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Cheapest Computer and Information Sciences Colleges in South Carolina

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

College of Charleston computer science graduates earn $65,238 annually, nearly double the $32,925 starting salary at South Carolina State University, creating a stark earnings divide across the state's most affordable programs. Allen University offers the lowest net price at $11,081, though its 13.20% graduation rate raises completion concerns for students seeking tech careers. South Carolina's growing automotive sector, anchored by BMW and Volvo manufacturing facilities, creates steady demand for information systems professionals who can manage production databases and logistics networks. The state's 15 most affordable computer science programs range from $11,081 to $20,351 in net costs, with public universities generally offering better value through in-state tuition rates. Students can leverage the LIFE Scholarship's $5,000 annual award to further reduce costs at state institutions, making programs like USC Aiken particularly attractive at just $10,760 for residents.
25
Programs
$11,081 – $28,183
Net Price Range
$52,149
Avg. Program Earnings
50.0%
Avg. Graduation Rate

25 Computer and Information Sciences, 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 $18,268 $11,060 29.4% 83.9%
13 $19,518 $12,978 65.0% 75.7%
14 $19,968 $27,870 52.0% 51.2%
15 $20,351 $30,050 44.4% 75.3%
16 $20,415 $27,500 27.6% 89.5%
17 $20,612 $24,650 54.9% 76.1%
18 $21,002 $12,570 72.8% 98.6%
19 $21,232 $17,046 49.1% 78.0%
20 $21,955 $31,030 48.6% 86.8%
21 $22,112 $15,554 87.9% 43.0%
22 $22,134 $13,920
23 $23,650 $21,450 53.5% 98.1%
24 $24,532 $12,688 77.7% 64.1%
25 $28,183 $33,580 71.0% 45.4%

Frequently Asked Questions

What explains the huge salary gap between the highest and lowest earning programs?

College of Charleston graduates earn $65,238 compared to $32,925 at South Carolina State University, a difference of over $32,000 annually. Charleston's coastal location and stronger industry connections likely contribute to higher starting salaries. The 65.00% graduation rate at Charleston also suggests better student support and program completion, factors employers often value when setting compensation levels.

How do graduation rates vary among the most affordable options?

Graduation rates span from 13.20% at Allen University to 69.60% at Bob Jones University, showing dramatic differences in student success. Public universities like USC Aiken (40.10%) and Francis Marion (42.70%) offer middle-ground completion rates at lower costs. Students should weigh the 61.20% graduation rate at Winthrop University against its $16,353 net price when comparing value propositions.

Is the LIFE Scholarship worth considering for computer science students?

The LIFE Scholarship provides up to $5,000 annually for qualifying South Carolina residents, making already affordable in-state options even cheaper. At USC Aiken, students pay just $10,760 for in-state tuition before the scholarship, potentially reducing costs to around $5,760. This scholarship particularly benefits students at the 8 public universities on this list, where in-state rates already start below $16,000.

Where do computer science graduates find work in South Carolina?

BMW's Spartanburg plant and Volvo's Charleston facility employ information systems specialists to manage manufacturing databases and supply chain software. Charleston's tourism industry also creates opportunities for web developers and database administrators at hospitality companies. The state's aerospace sector, including Boeing operations, needs programmers for flight systems and maintenance tracking applications.

Does choosing a private university over public make financial sense here?

Private options like Allen University ($11,081) and Voorhees University ($15,411) cost less than some public alternatives after financial aid, though their graduation rates of 13.20% and 37.80% respectively raise concerns. Bob Jones University charges $17,529 net but delivers a 69.60% graduation rate, the highest among affordable options. Public universities generally offer better value through predictable in-state pricing and state scholarship eligibility.

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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.