2024 Best Bachelor's Degree Schools in South Carolina
With all of the options you have for higher education today, it can be tough to choose which direction to take when you want to pursue a college degree. One of our goals at College Factual is to give you as much information as we can - such as our Top South Carolina Colleges for a Bachelor's ranking - to help you make that decision.
Jump to Any of the Following Sections: * Our Methodology
Finding Your Best School Match
We analyzed 28 colleges and universities across South Carolina to determine which ones have the best bachelor's degree programs. Instead of depending on subjective information to rank the best schools, we focus on objective factors in our analysis. More specifically, the following explains what we consider and why.
Average Earnings
One measure we use to determine the quality of a school is to look at the average salary of bachelor's graduates during the early years of their career. After all, your degree won't mean much if it doesn't help you find a job that will help you earn a living.
Taking Out Student Loans
Another factor that we look at to determine a school's ranking is the average debt load that students take on while they are working on their bachelor's degree.
When attending a school in South Carolina, bachelor's degree students accumulate an average of $28,603 in student debt before graduation.
We consider this number in conjunction with average post-graduation earnings to gauge the difficulty bachelor's recipients will have paying back their loans.
More Ranking Factors That Are Important
We also analyze a number of other factors in addition to average post-graduation earnings and average student debt when coming up with our yearly Best Bachelor's Degree Schools ranking.
On a broad level, other factors that go into our rankings include such things as the demand of the school, the student body caliber, if the school has online options, and the educational resources provided by the school.
To learn more, visit our best colleges ranking methodology page.
More Rankings to View
You may also want to
narrow this list by location to find the best bachelor's degree schools nearest you. In addition, we've put together a number of other
college rankings that may help you in your search.
Top Bachelor's Degree Schools in South Carolina
Learn more about these excellent schools below:
5,155
Bachelor's Degrees Awarded
$43,611
Average Early-Career Earnings
$24,072
Average Student Debt
Our 2024 rankings named Clemson University the best school in South Carolina in terms of overall quality for students working on their bachelor’s degree. Clemson is located in Clemson, South Carolina and has a large student population. In 2020-2021, this school awarded 5,155 bachelor’s degrees to qualified graduate students.
Those who receive a bachelor’s degree from Clemson go into careers with an average salary of $43,611 during the early years of their career. Bachelor’s students carry an average student debt load of about $24,072 after getting their degree. If the student is repaying the loan over 10 years, the average monthly payment is $375.
Learn More About Clemson University
7,272
Bachelor's Degrees Awarded
$39,031
Average Early-Career Earnings
$25,262
Average Student Debt
You’ll be in good company if you decide to attend University of South Carolina - Columbia. It ranked #2 on our 2024 Best Bachelor’s Degree Schools in South Carolina list. Located in Columbia, South Carolina, the large public school awarded 7,272 diplomas to qualifed bachelor’s degree students in 2020-2021.
During the early years of their career, bachelor’s degree graduates from UofSC make an average of $39,031 a year. The average amount of student debt accumulated by bachelor’s students is $25,262. Average monthly loan payments are around $403 for a 10-year repayment plan.
Read full report on University of South Carolina - Columbia
493
Bachelor's Degrees Awarded
$33,602
Average Early-Career Earnings
$25,717
Average Student Debt
The excellent bachelor’s degree programs at Wofford College helped the school earn the #3 place on this year’s ranking of the best schools in South Carolina. Located in Spartanburg, South Carolina, the small private not-for-profit school awarded 493 diplomas to qualifed bachelor’s degree students in 2020-2021.
During the early years of their career, bachelor’s degree graduates from Wofford make an average of $33,602 a year. The average amount of student debt accumulated by bachelor’s students is $25,717.
Read full report on Wofford College
780
Bachelor's Degrees Awarded
$30,450
Average Early-Career Earnings
$24,320
Average Student Debt
Out of the 28 bachelor’s degree schools in South Carolina that were part of this year’s ranking, Furman University landed the #4 spot on the list. Furman is a private not-for-profit institution located in Greenville, South Carolina. The school has a small population, and it awarded 780 bachelor’s degrees in 2020-2021.
The average salary of a graduate with a bachelor’s degree from Furman is $30,450 during the early years of their career. Bachelor’s students carry an average student debt load of about $24,320 after getting their degree.
