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Best Value Liberal Arts and Sciences Colleges in South Carolina

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

Public universities in South Carolina deliver remarkable value for Liberal Arts and Sciences programs, with net costs ranging from just $9,283 at USC-Sumter to $14,501 at Lander University. While private options like Limestone University command $20,415 annually, they produce the highest-earning graduates at $33,993. The 78% acceptance rate at both Coastal Carolina and USC-Upstate reflects the accessibility of quality liberal arts education across the state. South Carolina's expanding automotive sector, anchored by BMW and Volvo manufacturing facilities, increasingly values the critical thinking and communication skills that liberal arts graduates bring to project management and supply chain coordination roles. The state's LIFE Scholarship program provides up to $5,000 for qualifying in-state students, making public options even more attractive. USC-Columbia stands out with a 77.7% graduation rate and $32,094 median earnings, though its $24,532 net cost reflects its flagship status.
34
Programs
$9,283 – $29,997
Net Price Range
$27,079
Avg. Program Earnings
48.8%
Avg. Graduation Rate

34 Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price Program Earnings In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $13,742 $27,846 $11,640 50.8% 78.6%
2 $13,725 $27,693 $11,583 42.4% 78.6%
3 $13,451 $26,585 $11,160 42.7% 82.9%
4 $14,501 $26,850 $11,700 48.8% 67.4%
5 $20,415 $33,993 $27,500 27.6% 89.5%
6 $12,395 $19,045 $7,558 21.8% 70.9%
7 $17,781 $25,194 $18,000 21.1% 67.8%
8 $24,532 $32,094 $12,688 77.7% 64.1%
9 $23,650 $28,598 $21,450 53.5% 98.1%
10 $20,612 $22,896 $24,650 54.9% 76.1%
11 $9,283 $7,558 36.1% 71.9%
12 $11,125 $7,558 37.5% 80.1%
13 $9,735 $7,558 29.5% 76.2%
14 $18,268 $11,060 29.4% 83.9%
15 $15,411 $12,630 37.8%
16 $16,353 $15,956 61.2% 69.8%
17 $28,984 $54,100 80.8% 60.2%
18 $15,309 $10,730 38.6% 80.0%
19 $11,611 $10,760 40.1% 75.6%
20 $20,375 $16,224 20.4%
21 $20,899 $43,300 61.9% 59.4%
22 $20,351 $30,050 44.4% 75.3%
23 $11,081 $14,304 13.2% 43.4%
24 $29,997 $58,312 81.5% 67.0%
25 $22,018 $36,710 48.6% 53.3%
26 $19,712 $23,096 47.1% 55.6%
27 $21,660 $27,900 65.5% 48.2%
28 $22,112 $15,554 87.9% 43.0%
29 $21,232 $17,046 49.1% 78.0%
30 $19,518 $12,978 65.0% 75.7%
31 $19,968 $27,870 52.0% 51.2%
32 $17,529 $23,400 69.6%
33 $21,955 $31,030 48.6% 86.8%
34 $28,183 $33,580 71.0% 45.4%

Frequently Asked Questions

What explains the $15,000 cost difference between the cheapest and most expensive programs?

The gap reflects the divide between regional USC campuses and flagship institutions. USC-Sumter costs just $9,283 annually while USC-Columbia reaches $24,532, primarily due to different fee structures and campus resources. Private colleges like Limestone University charge $20,415 but offer smaller class sizes and specialized support services. Regional campuses provide excellent foundational education at significantly lower costs.

How do graduation rates correlate with program costs in South Carolina?

Higher-cost programs generally show better completion rates, though exceptions exist. USC-Columbia leads with 77.7% graduation rate at $24,532 annually, while Columbia College achieves 53.5% at $23,650. However, several affordable public options like Coastal Carolina maintain solid 50.8% rates at just $13,742. The regional USC campuses show lower completion rates around 30-37% but cost under $12,000.

Is the earning potential worth the investment for liberal arts graduates?

Limestone University graduates earn $33,993 annually despite paying $20,415, creating positive returns within reasonable timeframes. USC-Columbia produces $32,094 earners who paid $24,532, while more affordable options like USC-Upstate deliver $27,693 earnings for $13,725 invested. Even lower-cost programs like USC-Salkehatchie, despite $19,045 median earnings, offer strong value given the minimal $12,395 investment.

Does the South Carolina job market support liberal arts graduates?

The state's automotive industry, tourism sector, and growing aerospace presence create opportunities for liberal arts graduates in project coordination, customer relations, and supply chain management. BMW's Spartanburg facility and Volvo's Charleston operations value communication and analytical skills that liberal arts programs develop. State government positions in Columbia also provide stable career paths. The $19,045 to $33,993 earning range reflects varied opportunities across industries.

Where should students focus their search for the best value programs?

Public universities offer the strongest value proposition, with USC-Upstate and Coastal Carolina providing similar costs around $13,700 but 78% acceptance rates. Lander University combines reasonable $14,501 costs with a respectable 48.8% graduation rate. Students seeking premium outcomes should consider USC-Columbia's 77.7% graduation rate and $32,094 earnings potential. The regional USC campuses serve students prioritizing minimal debt over completion rates.

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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.