The cost of college in South Carolina — and what it pays back
Across the 60 South Carolina institutions we profile, the median net price — what students actually pay after grants and scholarships — is $15,995/yr, $911 below the $16,906 national median. Graduates earn a median $39,783 ten years after entry (below the $43,552 national median), and 10 of the 60 schools clear their full cost on institution-wide earnings. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)
$15,995
Median net price / yr
Scorecard, 2026
$39,783
Median earnings, 10 yrs
Scorecard, 2026
6.3 yrs
Median payback
Our math, 2026
10/60
Schools that pay back
Our math, 2026
How South Carolina's 60 colleges split by ROI verdict
Strong4
Solid4
Slow1
Weak51
Verdicts: payback under 5 / 10 / 20 / over 20 years (or none).
| College | Net price/yr | Earnings 10y | Payback |
|---|---|---|---|
| Citadel Military College of South Carolina | $20,723 | $72,085 | 3.5 yrs |
| Wofford College | $18,732 | $68,964 | 3.6 yrs |
| Clemson University | $22,253 | $71,513 | 3.8 yrs |
| Galen Health Institutes-Myrtle Beach | $25,662 | $61,480 | 3.9 yrs |
| Furman University | $30,308 | $68,635 | 6 yrs |
| College | Net price/yr | Earnings 10y | Payback |
|---|---|---|---|
| Trident Technical College | $1,406 | $38,253 | no payback |
| Florence-Darlington Technical College | $2,004 | $32,748 | no payback |
| Spartanburg Community College | $2,405 | $37,097 | no payback |
| Horry-Georgetown Technical College | $4,159 | $35,507 | no payback |
| Midlands Technical College | $4,647 | $38,701 | no payback |
Frequently asked questions
How much does college cost in South Carolina?
The median net price across South Carolina colleges is $15,995/yr after aid — below the $16,906 national median. Sticker prices run far higher; net price is what the typical aided student actually pays.
Is college in South Carolina cheaper than the national average?
Yes, on median net price: $15,995/yr vs $16,906 nationally — about $911/yr less.
What do South Carolina college graduates earn?
A median $39,783 ten years after entry (College Scorecard), below the $43,552 national median.
Which South Carolina college pays for itself fastest?
Citadel Military College of South Carolina — about 3.5 years to clear its $82,892 total net cost on earnings above the high-school baseline. The full ranking is on our best-colleges-in-south-carolina page.