Read full report on Furman University
716
Bachelor's Degrees Awarded
$45,592
Average Early-Career Earnings
$24,583
Average Student Debt
The excellent bachelor’s degree programs at Citadel Military College of South Carolina helped the school earn the #5 place on this year’s ranking of the best schools in South Carolina. The Citadel is located in Charleston, South Carolina and has a small student population. In 2020-2021, this school awarded 716 bachelor’s degrees to qualified graduate students.
Graduates with a bachelor’s degree from The Citadel make an average of $45,592 per year during the early years of their career. Bachelor’s students carry an average student debt load of about $24,583 after getting their degree. Average monthly loan payments are around $501 for a 10-year repayment plan.
Full Citadel Military College of South Carolina Report
2,134
Bachelor's Degrees Awarded
$32,167
Average Early-Career Earnings
$24,334
Average Student Debt
College of Charleston came in at #6 in this year’s edition of the Best Bachelor’s Degree Schools in South Carolina ranking. This fairly large public school is located in Charleston, South Carolina, and it awarded 2,134 bachelor’s degrees in 2020-2021.
Upon graduation, bachelor’s degree recipients go on to jobs making an average salary of $32,167 during the early years of their career. The average amount of student debt accumulated by bachelor’s students is $24,334. Average monthly loan payments are around $409 for a 10-year repayment plan.
Read full report on College of Charleston
699
Bachelor's Degrees Awarded
$37,337
Average Early-Career Earnings
$28,721
Average Student Debt
Anderson University South Carolina did quite well in the 2024 Best Bachelor’s Degree Schools in South Carolina ranking, coming in at #7. Located in Anderson, South Carolina, the small private not-for-profit school awarded 699 diplomas to qualifed bachelor’s degree students in 2020-2021.
During the early years of their career, bachelor’s degree graduates from Anderson University South Carolina make an average of $37,337 a year. The average amount of student debt accumulated by bachelor’s students is $28,721. If the student is repaying the loan over 10 years, the average monthly payment is $343.
Learn More About Anderson University South Carolina
278
Bachelor's Degrees Awarded
$35,602
Average Early-Career Earnings
$27,689
Average Student Debt
Columbia College landed the #8 spot on the 2024 Best Bachelor’s Degree Schools in South Carolina ranking. Columbia College South Carolina is a private not-for-profit institution located in Columbia, South Carolina. The school has a small population, and it awarded 278 bachelor’s degrees in 2020-2021.
Upon graduation, bachelor’s degree recipients go on to jobs making an average salary of $35,602 during the early years of their career. Bachelor’s students carry an average student debt load of about $27,689 after getting their degree.
Learn More About Columbia College
497
Bachelor's Degrees Awarded
$38,548
Average Early-Career Earnings
$19,613
Average Student Debt
Bob Jones University ranked #9 on this year’s Best Bachelor’s Degree Schools in South Carolina list. Bob Jones University is located in Greenville, South Carolina and has a small student population. In 2020-2021, this school awarded 497 bachelor’s degrees to qualified graduate students.
Graduates with a bachelor’s degree from Bob Jones University make an average of $38,548 per year during the early years of their career. Bachelor’s students carry an average student debt load of about $19,613 after getting their degree.
Learn More About Bob Jones University
259
Bachelor's Degrees Awarded
$31,780
Average Early-Career Earnings
$36,778
Average Student Debt
Southern Wesleyan University landed the #10 spot on the 2024 Best Bachelor’s Degree Schools in South Carolina ranking. SWU is located in Central, South Carolina and has a small student population. In 2020-2021, this school awarded 259 bachelor’s degrees to qualified graduate students.
Graduates with a bachelor’s degree from SWU make an average of $31,780 per year during the early years of their career. Bachelor’s students carry an average student debt load of about $36,778 after getting their degree.
Read full report on Southern Wesleyan University
175
Bachelor's Degrees Awarded
$28,378
Average Early-Career Earnings
$25,307
Average Student Debt
With a ranking of #11, Presbyterian College did quite well on the 2024 Best Bachelor’s Degree Schools in South Carolina list. Presbyterian College is a small private not-for-profit school located in Clinton, South Carolina that handed out 175 bachelor’s degrees in 2020-2021.
Graduates with a bachelor’s degree from PC make an average of $28,378 per year during the early years of their career. Bachelor’s students carry an average student debt load of about $25,307 after getting their degree.
