Best Value Computer and Information Sciences Colleges in South Carolina

Clemson University delivers the highest earnings potential for computer science graduates in South Carolina at $69,079 annually, yet costs $22,112 per year after aid. This creates an interesting contrast with University of South Carolina Aiken, which offers the state's lowest net cost at just $11,611 but lacks earnings data. The 87.9% graduation rate at Clemson reflects strong program completion, while schools like USC Upstate provide more affordable options at $13,725 with $45,500 median earnings. South Carolina's expanding automotive sector, anchored by BMW and Volvo manufacturing facilities, creates steady demand for software developers and systems analysts. The state's LIFE Scholarship program provides up to $5,000 for qualifying in-state students, helping reduce costs at public institutions. Public universities dominate the value market, with 10 of the top programs charging under $25,000 annually after financial aid.

Programs

$11,081 – $28,183

Net Price Range

$52,149

Avg. Program Earnings

50.0%

Avg. Graduation Rate

25 Computer and Information Sciences, General Programs

Program rankings
#	School	Net Price	Program Earnings	In-State Tuition	Graduation Rate	Acceptance Rate
1	College of Charleston Charleston, South Carolina	$19,518	$65,238	$12,978	65.0%	75.7%
2	University of South Carolina-Upstate Spartanburg, South Carolina	$13,725	$45,500	$11,583	42.4%	78.6%
3	Clemson University Clemson, South Carolina	$22,112	$69,079	$15,554	87.9%	43.0%
4	Citadel Military College of South Carolina Charleston, South Carolina	$21,002	$59,124	$12,570	72.8%	98.6%
5	Strayer University-South Carolina Greenville, South Carolina	$22,134	$61,144	$13,920
6	Coastal Carolina University Conway, South Carolina	$13,742	$36,141	$11,640	50.8%	78.6%
7	Lander University Greenwood, South Carolina	$14,501	$37,568	$11,700	48.8%	67.4%
8	University of South Carolina-Columbia Columbia, South Carolina	$24,532	$62,620	$12,688	77.7%	64.1%
9	South Carolina State University Orangeburg, South Carolina	$18,268	$32,925	$11,060	29.4%	83.9%
10	University of South Carolina Aiken Aiken, South Carolina	$11,611		$10,760	40.1%	75.6%
11	Anderson University Anderson, South Carolina	$28,183		$33,580	71.0%	45.4%
12	Winthrop University Rock Hill, South Carolina	$16,353		$15,956	61.2%	69.8%
13	Voorhees University Denmark, South Carolina	$15,411		$12,630	37.8%
14	Charleston Southern University Charleston, South Carolina	$21,955		$31,030	48.6%	86.8%
15	Benedict College Columbia, South Carolina	$17,781		$18,000	21.1%	67.8%
16	University of South Carolina Beaufort Bluffton, South Carolina	$15,309		$10,730	38.6%	80.0%
17	Southern Wesleyan University Central, South Carolina	$19,968		$27,870	52.0%	51.2%
18	North Greenville University Tigerville, South Carolina	$20,612		$24,650	54.9%	76.1%
19	Newberry College Newberry, South Carolina	$20,351		$30,050	44.4%	75.3%
20	Limestone University Gaffney, South Carolina	$20,415		$27,500	27.6%	89.5%
21	Allen University Columbia, South Carolina	$11,081		$14,304	13.2%	43.4%
22	Francis Marion University Florence, South Carolina	$13,451		$11,160	42.7%	82.9%
23	Columbia College Columbia, South Carolina	$23,650		$21,450	53.5%	98.1%
24	Bob Jones University Greenville, South Carolina	$17,529		$23,400	69.6%
25	Claflin University Orangeburg, South Carolina	$21,232		$17,046	49.1%	78.0%

Frequently Asked Questions

What explains the $36,154 earnings gap between top and bottom programs?

Clemson University graduates earn $69,079 compared to $32,925 at South Carolina State University, reflecting differences in program reputation and industry connections. Clemson's 87.9% graduation rate suggests stronger student support systems. The Citadel also performs well with $59,124 median earnings and a 72.8% completion rate.

How do public universities compare to private options for value?

Public schools dominate the value rankings, with USC Aiken offering the lowest cost at $11,611 annually. Private institutions like Anderson University charge $28,183, representing a significant premium. However, private options often provide smaller class sizes and more personalized attention for the additional investment.

Where can students find the best combination of low cost and strong outcomes?

College of Charleston offers solid value with $65,238 median earnings for $19,518 in net costs. USC Upstate provides another strong option at $13,725 with $45,500 earnings potential. Both schools maintain reasonable debt levels under $28,000.

Does the LIFE Scholarship significantly impact program affordability?

The LIFE Scholarship covers up to $5,000 for qualifying South Carolina residents, reducing costs at public universities. This brings schools like USC Columbia down to $12,688 in-state tuition before other aid. The scholarship helps make quality programs more accessible across the state's public system.

What job opportunities exist for graduates in South Carolina?

BMW and Volvo manufacturing operations create demand for software developers and automation specialists. The state's growing aerospace sector also needs systems analysts and cybersecurity professionals. Tourism and logistics industries provide additional technology career paths, particularly in Charleston and Columbia metropolitan areas.

More Computer and Information Sciences, General Rankings

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All Computer and Information Sciences, General Programs Best Colleges in South Carolina Best Computer and Information Sciences, General in South Carolina

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