Rankings / By State
Best Communications Colleges in South Carolina
- 17
- Schools
- $46,045
- Avg. Earnings
- 50%
- Avg. Graduation
- $19,042
- Avg. Net Price
- $25,615
- Avg. Debt
CollegeRanker Research
What Surprised Us Most
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Median graduate earnings across these 17 schools run from $30,614 to $68,635, a 2.2× gap. The category label alone says little about payoff.
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University of South Carolina Aiken delivers the most for the money: roughly $45,603 in median earnings against $11,641 a year in net price, the strongest earnings-to-cost ratio on the list.
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The most affordable option, University of South Carolina Aiken ($11,641 net price), still posts $45,603 in earnings, at or above the list average. Paying more does not guarantee a better outcome.
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Furman University graduates 80% of its students, versus a 50% average across the list. Completion, more than selectivity, signals whether a degree actually gets finished.
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Furman University carries the healthiest debt load, with graduates owing just 0.34× their annual earnings.
Surprising Comparisons
- University of South Carolina Aiken costs $11,641 a year and Furman University costs $30,308. Yet their graduates earn $45,603 and $68,635, nowhere near the $18,667 price gap.
- On value, University of South Carolina Aiken beats Furman University: comparable career payoff at a fraction of the net price.
- Graduation rates split the field: Furman University finishes 80% of students while Morris College finishes 19%. Same ranking, very different odds of leaving with a degree.
The Takeaway
A consistent pattern: the schools that finish at the top get there by delivering strong earnings, manageable debt, and real mobility rather than by charging more or rejecting more applicants. Those outcomes are what define educational value.
What This Means for Students
For students evaluating these schools, begin with University of South Carolina Aiken and Furman University. Look past sticker price: pull each school's net price for your income level, compare it against projected earnings, and let the data guide the decision instead of the brand.
Why this ranking matters
Business is one of the higher-return fields in the economy, but the payoff depends heavily on where you study it. Graduates of these programs earn a median of about $46K within a decade, and pr specialist roles are projected to grow 6%. We rank programs by the outcomes they produce for graduates, not by reputation.
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 Furman University #1 overall | $68,635 ▲ +49% vs avg | $30,308 | 80% | 73 |
| 2 College of Charleston #2 overall | $56,416 ▲ +23% vs avg | $18,960 | 65% | 72 |
| 3 Coastal Carolina University #3 overall | $47,258 ▲ +3% vs avg | $13,966 | 50% | 69 |
| $47,185 ▲ +2% vs avg | $15,343 | 59% | 68 | |
| $47,756 ▲ +4% vs avg | $15,464 | 52% | 67 |
Score uses our 4-pillar methodology. Earnings % is vs. this list's average.
See full ranking →Executive Summary
Best Communications Colleges in South Carolina
This analysis ranks 17 institutions on graduate earnings, social mobility, completion, and cost. Across the list, alumni earn a median of $46,045 ten years after enrolling, against an average graduation rate of 50% and an average net price of $19,042.
Key takeaways
- Strongest Earnings-to-Cost Ratio: University of South Carolina Aiken — Net Price: $11,641 | Graduation Rate: 40%
- Strongest Completion Outcomes: Furman University — 80% completion rate
- Highest Earnings Generator: Furman University — Median alumni earnings: $68,635
Research Note
Private nonprofit colleges cost 110% more in net price than publics, while their graduates earn 21% more.
Humanities & Creative Fields Analysis
What does this ranking tell us about the value of a humanities and creative education?
$45,898
Median earnings (10yr)
50%
Median graduation rate
$18,250
Median net price
1.4%
Avg. mobility rate
Arts, communications, and humanities programs draw perpetual skepticism about their payoff. Early earnings do start lower, and the path is less linear. The core skills compound, though. Writing, judgment, persuasion, and creative problem-solving gain value over a career, and they are the abilities automation has been slowest to replicate.
Start with the medians across these 17 schools. Graduates earn a median of $45,898 ten years after enrollment. The median graduation rate is 50%, and the typical net price (what students pay after grants) runs $18,250 a year with about $24,275 in federal debt. Pell grants reach 42% of students on average, and the average mobility rate, the share of students lifted from the bottom income quintile to the top, is 1.4%.
What we’re seeing: outcomes in these fields vary widely, and affordability matters most precisely where early earnings start slow. Median earnings of $45,898 ten years after enrollment against a $18,250 net price show why low cost is the lever that turns a humanities degree into a clear win.
