Rankings / By State
Best Colleges in South Carolina
- 38
- Schools
- $46,087
- Avg. Earnings
- 48%
- Avg. Graduation
- $16,397
- Avg. Net Price
- $22,231
- Avg. Debt
CollegeRanker Research
What Surprised Us Most
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Graduate earnings span a wide band on this list, from $30,614 at the low end to $72,085 at the top. That 2.4× spread shows how much outcomes vary within a single category.
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Trident Technical College offers the strongest payback. Graduates earn a median of $38,253 against $1,406 in annual net price, the best earnings-to-cost ratio in this ranking.
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The most budget-friendly option on this list is Trident Technical College, at $1,406 annually in net price.
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Completion rates separate this field: Clemson University graduates 87% of its students, well above the 48% list average. Finishing what you start matters as much as where you start.
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Debt-to-earnings ratios favor University of South Carolina-Sumter: graduates owe only 0.22× their yearly income, the most manageable debt burden on the list.
Surprising Comparisons
- The top spot belongs to Clemson University ($71,513 earnings), not the highest earner, Citadel Military College of South Carolina ($72,085). That is what weighting mobility and value over salary alone produces.
- Price and payoff diverge sharply here. Trident Technical College ($1,406/yr) and Furman University ($30,308/yr) produce graduates earning $38,253 and $68,635 respectively, a far narrower earnings gap than the $28,902 cost difference would suggest.
- On a cost-adjusted basis, Trident Technical College outperforms Citadel Military College of South Carolina: similar career earnings at a much lower net price.
The Takeaway
The through line among the top-ranked schools is plain. They pair solid graduate earnings with affordable costs and meaningful social mobility. Prestige and selectivity matter far less than whether students end up better off.
What This Means for Students
Your shortlist should start with Trident Technical College and Clemson University. For each school, look up the net price your family would actually pay, weigh it against typical graduate earnings, and build the decision around the return instead of the name recognition.
Why this ranking matters
These schools are ranked on outcomes that compound: graduate earnings, upward mobility, debt, and value, all drawn from federal tax records and Scorecard data rather than reputation surveys. The list rewards results over prestige, led by institutions whose graduates earn a median of about $43K ten years after enrollment.
How we measure this — full methodology →How we rank · 4 pillars
Federal-source data only. Build your own weighting →
Data Behind This Page Updated 2026-07-13
Source datasets
Methodology
Schools are scored on the CollegeRanker 4-Pillar Algorithm: Economic Outcomes (30%), Social Mobility (25–35%), Academic Quality (15–20%), and Value (20–25%). Every weight is published and every figure traces to a public dataset.
See the full methodology and weights →Confidence notes
- Earnings, completion, and debt figures come from federal administrative records — tax data and student-aid filings — not surveys or self-reports, the highest-confidence tier of education data available.
- Social-mobility estimates are drawn from de-identified tax records covering more than 30 million students (Opportunity Insights).
- Where an institution is missing a metric, it is excluded from that metric rather than imputed, so averages are never inflated by guesses.
Limitations
- Federal earnings data primarily cover students who received federal financial aid; outcomes for non-aided students may differ.
- Earnings are measured roughly ten years after enrollment, so they describe how earlier cohorts fared — historical outcomes, not guarantees of future results.
- An institution's field-of-study mix affects raw earnings; scores reflect measured outcomes and are not fully major-adjusted unless explicitly noted.
- Net price is an average; the actual cost a given student pays varies widely by family income.
At a Glance
How the Top Schools Compare
| School | Earnings | Net Price | Graduation | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Clemson University #1 overall | $71,513 ▲ +55% vs avg | $22,253 | 87% | 71 |
| 2 Furman University #2 overall | $68,635 ▲ +49% vs avg | $30,308 | 80% | 70 |
| 3 Wofford College #3 overall | $68,964 ▲ +50% vs avg | $18,732 | 82% | 70 |
| $56,416 ▲ +22% vs avg | $18,960 | 65% | 68 | |
| $60,194 ▲ +31% vs avg | $20,528 | 56% | 67 |
Score uses our 4-pillar methodology. Earnings % is vs. this list's average.
See full ranking →Executive Summary
Best Colleges in South Carolina
This analysis ranks 38 institutions on graduate earnings, social mobility, completion, and cost. Across the list, alumni earn a median of $46,087 ten years after enrolling, against an average graduation rate of 48% and an average net price of $16,397.
