Best Accredited Online Colleges in South Carolina
In South Carolina, around 193,000 adults ages 18-24 hold an associate degree or some college experience. The state’s Commission on Higher Education aims to increase the number of South Carolinians with a college education from 46.8% as of 2020 to 60% by 2030.
Online colleges in South Carolina prioritize convenience and affordability to assist the state in achieving this goal. Want to earn a college degree in South Carolina? This guide explains how to identify accredited online colleges and why this status matters.
What Colleges Are Accredited in South Carolina?
Colleges like the University of Southern Carolina and the College of Charleston hold institutional accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC). Institutional accreditation affirms the quality of a school’s academics, faculty, and student outcomes. Schools need accreditation to ensure students receive federal financial aid. The two types of accreditation in higher education are institutional and programmatic.
Institutional Accreditation
In 2020, the Department of Education merged regional and national accreditation to create institutional accreditation. This change allowed colleges to seek accreditation, a voluntary evaluation process, from any agency. Previously, schools could only become accredited by agencies in their regional areas. Many online colleges in South Carolina still hold accreditation from SACSCOC, a former regional accrediting agency.
Subject-Specific Accreditation
While institutional accreditation involves evaluating the entire institution, programmatic accreditation focuses on departments and majors within schools. The accreditation process for programs mirrors that of institutional accreditation, only for specific subjects.
Top Accredited Online Colleges in SC
Lander University
Greenwood, SC- 4 year
- Campus + Online
With high-quality online programs, Lander University is an ideal option for online learners. The public institution's four online programs provide flexible learning options for busy students based in any location. Online degree-seekers can complete coursework at their convenience, from anywhere, eliminating the need to live near campus.
Online enrollees often participate in class discussions through forums and chat. Gaining professional experience through opportunities such as internships can help individuals secure roles in their field after graduation. Academic advisors help learners choose courses that align with their professional goals, customizing the curriculum to their needs.
Many degree-seekers pursue external funding from sources such as nonprofits and professional associations to cover the cost of their degree. Institutional scholarships and fellowships feature eligibility requirements, which students can learn about from financial aid officers. Financial aid reduces the overall cost of earning a degree for 100% of the school's enrollees.
- In-State$10,700
- Out-of-state$20,300
- In-State$8,856
- Out-of-state$16,844
- Retention Rate68%
- Acceptance Rate43%
- Students Enrolled3,226
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment45%
- AccreditationYes
North Greenville University
- Tigerville, SC
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
Students who plan to attend school online can consider North Greenville University's remote academic programs. Along with 18 online programs, the private school delivers in-person classes at its campus in Tigerville. The institution provides online resources to support its 396 distance learners, including virtual library access and tutoring.
Online enrollees can network with peers and receive assistance from instructors through the virtual classroom environment. In addition to completing general education requirements, learners take advanced courses in their field. Academic advisors assist students in selecting electives based on their individual goals and interests. Options for gaining professional experience while enrolled include internships and research projects.
The financial aid office provides information about degree costs and funding options to help applicants create a budget. Students who demonstrate financial need may qualify for federal grants, scholarships, or work-study programs.
- In-State$21,120
- Out-of-state$21,120
- In-State$10,800
- Out-of-state$10,800
- Retention Rate72%
- Acceptance Rate63%
- Students Enrolled2,426
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment16%
- AccreditationYes
Anderson University
- Anderson, SC
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
Online learners at Anderson University participate in high-quality programs that provide important academic preparation. A leader in distance learning, the private institution offers 11 online programs reaching 1,545 students across the globe. Learners with personal or professional responsibilities can choose online programs that allow them to complete assignments according to their schedule.
Instructors provide distance learners with support and opportunities to participate in class discussions. Internship opportunities help participants improve their professional credentials. Academic advisors help degree candidates choose courses that align with their professional goals, customizing the curriculum to their needs.
Degree-seekers with financial need can apply for federal scholarships, grants, and loans. Students can consult financial aid officers for information about institutional and outside funding options. Of the school's enrollees, 100% receive financial aid, which can help make higher education more accessible.
- In-State$26,130
- Out-of-state$26,130
- In-State$9,651
- Out-of-state$9,651
- Retention Rate80%
- Acceptance Rate69%
- Students Enrolled3,543
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment44%
- AccreditationYes
Southern Wesleyan University
- Central, SC
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
Southern Wesleyan University provides high-quality online programs, which meet the same standards as on-campus options. Degree-seekers can pursue in-person programs in Central or enroll in one of the private school's 10 online options. The institution enrolls 923 online learners, who complete rigorous coursework to earn their degree.
Online enrollees communicate with peers and professors in a virtual classroom environment. Learners complete general education requirements and advanced classes to prepare for roles in their field. Throughout their program, students consult with academic advisors before registering for classes. Experiential learning opportunities, such as internships, help enrollees practice working in a professional environment.
