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Best Value Teacher Education and Professional Development Colleges in South Carolina

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

University of South Carolina Aiken delivers the lowest net cost for teacher education in the state at $11,611 while graduates earn $35,559 annually, creating an strong return on investment. This gap between affordable education and strong earnings reflects South Carolina's commitment to preparing educators for its growing school districts, particularly as the state's expanding automotive and aerospace sectors drive population growth in areas like Greenville and Charleston. Public universities dominate the value market, with eight of the top ten spots offering net costs under $17,000. The earnings range spans from $30,157 at Francis Marion to $36,848 at Limestone University, demonstrating how different program approaches can impact graduate outcomes. South Carolina's LIFE Scholarship, covering up to $5,000 for qualifying in-state students, further reduces costs at public institutions. Graduation rates vary significantly, from Winthrop's 61.2% to South Carolina State's 29.4%, highlighting the importance of institutional support systems for teacher preparation programs.
32
Programs
$11,081 – $29,997
Net Price Range
$32,140
Avg. Program Earnings
51.3%
Avg. Graduation Rate

32 Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price Program Earnings In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $11,611 $35,559 $10,760 40.1% 75.6%
2 $13,742 $33,198 $11,640 50.8% 78.6%
3 $13,725 $32,888 $11,583 42.4% 78.6%
4 $15,309 $35,060 $10,730 38.6% 80.0%
5 $13,451 $30,157 $11,160 42.7% 82.9%
6 $14,501 $30,771 $11,700 48.8% 67.4%
7 $16,353 $33,473 $15,956 61.2% 69.8%
8 $18,268 $34,420 $11,060 29.4% 83.9%
9 $20,415 $36,848 $27,500 27.6% 89.5%
10 $19,518 $33,738 $12,978 65.0% 75.7%
11 $17,529 $29,995 $23,400 69.6%
12 $18,045 $30,167 $31,854 34.6% 94.1%
13 $20,899 $33,518 $43,300 61.9% 59.4%
14 $20,612 $32,450 $24,650 54.9% 76.1%
15 $21,232 $33,281 $17,046 49.1% 78.0%
16 $22,112 $34,374 $15,554 87.9% 43.0%
17 $20,351 $30,771 $30,050 44.4% 75.3%
18 $21,955 $32,391 $31,030 48.6% 86.8%
19 $19,968 $28,598 $27,870 52.0% 51.2%
20 $24,532 $32,897 $12,688 77.7% 64.1%
21 $23,650 $30,305 $21,450 53.5% 98.1%
22 $17,781 $22,602 $18,000 21.1% 67.8%
23 $28,183 $31,766 $33,580 71.0% 45.4%
24 $15,411 $12,630 37.8%
25 $11,081 $14,304 13.2% 43.4%
26 $28,984 $54,100 80.8% 60.2%
27 $20,375 $16,224 20.4%
28 $29,997 $58,312 81.5% 67.0%
29 $22,018 $36,710 48.6% 53.3%
30 $19,712 $23,096 47.1% 55.6%
31 $21,660 $27,900 65.5% 48.2%
32 $21,002 $12,570 72.8% 98.6%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes University of South Carolina Aiken the best value for teacher education?

USC Aiken combines the lowest net cost at $11,611 with above-average graduate earnings of $35,559, creating the strongest cost-to-earnings ratio in the state. The university maintains a reasonable 40.1% graduation rate while keeping student debt at $22,500. Its location in Aiken provides access to both rural and suburban school districts, offering varied teaching opportunities for graduates.

How do public and private teacher education programs compare in cost?

Public universities offer significantly better value, with net costs ranging from $11,611 to $19,518 compared to private institutions at $17,529 to $21,232. The LIFE Scholarship reduces costs further for qualifying in-state students at public schools. However, some private schools like Bob Jones University achieve higher graduation rates at 69.6%, though this comes with higher upfront costs.

Is there a significant difference in earnings between teacher education programs?

Graduate earnings vary by $6,691 across programs, from Francis Marion's $30,157 to Limestone University's $36,848. Universities like USC Aiken and USC Beaufort consistently produce graduates earning above $35,000 annually. These differences often reflect program specializations, with some schools focusing on high-demand areas like special education or STEM teaching.

Does graduation rate correlate with program value in teacher education?

Graduation rates range dramatically from 29.4% at South Carolina State to 69.6% at Bob Jones University, but higher rates don't always mean better value. Winthrop achieves 61.2% graduation with reasonable costs at $16,353 net price. College of Charleston balances strong outcomes with 65% graduation rates and competitive earnings of $33,738 for graduates.

Where do teacher education graduates find employment in South Carolina?

South Carolina's growing population, driven by automotive plants from BMW and Volvo, creates increased demand for teachers in rapidly developing areas. Districts in Charleston, Greenville, and Spartanburg counties actively recruit new educators as enrollment grows. The state's tourism industry also supports specialized programs in hospitality and career education, expanding opportunities beyond traditional classroom teaching roles.

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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.