Key takeaways
- Strongest Earnings-to-Cost Ratio: Trident Technical College — Net Price: $1,406 | Graduation Rate: 29%
- Strongest Completion Outcomes: Clemson University — 87% completion rate
- Highest Earnings Generator: Citadel Military College of South Carolina — Median alumni earnings: $72,085
Our Analysis Found
Private nonprofit colleges cost 110% more in net price than publics, while their graduates earn 21% more.
South Carolina Opportunity Analysis
What does this ranking tell us about higher education and opportunity in South Carolina?
$42,965
Median earnings (10yr)
46%
Median graduation rate
$17,221
Median net price
1.3%
Avg. mobility rate
Students tend to study where they live and work where they study, which makes a state's colleges its most important economic development asset. This ranking evaluates how well institutions across South Carolina serve that role: producing graduates with strong earnings, keeping talent in the regional economy, and offering affordable paths for local students.
The median graduation rate across these 38 schools is 46%. Median graduate earnings reach $42,965 ten years after enrollment. Average net price, the cost after grants, is $17,221 a year, and median federal debt at graduation is about $23,875. Some 38% of students receive Pell grants, and mobility, the share of low-income students who reach the top quintile, averages 1.3%.
For South Carolina, the institutions that combine manageable costs with strong graduate outcomes are the ones building the local workforce. With a median net price of $17,221 and graduates earning a median of $42,965, these schools sit where the talent pipeline and economic development meet.
The podium
Build your ranking
Drag a pillar — schools re-rank live.
Tip: Check the box on any 2–4 schools below to compare them side by side.
Full rankings
Why it ranks #1
Clemson University lands at #1 with a 71/100 composite, led by social mobility (79/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (60/100). Graduates earn a median $71,513 a decade after enrolling, 55% above this list's average, and net price runs $22,253 a year, above the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what puts it near the top.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #2
Furman University lands at #2 with a 70/100 composite, led by social mobility (81/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (52/100). Graduates earn a median $68,635 a decade after enrolling, 49% above this list's average, and net price runs $30,308 a year, above the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what puts it near the top.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #3
Wofford College lands at #3 with a 70/100 composite, led by social mobility (81/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (62/100). Graduates earn a median $68,964 a decade after enrolling, 50% above this list's average, and net price runs $18,732 a year, above the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what puts it near the top.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #4
College of Charleston lands at #4 with a 68/100 composite, led by social mobility (80/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (60/100). Graduates earn a median $56,416 a decade after enrolling, 22% above this list's average, and net price runs $18,960 a year, above the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what puts it near the top.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #5
Presbyterian College lands at #5 with a 67/100 composite, led by social mobility (82/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (50/100). Graduates earn a median $60,194 a decade after enrolling, 31% above this list's average, and net price runs $20,528 a year, above the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what puts it near the top.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #6
Coastal Carolina University lands at #6 with a 66/100 composite, led by social mobility (77/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (61/100). Graduates earn a median $47,258 a decade after enrolling, 3% above this list's average, and net price runs $13,966 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what puts it near the top.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #7
Winthrop University lands at #7 with a 66/100 composite, led by social mobility (81/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (56/100). Graduates earn a median $47,185 a decade after enrolling, 2% above this list's average, and net price runs $15,343 a year. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what puts it near the top.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #8
Southern Wesleyan University lands at #8 with a 65/100 composite, led by social mobility (82/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (51/100). Graduates earn a median $47,756 a decade after enrolling, 4% above this list's average, and net price runs $15,464 a year. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what puts it near the top.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #9
Erskine College lands at #9 with a 65/100 composite, led by social mobility (83/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (50/100). Graduates earn a median $53,459 a decade after enrolling, 16% above this list's average, and net price runs $16,525 a year. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what puts it near the top.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #10
Converse University lands at #10 with a 65/100 composite, led by social mobility (83/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (49/100). Graduates earn a median $40,867 a decade after enrolling, 11% below this list's average, and net price runs $23,283 a year, above the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what puts it near the top, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #11
Francis Marion University lands at #11 with a 64/100 composite, led by social mobility (78/100) and pulled down by economic outcomes (57/100). Graduates earn a median $43,888 a decade after enrolling, 5% below this list's average, and net price runs $11,386 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #12
Midlands Technical College lands at #12 with a 64/100 composite, led by value per dollar (85/100) and pulled down by academic quality (54/100). Graduates earn a median $38,701 a decade after enrolling, 16% below this list's average, and net price runs $4,647 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that low cost is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #13
Trident Technical College lands at #13 with a 63/100 composite, led by value per dollar (89/100) and pulled down by academic quality (49/100). Graduates earn a median $38,253 a decade after enrolling, 17% below this list's average, and net price runs $1,406 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that low cost is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #14
North Greenville University lands at #14 with a 63/100 composite, led by social mobility (81/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (50/100). Graduates earn a median $43,035 a decade after enrolling, 7% below this list's average, and net price runs $21,063 a year, above the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #15
