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South Carolina's language programs reveal striking cost differences, with Francis Marion University charging just $13,451 while the University of South Carolina-Columbia reaches $24,532. The Citadel stands out with an unusually high 98.58% acceptance rate for a military institution, contrasting sharply with Clemson's selective 42.98% admission rate. Graduates earn around $27,669 annually, positioning them well for South Carolina's growing international business sector, particularly with BMW and Volvo's European operations requiring multilingual communication specialists. The state's LIFE Scholarship provides up to $5,000 for qualifying residents, making public options even more attractive. Ten schools offer these specialized programs across varied settings from coastal Conway to military Charleston.
10
Programs
$13,451 – $24,532
Net Price Range
$27,669
Avg. Program Earnings
57.6%
Avg. Graduation Rate

10 Linguistic, Comparative, and Related Language Studies and Services Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $13,451 $11,160 42.7% 82.9%
2 $13,742 $11,640 50.8% 78.6%
3 $16,353 $15,956 61.2% 69.8%
4 $18,268 $11,060 29.4% 83.9%
5 $19,712 $23,096 47.1% 55.6%
6 $20,351 $30,050 44.4% 75.3%
7 $20,899 $43,300 61.9% 59.4%
8 $21,002 $12,570 72.8% 98.6%
9 $22,112 $15,554 87.9% 43.0%
10 $24,532 $12,688 77.7% 64.1%

Frequently Asked Questions

What explains the $11,081 cost gap between the cheapest and most expensive programs?

Francis Marion University at $13,451 represents the most affordable option, while USC-Columbia costs $24,532 annually. Public institutions dominate the lower end, with five schools under $20,000, while private colleges like Presbyterian College charge significantly more despite similar net costs due to financial aid.

How does The Citadel's 98.58% acceptance rate compare to other military academies?

The Citadel accepts nearly all applicants, unusual for military institutions, yet maintains a strong 72.80% graduation rate. This suggests the program's selectivity happens after enrollment rather than during admissions, with rigorous academic and military standards filtering students.

Is the $27,669 earning potential competitive for language studies graduates?

The salary reflects entry-level positions in translation, education, and international business roles. South Carolina's automotive and aerospace industries, particularly BMW and Volvo operations, create demand for multilingual professionals who often advance beyond these starting wages.

Does Clemson University justify its higher $22,112 cost with better outcomes?

Clemson delivers an 87.90% graduation rate, the highest among all programs, compared to the state average of 57.19%. Its selective 42.98% acceptance rate and strong alumni network in business and engineering sectors provide career advantages that offset the higher investment.

Net price reflects the average cost after grants and scholarships for first-time, full-time students. See our methodology for details.