For the academic year 2024-2025, the average tuition of public colleges in South Carolina is $12,159 for South Carolina residents and $27,436 for out-of-state students. For private colleges in South Carolina, the average tuition & fees are $25,419 regardless of residency.
For graduate schools, the average tuition of public colleges in South Carolina is $13,551 for South Carolina residents and $24,481 for out-of-state students. For private schools in South Carolina, the average graduate tuition is $17,229.
The average living expenses other than tuition & fees are $15,599 when a student lives on-campus facilities such as dormitory and college-operated/owned apartment. The average off-campus living cost is $16,707. 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.
You can compare all South Carolina colleges in various ways:
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 2025 average COA of the four-year colleges in South Carolina is $30,348 for residents and $45,625 for out-of-state students. At private four-year schools, average COA is $41,900. At community colleges (2-4 year school), the average COA is $24,960 for South Carolina residents and $30,093 for out-of-state students.
The following table summarizes the 2025 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 | $30,348 | $45,625 |
| Private 4-Year Colleges | $41,900 | |
| Community Colleges | $24,960 | $30,093 |
Undergraduate Tuition & Fees
In South Carolina, 93 out of 94 colleges are offering undergraduate programs. By schools type, there are 34 public and 49 private colleges in South Carolina. The average undergraduate tuition & fees of colleges in South Carolina is $11,182 for South Carolina residents and $26,405 for out-of-state students. At private schools, the undergraduate tuition & fees is $24,040
At community colleges (2-4 years schools), the average tuition & fees is $5,920 for residents and $11,053 for out-of-state students.
| South Carolina Residents | Out-of-State | |
|---|---|---|
| Public 4-Year Colleges | $11,182 | $26,405 |
| Private 4-Year Colleges | $24,040 | |
| Community Colleges (2-Year Colleges) | $5,920 | $11,053 |
| Trade Schools (Less than 2-Year Schools) | $14,889 | |
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 $12,876 for South Carolina residents and $23,806 for out-of-state students. At private schools, the graduate program tuition & fees is $16,521
| South Carolina Residents | Out-of-State | |
|---|---|---|
| Public Schools | $12,876 | $23,806 |
| Private Schools | $16,521 | |
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 $490 for South Carolina residents and $1,103 for out-of-state students. At private schools, the average cost is $924
For graduate programs, the average tuition per credit hour is $613 for South Carolina residents and $1,136 for out-of-state students. At private graduate schools, the average cost per credit hour is $601
| South Carolina Residents | Out-of-State | |
|---|---|---|
| Undergraduate | ||
| Public 4-Year Colleges | $490 | $1,103 |
| Private 4-Year Colleges | $924 | |
| Community Colleges (2-Year Colleges) | $239 | $449 |
| Graduate | ||
| Public Schools | $613 | $1,136 |
| Private Schools | $601 | |
Average Living Costs at colleges in South Carolina
At colleges in South Carolina, the average living cost is $15,599 when a student lives on campus facility and $16,707 when living off campus. It includes the cost for room & board, and other living expenses.
| On-Campus | Off-Campus | |
|---|---|---|
| Public Schools | $16,207 | $17,824 |
| Private Schools | $15,240 | $15,656 |