Lander University lands at #15 with a 63/100 composite, led by social mobility (78/100) and pulled down by economic outcomes (58/100). Graduates earn a median $42,396 a decade after enrolling, 8% below this list's average, and net price runs $15,363 a year. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #16
Newberry College lands at #16 with a 63/100 composite, led by social mobility (82/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (43/100). Graduates earn a median $48,040 a decade after enrolling, 4% above this list's average, and net price runs $21,656 a year, above the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #17
Columbia International University lands at #17 with a 63/100 composite, led by social mobility (82/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (47/100). Graduates earn a median $38,951 a decade after enrolling, 15% below this list's average, and net price runs $26,036 a year, above the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #18
Aiken Technical College lands at #18 with a 62/100 composite, led by value per dollar (85/100) and pulled down by academic quality (43/100). Graduates earn a median $39,225 a decade after enrolling, 15% below this list's average, and net price runs $4,807 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that low cost is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #19
Charleston Southern University lands at #19 with a 62/100 composite, led by social mobility (80/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (48/100). Graduates earn a median $45,898 a decade after enrolling, 0% above this list's average, and net price runs $21,666 a year, above the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #20
Spartanburg Methodist College lands at #20 with a 61/100 composite, led by social mobility (80/100) and pulled down by academic quality (50/100). Graduates earn a median $42,895 a decade after enrolling, 7% below this list's average, and net price runs $14,580 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #21
Coker University lands at #21 with a 61/100 composite, led by social mobility (79/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (52/100). Graduates earn a median $40,117 a decade after enrolling, 13% below this list's average, and net price runs $20,286 a year, above the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Charleston, SC · 23% accepted · $20,723 net
Why it ranks #22
Citadel Military College of South Carolina lands at #22 with a 60/100 composite, led by academic quality (74/100) and pulled down by social mobility (55/100). Graduates earn a median $72,085 a decade after enrolling, 56% above this list's average, and net price runs $20,723 a year, above the field. Academics score well here, yet mobility (35%) and value (20%) carry the most weight, so outcome-per-dollar sets the final position.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #23
Claflin University lands at #23 with a 59/100 composite, led by social mobility (84/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (47/100). Graduates earn a median $40,304 a decade after enrolling, 13% below this list's average, and net price runs $17,800 a year, above the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #24
South Carolina State University lands at #24 with a 59/100 composite, led by social mobility (82/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (46/100). Graduates earn a median $38,262 a decade after enrolling, 17% below this list's average, and net price runs $18,097 a year, above the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #25
University of South Carolina-Columbia lands at #25 with a 59/100 composite, led by academic quality (79/100) and pulled down by social mobility (51/100). Graduates earn a median $62,177 a decade after enrolling, 35% above this list's average, and net price runs $22,811 a year, above the field. Academics score well here, yet mobility (35%) and value (20%) carry the most weight, so outcome-per-dollar sets the final position.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #26
Bob Jones University lands at #26 with a 57/100 composite, led by academic quality (75/100) and pulled down by social mobility (57/100). Graduates earn a median $44,354 a decade after enrolling, 4% below this list's average, and net price runs $16,641 a year. Academics score well here, yet mobility (35%) and value (20%) carry the most weight, so outcome-per-dollar sets the final position.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #27
University of South Carolina Aiken lands at #27 with a 56/100 composite, led by value per dollar (65/100) and pulled down by social mobility (56/100). Graduates earn a median $45,603 a decade after enrolling, 1% below this list's average, and net price runs $11,641 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that low cost is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Spartanburg, SC · 67% accepted · $13,557 net
Why it ranks #28
University of South Carolina-Upstate lands at #28 with a 56/100 composite, led by economic outcomes (63/100) and pulled down by social mobility (54/100). Graduates earn a median $48,587 a decade after enrolling, 5% above this list's average, and net price runs $13,557 a year, well under the field. Strong earnings drive the rank, but with mobility weighted 35% and value 20%, salary alone can only take a school so far.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #29
University of South Carolina-Sumter lands at #29 with a 55/100 composite, led by value per dollar (84/100) and pulled down by social mobility (43/100). Graduates earn a median $42,437 a decade after enrolling, 8% below this list's average, and net price runs $7,712 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that low cost is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #30
Anderson University lands at #30 with a 55/100 composite, led by academic quality (74/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (50/100). Graduates earn a median $42,101 a decade after enrolling, 9% below this list's average, and net price runs $23,544 a year, above the field. Academics score well here, yet mobility (35%) and value (20%) carry the most weight, so outcome-per-dollar sets the final position.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #31
University of South Carolina Beaufort lands at #31 with a 53/100 composite, led by economic outcomes (61/100) and pulled down by academic quality (53/100). Graduates earn a median $48,088 a decade after enrolling, 4% above this list's average, and net price runs $14,656 a year, well under the field. Strong earnings drive the rank, but with mobility weighted 35% and value 20%, salary alone can only take a school so far.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #32
Columbia College lands at #32 with a 50/100 composite, led by economic outcomes (58/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (50/100). Graduates earn a median $41,338 a decade after enrolling, 10% below this list's average, and net price runs $18,408 a year, above the field. Strong earnings drive the rank, but with mobility weighted 35% and value 20%, salary alone can only take a school so far.