Read full report on Presbyterian College
404
Bachelor's Degrees Awarded
$31,148
Average Early-Career Earnings
$22,286
Average Student Debt
With a ranking of #12, North Greenville University did quite well on the 2024 Best Bachelor’s Degree Schools in South Carolina list. North Greenville University is a small private not-for-profit school located in Tigerville, South Carolina that handed out 404 bachelor’s degrees in 2020-2021.
The average salary of a graduate with a bachelor’s degree from North Greenville is $31,148 during the early years of their career. Bachelor’s students leave the school with an average of $22,286 in student loans. This translates to an average monthly payment of $258 if the graduate is repaying the loan over a 10-year period.
Learn More About North Greenville University
1,001
Bachelor's Degrees Awarded
$27,484
Average Early-Career Earnings
$27,809
Average Student Debt
Winthrop University came in at #13 in this year’s edition of the Best Bachelor’s Degree Schools in South Carolina ranking. Winthrop is located in Rock Hill, South Carolina and has a small student population. In 2020-2021, this school awarded 1,001 bachelor’s degrees to qualified graduate students.
Graduates with a bachelor’s degree from Winthrop make an average of $27,484 per year during the early years of their career. Bachelor’s students leave the school with an average of $27,809 in student loans. This translates to an average monthly payment of $267 if the graduate is repaying the loan over a 10-year period.
Read full report on Winthrop University
1,941
Bachelor's Degrees Awarded
$30,911
Average Early-Career Earnings
$27,179
Average Student Debt
Coastal Carolina University ranked #14 on this year’s Best Bachelor’s Degree Schools in South Carolina list. Located in Conway, South Carolina, the fairly large public school awarded 1,941 diplomas to qualifed bachelor’s degree students in 2020-2021.
The average salary of a graduate with a bachelor’s degree from Coastal Carolina University is $30,911 during the early years of their career. Bachelor’s students carry an average student debt load of about $27,179 after getting their degree. This translates to an average monthly payment of $395 if the graduate is repaying the loan over a 10-year period.
Full Coastal Carolina University Report
237
Bachelor's Degrees Awarded
$19,323
Average Early-Career Earnings
$26,970
Average Student Debt
Converse College landed the #15 spot on the 2024 Best Bachelor’s Degree Schools in South Carolina ranking. Converse is a small private not-for-profit school situated in Spartanburg, South Carolina. It awarded 237 bachelor’s degrees in 2020-2021.
The average salary of a graduate with a bachelor’s degree from Converse is $19,323 during the early years of their career. Bachelor’s students leave the school with an average of $26,970 in student loans.
Learn More About Converse College
408
Bachelor's Degrees Awarded
$36,451
Average Early-Career Earnings
$35,212
Average Student Debt
Limestone College landed the #16 spot on the 2024 Best Bachelor’s Degree Schools in South Carolina ranking. Limestone College is a small private not-for-profit school situated in Gaffney, South Carolina. It awarded 408 bachelor’s degrees in 2020-2021.
Those who receive a bachelor’s degree from Limestone College go into careers with an average salary of $36,451 during the early years of their career. Bachelor’s students carry an average student debt load of about $35,212 after getting their degree.
Full Limestone College Report
1,139
Bachelor's Degrees Awarded
$35,146
Average Early-Career Earnings
$28,579
Average Student Debt
University of South Carolina - Upstate did quite well in the 2024 Best Bachelor’s Degree Schools in South Carolina ranking, coming in at #17. This small public school is located in Spartanburg, South Carolina, and it awarded 1,139 bachelor’s degrees in 2020-2021.
Graduates with a bachelor’s degree from USC Upstate make an average of $35,146 per year during the early years of their career. The average amount of student debt accumulated by bachelor’s students is $28,579. If the student is repaying the loan over 10 years, the average monthly payment is $139.
Read full report on University of South Carolina - Upstate
541
Bachelor's Degrees Awarded
$32,458
Average Early-Career Earnings
$27,261
Average Student Debt
Charleston Southern University came in at #18 in this year’s edition of the Best Bachelor’s Degree Schools in South Carolina ranking. CSU is a private not-for-profit institution located in Charleston, South Carolina. The school has a small population, and it awarded 541 bachelor’s degrees in 2020-2021.
Upon graduation, bachelor’s degree recipients go on to jobs making an average salary of $32,458 during the early years of their career. Bachelor’s students leave the school with an average of $27,261 in student loans. If the student is repaying the loan over 10 years, the average monthly payment is $160.
