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Best Value History Colleges in South Carolina

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

South Carolina's history programs show a dramatic $18,000 gap between the most affordable option at USC Aiken ($11,611) and the highest at Furman University ($29,997). The Citadel stands out with graduates earning $40,017, nearly double what Francis Marion University alumni make at $22,652. This earning difference reflects South Carolina's expanding economy, where history graduates find opportunities in the state's growing tourism sector, cultural heritage organizations, and government positions supporting industries like automotive manufacturing in the Upstate region. Public universities dominate the value equation, with eight of the top ten schools charging under $17,000 annually. The state's LIFE Scholarship helps reduce costs further for qualifying students. Coastal Carolina achieves a strong balance with a $13,742 net price and 50.8% graduation rate, while Clemson delivers the highest graduation rate at 87.9% for $22,112. Regional employers increasingly value history graduates for their research skills and cultural understanding, particularly as companies like BMW and Volvo establish deeper South Carolina roots.
29
Programs
$11,611 – $29,997
Net Price Range
$30,115
Avg. Program Earnings
52.6%
Avg. Graduation Rate

29 History Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price Program Earnings In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $13,725 $32,284 $11,583 42.4% 78.6%
2 $13,742 $27,488 $11,640 50.8% 78.6%
3 $21,002 $40,017 $12,570 72.8% 98.6%
4 $14,501 $26,739 $11,700 48.8% 67.4%
5 $13,451 $22,652 $11,160 42.7% 82.9%
6 $16,353 $26,353 $15,956 61.2% 69.8%
7 $20,612 $32,391 $24,650 54.9% 76.1%
8 $22,112 $33,565 $15,554 87.9% 43.0%
9 $19,518 $28,598 $12,978 65.0% 75.7%
10 $24,532 $31,067 $12,688 77.7% 64.1%
11 $20,351 $30,050 44.4% 75.3%
12 $29,997 $58,312 81.5% 67.0%
13 $20,899 $43,300 61.9% 59.4%
14 $11,611 $10,760 40.1% 75.6%
15 $15,309 $10,730 38.6% 80.0%
16 $18,268 $11,060 29.4% 83.9%
17 $28,984 $54,100 80.8% 60.2%
18 $20,375 $16,224 20.4%
19 $20,415 $27,500 27.6% 89.5%
20 $28,183 $33,580 71.0% 45.4%
21 $22,018 $36,710 48.6% 53.3%
22 $19,712 $23,096 47.1% 55.6%
23 $23,650 $21,450 53.5% 98.1%
24 $18,045 $31,854 34.6% 94.1%
25 $21,232 $17,046 49.1% 78.0%
26 $19,968 $27,870 52.0% 51.2%
27 $17,529 $23,400 69.6%
28 $17,781 $18,000 21.1% 67.8%
29 $21,955 $31,030 48.6% 86.8%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes The Citadel's history program worth the higher cost?

The Citadel graduates earn $40,017 annually, the highest among South Carolina history programs, justifying its $21,002 net price. The military college maintains a 72.8% graduation rate and accepts 98.6% of applicants. The structured military environment and strong alumni network contribute to superior post-graduation outcomes. The combination of discipline, leadership training, and historical study creates graduates particularly valued by government agencies and military contractors.

How do public universities compare to private schools for history value?

Public universities offer significantly better value, with costs ranging from $11,611 to $24,532 compared to private schools at $20,351 to $29,997. USC Aiken provides the lowest net price at $11,611, while Coastal Carolina delivers strong value at $13,742 with a 50.8% graduation rate. Private schools like Furman charge $29,997 but achieve an 81.5% graduation rate. The earnings gap between public and private graduates remains relatively small, making public options more cost-effective.

Where do South Carolina history graduates typically find employment?

South Carolina's tourism industry employs many history graduates in museums, historic sites, and cultural organizations throughout Charleston, Savannah corridor, and Upstate regions. Government positions in state agencies, schools, and local municipalities provide stable career paths. The state's growing corporate presence, including BMW and Volvo, increasingly values history graduates for their research and communication skills. Graduates also find opportunities in genealogy services, given South Carolina's rich family heritage research market.

Is the graduation rate difference between schools significant for history majors?

Graduation rates vary dramatically from 38.6% at USC Beaufort to 87.9% at Clemson University. Schools with rates above 60% include The Citadel (72.8%), USC Columbia (77.7%), and College of Charleston (65%). Lower graduation rates often correlate with more affordable tuition but may indicate academic support challenges. Students should consider both cost and completion likelihood when choosing programs, as finishing the degree significantly impacts earning potential.

Does the LIFE Scholarship significantly impact program affordability?

The LIFE Scholarship provides up to $5,000 annually for qualifying South Carolina residents, effectively reducing in-state costs at public universities. This makes schools like USC Aiken even more affordable at potentially $6,611 after the scholarship. Students maintaining required GPA levels can apply LIFE funding toward any public institution. The scholarship particularly benefits students choosing mid-tier public options like Coastal Carolina or USC Upstate, making quality education accessible to more families.

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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.