Skip to main content
$5,046Tuition
5,063Students
30%Grad Rate (6-yr)
$37,097Earnings
#20 in South CarolinaPublic2-yearData: 2023-24

About Spartanburg Community College

Spartanburg Community College serves over 5,000 students in South Carolina's upstate region, focusing on workforce training and college transfer preparation. The school operates on a semester system and maintains strong ties to local industries and four-year universities. Students benefit from a 16:1 student-faculty ratio that enables personalized attention. The Chasers compete in athletics while most students concentrate on career-focused programs that lead directly to employment or smooth transfers to bachelor's degree programs.

Students pay an average net price of $6,531 after financial aid, making this one of the most affordable higher education options in the region. In-state tuition starts at $5,046 annually. Graduates earn a median of $37,097 ten years after enrollment, while carrying just $6,500 in median debt. Monthly loan payments average only $69, creating manageable financial obligations. The return on investment proves solid for a two-year program, especially given the 93.1% employment rate among graduates.

The student body reflects the local community demographics, with 98% coming from South Carolina. Women comprise 62% of enrollment while the campus draws from diverse racial backgrounds. Only 38% of students receive financial aid, suggesting many can afford the low tuition without borrowing. The 30% six-year graduation rate reflects the reality that many students attend part-time while working or transfer before completing associate degrees.

Academics & Faculty

Spartanburg Community College focuses on workforce development and college transfer preparation for the Upstate South Carolina region. The college serves 5,063 students with a 16:1 student-faculty ratio that enables personalized attention from instructors. Popular programs include nursing, automotive technology, and manufacturing training that align with local industry needs. The 30% six-year graduation rate reflects the challenges many community college students face balancing work and family commitments. Strong partnerships with BMW Manufacturing and other regional employers create direct pathways from classroom to career. Students can complete associate degrees for transfer to four-year universities or earn technical certificates for immediate employment. The college emphasizes hands-on learning through modern labs and equipment.

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Student-to-Faculty Ratio
16:1
Full-Time Faculty
36.7%
Graduation Rate (6-year)
30.0%
Median Earnings (10 years)
$37,097

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
ProgramLevelMedian Earnings
Industrial Production Technologies/Technicians. Associate $54,869
Precision Metal Working. Associate $54,418
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. Associate $51,106
Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. Associate $50,856
Electrical Engineering Technologies/Technicians. Associate $47,260
Accounting and Related Services. Associate $37,208
Precision Metal Working. Certificate $36,185
Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other. Associate $35,772
Data Processing. Associate $33,138
Business Administration, Management and Operations. Associate $32,925

View all 46 programs →

Campus Life

Two-thirds of Spartanburg Community College's 5,063 students are women, creating a campus atmosphere focused on practical career preparation. The suburban Spartanburg setting sits about 30 minutes from Greenville, placing students within reach of a growing job market in manufacturing and healthcare. South Carolina's mild climate means you'll need a light jacket for winter but should prepare for hot, humid summers.

As a commuter school with 98% in-state enrollment, SCC doesn't offer residence halls. Students typically work part-time jobs while attending classes, with 38% receiving Pell Grants to help cover the $5,046 annual tuition. The 16:1 student-faculty ratio allows for personal attention in programs like nursing, automotive technology, and business. Weekends often involve work or family time rather than campus activities. The Chasers athletic teams provide some school spirit, but the real energy comes from students preparing for immediate workforce entry. With a 93% employment rate after graduation, most students see SCC as a practical stepping stone to stable careers in the Upstate region.
Setting
Suburb-Midsize
Calendar System
Semester
Founded
1963

Campus Safety (2023)

No reported Clery Act crimes in 2023.

Climate & Weather

January Avg
31°–54°F
July Avg
68°–90°F
Annual Precipitation
50.2"
Annual Snowfall
0.8"

Student Demographics

Students come primarily from the local Spartanburg community, with 98% hailing from South Carolina. The student body reflects the college's mission as an accessible pathway to higher education, with 38% receiving Pell Grants. Women make up 62% of enrollment, drawn to the college's strong nursing and healthcare programs. The diverse mix includes 54% white students, 25% Black students, and 11% Hispanic students. This demographic blend mirrors the changing face of the Upstate region. Most students work while attending classes, balancing education with family and job responsibilities.
Men
38.1%
Women
61.9%
White
54.3%
Black
25.4%
Hispanic
11.3%
Asian
2.9%
In-State Students
98.1%
Pell Grant Recipients
38.4%

Location

Spartanburg Community College sits in Spartanburg, South Carolina, about 80 miles northwest of Charlotte and 90 miles southwest of Charlotte. The school draws 98.13% of its students from in-state, reflecting its strong local roots in this mid-sized suburban community. Spartanburg sits in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, giving students access to outdoor recreation while maintaining proximity to urban centers. The city has transformed from its textile mill heritage into a center for international manufacturing, with BMW's largest plant nearby creating strong workforce development partnerships. The 5,063 students benefit from this industrial presence through career training programs. Students considering colleges in South Carolina may also compare Spartanburg Community College with similar schools in the region.
Address
Spartanburg, South Carolina 29303
Spartanburg Community College campus
Spartanburg Community College campus

After College

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Median Earnings (10 years)
$37,097
Median Earnings (5 years)
$43,828
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
$26,800
Loan Repayment Rate
41.9%
Monthly Loan Payment
$69/mo
Median Debt at Graduation
$6,500

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the admission requirements at Spartanburg Community College?

Spartanburg Community College maintains an open admission policy for most programs, welcoming students with a high school diploma or equivalent. With 5,063 students enrolled, the college focuses on serving local residents, as 98.13% of students come from in-state. The college is known for providing accessible higher education and workforce training to the Spartanburg community.

How much does Spartanburg Community College cost after financial aid?

Students pay an average net price of $6,531 after financial aid, with costs varying by family income. Those from families earning under $30,000 pay around $6,365, while higher-income families may pay up to $8,274. The college keeps debt manageable, with graduates owing a median of just $6,500 and monthly loan payments of only $69.

What is the student-faculty ratio at Spartanburg Community College?

The student-faculty ratio stands at 16:1, providing reasonable access to instructors for personalized attention. Founded in 1963, the college has built a reputation for strong workforce training programs alongside traditional transfer pathways. Students benefit from small class sizes that support both career preparation and academic transfer goals.

What are the job prospects after graduating from Spartanburg Community College?

Graduates achieve a strong 93.1% employment rate, reflecting the college's focus on practical workforce training. The median earnings reach $37,097 ten years after graduation, with earlier career earnings of $39,077 after just one year. The college's programs are designed to meet local industry needs in the Spartanburg area.

Where is Spartanburg Community College located and what is campus life like?

The college sits in Spartanburg, South Carolina, a midsize suburban setting that offers both urban amenities and small-town feel. With 61.92% women and 38.08% men, the student body reflects the diverse local community, including 54.32% white, 25.40% Black, and 11.32% Hispanic students. The Chasers athletic teams add school spirit to the commuter-focused campus environment.

Does Spartanburg Community College offer good financial aid support?

About 38.38% of students receive financial aid, with the same percentage qualifying for Pell Grants, indicating significant need-based support. The college awards institutional grants to 15.70% of students, averaging $7,765 per recipient. Only 5% of students take federal loans, reflecting the college's affordability and the effectiveness of its grant programs.