The best computer science schools in South Carolina all have a solid curriculum, diverse specialties, high graduation rates, and good student support services. Computer science is a broad field with a high potential for growth when it comes to employment, and the school you attend should prepare you for that.
If you live in South Carolina, there are a lot of computer science schools to choose from. This comprehensive guide will highlight the best computer science schools in South Carolina using South Carolina computer science school rankings. This article will also include potential jobs for computer science graduates and their annual income.
How to Choose a Good Computer Science School in South Carolina
To choose the best computer science school in South Carolina, you should consider the cost, student support, and accreditation, among other factors. It is important to choose a school that meets the general standards to get good value for your money and time.
Cost
The cost of attendance is of utmost importance if you have a tight budget. It is ideal to check the overall cost of the university and not just the tuition. Some schools also include various fees that can push the expenses much higher. Public universities are a good option for prospective students on a tight budget as they are cheaper than private colleges.
Career Support
The road from student to worker is long, and some career support along the way is always ideal. Career support in this sense encompasses the specific support students get that prepares them for a career, such as interview preparation and salary negotiation coaching. These resources can give you an advantage during the job interview process.
Accreditation
A school’s accreditation is quite important as well. It is ideal to choose only accredited schools by the relevant authorities. This ensures that what you will learn is up to international and national standards. Also, non-accredited universities do not qualify for student aid. In the long run, it could be a huge waste of your time and money to attend a non-accredited school.
South Carolina Computer Science School Rankings: What Schools Have the Best Computer Science Programs in South Carolina?
| Computer Science School | Top Undergrad Program | Top Grad Program | US News Ranking |
|---|---|---|---|
| The Citadel, Military College of South Carolina | Bachelor of Science in Computer Science | Master of Science in Computer and Information Sciences | #2 (regional) |
| Claflin University | Bachelor of Science in Computer Science | N/A | #7 (regional) |
| College of Charleston | Bachelor of Science in Computer Science | Master of Science in Computer and Information Sciences | #9 (regional) |
| Winthrop University | Bachelor of Science in Computer Science | N/A | #17 (regional) |
| Bob Jones University | Bachelor of Science in Computer Science | N/A | #31 (regional) |
| Charleston Southern University | Bachelor of Science in Computer Science | Master of Science in Computer Science | #57 (regional) |
| Wofford College | Bachelor of Science in Computer Science | N/A | #67 (national liberal arts colleges) |
| Benedict College | Bachelor of Science in Computer Science | N/A | #71-93 (regional) |
| Clemson University | Bachelor of Arts in Computer Science | Master of Science in Computer Science | #75 (national) |
| University of South Carolina | Bachelor of Science in Computer Science | Master of Science in Computer Science | #117 (national) |
South Carolina Computer Science Schools Ranking Methodology: How We Ranked the Best Computer Science Schools in South Carolina
To rank the best computer science schools in South Carolina, we used US News & World Report’s breakdown of the best computer science programs as a guide. We also took into consideration the subject-specific rankings conducted by Times Higher Education, as well as factors such as graduation rate, acceptance rate, and affordability.
Best Computer Science Schools in South Carolina Explained
From the table above, there are public and private computer science schools. This next section will discuss each school individually and cover accreditation information, acceptance rates, graduation rates, and program information, all sourced from each school’s website.
Best Undergraduate Computer Science Schools in South Carolina
The best undergraduate computer science schools in South Carolina give students the skills they need to pursue an advanced degree or secure a career in tech. This section highlights the best undergraduate degree programs, starting with associate degrees.
Best Computer Science Associate Degree Schools in South Carolina
- Greenville Technical College | Associate in Applied Science in Computer Technology. Greenville Tech is one of the best schools for associate degrees in computer science. The program offers different areas of concentration for students to choose from, including cyber security, systems administration, and programming.
- Midlands Technical College | Associate in Computer Science. Midlands Tech’s computer science program is among the best in the state. The program prepares students for a bachelor’s degree and covers computer logic and electrical engineering circuits to give them a broader perspective.
- Spartanburg Community College | Associate in Science in Computer Science. Spartanburg has a solid computer science program. The computer science associate degree is a precursor to a bachelor’s degree in the same field. It is also hands-on, so students can learn what they need to secure a job in the field.
- York Technical College | Associate in Applied Science in Information Technology. York Tech also stands out despite having a small student population. Its computer science program offers programming language training in Java, C#, PHP, and Visual Basic. Students also learn to use operating systems and design database systems.
- Tri-County Technical College | Associate in Applied Science in Computer Technology. Tri-County offers excellent associate degree programs. Its computer science program requires 60 credits to complete. Students can transfer their credits toward a bachelor’s degree. The program stands out because the curriculum is properly structured and involves hands-on practice to help students gain experience.
Best Computer Science Bachelor’s Degree Programs in South Carolina
- Bob Jones University | Bachelor of Science in Computer Science. This university was founded in 1927 and is privately owned. Since it is a Christian school, it includes a Christian worldview in all its programs. The computer science program includes hands-on courses to prepare students for a career in the broad field.
