Online Schools and Colleges in South Carolina

Online education serves as a great equalizer. Online colleges put a degree within reach of more students who may otherwise find it difficult to earn one. Schools do not make any distinctions between their online and on-campus programs. The delivery mode varies, but the quality, admission criteria, and graduation requirements remain the same. Graduates of accredited online colleges in South Carolina reap the same professional benefits as their on-campus counterparts.

Data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) shows that bachelor’s degree-holders earn more than workers without a four-year degree. Bachelor’s graduates earn a median weekly salary of $1,432, associate-trained workers earn $1,005, and employees with some college but no degree earn $935. A bachelor’s degree, whether earned at a South Carolina online college or onsite, grants holders improved earning capacity.

This guide describes other benefits of earning a bachelor’s degree at South Carolina online colleges. We include information on scholarships and a list of some of the best online colleges in South Carolina.

Explore programs of your interests with the high-quality standards and flexibility you need to take your career to the next level.

Many schools charge online enrollees lower tuition. However, even if online students pay the same tuition as on-campus learners, they save on room, board, and transportation.

Online college costs vary greatly based on location, major, and other factors. By way of illustration, one online college in Florida charges $21,100, while onsite costs come to $42,768.

Currently, South Carolina does not offer free college for its residents. However, the state maintains several financial aid programs to help students pay for a college education.

South Carolina supports 33 public colleges and universities. Another 28 independent educational institutions offer additional academic options.

Several U.S. institutions offer programs online without sacrificing the quality and rigor of their academic offerings. Online students graduate with the same skills and breadth of knowledge as their on-campus peers.

Students can earn a bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral degree in areas including nursing and education. Online colleges prepare students to meet workforce demands in challenging STEM fields as well. Online education makes a college degree attainable for students facing various financial and time constraints.

South Carolina online colleges offer flexibility and convenience with features such as rolling admission policies and multiple start dates. Below, we describe the benefits of pursuing an education at online colleges in South Carolina.

Traditional students applying to online programs typically submit the same requirements as applicants for onsite programs. These include SAT or ACT scores, transcripts, and recommendation letters. Some programs require minimum GPA levels, which online applicants must also meet. Nontraditional applicants often need to complete required coursework and have a relevant work history.

Graduation requirements differ among majors, but remain the same for online and on-campus candidates. Programs with an internship or practicum component often permit online students to fulfill the requirement locally.

Online students can often apply to many of the scholarship programs that colleges offer to on-campus enrollees. They can also explore other financial assistance programs. Professional associations, state and federal government agencies, and private nonprofit organizations affiliated with their study area may administer them.

Who Can Apply: South Carolina high school graduates pursuing an eligible program at an accredited two- or four-year in-state institution qualify for the LIFE program. Recipients must maintain full-time status throughout the scholarship program while enrolled in their initial associate, bachelor’s, or professional degree.

Amount: Up to $4,700

Who Can Apply: Members of the South Carolina Army and Air National Guard can apply. The program welcomes applications from full-time or part-time students pursuing a two- or four-year program at an eligible South Carolina institution. Recipients must demonstrate financial need and meet their school’s standards of satisfactory academic progress to maintain eligibility.

Amount: $4,500 per year for the Army National Guard; $9,000 per year for the Air National Guard

Who Can Apply: The program targets South Carolina high school graduates with excellent academic standing planning to attend an in-state institution. Although primarily merit-based, the program considers an applicant’s financial need in the final determination. Recipients must continue to meet scholarship requirements to qualify for continued funding for up to eight consecutive semesters.

Amount: Up to $6,700 for freshman year and up to $7,600 for sophomore, junior, and senior years

Who Can Apply: The South Carolina Commission on Higher Education administers this scholarship program for Palmetto Fellows majoring in an approved math or science field. Candidates must show satisfactory completion of 14 math and science credits by the end of their freshman year before applying.

Amount: Up to $10,000 (beginning sophomore year)

Who Can Apply: The South Carolina Higher Education Tuition Grants Commission administers this program through the financial aid office of participating public institutions. Schools determine eligibility and applicable amounts from applicants’ FAFSA information. Students planning to attend an independent South Carolina institution can apply directly to the commission.

Amount: $2,500 for full-time students; $1,250 for part-time enrollees