2025 Cheapest South Carolina Colleges

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 28 four-year South Carolina Colleges with the Lowest Tuition & Fees is $29,695, reflecting a -1.27% increase compared to the previous year.Among the 28 institutions analyzed, tuition rose at 16 colleges, while tuition decreased at only 1 colleges.

Allen University ranks as the least expensive South Carolina colleges. With tuition and fees at just $14,304, Allen University offers an affordable education without compromising on quality. It is an excellent choice for students seeking value in their college experience.

Close behind are Claflin University at$17,046 and South University-Columbia at$17,895 both consistently recognized among the South Carolina Colleges with the Lowest Tuition & Fees, providing quality education at a fraction of the cost of many other colleges.

At these Affordable South Carolina Colleges, the average acceptance rate is 79.83%, and the average SAT score is 1,055, making them not only cost-effective but also accessible options for a wide range of students.

Comparison between South Carolina Colleges With The Lowest Tuition & Fees

Table. South Carolina Colleges With The Lowest Tuition & Fees Comparison
School NameUndergraduate Tuition & FeesGraduate Tuition & FeesAcceptance RateTotal PopulationSAT ScoreGraduation RateStudents to Faculty Ratio
1
-
Allen University Columbia, SCPrivate, 4-year $14,304
-
$9,800
-
72.54%610-13.00%12 to 1
2
2
Claflin University Orangeburg, SCPrivate, 4-year $17,046
-
$10,912
-
64.93%1,852-52.00%13 to 1
3
1
South University-Columbia Columbia, SCPrivate, 4-year $17,895
$1,443
$16,611
$75
-504-23.00%21 to 1
4ECPI University-Greenville Greenville, SCPrivate, 4-year $18,484------
4ECPI University-Charleston North Charleston, SCPrivate, 4-year $18,484------
4ECPI University-Columbia Columbia, SCPrivate, 4-year $18,484------
7
4
Columbia College Columbia, SCPrivate, 4-year $20,054
$3,309
$15,630
$414
93.93%1,725-37.00%12 to 1
8
3
University of South Carolina Aiken Aiken, SCPublic, 4-year $21,218
($10,760)
-
$30,122
($14,096)
-
78.54%4,0221,12040.00%16 to 1
9
3
Francis Marion University Florence, SCPublic, 4-year $21,544
($11,170)
-
$21,997
($11,388)
$3
86.39%4,11299043.00%13 to 1
10
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
Average$18,926
($10,997)
$18,235
($12,315)
79.83%2,2951,05535.00%15 to 1