For the academic year 2023-2024, the average tuition of public colleges in South Carolina is $12,257 for South Carolina residents and $27,164 for out-of-state students. For private colleges in South Carolina, the average tuition & fees are $24,363 regardless of residency. For graduate schools, the average tuition of public colleges in South Carolina is $13,354 for South Carolina residents and $25,947 for out-of-state students. For private schools in South Carolina, the average graduate tuition is $16,799.
The average living expenses other than tuition & fees are $14,818 when a student lives on-campus facilities such as dormitory and college-operated/owned apartment. The average off-campus living cost is $15,336. It includes costs for room & board, books & supplies, and other living expenses.
The average amounts are based on the cost of 4-years college which offer BS degree (or higher). You can check the average cost of 2-years college (community college) and less than 2 years colleges (trade schools / technical colleges). In addition, you can check the average cost of college by school type, level, and offered degree below.
Average Cost of Attendance (COA)
In addition to the tuition & fees, the cost of college includes cost for room & board, books & supplies, and other living expenses. This total costs of attendance (COA) is important when preparing for the college admission and checking student loans.
The 2024 average COA of the four-year colleges in South Carolina is $29,331 for residents and $44,238 for out-of-state students. At private four-year schools, average COA is $40,266. At community colleges (2-4 year school), the average COA is $24,398 for South Carolina residents and $29,394 for out-of-state students.
The following table summarizes the 2024 average COA by school types and levels. In addition, you can check the changes of COA by comparing to last year.
| South Carolina Residents | Out-of-State | |
|---|---|---|
| Public 4-Year Colleges | $29,331 | $44,238 |
| Private 4-Year Colleges | $40,266 | |
| Community Colleges | $24,398 | $29,394 |
Undergraduate Tuition & Fees
In South Carolina, 92 out of 93 colleges are offering undergraduate programs. By schools type, there are 34 public and 48 private colleges in South Carolina. The average undergraduate tuition & fees of colleges in South Carolina is $11,287 for South Carolina residents and $26,140 for out-of-state students. At private schools, the undergraduate tuition & fees is $23,139
At community colleges (2-4 years schools), the average tuition & fees is $5,756 for residents and $10,751 for out-of-state students.
| South Carolina Residents | Out-of-State | |
|---|---|---|
| Public 4-Year Colleges | $11,287 | $26,140 |
| Private 4-Year Colleges | $23,139 | |
| Community Colleges (2-Year Colleges) | $5,756 | $10,751 |
| Trade Schools (Less than 2-Year Schools) | $14,568 | |
Graduate Programs Tuition & Fees
In South Carolina, 36 colleges and universities offer graduate programs. The average graduate school tuition & fees of colleges in South Carolina is $12,684 for South Carolina residents and $25,277 for out-of-state students. At private schools, the graduate program tuition & fees is $16,076
| South Carolina Residents | Out-of-State | |
|---|---|---|
| Public Schools | $12,684 | $25,277 |
| Private Schools | $16,076 | |
Tuition per Credit Hour
The tuition per credit hour is used and charged to part-time students and/or full-time students who takes extra courses (credits). The average cost per credit hour of colleges in South Carolina is $499 for South Carolina residents and $1,099 for out-of-state students. At private schools, the average cost is $886
For graduate programs, the average tuition per credit hour is $619 for South Carolina residents and $1,223 for out-of-state students. At private graduate schools, the average cost per credit hour is $577
| South Carolina Residents | Out-of-State | |
|---|---|---|
| Undergraduate | ||
| Public 4-Year Colleges | $499 | $1,099 |
| Private 4-Year Colleges | $886 | |
| Community Colleges (2-Year Colleges) | $235 | $441 |
| Graduate | ||
| Public Schools | $619 | $1,223 |
| Private Schools | $577 | |
Average Living Costs at colleges in South Carolina
At colleges in South Carolina, the average living cost is $14,818 when a student lives on campus facility and $15,336 when living off campus. It includes the cost for room & board, and other living expenses.
| On-Campus | Off-Campus | |
|---|---|---|
| Public Schools | $15,208 | $16,425 |
| Private Schools | $14,588 | $14,311 |
