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Cheapest Design and Applied Arts Colleges in South Carolina

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

Public universities dominate the most affordable Design and Applied Arts programs in South Carolina, with Coastal Carolina University leading at just $13,742 net cost. The state's growing automotive sector, anchored by BMW and Volvo manufacturing facilities, creates steady demand for industrial designers and applied arts professionals. While Clemson University charges $22,112 annually, its graduates earn $42,156 within six years of completion, the highest among all programs. Private institutions like Bob Jones University offer competitive alternatives at $17,529, though graduation rates vary widely from Limestone University's 27.6% to Clemson's impressive 87.9%.
10
Programs
$13,742 – $28,183
Net Price Range
$32,473
Avg. Program Earnings
54.3%
Avg. Graduation Rate

10 Design and Applied Arts Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $13,742 $11,640 50.8% 78.6%
2 $16,353 $15,956 61.2% 69.8%
3 $17,529 $23,400 69.6%
4 $18,045 $31,854 34.6% 94.1%
5 $19,712 $23,096 47.1% 55.6%
6 $20,351 $30,050 44.4% 75.3%
7 $20,415 $27,500 27.6% 89.5%
8 $21,955 $31,030 48.6% 86.8%
9 $22,112 $15,554 87.9% 43.0%
10 $28,183 $33,580 71.0% 45.4%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Coastal Carolina University's Design program such a bargain?

At $13,742 net cost with a 78.63% acceptance rate, Coastal Carolina offers the state's most affordable Design and Applied Arts education. However, graduates earn $20,140 annually, the lowest among programs with available earnings data.

How do public and private program costs compare in South Carolina?

Public universities average around $16,000 in net costs, while private institutions range from $17,529 at Bob Jones to $28,183 at Anderson University. The $14,441 cost difference between the cheapest and most expensive programs reflects significant variation in financial aid packages.

Does Clemson University justify its higher costs for Design students?

Clemson's $22,112 net cost delivers the highest graduate earnings at $42,156 and an 87.9% graduation rate. Students also graduate with $23,250 in debt, below the state average for this field.

Where do Design graduates find employment in South Carolina?

The state's automotive manufacturing base provides opportunities for industrial designers, while Charleston's tourism industry supports graphic and multimedia arts careers. BMW's Spartanburg facility and Volvo's Charleston plant specifically seek design professionals for product development roles.

More Design and Applied Arts Rankings

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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.