- Charleston Southern University | Bachelor of Science in Computer Science. This university is a privately-owned institution. Its computer science department offers a Bachelor of Technology as well as a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science, so students have a choice of a liberal arts degree or a core computer science degree.
- The Citadel, Military College of South Carolina | Bachelor of Science in Computer Science. This school has a highly-ranked computer science bachelor’s degree offered by the department of cyber and computer science. Students benefit from the hands-on, ABET-accredited program. It also offers a combination of theoretical and experiential learning.
- Claflin University | Bachelor of Science in Computer Science. Claflin University has a solid computer science bachelor’s degree program. It offers students choices of tracks to customize their degrees, and it also includes hands-on practice through scientific research.
- Clemson University | Bachelor of Arts or Science in Computer Science. Clemson University stands out because it offers students a chance to choose between a Bachelor of Science and a Bachelor of Arts in Computer Science. The choice determines what kinds of courses a student enrolls in.
Best Online Associate Degrees
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Best Online Bachelor’s Degrees
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Best Graduate Schools for Computer Science in South Carolina
The best graduate schools for computer science in South Carolina include Clemson University, University of South Carolina, Charleston Southern University, the College of Charleston, and the Citadel, Military College of South Carolina.
Best Schools for Master’s in Computer Science in South Carolina
- Clemson University | Master of Science in Computer Science. Clemson University offers unique learning options. The Master of Science in Computer Science program is in both online and hybrid formats. This means that working professionals can attend with ease. The program prepares students for careers or doctoral programs.
- University of South Carolina | Master of Science in Computer Science. The University of South Carolina is a top graduate school in the state. The computer science graduate program involves research projects and initiatives. It also has an updated curriculum that ensures students master computer techniques and other core skills.
- Charleston Southern University | Master of Science in Computer Science. This university emphasizes practical-based learning. This is evident in the Master of Science in Computer Science program, where students take part in projects to build their experience before entering the workforce.
- College of Charleston | Master of Science in Computer and Information Sciences. The College of Charleston’s computer science graduate program stands out because of its broad curriculum. Students do not only focus on computer science fundamentals, but also cyber security, information systems management, and software development.
- The Citadel, Military College of South Carolina | Master of Science in Computer and Information Sciences. The Citadel’s graduate computer science program offers different concentrations for students to choose from. It also prepares them for a career in academia or research generally.
Best PhD in Computer Science Universities in South Carolina
- University of South Carolina | PhD in Computer Science. University of South Carolina is one of the few institutions in the state that offers a Doctoral Degree in Computer Science. Students take 13 hours of courses, work on electives, submit a dissertation and defense, and take other qualifying examinations during this program.
- Clemson University | PhD in Computer Science. This university’s doctoral degree program in computer science stands out because it is flexible. Students can get in with a bachelor’s degree or a master’s degree. The coursework requirements prepare graduates to work in academia or other research careers.
Best Online Master’s Degrees
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Best Online PhD Programs
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Admission Requirements for Computer Science Schools in South Carolina
The basic admission requirements for computer science schools in South Carolina include letters of recommendation, a statement of purpose, and transcripts from previous schools, depending on the program you are applying for. Some schools may have more flexible requirements to give more applicants a chance to enroll.
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Computer Science Schools in South Carolina: Undergraduate Admission Requirements
- Completed application with the fee paid
- Letters of recommendation from instructors at previous schools
- GED or high school diploma
- High school transcript
- Standardized test scores from the SAT or ACT
Computer Science Schools in South Carolina: Graduate Admission Requirements
- GRE or GMAT scores
- Resume/CV
- Transcripts from the last school
- Satisfactory undergraduate GPA
- Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science
- Statement of purpose
- Letters of recommendation
Is It Hard to Get Into a School for Computer Science in South Carolina?
It is not hard to get into a school for computer science in South Carolina because most schools have a relatively high acceptance rate. Many applicants get in as long as they meet all the requirements for admission. It also helps to have a good academic record, which will increase your chances of getting into a school for computer science in South Carolina.
Easiest Colleges to Get Into in South Carolina for Computer Science
- Bob Jones University | Acceptance Rate: 100%. Bob Jones University is the easiest college to get into in South Carolina because it has a 100% acceptance rate. This university also offers admission on a rolling basis. It has a small student population, so your chances of getting in are higher than for most schools.
- The Citadel, Military College of South Carolina | Acceptance Rate: 80%. The Citadel’s acceptance rate is quite high for a prestigious school of its nature. It is one of the few senior military colleges operating today. The college also has a rolling admission process to give more people a chance to enroll.
- College of Charleston | Acceptance Rate: 74%. Next on the list is the College of Charleston, which has an acceptance rate of 74%. It has a small student population and also accepts most of the students that apply to join each year. This school also considers applications on a rolling basis if there is space for the applicant.
- Benedict College | Acceptance Rate: 73%. Most of the applicants to the college get in as long as they meet all the admission requirements. Benedict College also uses a rolling admission system, meaning it accepts applications all year round.
- University of South Carolina | Acceptance Rate: 68%. The lowest on this list, University of South Carolina, is still above average at 68 percent. This means that most applicants get into the school. However, this university doesn’t offer rolling admissions for freshmen.
