Skip to main content

Cheapest Business Administration Colleges in South Carolina

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

Allen University offers the lowest net price for business programs at $11,081, creating an unusual situation where a private institution costs less than most public alternatives in South Carolina. The state's 15 affordable business programs show dramatic variation in outcomes, with College of Charleston graduates earning $40,688 annually while South Carolina State graduates start at $20,444. This earnings gap of over $20,000 reflects the different pathways these programs create in South Carolina's evolving economy. The state's automotive boom, anchored by BMW's Spartanburg plant and Volvo's Berkeley County facility, has created new management opportunities that complement traditional sectors like tourism along the coast. Public universities dominate the affordable options, with eight of the top 10 lowest-cost programs coming from state institutions. The LIFE Scholarship adds up to $5,000 for qualifying South Carolina residents, making already affordable programs even more accessible. Graduation rates span from 11% to 69%, suggesting that program selection involves more than just upfront costs when building a business career in the Palmetto State.
34
Programs
$11,081 – $29,997
Net Price Range
$38,016
Avg. Program Earnings
49.1%
Avg. Graduation Rate

34 Business Administration, Management and Operations 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 $14,501 $10,516 11.1%
8 $15,309 $10,730 38.6% 80.0%
9 $15,411 $12,630 37.8%
10 $16,353 $15,956 61.2% 69.8%
11 $17,529 $23,400 69.6%
12 $17,781 $18,000 21.1% 67.8%
13 $18,045 $31,854 34.6% 94.1%
14 $18,268 $11,060 29.4% 83.9%
15 $19,518 $12,978 65.0% 75.7%
16 $19,712 $23,096 47.1% 55.6%
17 $19,968 $27,870 52.0% 51.2%
18 $20,351 $30,050 44.4% 75.3%
19 $20,375 $16,224 20.4%
20 $20,415 $27,500 27.6% 89.5%
21 $20,612 $24,650 54.9% 76.1%
22 $20,899 $43,300 61.9% 59.4%
23 $21,002 $12,570 72.8% 98.6%
24 $21,232 $17,046 49.1% 78.0%
25 $21,660 $27,900 65.5% 48.2%
26 $21,955 $31,030 48.6% 86.8%
27 $22,018 $36,710 48.6% 53.3%
28 $22,112 $15,554 87.9% 43.0%
29 $22,134 $13,920
30 $22,886 $18,238
31 $23,650 $21,450 53.5% 98.1%
32 $24,532 $12,688 77.7% 64.1%
33 $28,183 $33,580 71.0% 45.4%
34 $29,997 $58,312 81.5% 67.0%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Allen University's business program unusually affordable for a private school?

Allen University charges a net price of just $11,081 for its business program, making it cheaper than most public universities in South Carolina. This private nonprofit institution manages to keep costs below schools like USC Aiken ($11,611) and Francis Marion ($13,451). The low net price likely reflects significant financial aid packages that bring down the published tuition of $14,304. However, students should note the 13.2% graduation rate when weighing cost against completion likelihood.

How much do business graduates earn from different South Carolina programs?

Business graduate earnings vary dramatically across South Carolina programs, ranging from $20,444 to $40,688 annually. College of Charleston leads with $40,688, followed closely by Lander University at $38,122 and USC Aiken at $37,748. South Carolina State University shows the lowest earnings at $20,444, creating a $20,000+ gap between the highest and lowest earners. These differences often reflect program focus, regional job markets, and alumni networks in different industries.

Is the LIFE Scholarship worth pursuing for business students?

The LIFE Scholarship provides up to $5,000 annually for qualifying South Carolina residents, which represents significant savings on already affordable programs. For a student at USC Aiken with an in-state tuition of $10,760, the LIFE Scholarship could cover nearly half the cost. The scholarship requires maintaining academic standards, but for students attending four-year programs, it could save $20,000 total. This makes South Carolina's public business programs particularly attractive for state residents.

Does graduation rate correlate with program cost in South Carolina business schools?

Graduation rates show little correlation with program costs among South Carolina business schools. Bob Jones University has the highest graduation rate at 69.6% with a net cost of $17,529, while Allen University has an 11.1% rate at just $11,081. College of Charleston combines strong outcomes with a 65% graduation rate and $19,518 net cost. The data suggests that institutional support and student preparation matter more than price when predicting completion likelihood.

Where do South Carolina business programs offer the best value for career outcomes?

College of Charleston provides strong value with $40,688 graduate earnings, a 65% graduation rate, and relatively low debt of $21,798. USC Aiken offers another strong option with $37,748 earnings and just $11,611 net cost. Lander University balances $38,122 earnings with a $14,501 net price and manageable $25,191 debt load. These programs combine reasonable costs with strong career outcomes in South Carolina's growing automotive and tourism sectors.

More Business Administration, Management and Operations Rankings

Best Value Business Administration, Management and Operations in South Carolina Business Administration, Management and Operations Under $20,000 in South Carolina

Related

All Business Administration, Management and Operations Programs Best Colleges in South Carolina Best Business Administration, Management and Operations in South Carolina

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