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Cheapest Biology Colleges in South Carolina

Ranked by lowest net price after financial aid. See our methodology.

Allen University stands out as South Carolina's most affordable Biology option at just $11,081 net price, though its 13.20% graduation rate signals serious completion challenges. The state's public universities deliver stronger value propositions, with USC Aiken combining a reasonable $11,611 net cost with the highest graduate earnings at $33,993 annually. This earning potential aligns well with South Carolina's expanding biotechnology sector, particularly around Charleston and Columbia, where pharmaceutical companies and medical device manufacturers increasingly seek Biology graduates. The $9,531 gap between the cheapest and most expensive programs on this list reflects the stark difference between struggling private institutions and established public universities. Public schools dominate the affordable tier, with five of the seven lowest-cost options being state institutions that benefit from taxpayer funding and economies of scale.
31
Programs
$11,081 – $29,997
Net Price Range
$27,430
Avg. Program Earnings
50.8%
Avg. Graduation Rate

31 Biology, General Programs

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

Frequently Asked Questions

What explains the massive earnings gap between graduates?

USC Aiken Biology graduates earn $33,993 annually while Allen University graduates make just $18,315, creating a $15,678 difference despite similar net costs. The higher-earning schools tend to have stronger industry connections and better laboratory facilities. Regional factors also matter, as graduates from schools near Charleston and Columbia often access higher-paying biotechnology positions.

How do graduation rates correlate with program costs?

The data reveals concerning patterns among the cheapest options, with Allen University graduating only 13.20% of students despite low costs. Bob Jones University achieves a 69.60% graduation rate but costs $17,529 annually. Public universities like College of Charleston balance affordability with a solid 65% completion rate at $19,518 net cost.

Is the LIFE Scholarship worth considering for Biology students?

The LIFE Scholarship provides up to $5,000 for qualifying South Carolina residents, making public options even more attractive. Francis Marion University costs just $11,160 in-state before scholarships, potentially dropping below $7,000 with LIFE funding. This makes public universities extremely competitive compared to private alternatives that often exceed $20,000 annually.

Does student debt vary significantly across these programs?

Debt levels range from $21,750 at USC Beaufort to $33,923 at Benedict College, showing a $12,173 spread. Interestingly, some affordable schools like Allen University still saddle graduates with $30,650 in debt despite low completion rates. Public universities generally maintain lower debt burdens while providing better earning outcomes.

Where do Biology graduates find the best job opportunities in South Carolina?

The Charleston area offers pharmaceutical and medical device opportunities, while Columbia provides state government and university research positions. Coastal Carolina's proximity to Myrtle Beach creates environmental science opportunities in tourism-related conservation work. USC Aiken's location near Georgia expands job markets into Augusta's medical corridor, explaining their graduates' higher earnings of $33,993.

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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.