Postsecondary Institutions and Programs (DAPIP) is a good resource for finding accredited schools because it is a non-profit organization dedicated to improving higher education.
Students can enter the name of the chosen college in the school search box at the top of the US Department of Education’s Database. After pressing the search button, detailed information such as the school’s name, city, state, and institutional accreditation will be displayed. Students can also do an advanced search to filter by state and program type.
Search for Colleges on the Regional Accrediting Agency’s Website
The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) has many accredited schools in South Carolina. To do a school search on the regional accrediting agency’s website, go to the website and use the search bar at the top of the page. Type the name of the college you are looking for and press Enter. The website will then take you to the college’s page.
Visit the School’s Official Website
The best way to see if a school is accredited is by searching the official school website. The website should list the agency or agencies that have accredited the school and will provide information on the school’s accreditation status. The information can usually be located on the main page, under a tab titled Accreditation, or in the About Us section.
Top 10 Accredited Online Colleges in South Carolina: Overview
| Ranking | Online College | Accreditation | Graduation Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Clemson University | Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges (regional) | 82% |
| 2 | University of South Carolina | Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges (regional) | 73% |
| 3 | Columbia International University | Association for Biblical Higher Education, Commission on Accreditation (national) | 70% |
| 4 | North Greenville University | Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges (regional) | 58% |
| 5 | Winthrop University | Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges (regional) | 57% |
| 6 | Anderson University | Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges (regional) | 55% |
| 7 | Southern Wesleyan University | Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges (regional) | 54% |
| 8 | Claflin University | Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges (regional) | 52% |
| 9 | Coastal Carolina University | Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges (regional) | 48% |
| 10 | Charleston Southern University | Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges (regional) | 40% |
How We Ranked the Best Accredited Online Colleges in South Carolina
We ranked the best accredited online colleges in South Carolina by looking at the graduation rates of various institutions that offer fully online degree programs. The information in the table above comes from the schools’ official websites, the US Department of Education’s database of accredited schools, and the US Department of Education’s College Scorecard tool.
Best Accredited Online Colleges in South Carolina: Deep Dive
With many accredited online colleges available in South Carolina, it can be challenging to find the best ones. To help you make an informed choice we’ve included our list of the best accredited online colleges in South Carolina with some online programs in depth below.
"Career Karma entered my life when I needed it most and quickly helped me match with a bootcamp. Two months after graduating, I found my dream job that aligned with my values and goals in life!"
Venus, Software Engineer at Rockbot
What Is the Easiest Online College That Is Accredited in South Carolina?
Clemson University is the easiest online college that is accredited in South Carolina. The graduation rate is 82 percent, the highest in South Carolina. Clemson offers a wide variety of programs, including business, communications, and education. Most programs are offered online with a flexible schedule and low cost of tuition.
What Is the Cheapest Accredited Online College in South Carolina?
Anderson University is one of the most affordable online colleges that offers a variety of scholarships and discounts to its students. Online courses at Anderson University cost $390 per credit hour for students at the undergraduate level. For those completing a master’s or PhD program, tuition can range from $375 to $725 per credit depending on the program.
Students can further reduce tuition costs by applying for financial aid. As a result, Anderson University is a low-cost, convenient, and adaptable alternative to further your education.
Are There Free Accredited Online Colleges in South Carolina?
No, South Carolina does not have any free accredited online colleges. However, Greenville Technical College has adopted a tuition-free option to reduce barriers to higher education.
As a result, residents of South Carolina enrolled in high-demand fields such as manufacturing, healthcare, computer science, and construction might begin their careers debt-free after paying no tuition or required fees.
Why Choose an Accredited Online College in South Carolina?
You should choose an accredited online college in South Carolina because these institutions have been approved and recognized by the US Department of Education. Accreditation is an important aspect when choosing a school, along with affordability, flexibility, and convenience.
Affordability
Affordability is a critical factor for students when choosing an online college in South Carolina. Online colleges are generally more affordable than traditional colleges, as students do not have to pay for room and board or additional on-campus related fees.
Flexibility
Accredited online colleges may also offer more flexibility than traditional colleges. Students can complete their courses online, often with a planned or self-paced learning style which allows a work and study balance. This can be a great option for students who have jobs, families, or a busy lifestyle to complete a degree.
