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Urban Colleges in South Carolina

32 schools in South Carolina. See our methodology.

The Citadel Military College of South Carolina graduates earn $72,085 annually, the highest among South Carolina's urban colleges, while accepting 98.6% of applicants. This unique combination highlights how the state's city-based institutions serve different student populations with varying outcomes. Urban colleges here range from $-3,220 at Trident Technical College to $41,961 at premium institutions, with graduation rates spanning 17.6% to 80.8%. Charleston hosts three major options including The Citadel and College of Charleston, while Columbia anchors the state system with USC's 28,113 students. These urban campuses connect directly to South Carolina's growing automotive and aerospace sectors, with BMW and Volvo operations creating demand for technical and business graduates. Community colleges like Trident Technical and Horry-Georgetown Technical provide affordable entry points at under $4,000 annually, feeding local workforce needs. The state's LIFE Scholarship program offers up to $5,000 for qualifying students, making these urban options even more accessible. From military discipline at The Citadel to liberal arts at College of Charleston, urban South Carolina colleges reflect the state's economic transformation from agriculture to manufacturing and technology.
32
Schools
$18,230
Avg. Net Price
$43,690
Avg. Earnings
47.0%
Avg. Graduation Rate

Urban Colleges in South Carolina

College listings
# School Setting Enrollment Net Price Graduation Rate
1 City-Midsize 28,113 $24,532 77.7%
2 City-Midsize 2,624 $21,002 72.8%
3 City-Midsize 10,366 $19,518 65.0%
4 City-Small 2,209 $17,529 69.6%
5 City-Small 1,873 $28,984 80.8%
6 City-Small 3,080 $28,183 71.0%
7 City-Small 3,424 $16,353 61.2%
8 City-Midsize 690 $21,660 65.5%
9 City-Small 9,909 $13,742 50.8%
10 City-Small 3,813 $4,657 32.4%
11 City-Midsize 11,091 $-3,220 28.7%
12 City-Small 5,962 $3,719 28.2%
13 City-Small 845 $19,712 47.1%
14 City-Small 2,388 $5,027 30.8%
15 City-Midsize 513 $27,508 36.3%
16 City-Small 631 $9,283 36.1%
17 City-Small 8,171 $6,246 17.6%
18 City-Small 629 $41,961
19 City-Midsize 232 $36,778 69.7%
20 City-Midsize 124 66.0%
21 City-Small 1,697 $5,903 12.1%
22 City-Small 164 $21,736 64.0%
23 City-Midsize 1,245 $23,650 53.5%
24 City-Midsize 2,716 $21,955 48.6%
25 City-Small 421 $20,375 20.4%
26 City-Midsize 281
27 City-Midsize 635 $11,081 13.2%
28 City-Small 94 $14,501 11.1%
29 City-Small 1,830 $22,134
30 City-Midsize 140 $26,389 64.0%
31 City-Midsize 1,573 $17,781 21.1%
32 City-Midsize

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes The Citadel unique among South Carolina urban colleges?

The Citadel accepts 98.6% of applicants yet produces graduates earning $72,085 annually, the highest in the state. This military college in Charleston enrolls 2,624 students with a 72.8% graduation rate, combining accessible admissions with rigorous military training that appeals to employers in defense and leadership roles.

How affordable are community colleges in South Carolina cities?

Trident Technical College in Charleston costs students nothing after aid, showing a net price of -$3,220. Other urban technical colleges like Horry-Georgetown ($3,719) and Central Carolina ($5,027) keep costs under $6,000 annually while serving over 19,000 combined students across the state's cities.

Does USC Columbia justify its higher cost compared to other state schools?

USC Columbia graduates earn $62,177 annually with a 77.7% graduation rate, serving 28,113 students at a net cost of $24,532. While more expensive than regional universities, its size and research opportunities connect students to major employers in Columbia's government and business sectors.

What graduation rates can students expect at urban South Carolina colleges?

Wofford College leads with an 80.8% graduation rate, while technical colleges typically graduate 28-32% of students. Four-year institutions like College of Charleston (65%) and Bob Jones University (69.6%) fall in the middle range, with completion rates often reflecting admission selectivity and student preparation levels.

Where do South Carolina urban college graduates find employment?

Graduates enter South Carolina's automotive sector with BMW in Spartanburg and Volvo in Charleston, plus aerospace companies throughout the state. Technical college graduates often work in manufacturing support roles earning $32,000-38,000, while university graduates pursue management positions earning $40,000-70,000 annually in these growing industries.

How does the LIFE Scholarship affect college costs in South Carolina cities?

The LIFE Scholarship provides up to $5,000 annually for qualifying students, significantly reducing costs at schools like Winthrop University ($16,353 net) and College of Charleston ($19,518 net). This state program makes urban four-year colleges more competitive with community college options for middle-income families.

Related

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See our methodology for details on rankings and data sources.