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Suburban Colleges in South Carolina

13 schools in South Carolina. See our methodology.

Clemson University's 87.9% graduation rate towers above other suburban South Carolina colleges, where completion rates span from just 16.3% at Midlands Technical College to this flagship achievement. The state's suburban campuses serve 52,000+ students across 13 institutions, with costs ranging from $5,350 at Aiken Technical to $37,856 at private Southeastern College. These schools connect directly to South Carolina's economic engines, particularly the automotive corridor where BMW and Volvo operations create engineering pathways for Clemson graduates earning $71,513 annually. Community colleges like Tri-County Technical in Pendleton graduate students earning $40,101, reflecting the state's technical workforce needs. The LIFE Scholarship provides up to $5,000 for qualifying students, making schools like USC Upstate at $13,725 net cost even more accessible. Furman University combines liberal arts tradition with modern career preparation, producing graduates earning $68,635 in today's job market. From two-year technical programs preparing automotive technicians to four-year degrees in aerospace engineering, suburban South Carolina colleges mirror the state's shift from agriculture to advanced manufacturing.
13
Schools
$16,467
Avg. Net Price
$45,474
Avg. Earnings
45.3%
Avg. Graduation Rate

Suburban Colleges in South Carolina

College listings
# School Setting Enrollment Net Price Graduation Rate
1 Suburb-Midsize 22,778 $22,112 87.9%
2 Suburb-Midsize 4,960 $5,807 39.1%
3 Suburb-Large 2,322 $29,997 81.5%
4 Suburb-Midsize 771 $19,968 52.0%
5 Suburb-Midsize 5,063 $6,531 30.0%
6 Suburb-Midsize 4,008 $13,725 42.4%
7 Suburb-Large 2,805 $11,611 40.1%
8 Suburb-Large 1,911 $5,350 18.7%
9 Suburb-Large 7,731 $5,462 16.3%
10 Suburb-Midsize 1,029 $16,295 38.3%
11 Suburb-Large 248 $37,856 52.3%
12 Suburb-Large 445 $22,886
13 Suburb-Midsize

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Clemson University stand out among South Carolina suburban colleges?

Clemson achieves an 87.9% graduation rate with graduates earning $71,513 annually, the highest in suburban South Carolina. The university enrolls 22,778 students while maintaining a selective 43% acceptance rate, creating a competitive academic environment that produces results.

How affordable are community colleges in suburban South Carolina?

Community colleges range from $5,350 at Aiken Technical to $6,531 at Spartanburg Community College. These schools serve over 19,000 students combined, with graduates earning $37,000-$40,000 annually in fields supporting the state's automotive and aerospace industries.

Does the LIFE Scholarship apply to these suburban colleges?

Yes, the LIFE Scholarship provides up to $5,000 annually for qualifying South Carolina residents. This significantly reduces costs at schools like USC Upstate ($13,725 net) and USC Aiken ($11,611 net), making four-year degrees more accessible.

What career outcomes can students expect from these programs?

Graduate earnings range from $31,156 to $71,513 annually, with technical programs averaging $38,000-$40,000 and four-year degrees reaching $45,000-$71,000. Many programs align with South Carolina's automotive, aerospace, and manufacturing sectors, ensuring relevant job placement.

Where do most students attend college in suburban South Carolina?

The largest enrollment occurs at Clemson University with 22,778 students, followed by Midlands Technical College with 7,731 students. Community colleges collectively serve nearly 20,000 students, while private colleges like Furman maintain smaller classes with 2,322 enrolled.

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See our methodology for details on rankings and data sources.