Skip to main content

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 state's most affordable Teacher Education and Professional Development program at just $11,611 net cost, while The Citadel graduates earn $39,729 annually despite charging $21,002. This $28,118 earnings gap between the highest and lowest-paid graduates reflects South Carolina's varied educational market, from rural districts to Charleston's growing tech sector. The state's LIFE Scholarship reduces costs by up to $5,000 for qualifying residents, making public options particularly attractive. Coastal Carolina University and USC-Upstate both charge under $14,000 while producing graduates who earn over $32,000. South Carolina's expanding automotive industry, anchored by BMW and Volvo facilities, creates demand for technical education teachers and STEM specialists. Private institutions like Bob Jones University offer competitive debt levels at $17,000 despite higher sticker prices. The 87.9% graduation rate at Clemson University stands out among teacher preparation programs, though its $22,112 net cost places it in the middle tier for affordability.
27
Programs
$11,611 – $29,997
Net Price Range
$32,199
Avg. Program Earnings
52.0%
Avg. Graduation Rate

27 Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price Program Earnings In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $13,742 $33,281 $11,640 50.8% 78.6%
2 $13,725 $32,711 $11,583 42.4% 78.6%
3 $21,002 $39,729 $12,570 72.8% 98.6%
4 $16,353 $28,697 $15,956 61.2% 69.8%
5 $17,529 $30,409 $23,400 69.6%
6 $20,612 $34,348 $24,650 54.9% 76.1%
7 $19,968 $33,138 $27,870 52.0% 51.2%
8 $20,351 $31,670 $30,050 44.4% 75.3%
9 $22,112 $33,281 $15,554 87.9% 43.0%
10 $18,268 $24,863 $11,060 29.4% 83.9%
11 $24,532 $32,467 $12,688 77.7% 64.1%
12 $28,183 $31,792 $33,580 71.0% 45.4%
13 $13,451 $11,160 42.7% 82.9%
14 $11,611 $10,760 40.1% 75.6%
15 $20,899 $43,300 61.9% 59.4%
16 $20,375 $16,224 20.4%
17 $20,415 $27,500 27.6% 89.5%
18 $14,501 $11,700 48.8% 67.4%
19 $29,997 $58,312 81.5% 67.0%
20 $22,018 $36,710 48.6% 53.3%
21 $19,712 $23,096 47.1% 55.6%
22 $23,650 $21,450 53.5% 98.1%
23 $18,045 $31,854 34.6% 94.1%
24 $21,232 $17,046 49.1% 78.0%
25 $19,518 $12,978 65.0% 75.7%
26 $17,781 $18,000 21.1% 67.8%
27 $21,955 $31,030 48.6% 86.8%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes USC Aiken such a standout value for teacher education?

USC Aiken charges just $11,611 net cost, making it the most affordable option in the state by nearly $2,000. The program maintains a 40.1% graduation rate with 75.62% acceptance rate, providing accessible entry into teaching careers. Students benefit from the LIFE Scholarship which can reduce costs further, and the Aiken location serves the growing educational needs of the Central Savannah River Area.

How do private college teacher programs compare on debt levels?

Bob Jones University graduates carry just $17,000 in debt despite attending a private institution, well below the $27,000 debt at public options like USC-Upstate and Winthrop. North Greenville University also keeps debt manageable at $18,312 while charging $24,650 tuition. Anderson University graduates face $27,000 debt but earn $31,792 annually, creating reasonable debt-to-income ratios for new teachers.

Does The Citadel's military structure benefit teacher education students?

The Citadel produces the highest-earning teacher education graduates at $39,729 annually, nearly $7,000 above the next closest school. The 72.8% graduation rate and 98.58% acceptance rate suggest the military structure creates both accessibility and completion success. The $21,002 net cost represents solid value given the earnings premium and leadership training that appeals to school districts.

Where do graduates find the best teaching opportunities in South Carolina?

Charleston and Greenville metropolitan areas offer the highest teacher salaries, supported by growing aerospace and automotive industries that need STEM educators. The BMW and Volvo manufacturing presence creates demand for technical education teachers and career counselors. Coastal regions benefit from tourism industry growth requiring hospitality and business education specialists.

What explains the wide range in graduation rates across programs?

Graduation rates span from 29.4% at South Carolina State University to 87.9% at Clemson University, reflecting different student populations and support systems. Clemson's selectivity (42.98% acceptance rate) contributes to higher completion, while USC-Upstate and Francis Marion serve more access-oriented missions with 78-83% acceptance rates. The Citadel's structured environment produces 72.8% graduation despite high acceptance rates.

More Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas Rankings

Cheapest Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas in South Carolina Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas Under $20,000 in South Carolina

Related

All Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas Programs Best Colleges in South Carolina Best Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas in South Carolina

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