Cheapest Teacher Education and Professional Development Colleges in South Carolina

South Carolina State University graduates with teacher education degrees face the state's lowest median earnings at $24,863, creating a stark contrast with the $39,729 potential at top-performing programs. This $15,000 gap reflects broader challenges in the state's education funding, even as South Carolina's growing automotive and aerospace industries create demand for skilled technical education instructors. The most affordable option comes from University of South Carolina Aiken at $11,611 net cost, while private institutions like Bob Jones University charge $17,529 despite offering strong graduation rates of 69.6%. Public universities dominate the lower cost range, with seven schools under $15,000 annually. The state's LIFE Scholarship program provides up to $5,000 for qualifying residents, making programs like Francis Marion University even more accessible at $13,451 net cost. However, graduation rates vary dramatically from Benedict College's concerning 21.1% to College of Charleston's solid 65%, suggesting that affordability alone doesn't guarantee completion in teacher preparation programs across the state.

Programs

$11,611 – $29,997

Net Price Range

$32,199

Avg. Program Earnings

52.0%

Avg. Graduation Rate

27 Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas Programs

Program rankings
#	School	Net Price	In-State Tuition	Graduation Rate	Acceptance Rate
1	University of South Carolina Aiken Aiken, South Carolina	$11,611	$10,760	40.1%	75.6%
2	Francis Marion University Florence, South Carolina	$13,451	$11,160	42.7%	82.9%
3	University of South Carolina-Upstate Spartanburg, South Carolina	$13,725	$11,583	42.4%	78.6%
4	Coastal Carolina University Conway, South Carolina	$13,742	$11,640	50.8%	78.6%
5	Lander University Greenwood, South Carolina	$14,501	$11,700	48.8%	67.4%
6	Winthrop University Rock Hill, South Carolina	$16,353	$15,956	61.2%	69.8%
7	Bob Jones University Greenville, South Carolina	$17,529	$23,400	69.6%
8	Benedict College Columbia, South Carolina	$17,781	$18,000	21.1%	67.8%
9	Coker University Hartsville, South Carolina	$18,045	$31,854	34.6%	94.1%
10	South Carolina State University Orangeburg, South Carolina	$18,268	$11,060	29.4%	83.9%
11	College of Charleston Charleston, South Carolina	$19,518	$12,978	65.0%	75.7%
12	Converse University Spartanburg, South Carolina	$19,712	$23,096	47.1%	55.6%
13	Southern Wesleyan University Central, South Carolina	$19,968	$27,870	52.0%	51.2%
14	Newberry College Newberry, South Carolina	$20,351	$30,050	44.4%	75.3%
15	Morris College Sumter, South Carolina	$20,375	$16,224	20.4%
16	Limestone University Gaffney, South Carolina	$20,415	$27,500	27.6%	89.5%
17	North Greenville University Tigerville, South Carolina	$20,612	$24,650	54.9%	76.1%
18	Presbyterian College Clinton, South Carolina	$20,899	$43,300	61.9%	59.4%
19	Citadel Military College of South Carolina Charleston, South Carolina	$21,002	$12,570	72.8%	98.6%
20	Claflin University Orangeburg, South Carolina	$21,232	$17,046	49.1%	78.0%
21	Charleston Southern University Charleston, South Carolina	$21,955	$31,030	48.6%	86.8%
22	Erskine College Due West, South Carolina	$22,018	$36,710	48.6%	53.3%
23	Clemson University Clemson, South Carolina	$22,112	$15,554	87.9%	43.0%
24	Columbia College Columbia, South Carolina	$23,650	$21,450	53.5%	98.1%
25	University of South Carolina-Columbia Columbia, South Carolina	$24,532	$12,688	77.7%	64.1%
26	Anderson University Anderson, South Carolina	$28,183	$33,580	71.0%	45.4%
27	Furman University Greenville, South Carolina	$29,997	$58,312	81.5%	67.0%

Frequently Asked Questions

What explains the $15,000 earnings gap between the highest and lowest-paid teacher education graduates?

South Carolina State University graduates earn a median $24,863 compared to nearly $40,000 at other institutions, reflecting differences in program specialization and geographic placement. Schools with higher earnings often place graduates in technical education roles supporting the state's automotive and aerospace sectors. The variation also stems from different certification areas, with some focusing on high-demand STEM education while others prepare general elementary teachers. Geographic factors play a role too, as urban districts typically offer higher starting salaries than rural areas.

How do graduation rates correlate with program costs in South Carolina teacher education?

Benedict College shows the lowest graduation rate at 21.1% despite a moderate $17,781 net cost, while Bob Jones University achieves 69.6% completion at similar pricing. Public institutions like University of South Carolina Aiken offer the lowest costs at $11,611 but maintain only 40.1% graduation rates. College of Charleston represents the sweet spot with 65% graduation rates at $19,518 net cost. The data suggests that institutional support systems matter more than price alone for program completion.

Is the LIFE Scholarship significant enough to impact program choice decisions?

The LIFE Scholarship's $5,000 annual award substantially reduces costs at public institutions already priced competitively. Francis Marion University drops to approximately $8,450 after LIFE funding, making it extremely affordable for qualified residents. University of South Carolina Aiken becomes virtually free for some students when combined with other aid. However, the scholarship doesn't apply to private institutions, creating an even wider gap between public and private options for teacher preparation programs.

Does South Carolina's automotive industry growth create opportunities for teacher education graduates?

BMW and Volvo's presence in South Carolina generates demand for technical education instructors and workforce development specialists. These roles often pay above traditional classroom teaching salaries, explaining why some graduates earn in the upper $30,000 range. Career and technical education programs at high schools and community colleges need qualified instructors with industry knowledge. Many teacher education graduates pursue additional certifications to teach automotive technology, manufacturing processes, or engineering concepts to meet this regional demand.

Where do the highest acceptance rates create the most accessible entry points?

Coker University accepts 94.08% of applicants but charges $18,045 net cost with only 34.6% graduation rates, suggesting open access but completion challenges. Francis Marion University offers a better balance at 82.91% acceptance with $13,451 costs and 42.7% graduation rates. South Carolina State University accepts 83.9% of students at public tuition rates, though graduation outcomes remain concerning. These high acceptance rates provide multiple pathways into teaching, but students should carefully evaluate program support systems and completion statistics.

More Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas Rankings

Best Value Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas in South Carolina Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas Under $20,000 in South Carolina

All Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas Programs Best Colleges in South Carolina Best Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas in South Carolina

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