How to Get Into the Best Colleges and Universities
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Best Online Schools for Computer Science in South Carolina
The best online schools for computer science in South Carolina include Clemson University, University of South Carolina, Charleston Southern University, Trident Technical College, and Florence-Darlington Technical College.
| School | Graduation Rate | Top Online Computer Science Program |
|---|---|---|
| Clemson University | 82% | Master of Science in Computer Science |
| University of South Carolina-Columbia | 73% | Master of Science in Computer Science |
| Charleston Southern University | 40% | Master of Science in Computer Science |
| Trident Technical College | 22% | Associate in Applied Science in Computer Technology |
| Florence-Darlington Technical College | 17% | Associate in Applied Science in Computer Technology |
The Most Affordable Colleges for Computer Science in South Carolina
The most affordable colleges for computer science in South Carolina include University of South Carolina, Clemson University, College of Charleston, Coastal Carolina University, and Citadel Military College. The cost of attendance at these schools ranges from $14,000 to $21,000 per year.
How to Attend the Top Computer Science Schools in South Carolina With Financial Aid
To attend the top computer science schools in South Carolina with financial aid, you need to consider what each institution offers students. Some schools offer scholarships to eligible students, while the state also offers financial aid. Federal aid is available to all accredited schools, and all applicants of accredited schools are expected to fill out the FAFSA form.
Best Computer Science Scholarships for South Carolina Students
- Google Student Veterans of America Scholarship | Amount: $10,000. This scholarship is funded by Google. It is for veterans who were honorably discharged and can prove it. Applicants must be enrolled in computer science or computer engineering programs at accredited universities.
- Lockheed Martin STEM Scholarship | Amount: $10,000 (renewable for up to $40,000 total). This scholarship is available to US citizens or legal residents of the country who have financial needs. Students must be enrolled in a computer science program at an accredited school. Eligible candidates include first-year students, high school seniors, and college sophomores. A 2.5 GPA is also required for this scholarship.
- National Society of High School Scholars STEAM Scholarship | Amount: $1,000. This scholarship is a partial scholarship for qualified students in STEAM disciplines. It is available to high school students who submit an essay. Applicants should also submit letters of recommendation, an academic resume, and current high school transcripts.
- Palantir Future Scholarship | Amount: $7,000. This scholarship is for students who are members of an ethnic or racial minority. Each applicant needs to be enrolled in a bachelor’s degree program at an accredited university. They must also be studying computer science or related programs.
- Richard E. Merwin Student Scholarship | Amount: $1,000 and up. The Richard Merwin scholarship offers $1,000 or more to qualified students. You need to be a full-time student in computer science or any of the related fields. Both graduate and undergraduate students can apply. However, all applicants must have a minimum GPA of 2.5.
South Carolina Employment Outlook for Computer Science
The employment outlook for computer science graduates in South Carolina is positive. According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, South Carolina currently has one of the lowest unemployment rates in the last decade. The state has a lot of job opportunities for graduates. Some potential employers include universities offering research opportunities, or tech corporations like AT&T for both tech and non-tech roles.
Highest-Paying Computer Science Careers in South Carolina
| Computer Science Job | Computer Science Degree | Average Salary in South Carolina |
|---|---|---|
| Computer and Information Research Scientists | Master’s degree | $106,440 |
| Computer Network Architects | Bachelor’s degree | $105,470 |
| Computer Programmers | Bachelor’s degree | $92,390 |
| Computer Systems Analysts | Bachelor’s degree | $84,600 |
| Database Administrators | Bachelor’s degree | $83,180 |
Best Computer Science Jobs in South Carolina Explained
The best computer science jobs in South Carolina include computer and information research scientists, computer network architects, computer systems analysts, computer programmers, and database administrators. Below are the employment statistics for each job.
Does It Matter What Computer Science School in South Carolina I Go To?
Yes, it matters which computer science school in South Carolina you go to. It is essential to choose an accredited university, but accreditation is not the only thing to consider. You also need to choose a school with a highly-ranked computer science program. It will not only increase your chances of securing a job but will also expand your knowledge base and skill set.
Also, you need to attend a good computer science school in South Carolina to be able to meet your career and academic goals. Whether you want to become a software developer or a computer systems analyst, a good school will help you to achieve your goals.
Additional Reading About Computer Science
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Best Computer Science Schools in South Carolina FAQ
Yes, South Carolina has lots of good schools, and many of them rank highly when it comes to quality of teaching and overall course content.
Yes, college is affordable in South Carolina, especially at public universities. Students can pay as little as $5,000 for tuition at some schools and also benefit from state and federal funding to reduce this cost to the bare minimum.
The best computer science schools in South Carolina include The Citadel, Clemson University, University of South Carolina-Columbia, Bob Jones University, Benedict College, College of Charleston, Winthrop University, and Wofford College.
The most affordable computer science school in South Carolina is Coastal Carolina University, which only costs $5,000 for in-state tuition. Students spend around $14,129 per year for all their living expenses, tuition, and miscellaneous costs.
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