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Cheapest Liberal Arts and Sciences Colleges in South Carolina

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

University of South Carolina-Sumter delivers the state's most affordable Liberal Arts and Sciences program at just $9,283 net cost annually, though students should weigh this against its 36% graduation rate. The price gap between public and private options spans dramatically, with Allen University costing $11,081 compared to Bob Jones University at $17,529. South Carolina's automotive boom, anchored by BMW and Volvo manufacturing facilities, creates unexpected career paths for liberal arts graduates in corporate communications, human resources, and supply chain management. The state's LIFE Scholarship provides up to $5,000 for qualifying residents, making programs like USC-Lancaster and USC-Union particularly attractive at under $10,000 net cost. Earnings data reveals interesting patterns, with USC-Salkehatchie graduates earning $19,045 annually while Coastal Carolina University graduates command $27,846, despite similar program costs around $13,000.
34
Programs
$9,283 – $29,997
Net Price Range
$27,079
Avg. Program Earnings
48.8%
Avg. Graduation Rate

34 Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $9,283 $7,558 36.1% 71.9%
2 $9,735 $7,558 29.5% 76.2%
3 $11,081 $14,304 13.2% 43.4%
4 $11,125 $7,558 37.5% 80.1%
5 $11,611 $10,760 40.1% 75.6%
6 $12,395 $7,558 21.8% 70.9%
7 $13,451 $11,160 42.7% 82.9%
8 $13,725 $11,583 42.4% 78.6%
9 $13,742 $11,640 50.8% 78.6%
10 $14,501 $11,700 48.8% 67.4%
11 $15,309 $10,730 38.6% 80.0%
12 $15,411 $12,630 37.8%
13 $16,353 $15,956 61.2% 69.8%
14 $17,529 $23,400 69.6%
15 $17,781 $18,000 21.1% 67.8%
16 $18,268 $11,060 29.4% 83.9%
17 $19,518 $12,978 65.0% 75.7%
18 $19,712 $23,096 47.1% 55.6%
19 $19,968 $27,870 52.0% 51.2%
20 $20,351 $30,050 44.4% 75.3%
21 $20,375 $16,224 20.4%
22 $20,415 $27,500 27.6% 89.5%
23 $20,612 $24,650 54.9% 76.1%
24 $20,899 $43,300 61.9% 59.4%
25 $21,232 $17,046 49.1% 78.0%
26 $21,660 $27,900 65.5% 48.2%
27 $21,955 $31,030 48.6% 86.8%
28 $22,018 $36,710 48.6% 53.3%
29 $22,112 $15,554 87.9% 43.0%
30 $23,650 $21,450 53.5% 98.1%
31 $24,532 $12,688 77.7% 64.1%
32 $28,183 $33,580 71.0% 45.4%
33 $28,984 $54,100 80.8% 60.2%
34 $29,997 $58,312 81.5% 67.0%

Frequently Asked Questions

What explains the wide graduation rate differences between similar programs?

Bob Jones University achieves a 69.6% graduation rate while Allen University graduates just 13.2% of students, despite both being private institutions. USC-Sumter maintains 36.1% compared to Coastal Carolina's 50.8%, suggesting campus resources and student support systems vary significantly. Francis Marion University's 42.7% rate reflects typical performance for regional public universities. These differences often correlate with admission selectivity and financial aid availability.

How do USC system schools compare in terms of value?

USC-Sumter offers the lowest net cost at $9,283 but graduates only 36.1% of students, while USC Aiken costs $11,611 with a 40.1% graduation rate. USC-Upstate represents the best balance at $13,725 net cost, 42.4% graduation rate, and $27,693 median earnings. All USC regional campuses charge $7,558 in-state tuition, making net cost differences reflect varying financial aid packages.

Does program cost correlate with post-graduation earnings?

Not necessarily. USC-Salkehatchie costs $12,395 but graduates earn just $19,045 annually, while Coastal Carolina costs slightly more at $13,742 yet graduates earn $27,846. Francis Marion University graduates earn $26,585 with a net cost of $13,451, demonstrating similar investment levels. The earnings range of $19,045 to $27,846 shows significant variation regardless of program price.

Is financial aid availability consistent across South Carolina schools?

Private schools show mixed patterns, with Allen University offering substantial aid reducing costs from $14,304 sticker price to $11,081 net. Bob Jones University provides less aid, with net costs of $17,529 against a $23,400 sticker price. Public institutions benefit from state funding, keeping USC system schools under $10,000 net cost for most students. The LIFE Scholarship adds up to $5,000 for qualifying South Carolina residents.

Where do graduates typically find employment in South Carolina?

Liberal arts graduates often enter South Carolina's growing automotive sector in communications and human resources roles at BMW's Spartanburg facility or Volvo's Charleston plant. Tourism and hospitality industries along the coast provide management opportunities, particularly near Coastal Carolina University. Government positions in Columbia and Charleston offer stable career paths with competitive benefits. The state's expanding aerospace industry also seeks liberal arts graduates for project coordination and business development roles.

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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.