The podium
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Full rankings
Why it ranks #1
Furman University lands at #1 with a 73/100 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 #2
College of Charleston lands at #2 with a 72/100 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, 23% above this list's average, and net price runs $18,960 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 #3
Coastal Carolina University lands at #3 with a 69/100 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 #4
Winthrop University lands at #4 with a 68/100 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, 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 #5
Southern Wesleyan University lands at #5 with a 67/100 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, 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 #6
Columbia International University lands at #6 with a 67/100 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 puts it near the top, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #7
North Greenville University lands at #7 with a 65/100 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 puts it near the top, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #8
Charleston Southern University lands at #8 with a 63/100 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 puts it near the top.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #9
University of South Carolina-Columbia lands at #9 with a 62/100 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 #10
Claflin University lands at #10 with a 62/100 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, 12% below this list's average, and net price runs $17,800 a year. 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
South Carolina State University lands at #11 with a 61/100 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. 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
University of South Carolina Aiken lands at #12 with a 58/100 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 #13
University of South Carolina-Upstate lands at #13 with a 57/100 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, 6% 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 #14
Anderson University lands at #14 with a 57/100 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 #15
University of South Carolina Beaufort lands at #15 with a 55/100 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 #16
Benedict College lands at #16 with a 47/100 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. 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 #17
Morris College lands at #17 with a 43/100 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. 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 17 schools, re-ranked by the outcome that matters to you.
Where the programs — and the jobs are
Where these graduates work
Graduates of these programs most often become PR Specialists and related roles — a field with $67,440 median pay and 6% projected growth.
See the PR Specialist career guide →When considering a communications degree in South Carolina, prospective students may find themselves looking at a mix of institutions that offer a range of opportunities. Each of these schools has unique programs designed to prepare graduates for a variety of careers in the communications field, which is increasingly in demand. For instance, graduates in this field can expect average earnings of around $47,447, making it essential for students to choose wisely.
What differentiates the top colleges on this list are their outcomes: graduation rates, earnings, and debt levels. The best programs not only equip students with skills but also result in strong post-graduation success. As you look through the rankings below, consider how each school's performance on these metrics aligns with your own career goals and financial situation.
For example, the University of South Carolina-Columbia stands out with an impressive earning potential of $62,177 and a graduation rate of 78%. In contrast, Coastal Carolina University shows a lower earning potential at $47,258 and a graduation rate of just 50%. These differences underscore the importance of weighing outcomes against personal priorities 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 10 schools here with that data, the average mobility rate is 1.4%. 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 Charleston Southern University (2.1%) and South Carolina State University (1.7%) close behind.
Access varies widely. On average, 10.4% 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 15.9% across the list, peaking at 31.3% at Furman University.
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 1.36, 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
The data reveals a striking contrast between the University of South Carolina-Columbia and Coastal Carolina University. While the former offers a solid earning potential of $62,177 and a graduation rate of 78%, Coastal Carolina's earnings are significantly lower at $47,258, with only half of its students graduating. This disparity highlights how a higher graduation rate can lead to better financial outcomes post-college.
As you sift through these options, think about what matters most to you. Are you prioritizing a strong graduation rate, or is affordability your main concern? Look at the net price and debt figures alongside the graduation rates to find a balance that suits your financial and educational goals. Each school has its own strengths, so weigh them against your needs and preferences, whether that means campus culture or program specifics.
Ultimately, the path from college to a stable career hinges on choosing the right program. Families need to consider how these schools' metrics translate into real-world opportunities. With the financial implications of student debt and future earnings at stake, this decision is crucial. A thoughtful choice about where to attend can create a pathway to a successful life, making the research and consideration worth the effort.
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 Communications Colleges in South Carolina: Your Questions, Answered
What is the #1 school in the Best Communications Colleges in South Carolina ranking? +
Furman University in Greenville, SC ranks #1 in our 2026 Best Communications Colleges in South Carolina ranking. It earns the top spot on the strength of a median $68,635 in graduate earnings ten years after enrollment and a 80% 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? +
Furman University posts the highest median earnings on this list: $68,635 ten years after enrollment, well above the $46,045 average across the 17 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, University of South Carolina Aiken leads: graduates earn a median $45,603 against net price of about $11,641 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? +
Furman University has the highest graduation rate in this ranking at 80%, compared with a 50% 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 $19,042 a year across the 17 ranked schools with cost data. University of South Carolina Aiken is among the most affordable at roughly $11,641. Net price is a far better guide to affordability than the published sticker price.
How is the Best Communications 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 17 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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