Pillar breakdown
Allendale, SC · 76% accepted · $9,229 net
Why it ranks #33
University of South Carolina-Salkehatchie lands at #33 with a 49/100 composite, led by value per dollar (79/100) and pulled down by social mobility (39/100). Graduates earn a median $31,360 a decade after enrolling, 32% below this list's average, and net price runs $9,229 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that low cost is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #34
Voorhees University lands at #34 with a 49/100 composite, led by social mobility (62/100) and pulled down by academic quality (42/100). Graduates earn a median $35,339 a decade after enrolling, 23% below this list's average, and net price runs $13,335 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Lancaster, SC · 83% accepted · $9,801 net
Why it ranks #35
University of South Carolina-Lancaster lands at #35 with a 47/100 composite, led by value per dollar (82/100) and pulled down by social mobility (34/100). Graduates earn a median $39,426 a decade after enrolling, 14% below this list's average, and net price runs $9,801 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that low cost is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #36
Benedict College lands at #36 with a 45/100 composite, led by social mobility (55/100) and pulled down by economic outcomes (44/100). Graduates earn a median $31,902 a decade after enrolling, 31% below this list's average, and net price runs $18,250 a year, above the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #37
University of South Carolina-Union lands at #37 with a 41/100 composite, led by value per dollar (82/100) and pulled down by social mobility (9/100). Graduates earn a median $33,699 a decade after enrolling, 27% below this list's average, and net price runs $8,065 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that low cost is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #38
Morris College lands at #38 with a 40/100 composite, led by social mobility (57/100) and pulled down by academic quality (32/100). Graduates earn a median $30,614 a decade after enrolling, 34% below this list's average, and net price runs $20,555 a year, above the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Cut it by what you care about
The same 38 schools, re-ranked by the outcome that matters to you.
Where the programs are
Choosing a college is a significant decision that impacts your future, and for students in South Carolina, there are a variety of options to consider. The schools on this list share a commitment to providing quality education and strong outcomes for their graduates. After all, the average earnings for graduates in South Carolina stand at $45,489, which reflects the potential for a solid return on investment.
What sets the top schools apart in this ranking are key factors like graduation rates, earnings, and debt. For instance, Clemson University and the Citadel Military College of South Carolina show impressive earnings potential and graduation rates, which are critical in evaluating long-term success. As you explore the list below, focus on these metrics to find the best fit for your educational goals.
Take Clemson University and Wofford College, for example. Clemson boasts earnings of $71,513 and an 87% graduation rate, while Wofford's figures are $68,964 and 82% respectively. This represents a meaningful difference in potential earnings and graduate success, which are crucial aspects to think about as you make your decision.
The story behind the ranking
A ranking gives you an order; these charts give you the shape. They show how this group of schools spreads across the four things that decide whether a degree pays off — what graduates earn, whether they finish, how far they move up, and what it costs. Look for the standouts, the outliers, and the trade-offs the list alone can't show.
Earnings Outcomes
What graduates earn 10 years after enrolling. Data from College Scorecard.
Distribution of Median Earnings
Earnings vs. Net Price
Top-left = best value. Top-ranked schools are highlighted.
Completion & Access
Graduation rates and who gets in. Data from College Scorecard & IPEDS.
Graduation Rates
Pell Grant Rate vs. Graduation Rate
Right = more low-income students. Higher = more graduate.
