Cheapest Economics Colleges in South Carolina

Francis Marion University delivers Economics education for just $13,451 annually, making it South Carolina's most affordable option by a significant margin. The state's 13 Economics programs span from $13,451 to $29,997, with public institutions claiming the bottom five slots for cost efficiency. South Carolina's expanding automotive sector, anchored by BMW and Volvo manufacturing facilities, creates steady demand for economic analysis and market research professionals. Graduates from the College of Charleston earn $41,937 median salaries, while Furman University alumni command $57,318 despite the program's higher upfront investment of nearly $30,000.

Programs

$13,451 – $29,997

Net Price Range

$43,149

Avg. Program Earnings

60.5%

Avg. Graduation Rate

13 Economics Programs

Program rankings
#	School	Net Price	In-State Tuition	Graduation Rate	Acceptance Rate
1	Francis Marion University Florence, South Carolina	$13,451	$11,160	42.7%	82.9%
2	Coastal Carolina University Conway, South Carolina	$13,742	$11,640	50.8%	78.6%
3	Winthrop University Rock Hill, South Carolina	$16,353	$15,956	61.2%	69.8%
4	Benedict College Columbia, South Carolina	$17,781	$18,000	21.1%	67.8%
5	College of Charleston Charleston, South Carolina	$19,518	$12,978	65.0%	75.7%
6	Converse University Spartanburg, South Carolina	$19,712	$23,096	47.1%	55.6%
7	Presbyterian College Clinton, South Carolina	$20,899	$43,300	61.9%	59.4%
8	Charleston Southern University Charleston, South Carolina	$21,955	$31,030	48.6%	86.8%
9	Clemson University Clemson, South Carolina	$22,112	$15,554	87.9%	43.0%
10	Strayer University-South Carolina Greenville, South Carolina	$22,134	$13,920
11	University of South Carolina-Columbia Columbia, South Carolina	$24,532	$12,688	77.7%	64.1%
12	Wofford College Spartanburg, South Carolina	$28,984	$54,100	80.8%	60.2%
13	Furman University Greenville, South Carolina	$29,997	$58,312	81.5%	67.0%

Frequently Asked Questions

What explains the massive cost difference between public and private Economics programs?

Public schools like Francis Marion ($13,451) and Coastal Carolina ($13,742) benefit from state subsidies that keep costs low. Private institutions such as Furman University ($29,997) and Wofford College ($28,984) charge significantly more but often provide smaller class sizes and extensive alumni networks.

How do graduation rates vary among affordable Economics programs?

Clemson University leads with an 87.90% graduation rate despite its $22,112 cost, while Francis Marion's 42.70% rate reflects the challenges faced by many students at the most affordable option. Mid-range schools like College of Charleston achieve 65.00% graduation rates at $19,518 annually.

Does the LIFE Scholarship significantly impact program costs?

The LIFE Scholarship provides up to $5,000 for qualifying South Carolina residents, which represents a substantial portion of in-state tuition at public schools. At Clemson, this scholarship covers nearly one-third of the $15,554 in-state tuition before other aid.

What salary outcomes can Economics graduates expect in South Carolina?

Earnings range from $38,472 at Wofford College to $57,318 at Furman University, with most programs producing graduates earning in the low $40,000s. The state's automotive and aerospace industries provide entry-level positions that often exceed these median figures for experienced analysts.

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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.