For the academic year 2023-2024, the average tuition of public colleges in South Carolina is $13,510 for South Carolina residents and $28,378 for out-of-state students. For private colleges in South Carolina, the average tuition & fees are $24,630 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 $30,584 for residents and $45,453 for out-of-state students. At private four-year schools, average COA is $40,532. At community colleges (2-4 year school), the average COA is $24,398 for South Carolina residents and $29,392 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 Years Colleges | $30,584 | $45,453 |
| Public 2 Years Colleges (Community Colleges) | $24,398 | $29,392 |
| Private 4 Years Colleges | $40,532 | |
Undergraduate Tuition & Fees
In South Carolina, 94 out of 96 colleges are offering undergraduate programs. By schools type, there are 34 public and 50 private colleges in South Carolina. The average undergraduate tuition & fees of colleges in South Carolina is $12,160 for South Carolina residents and $27,028 for out-of-state students. At private schools, the undergraduate tuition & fees is $24,630
At community colleges (2-4 years schools), the average tuition & fees is $6,133 for residents and $11,127 for out-of-state students.
| South Carolina Residents | Out-of-State | |
|---|---|---|
| Public 4 Years Colleges | $12,160 | $27,028 |
| Private 4 Years Colleges | $24,630 | |
| Public 2 Years Colleges (Community Colleges) | $6,133 | $11,127 |
| Less than 2 Years Schools (Trade/Technical Colleges) | $14,568 | |
Graduate Programs Tuition & Fees
In South Carolina, 37 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 $500 for South Carolina residents and $1,102 for out-of-state students. At private schools, the average cost is $903
For graduate programs, the average tuition per credit hour is $619 for South Carolina residents and $1,218 for out-of-state students. At private graduate schools, the average cost per credit hour is $648
| South Carolina Residents | Out-of-State | |
|---|---|---|
| Undergraduate | ||
| Public 4 Years Colleges | $500 | $1,102 |
| Private 4 Years Colleges | $903 | |
| Public 2 Years Colleges (Community Colleges) | $236 | $442 |
| Graduate | ||
| Public Schools | $619 | $1,218 |
| Private Schools | $648 | |
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 |
