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Best Value Business Administration Colleges in South Carolina

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

The Citadel delivers the highest earnings for Business Administration graduates in South Carolina at $48,617 annually, despite its military structure creating a unique management training environment. This reflects how the state's growing automotive and aerospace sectors, anchored by BMW and Volvo manufacturing plants, reward graduates with strong operational leadership skills. South Carolina's 20 business programs show dramatic cost variation, from University of South Carolina Aiken's $11,611 net price to private institutions reaching $24,532. The LIFE Scholarship provides up to $5,000 for in-state students, making public options particularly attractive when considering return on investment. Francis Marion University graduates earn the lowest at $28,443, creating a $20,174 earnings gap that significantly impacts career trajectory. Several schools achieve graduation rates above 60%, with Clemson leading at 87.9%, while others struggle below 45%. This performance variation directly correlates with career outcomes in South Carolina's expanding business market.
34
Programs
$11,081 – $29,997
Net Price Range
$38,016
Avg. Program Earnings
49.1%
Avg. Graduation Rate

34 Business Administration, Management and Operations Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price Program Earnings In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $11,611 $37,748 $10,760 40.1% 75.6%
2 $13,725 $37,088 $11,583 42.4% 78.6%
3 $13,742 $36,423 $11,640 50.8% 78.6%
4 $14,501 $38,122 $11,700 48.8% 67.4%
5 $16,353 $40,269 $15,956 61.2% 69.8%
6 $19,968 $46,556 $27,870 52.0% 51.2%
7 $21,002 $48,617 $12,570 72.8% 98.6%
8 $15,309 $33,459 $10,730 38.6% 80.0%
9 $21,955 $46,589 $31,030 48.6% 86.8%
10 $13,451 $28,443 $11,160 42.7% 82.9%
11 $19,518 $40,688 $12,978 65.0% 75.7%
12 $20,899 $42,363 $43,300 61.9% 59.4%
13 $20,415 $40,896 $27,500 27.6% 89.5%
14 $22,112 $44,266 $15,554 87.9% 43.0%
15 $17,529 $34,908 $23,400 69.6%
16 $21,232 $39,648 $17,046 49.1% 78.0%
17 $23,650 $42,123 $21,450 53.5% 98.1%
18 $24,532 $43,519 $12,688 77.7% 64.1%
19 $22,886 $39,986 $18,238
20 $19,712 $33,993 $23,096 47.1% 55.6%
21 $20,612 $34,908 $24,650 54.9% 76.1%
22 $20,351 $32,925 $30,050 44.4% 75.3%
23 $29,997 $47,260 $58,312 81.5% 67.0%
24 $28,183 $42,682 $33,580 71.0% 45.4%
25 $22,018 $29,685 $36,710 48.6% 53.3%
26 $17,781 $22,834 $18,000 21.1% 67.8%
27 $18,268 $20,444 $11,060 29.4% 83.9%
28 $20,375 $16,224 20.4%
29 $21,660 $27,900 65.5% 48.2%
30 $18,045 $31,854 34.6% 94.1%
31 $14,501 $10,516 11.1%
32 $15,411 $12,630 37.8%
33 $11,081 $14,304 13.2% 43.4%
34 $22,134 $13,920

Frequently Asked Questions

What explains the $20,174 earnings gap between highest and lowest-paid graduates?

The Citadel's military leadership training produces graduates earning $48,617, while Francis Marion University graduates average $28,443. This gap reflects different career paths, with Citadel alumni often entering management roles in defense contracting and operations. Regional employers in automotive and aerospace sectors specifically recruit graduates with operational leadership experience.

How do graduation rates correlate with post-graduation earnings?

Schools with graduation rates above 60% typically produce higher-earning graduates. Clemson leads with 87.9% graduation and $44,266 average earnings, while Limestone University's 27.6% graduation rate correlates with moderate earnings of $40,896. The College of Charleston combines a strong 65% graduation rate with $40,688 earnings, demonstrating consistent academic support.

Is the LIFE Scholarship worth factoring into school choice decisions?

The LIFE Scholarship's $5,000 annual award significantly reduces costs at public institutions where in-state tuition ranges from $10,730 to $15,956. University of South Carolina Aiken becomes extremely affordable at $11,611 net cost after aid. This scholarship makes public options 40-60% less expensive than private alternatives for qualifying students.

Does attending a private institution justify the higher costs for business majors?

Southern Wesleyan University charges $19,968 net but delivers $46,556 average earnings, creating strong value despite higher costs. However, several public options like Winthrop University offer comparable earnings at $40,269 for just $16,353 net cost. Private institutions may justify costs through smaller class sizes and industry connections, but public schools often provide better immediate return on investment.

Where do South Carolina business graduates find the strongest job markets?

Charleston and Greenville areas offer the most opportunities, with growing automotive manufacturing, port operations, and tourism management roles. BMW's Spartanburg plant and Volvo's Charleston facility create demand for operations managers and supply chain specialists. The state's business-friendly environment attracts companies seeking graduates with practical management skills and regional knowledge.

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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.