Best Value Special Education and Teaching Colleges in South Carolina

Special education teachers in South Carolina face an unusual earnings market where graduates from University of South Carolina Aiken earn $29,685 annually despite paying just $11,611 in net costs, while Winthrop University graduates command $34,650 with a net price of $16,353. The state's expanding manufacturing sector, anchored by BMW and Volvo operations, creates steady demand for special education professionals as these companies prioritize workforce development programs. South Carolina's 16 special education programs span a remarkable cost range from $11,611 to $28,183, with public institutions dominating the most affordable options. The LIFE Scholarship provides up to $5,000 for in-state students, making programs like USC Aiken and USC Upstate particularly attractive at under $14,000 net cost. Clemson leads in graduation rates at 87.90% but carries a higher price point, while College of Charleston balances strong outcomes with moderate costs at $19,518 net price.

Programs

$11,611 – $28,183

Net Price Range

$33,213

Avg. Program Earnings

54.9%

Avg. Graduation Rate

16 Special Education and Teaching Programs

Program rankings
#	School	Net Price	Program Earnings	In-State Tuition	Graduation Rate	Acceptance Rate
1	Coastal Carolina University Conway, South Carolina	$13,742	$33,993	$11,640	50.8%	78.6%
2	University of South Carolina-Upstate Spartanburg, South Carolina	$13,725	$29,685	$11,583	42.4%	78.6%
3	Winthrop University Rock Hill, South Carolina	$16,353	$34,650	$15,956	61.2%	69.8%
4	College of Charleston Charleston, South Carolina	$19,518	$33,828	$12,978	65.0%	75.7%
5	Clemson University Clemson, South Carolina	$22,112	$32,658	$15,554	87.9%	43.0%
6	Columbia College Columbia, South Carolina	$23,650	$33,687	$21,450	53.5%	98.1%
7	Anderson University Anderson, South Carolina	$28,183	$33,993	$33,580	71.0%	45.4%
8	Bob Jones University Greenville, South Carolina	$17,529		$23,400	69.6%
9	Southern Wesleyan University Central, South Carolina	$19,968		$27,870	52.0%	51.2%
10	Claflin University Orangeburg, South Carolina	$21,232		$17,046	49.1%	78.0%
11	Converse University Spartanburg, South Carolina	$19,712		$23,096	47.1%	55.6%
12	Erskine College Due West, South Carolina	$22,018		$36,710	48.6%	53.3%
13	Lander University Greenwood, South Carolina	$14,501		$11,700	48.8%	67.4%
14	Presbyterian College Clinton, South Carolina	$20,899		$43,300	61.9%	59.4%
15	University of South Carolina Aiken Aiken, South Carolina	$11,611		$10,760	40.1%	75.6%
16	South Carolina State University Orangeburg, South Carolina	$18,268		$11,060	29.4%	83.9%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes South Carolina's most affordable special education programs stand out?

University of South Carolina Aiken offers the lowest net cost at $11,611 with a 40.10% graduation rate, while USC Upstate follows closely at $13,725 with 42.40% graduation rates. Coastal Carolina University provides the best balance of affordability and outcomes at $13,742 net cost with a 50.80% graduation rate. These three public institutions demonstrate how state funding keeps special education training accessible across different regions of South Carolina.

How do graduation rates vary among South Carolina's special education programs?

Clemson University leads with an impressive 87.90% graduation rate, though it comes with higher costs at $22,112 net price. Bob Jones University follows at 69.60% graduation rates for $17,529, while Anderson University achieves 71.00% rates at the highest net cost of $28,183. The variation spans from USC Aiken's 40.10% to Clemson's near-90% rates, showing significant differences in program completion across institutions.

Does the choice between public and private affect earnings potential?

Winthrop University, a public institution, produces the highest-earning graduates at $34,650 annually for a net cost of $16,353. College of Charleston graduates earn $33,828 with lower debt loads at $21,067 compared to private alternatives. Private institutions like Columbia College show similar earnings at $33,687 but require higher net costs at $23,650, suggesting public programs often provide better return on investment in South Carolina.

Where do acceptance rates create the most competitive special education programs?

Anderson University maintains the most selective admissions at 45.39% acceptance rates, followed by Clemson at 42.98% and Southern Wesleyan at 51.18%. Columbia College takes a nearly open enrollment approach at 98.12% acceptance, while most public institutions like Coastal Carolina and USC Upstate hover around 78% acceptance rates. The selectivity often correlates with graduation outcomes, as more competitive programs tend to show higher 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.