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Best Value Biology Colleges in South Carolina

Ranked by best return on investment (earnings vs. cost). See our methodology.

The Citadel stands apart among South Carolina's biology programs, delivering the highest graduate earnings at $38,289 despite charging just $12,570 for in-state tuition. This military college achieves a remarkable 72.8% graduation rate while maintaining an acceptance rate of 98.58%, creating an unusual combination of accessibility and success. Allen University offers the lowest net cost at $11,081, though its 13.2% graduation rate reflects the challenges facing many students. South Carolina's growing biotechnology sector, anchored by companies like SCBIO member firms in Charleston and Columbia, creates demand for biology graduates in pharmaceutical research and medical device manufacturing. The state's public universities generally deliver stronger value propositions than private institutions, with University of South Carolina campuses in Aiken and Beaufort both generating over $33,000 in graduate earnings while keeping net costs below $16,000. Regional employers in the expanding automotive and aerospace industries also recruit biology graduates for quality control and environmental compliance roles.
31
Programs
$11,081 – $29,997
Net Price Range
$27,430
Avg. Program Earnings
50.8%
Avg. Graduation Rate

31 Biology, General Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price Program Earnings In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $11,611 $33,993 $10,760 40.1% 75.6%
2 $15,309 $33,993 $10,730 38.6% 80.0%
3 $13,725 $28,960 $11,583 42.4% 78.6%
4 $13,451 $28,180 $11,160 42.7% 82.9%
5 $13,742 $26,224 $11,640 50.8% 78.6%
6 $21,002 $38,289 $12,570 72.8% 98.6%
7 $11,081 $18,315 $14,304 13.2% 43.4%
8 $16,353 $26,121 $15,956 61.2% 69.8%
9 $17,781 $28,236 $18,000 21.1% 67.8%
10 $18,268 $25,194 $11,060 29.4% 83.9%
11 $19,518 $26,799 $12,978 65.0% 75.7%
12 $22,018 $29,685 $36,710 48.6% 53.3%
13 $21,232 $27,476 $17,046 49.1% 78.0%
14 $21,955 $27,822 $31,030 48.6% 86.8%
15 $19,968 $24,035 $27,870 52.0% 51.2%
16 $22,112 $25,729 $15,554 87.9% 43.0%
17 $24,532 $27,969 $12,688 77.7% 64.1%
18 $28,984 $27,488 $54,100 80.8% 60.2%
19 $20,899 $16,663 $43,300 61.9% 59.4%
20 $15,411 $12,630 37.8%
21 $29,997 $58,312 81.5% 67.0%
22 $20,612 $24,650 54.9% 76.1%
23 $20,351 $30,050 44.4% 75.3%
24 $20,375 $16,224 20.4%
25 $20,415 $27,500 27.6% 89.5%
26 $14,501 $11,700 48.8% 67.4%
27 $19,712 $23,096 47.1% 55.6%
28 $23,650 $21,450 53.5% 98.1%
29 $18,045 $31,854 34.6% 94.1%
30 $17,529 $23,400 69.6%
31 $28,183 $33,580 71.0% 45.4%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes The Citadel such a strong value for biology students in South Carolina?

The Citadel combines the highest graduate earnings in the state at $38,289 with reasonable costs and strong outcomes. Students pay just $12,570 for in-state tuition while achieving a 72.8% graduation rate, nearly double the state average. The military structure and rigorous academics create graduates highly sought after by employers in biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies.

How do public universities compare to private colleges for biology value in South Carolina?

Public universities consistently outperform private institutions in cost-to-earnings ratios across the state. USC Aiken and USC Beaufort both generate over $33,000 in graduate earnings while keeping net costs under $16,000. Meanwhile, private colleges like Benedict and Charleston Southern charge $17,000-22,000 in net costs but produce lower average earnings between $24,000-29,000.

Is the LIFE Scholarship significant for biology students planning to stay in South Carolina?

The LIFE Scholarship provides up to $5,000 annually for qualifying in-state students, making public universities even more affordable. At USC Aiken, this could reduce the effective in-state tuition from $10,760 to around $5,760 annually. For biology students planning careers in South Carolina's growing biotechnology sector, this scholarship creates substantial savings while building local workforce connections.

Where do biology graduates find the best job opportunities in South Carolina?

Charleston and Columbia anchor the state's biotechnology industry, with pharmaceutical research firms and medical device manufacturers actively recruiting biology graduates. The automotive sector, including BMW and Volvo plants, also employs biology graduates for environmental compliance and quality assurance roles. Graduate earnings range from $16,663 to $38,289, with higher salaries typically found in the Charleston-Columbia corridor.

Does graduation rate correlate with program quality among South Carolina biology programs?

Graduation rates vary dramatically, from Allen University's 13.2% to The Citadel's 72.8%, often reflecting institutional support systems rather than program rigor. College of Charleston achieves a solid 65% graduation rate while maintaining strong earnings at $26,799. Schools with graduation rates above 50% typically demonstrate better student support and career preparation, leading to more successful workforce transitions.

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Net price reflects the average cost after grants and scholarships for first-time, full-time students. See our methodology for details.