Convenience
Convenience is another key factor for students when choosing a college. An accredited online college in South Carolina provides a convenient option to students who don’t have access to traditional on-campus schools. It also allows the opportunity to study a variety of programs that may not be offered in your state or country.
Most Affordable Accredited Online Colleges in South Carolina
Finding an affordable accredited online college can be difficult and time-consuming. To help you better understand your options, we put together a list of the most affordable accredited online colleges in South Carolina. Whether you’re a South Carolina resident or just interested in learning, below are the most affordable options available.
- Anderson University | Tuition: $390/Credit. Anderson University offers various levels of study from associate to PhD programs. Students can benefit from a high education at a low credit cost. Graduate students will be charged an additional $10 for $400 per credit.
- Southern Wesley University | Tuition: $430/Credit. Though tuition is low, there will be some extra expenses, such as book and supply costs. Students will be charged an application fee, and graduates will be charged an additional $50 per credit. Students can pick from programs such as psychology, business administration, and human services.
- Columbia International University | Tuition: $445/Credit. Students can choose from undergraduate programs in health administration, nursing, and business while paying $445 per credit hour. Students in graduate programs pay $545 per credit.
- North Greenville University | Tuition: $450/Credit. North Greenville has a variety of online degree programs in fields such as education, criminal justice, and psychology to choose from at a low cost. Students will need to pay an additional $85 technology fee per term on top of the credit fee. Undergraduate certificates are offered for $100 less per credit hour.
- Clemson University | Tuition: $550/Credit. Both resident and non-resident students can benefit from the $550 per credit hour tuition for all online programs and will not have to pay any additional fees required by on-campus programs.
Best Online Accredited Colleges in South Carolina That Accept Financial Aid
Online students are eligible for some of the same financial aid programs as on-campus students. To help make your selection easier, we’ve compiled a list of the best online accredited colleges that accept financial aid.
- Southern Wesley University | Tuition: $430/Credit. Students at Southern Wesley University have access to online education. In addition, financial aid is offered, and the percentage of assistance received across the student population is 100 percent.
- Anderson University | Tuition: $390/Credit. Anderson University is a private, non-profit university that provides associate’s, bachelor’s, master’s degrees, and certificate and diploma programs. AU provides some form of financial aid to 100 percent of its student body.
- North Greenville University | Tuition: $450/Credit. NGU provides associate’s, bachelor’s, and master’s degrees in various areas. Financial help is available to students who qualify, with a 100 percent receiving rate.
- Columbia International University | Tuition: $445/Credit. Columbia International University is a private evangelical Christian university that offers undergraduate, graduate, and online degrees. Scholarships, grants, and loans are awarded to 98 percent of students.
- Clemson University | Tuition: $550/Credit. Clemson University provides online degree programs in several fields, including business, engineering, and nursing. Financial help is offered to qualified students, with an 89 percent acceptance rate.
Best Online Schools in South Carolina by Popular Subjects
The best online schools in South Carolina offer many different degree programs with many popular subjects. Below we have ranked the schools by the most popular subjects some of which include criminal justice, accounting, social work, and nursing.
Best Accredited Online Colleges With Associate Degree Programs in South Carolina
If you are looking for an affordable and respected online associate degree program in South Carolina, see the below section, which provides an overview of some of the best online colleges in the state that offer associate degree programs.
- University of South Carolina | Associate of Arts in General Studies. Palmetto College’s Associate of Arts in General Studies program offers online learners the opportunity to complete their first two years of college at a lesser cost and more flexibility than the standard four-year degrees. The program is for students who want to graduate but haven’t chosen a major.
- Columbia International University | Associate of Arts in Healthcare Administration. CIU’s online Healthcare Administration associate degree program teaches about healthcare’s history, present trends, and administrators’ roles and responsibilities. This program also covers financial and information management systems and patient safety.
- Greenville Technical College | Associate of Arts in the Administrative Office Technology. The Administrative Office Technology program provides learners with the skills needed to work in an office environment. Students learn how to use office software, manage files and databases, and communicate with customers and co-workers.
