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NCAA Division II Colleges in South Carolina

15 schools in South Carolina. See our methodology.

Anderson University stands apart from South Carolina's 15 Division II colleges with its $28,183 net cost, the highest in this tier, yet delivers a 71% graduation rate that outpaces all competitors. This performance gap tells a story about educational investment in the Palmetto State, where costs range from Allen University's $11,081 to Anderson's premium price point. The state's automotive boom, anchored by BMW and Volvo manufacturing, creates clear pathways for graduates earning between $30,497 and $53,459 annually. Southern Wesleyan University graduates command the second-highest salaries at $47,756 despite operating with just 771 students in Central. Meanwhile, acceptance rates span from Allen's selective 43.4% to Coker University's open 94.1%, reflecting different institutional missions across the state. South Carolina's LIFE Scholarship program, offering up to $5,000 annually, helps bridge affordability gaps at schools like USC Aiken, where the $11,611 net cost makes quality education accessible. The data reveals a clear correlation between investment and outcomes, with higher-cost institutions generally producing better graduation rates and stronger earning potential in South Carolina's growing economy.
15
Schools
$18,285
Avg. Net Price
$42,870
Avg. Earnings
42.3%
Avg. Graduation Rate

NCAA Division II Colleges in South Carolina

College listings
# School Enrollment Net Price Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 3,080 $28,183 71.0% 45.4%
2 771 $19,968 52.0% 51.2%
3 3,384 $14,501 48.8% 67.4%
4 821 $22,018 48.6% 53.3%
5 845 $19,712 47.1% 55.6%
6 2,805 $11,611 40.1% 75.6%
7 1,958 $15,309 38.6% 80.0%
8 1,719 $20,612 54.9% 76.1%
9 2,640 $13,451 42.7% 82.9%
10 1,727 $21,232 49.1% 78.0%
11 1,462 $20,351 44.4% 75.3%
12 635 $11,081 13.2% 43.4%
13 1,573 $17,781 21.1% 67.8%
14 1,528 $20,415 27.6% 89.5%
15 807 $18,045 34.6% 94.1%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Anderson University worth its $28,183 price tag compared to other SC Division II schools?

Anderson delivers the state's highest Division II graduation rate at 71%, nearly 20 percentage points above the next competitor. With 3,080 students, it maintains strong outcomes while operating at scale, and graduates earn $42,101 annually, reflecting solid career preparation in South Carolina's growing job market.

How do earnings compare between the most and least expensive Division II colleges in South Carolina?

Allen University, the most affordable at $11,081, produces graduates earning $30,497 annually. Anderson University, costing $28,183, generates $42,101 in graduate earnings. The $17,102 cost difference translates to an $11,604 annual earnings advantage, suggesting return on educational investment varies significantly across institutions.

Is Southern Wesleyan University a good value despite its small size?

With only 771 students, Southern Wesleyan generates the second-highest graduate earnings at $47,756 annually while maintaining a reasonable $19,968 net cost. The 52% graduation rate and 51.18% acceptance rate indicate selective admissions and strong student support in this intimate academic setting.

Does the state's LIFE Scholarship program make private colleges more accessible?

South Carolina's LIFE Scholarship provides up to $5,000 annually, which significantly impacts affordability. At schools like Claflin University ($21,232 net cost) or Converse University ($19,712), this aid reduces the financial gap between private and public options, making quality education more attainable statewide.

Where can students find the best graduation rates among affordable Division II options?

USC Aiken combines affordability ($11,611 net cost) with a solid 40.1% graduation rate, while Lander University offers 48.8% graduation rates at $14,501. Both institutions provide strong value propositions, with graduates earning over $42,000 annually in South Carolina's expanding automotive and aerospace sectors.

Related

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See our methodology for details on rankings and data sources.