What the Mobility Data Says
Social mobility carries the heaviest weight in this ranking, and the measure comes from Raj Chetty's Mobility Report Card, built from more than 30 million anonymized tax records. Across the 23 schools here with that data, the average mobility rate is 1.3%. That figure is the share of students who start in the bottom income quintile and climb to the top. Claflin University leads the group at 3.6%, with Spartanburg Methodist College (2.6%) and Charleston Southern University (2.1%) close behind.
Access varies widely. On average, 10.6% of students at these schools come from families in the bottom income quintile. Claflin University enrolls the most, at 31.6%, a sign it is reaching the students mobility is meant to lift. A high mobility rate paired with strong access is the combination that changes a generation's trajectory.
For the low-income students who do enroll, the success rate (the odds of reaching the top quintile) averages 15.7% across the list, peaking at 40.9% at Presbyterian College.
These campuses can also be measured on social capital: the cross-class friendships Opportunity Insights links to long-run economic outcomes. Economic connectedness here averages 1.28, where about 1.0 is the national norm, and Furman University is highest at 1.74.
Mobility, access, and social-capital figures from Raj Chetty's Mobility Report Card & the Opportunity Insights Social Capital Atlas.
Cost & Debt
What families actually pay and what students owe. Data from College Scorecard.
Median Debt at Graduation
Clemson University outperforms Wofford College in earnings and graduation rate, with $71,513 and 87% versus Wofford's $68,964 and 82%. This difference emphasizes the importance of choosing a school that aligns with your career aspirations and financial goals, as higher earnings can significantly impact your post-college life.
After reviewing the list, consider what factors matter most to you beyond the numbers. Think about location: do you prefer a bustling city or a quieter town? Evaluate program fit: does the school offer your desired major? Also, reflect on campus feel and financial situation. Match these priorities with the data to find the right balance for your college experience.
Ultimately, your choice of college can shape your path to stability and success. The data we see here illustrates how a degree from a school like Clemson could lead to higher earnings and a better chance at career mobility compared to others. One family might weigh the cost of education against potential earnings and make a choice that sets them up for a brighter future.
Data Sources
U.S. Dept of Education College Scorecard
Opportunity Insights Mobility Report Card
Social Capital Atlas
Times Higher Education World Rankings
NCES IPEDS
Frequently Asked Questions
Best Colleges in South Carolina: Your Questions, Answered
What is the #1 school in the Best Colleges in South Carolina ranking? +
Clemson University in Clemson, SC ranks #1 in our 2026 Best Colleges in South Carolina ranking. It earns the top spot on the strength of a median $71,513 in graduate earnings ten years after enrollment and a 87% graduation rate. Our score is built entirely from federal data on graduation rates, graduate earnings, debt, and social mobility. Reputation surveys play no part.
Which school has the highest graduate earnings? +
Citadel Military College of South Carolina posts the highest median earnings on this list: $72,085 ten years after enrollment, well above the $46,087 average across the 38 ranked schools with earnings data. Earnings that outpace cost are what separate a degree that pays off from one that does not.
Which school offers the best value? +
On a pure return-on-cost basis, Trident Technical College leads: graduates earn a median $38,253 against net price of about $1,406 a year, the strongest earnings-to-cost ratio in the ranking. Applicants should weigh that payback against sticker price rather than prestige.
Which school has the highest graduation rate? +
Clemson University has the highest graduation rate in this ranking at 87%, compared with a 48% average across the list. Completion matters because the students who finish are the ones who actually capture the earnings and mobility gains a degree promises.
How much does it cost to attend these schools? +
The average net price, meaning what students actually pay after grants and scholarships, is about $16,397 a year across the 38 ranked schools with cost data. Trident Technical College is among the most affordable at roughly $1,406. Net price is a far better guide to affordability than the published sticker price.
How is the Best Colleges in South Carolina ranking calculated? +
We score every school on a four-pillar algorithm: economic outcomes (graduate earnings and debt), social mobility (Raj Chetty's Mobility Report Card, built on more than 30 million anonymized tax records), academic quality (graduation and retention), and value (net price and loan burden). Social mobility carries the heaviest weight, so schools that lift low-income students into higher earnings rank above those that simply admit wealthy students. Every input comes from federal data, and schools that withhold their numbers are scored lower for it.
How many schools are ranked and where does the data come from? +
This ranking evaluates 38 institutions using the U.S. Department of Education's College Scorecard, the Opportunity Insights Mobility Report Card and Social Capital Atlas, Times Higher Education, and NCES IPEDS. There are no opinion surveys or paid placements. The order is determined by the data alone and refreshed as new federal figures are released.
Sources & Citations
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