- Southern Wesleyan University| Associate of Arts in General Studies. This Associate of Arts degree will give students the opportunity to kickstart their education with classes in science and history. After completion, credits may be transferred into a bachelor’s degree in one of the many programs offered at Southern Wesleyan University.
- Limestone University| Associate of Science in Computer Science – Information Technology. In this online program, students will learn about network fundamentals, operating systems, and programming while completing the 63 credit hours.
Best Online Associate Degrees
[query_class_embed] online-*subject-associate-degrees
Best Accredited Online Colleges With Bachelor’s Degree Programs in South Carolina
If you’re looking for an online college with bachelor’s degree programs in South Carolina, this list includes some of the best accredited online colleges in the state. A bachelor’s will give you a competitive edge in the workforce and is a basic requirement for most high-paying jobs.
- University of South Carolina | Bachelor of Science in Nursing. The RN to BSN nursing program at the University of South Carolina is designed for registered nurses who wish to earn a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree.
- Columbia International University | Bachelor of Science in Business Administration. In CIU’s online BSBA, students learn to manage people and resources, make informed decisions, and solve business problems.
- Anderson University | Bachelor of Science in Nursing. Anderson University’s nursing school is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education. The curriculum has a long history of successfully training nurses for careers in the industry.
- Southern Wesleyan | Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood and Family. Southern Wesleyan University’s online BS in Early Childhood Family Studies program prepares students to work with young children and their families. The program is for early childhood professionals and aspiring professionals.
- Claflin University | Bachelor of Arts in Psychology. The online BA in Psychology from Claflin University is for students interested in psychology or related fields. Students will learn about abnormal, social, and developmental psychology. Graduates can work in mental health clinics, schools, and businesses.
Best Online Bachelor’s Degrees
[query_class_embed] online-*subject-bachelors-degrees
Best Accredited Online Colleges With Master’s Degree Programs in South Carolina
Choosing the right online college for a master’s degree is an important decision. It can be challenging to know which school is the best fit for you. We’ve put together this list of the best accredited online colleges with master’s degree programs in South Carolina.
- Clemson University | Master of Science in Data Science and Analytics This program provides students with the skills to extract meaning from data and use that knowledge to improve business decisions and processes. The curriculum covers data management, mining, visualization, and machine learning.
- University of South Carolina | Master of Education in Language and Literacy. The online graduate program prepares educators to work with students struggling with language and literacy development.
- Columbia International University | Master of Science in Intercultural Studies. This 12-month master’s degree program gives graduate students advanced skills to pursue careers in government, education, and business.
- Winthrop University| Master of Arts in Arts Administration. The MA in Arts Administration at Winthrop University is designed for students with a passion for the arts and a desire to lead and manage arts organizations.
- Charleston Southern University | Master of Arts in Organizational Leadership. This 30-hour accredited master’s degree will help students develop stronger communication skills, interpersonal skills, and executive decision-making skills to work in non-profit organizations and government.
Best Online Master’s Degrees
[query_class_embed] online-*subject-masters-degrees
Why You Should Attend an Accredited Online College in South Carolina
You should attend an accredited online college in South Carolina because they offer flexibility, convenience, affordability, and quality. Attending a South Carolina online college can boost your career as employers prefer certified college graduates.
A college education is critical for securing a solid career and attaining professional success. The more educated you are, the more money you will make. In fact, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), your odds of being unemployed decrease as you advance in your education.
Accredited Online Colleges in South Carolina FAQ
Yes, Charleston College also offers classes online. Charleston’s online education is high-quality and flexible for students worldwide. This is a great option for students with jobs and a full schedule.
Yes, South Carolina is a good state to move to. South Carolina features a low cost of living, a strong job market, and an excellent quality of life.
Greenville Technical College is a four-year public college in South Carolina. It provides certifications, associate degrees, and bachelor’s degrees. Greenville Tech also offers various online programs, making it convenient for people who cannot attend on-campus programs.
Yes, online courses can be accredited. Regional or national organizations can accredit online, hybrid programs, or on-campus degree programs. Accreditation is optional, but it has several benefits, including demonstrating a high-quality program to employers and further education institutions.
About us: Career Karma is a platform designed to help job seekers find, research, and connect with job training programs to advance their careers. Learn about the CK publication.
