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Cheapest English Language and Literature Colleges in South Carolina

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

Allen University offers English Language and Literature students the lowest net cost at $11,081, creating an unusual situation where a private institution undercuts every public university in South Carolina by significant margins. This sharp cost advantage comes with trade-offs, as Allen's 13.20% graduation rate contrasts dramatically with College of Charleston's 65% completion rate at $19,518 net cost. The earnings spread among graduates tells another story, ranging from $20,530 at USC Beaufort to $30,409 at South Carolina State University. English majors in South Carolina enter a job market increasingly shaped by the state's growing automotive and aerospace industries, where technical writing and corporate communications roles complement traditional education and publishing careers. The state's LIFE Scholarship provides up to $5,000 for qualifying residents, making already affordable public options like USC Aiken ($11,611 net cost) even more accessible for students planning literature and writing careers.
32
Programs
$11,081 – $29,997
Net Price Range
$27,082
Avg. Program Earnings
51.3%
Avg. Graduation Rate

32 English Language and Literature, 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 $21,660 $27,900 65.5% 48.2%
25 $21,955 $31,030 48.6% 86.8%
26 $22,018 $36,710 48.6% 53.3%
27 $22,112 $15,554 87.9% 43.0%
28 $23,650 $21,450 53.5% 98.1%
29 $24,532 $12,688 77.7% 64.1%
30 $28,183 $33,580 71.0% 45.4%
31 $28,984 $54,100 80.8% 60.2%
32 $29,997 $58,312 81.5% 67.0%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Allen University's English program cost so much less than other schools?

Allen University charges a net cost of $11,081 for English majors, significantly below USC Aiken's $11,611 despite being a private institution. This pricing reflects Allen's mission as a historically black university serving students who qualify for substantial financial aid. However, the low cost comes with a 13.20% graduation rate, suggesting students should carefully consider support systems and academic preparedness before enrollment.

How do graduation rates vary among the most affordable English programs?

Graduation rates span from Allen University's 13.20% to Bob Jones University's 69.60%, showing dramatic differences in student success. Among public universities, College of Charleston leads with 65% while USC Beaufort graduates 38.60% of students. Francis Marion University and USC Upstate both achieve approximately 42% graduation rates at net costs around $13,500.

Is the LIFE Scholarship worth pursuing for English majors?

The LIFE Scholarship provides up to $5,000 annually for qualifying South Carolina residents, which represents nearly half the in-state tuition at schools like USC Aiken ($10,760). For English majors attending public universities where in-state tuition ranges from $10,730 to $15,956, this scholarship creates substantial savings. Students need a 3.0 GPA and 1100 SAT score to qualify initially.

Does graduate debt vary significantly among these affordable programs?

Graduate debt ranges from USC Upstate's manageable $18,671 to Francis Marion's concerning $30,632, despite similar net costs around $13,500. Coastal Carolina graduates carry $23,000 in debt while earning $20,824 annually, creating a challenging debt-to-income ratio. College of Charleston students graduate with $23,250 debt but earn $26,997, offering better financial prospects for English majors.

Where do English graduates earn the most in South Carolina's job market?

South Carolina State University graduates earn $30,409 annually, the highest among affordable programs, despite the school's 29.40% graduation rate. College of Charleston follows at $26,997, while USC Beaufort graduates start at just $20,530. The state's growing automotive and aerospace sectors increasingly need technical writers and communications specialists, potentially boosting earning potential for English majors with relevant skills.

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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.