In 2025, the average tuition and fees at 9 four-year public South Carolina colleges 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.
Clemson University ranks as the most expensive public South Carolina colleges, with tuition and fees reaching $40,866. Known for its prestigious academic programs and strong reputation, Clemson University remains a top choice for students seeking a premium education experience.
Close behind are Citadel Military College of South Carolina at$38,508 and College of Charleston at$38,296 both consistently recognized among the South Carolina Public Colleges with the Highest Tuition & Fees, offering high-quality academic programs and resources.
At these High-Cost 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 - | 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 |
| 2 - | 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 |
| 3 - | 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 |
| 4 - | 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 |
| 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 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 |
| 7 - | 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 |
| 8 - | 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 |
| 9 - | 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 |
| Average | $30,754 ($12,566) | $24,646 ($13,319) | 64.81% | 12,327 | 1,171 | 59.11% | 16 to 1 |