Learn More About Charleston Southern University
278
Bachelor's Degrees Awarded
$33,587
Average Early-Career Earnings
$27,474
Average Student Debt
Newberry College came in at #19 in this year’s edition of the Best Bachelor’s Degree Schools in South Carolina ranking. Newberry College is a small private not-for-profit school situated in Newberry, South Carolina. It awarded 278 bachelor’s degrees in 2020-2021.
The average salary of a graduate with a bachelor’s degree from Newberry College is $33,587 during the early years of their career. The average amount of student debt accumulated by bachelor’s students is $27,474. This translates to an average monthly payment of $236 if the graduate is repaying the loan over a 10-year period.
Learn More About Newberry College
536
Bachelor's Degrees Awarded
$31,950
Average Early-Career Earnings
$27,032
Average Student Debt
Lander University landed the #20 spot on the 2024 Best Bachelor’s Degree Schools in South Carolina ranking. This small public school is located in Greenwood, South Carolina, and it awarded 536 bachelor’s degrees in 2020-2021.
Upon graduation, bachelor’s degree recipients go on to jobs making an average salary of $31,950 during the early years of their career. The average amount of student debt accumulated by bachelor’s students is $27,032. Average monthly loan payments are around $199 for a 10-year repayment plan.
Read full report on Lander University
180
Bachelor's Degrees Awarded
$29,341
Average Early-Career Earnings
$29,662
Average Student Debt
With a ranking of #21, Coker University did quite well on the 2024 Best Bachelor’s Degree Schools in South Carolina list. Located in Hartsville, South Carolina, the small private not-for-profit school handed out 180 bachelor’s degrees in 2020-2021.
Graduates with a bachelor’s degree from Coker make an average of $29,341 per year during the early years of their career. The average amount of student debt accumulated by bachelor’s students is $29,662.
Full Coker University Report
602
Bachelor's Degrees Awarded
$30,542
Average Early-Career Earnings
$27,677
Average Student Debt
With a ranking of #22, University of South Carolina - Aiken did quite well on the 2024 Best Bachelor’s Degree Schools in South Carolina list. This small public school is located in Aiken, South Carolina, and it awarded 602 bachelor’s degrees in 2020-2021.
Those who receive a bachelor’s degree from UofSC Aiken go into careers with an average salary of $30,542 during the early years of their career. Bachelor’s students leave the school with an average of $27,677 in student loans. If the student is repaying the loan over 10 years, the average monthly payment is $208.
Read full report on University of South Carolina - Aiken
600
Bachelor's Degrees Awarded
$28,718
Average Early-Career Earnings
$30,635
Average Student Debt
With a ranking of #23, Francis Marion University did quite well on the 2024 Best Bachelor’s Degree Schools in South Carolina list. Located in Florence, South Carolina, the small public school awarded 600 diplomas to qualifed bachelor’s degree students in 2020-2021.
Upon graduation, bachelor’s degree recipients go on to jobs making an average salary of $28,718 during the early years of their career. Bachelor’s students leave the school with an average of $30,635 in student loans. This translates to an average monthly payment of $175 if the graduate is repaying the loan over a 10-year period.
Full Francis Marion University Report
437
Bachelor's Degrees Awarded
$30,021
Average Early-Career Earnings
$33,711
Average Student Debt
Claflin University landed the #24 spot on the 2024 Best Bachelor’s Degree Schools in South Carolina ranking. Claflin is a private not-for-profit institution located in Orangeburg, South Carolina. The school has a small population, and it awarded 437 bachelor’s degrees in 2020-2021.
Those who receive a bachelor’s degree from Claflin go into careers with an average salary of $30,021 during the early years of their career. Bachelor’s students carry an average student debt load of about $33,711 after getting their degree. If the student is repaying the loan over 10 years, the average monthly payment is $265.
Read full report on Claflin University
407
Bachelor's Degrees Awarded
$35,331
Average Early-Career Earnings
$28,141
Average Student Debt
With a ranking of #25, University of South Carolina - Beaufort did quite well on the 2024 Best Bachelor’s Degree Schools in South Carolina list. USCB is a small public school situated in Bluffton, South Carolina. It awarded 407 bachelor’s degrees in 2020-2021.
Upon graduation, bachelor’s degree recipients go on to jobs making an average salary of $35,331 during the early years of their career. Bachelor’s students carry an average student debt load of about $28,141 after getting their degree.
Learn More About University of South Carolina - Beaufort