Choosing a college in South Carolina doesn't have to mean breaking the bank. While many colleges in South Carolina are known for their high tuition costs, there are also plenty of affordable options available. This guide highlights the most budget-friendly colleges in South Carolina , focusing on tuition and fees for the 2024-2025 academic year, so you can plan for the upcoming 2025-2026 school year with confidence.
In 2025, the average tuition and fees at 9 four-year South Carolina Public Colleges with the Lowest Tuition & Fees is $30,754, reflecting a 1.35% increase compared to the previous year.Among the 9 institutions analyzed, tuition rose at 4 colleges, while tuition decreased at 1 colleges.
University of South Carolina Aiken ranks as the least expensive public South Carolina colleges. With tuition and fees at just $21,218, University of South Carolina Aiken offers an affordable education without compromising on quality. It is an excellent choice for students seeking value in their college experience.
Close behind are Francis Marion University at$21,544 and South Carolina State University at$21,750 both consistently recognized among the South Carolina Public Colleges with the Lowest Tuition & Fees, providing quality education at a fraction of the cost of many other colleges.
At these Affordable South Carolina Public Colleges, the average acceptance rate is 64.81%, and the average SAT score is 1,171, making them not only cost-effective but also accessible options for a wide range of students.
| School Name | Undergraduate Tuition & Fees | Graduate Tuition & Fees | Acceptance Rate | Total Population | SAT Score | Graduation Rate | Students to Faculty Ratio | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 - | University of South Carolina Aiken Aiken, SCPublic, 4-year | $21,218 ($10,760) - | $30,122 ($14,096) - | 78.54% | 4,022 | 1,120 | 40.00% | 16 to 1 |
| 2 - | Francis Marion University Florence, SCPublic, 4-year | $21,544 ($11,170) - | $21,997 ($11,388) $3 | 86.39% | 4,112 | 990 | 43.00% | 13 to 1 |
| 3 - | South Carolina State University Orangeburg, SCPublic, 4-year | $21,750 ($11,060) - | $22,570 ($11,460) - | 82.62% | 3,242 | - | 37.00% | 19 to 1 |
| 4 1 | Winthrop University Rock Hill, SCPublic, 4-year | $28,676 ($14,678) $1,610 | $30,780 ($16,306) $30 | 79.25% | 4,894 | 1,115 | 57.00% | 13 to 1 |
| 5 1 | Coastal Carolina University Conway, SCPublic, 4-year | $29,628 ($11,640) - | $21,438 ($10,764) - | 75.27% | 11,348 | 1,140 | 48.00% | 17 to 1 |
| 6 - | University of South Carolina-Columbia Columbia, SCPublic, 4-year | $36,298 ($12,688) $1,355 | $30,160 ($14,134) - | 60.15% | 38,532 | 1,270 | 79.00% | 19 to 1 |
| 7 - | College of Charleston Charleston, SCPublic, 4-year | $38,296 ($12,978) $1,438 | $21,412 ($16,300) $19,086 | 60.03% | 11,926 | 1,220 | 66.00% | 16 to 1 |
| 8 - | Citadel Military College of South Carolina Charleston, SCPublic, 4-year | $38,508 ($12,570) $1,138 | $18,540 ($12,780) - | 22.72% | 3,793 | 1,190 | 75.00% | 11 to 1 |
| 9 - | Clemson University Clemson, SCPublic, 4-year | $40,866 ($15,554) $1,368 | $24,798 ($12,646) - | 38.34% | 29,077 | 1,320 | 87.00% | 16 to 1 |
| Average | $30,754 ($12,566) | $24,646 ($13,319) | 64.81% | 12,327 | 1,171 | 59.11% | 16 to 1 |