In addition to tuition, applicants should budget for fees and educational expenses, about which the financial aid office can provide information. Students who demonstrate financial need may qualify for federal grants, scholarships, or work-study programs.
- In-State$24,926
- Out-of-state$24,926
- In-State$10,170
- Out-of-state$10,170
- Retention Rate69%
- Acceptance Rate35%
- Students Enrolled1,430
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment65%
- AccreditationYes
University of South Carolina-Columbia
- Columbia, SC
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
While attending University of South Carolina-Columbia, students can choose from online programs across several fields. Along with educating enrollees at its Columbia-based campus, the school offers 50 distance programs for its 11,313 online enrollees. Online programs offer flexible scheduling options, which can be ideal for working professionals and other busy learners.
Degree candidates benefit from an online learning community, which can lead to professional connections. Along with completing independent research, many learners pursue internships to gain professional experience, which employers often prefer or require. Career counselors help enrollees identify the best professional path for them and prepare to find and secure jobs after graduation. Career workshops allow students to develop their professional network and explore their career options.
Applicants who need help understanding various funding options can receive help from the institution's dedicated financial aid counselors. Along with need-based aid, enrollees can apply for scholarships based on academic merit. Based on the school's reported information, 95% of the student body receives financial aid of some type.
- In-State$12,288
- Out-of-state$33,528
- In-State$13,737
- Out-of-state$29,760
- Retention Rate89%
- Acceptance Rate69%
- Students Enrolled35,364
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment32%
- AccreditationYes
How to Know if Your School or Program is Accredited
Most accredited schools and programs feature their accreditation status on their websites. Ensure that the school or program holds accreditation from an agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation. These are the main organizations that maintain accreditation databases of recognized agencies and accredited schools.
The Impact of Accreditation When Transfering Credits
Transferring from an unaccredited college can lead to credit loss. When you transfer, your new college reviews your transcripts from the old school to verify they meet the equivalent academic criteria. Statewide agreements between four-year and two-year accredited colleges make the transfer process smoother.
For example, the University of South Carolina maintains the Columbia Bridge Program with the South Carolina Technical College System, which allows students to transfer into four-year programs after completing 30 credits.
Accreditation Criteria for Licensing
State licensing agencies frequently use accreditation as an indicator of meeting licensing prerequisites, particularly in healthcare and education. For instance, the South Carolina Board of Nursing requires prospective nurses to graduate from a program accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education or the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing.
Choosing the Right Online College in South Carolina
Selecting a college in South Carolina can feel overwhelming. You should carefully consider your decision, particularly if you need financial aid. The choice you make now shapes your future. Remember that it typically takes a decade to fully settle student loan debt. So, when deciding on the best degree, consider factors that make each college unique.
- 1
Check Accreditation Status
Only apply to accredited colleges. Accreditation ensures that your college completed an academic review by an approved accrediting body. Accreditation also enables the institution to provide you with federal loans and grants. Because institutional accreditation looks at the entire school, you also want to check for programmatic accreditation.
- 2
Review Degree Offerings
Colleges offer different degrees, minors, and concentrations. Even with the same major, the curriculum may vary from one school to the next.
- 3
Compare Program Format
Online colleges in South Carolina typically offer the two most common formats: synchronous and asynchronous. In synchronous programs, you need to attend classes at a specific time and engage with real-time lectures. Asynchronous delivery uses recorded lectures, allowing you to work on deadlines without live class times.
- 4
Look into Student Demographics
Online colleges in South Carolina often provide in-state tuition to students across state borders, making classrooms more accessible and diverse.
- 5
Find Tuition Breaks
South Carolina participates in the Academic Common Market, a reciprocity program offered through the Southern Regional Education Board. This program allows non-residents to enroll in eligible programs in South Carolina and pay in-state tuition. Similarly, South Carolina residents can go to other states and receive tuition breaks.
Online College Resources for South Carolina Students
Online learners can access many of the same free resources as on-campus students. Local community organizations and state agencies, along with schools, provide access to college funds and career resources.
Central Carolina Community Foundation
Since its inception, this foundation has awarded $6.2 million in scholarships. Private donors make it possible for college students in South Carolina to receive scholarships. Each applicant can browse more than 200 scholarships and apply using one application.
Coastal Community Foundation of South Carolina
In 2023, the foundation provided over $400,000 in scholarships to about 120 students. The Grant-Making and Community Leadership Department awards scholarships to students pursuing specific disciplines and degree-seekers enrolled at certain colleges in South Carolina.
South Carolina Transfer and Articulation Center
If you need to transfer colleges, the South Carolina Transfer and Articulation Centers feature links to institutions, transfer pathways, and academic plans.
South Carolina Commission on Higher Education
The South Carolina Commission on Higher Education helps degree-seekers find financial aid assistance. Through the commission’s website, students can access loan applications for the Palmetto Assistance Loan, South Carolina Teachers Loan, and South Carolina Career Changers Loans.
