Cheapest Physics Colleges in South Carolina

South Carolina's Physics programs reveal a striking cost divide, with Francis Marion University charging just $13,451 annually while Furman University reaches $29,997. The Citadel stands alone among military colleges nationwide offering Physics with a 72.80% graduation rate at $21,002 net cost. BMW's Spartanburg manufacturing plant and Boeing's Charleston assembly facility create growing demand for physics-trained engineers across the state. Public universities dominate the affordable end, with six of the seven cheapest options being state institutions that benefit from the LIFE Scholarship program.

Programs

$13,451 – $29,997

Net Price Range

$41,025

Avg. Program Earnings

60.8%

Avg. Graduation Rate

13 Physics 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	Bob Jones University Greenville, South Carolina	$17,529	$23,400	69.6%
4	Benedict College Columbia, South Carolina	$17,781	$18,000	21.1%	67.8%
5	South Carolina State University Orangeburg, South Carolina	$18,268	$11,060	29.4%	83.9%
6	College of Charleston Charleston, South Carolina	$19,518	$12,978	65.0%	75.7%
7	Presbyterian College Clinton, South Carolina	$20,899	$43,300	61.9%	59.4%
8	Citadel Military College of South Carolina Charleston, South Carolina	$21,002	$12,570	72.8%	98.6%
9	Erskine College Due West, South Carolina	$22,018	$36,710	48.6%	53.3%
10	Clemson University Clemson, South Carolina	$22,112	$15,554	87.9%	43.0%
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 makes The Citadel unique among Physics programs?

The Citadel combines military training with Physics education at $21,002 net cost, reporting the only available earnings data of $41,025 for Physics graduates. The college maintains a 98.58% acceptance rate while achieving a 72.80% graduation rate, making it one of the most accessible yet successful programs.

How much can the LIFE Scholarship reduce costs?

The LIFE Scholarship provides up to $5,000 annually for qualifying South Carolina residents, significantly reducing costs at public universities. Francis Marion University's $11,160 in-state tuition could drop to around $6,160 with the scholarship, making it one of the most affordable Physics programs nationally.

Is there a quality difference between the cheapest and most expensive programs?

Furman University at $29,997 achieves an 81.50% graduation rate compared to Francis Marion's 42.70% rate at $13,451. However, Clemson University offers strong outcomes with an 87.90% graduation rate at just $22,112 net cost, demonstrating that higher prices don't guarantee better results.

Where do Physics graduates find employment in South Carolina?

BMW's Spartanburg facility and Boeing's Charleston operations actively recruit physics-trained engineers for manufacturing and aerospace roles. The state's growing automotive sector, including Volvo's Berkeley County plant, creates additional opportunities for graduates with strong analytical and problem-solving 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.