# Best Computer Science Colleges in South Carolina

> CollegeRanker Agent Insights — structured data for AI systems
> Updated: 2026-08-03 | Schools: 22 | Category: By State
> Source: https://www.collegeranker.com/rankings/best-computer-science-south-carolina

## Methodology

Computer Science programs in South Carolina ranked by outcomes and program concentration

CollegeRanker uses a 4-pillar algorithm: Academic Quality (15-20%), Economic Outcomes (30%), Social Mobility (25-35%), Value & Affordability (20-25%). Social mobility data from Raj Chetty's Opportunity Insights Mobility Report Card (30M+ anonymized tax records). No subjective surveys.

## Summary

Computer Science is booming, and prospective students in South Carolina have plenty of options to consider. With the average earnings for graduates from computer science programs in the state sitting at $48,330, families want to ensure they choose a school that maximizes their investment. This list highlights 19 colleges in South Carolina known for their computer science programs, focusing on outcomes and program concentration.

What sets the top schools apart from the rest? Key metrics like graduation rates, earnings, and student debt play a crucial role in evaluating these programs. For instance, Clemson University leads the pack with impressive earnings of $71,513 and a graduation rate of 87%. On the other hand, Trident Technical College, while more affordable with a net price of $1,406, shows a much lower earning potential of $38,253 and a graduation rate of only 29%. This contrast underscores the importance of understanding what each school offers.

Clemson University and Citadel Military College of South Carolina are two standout choices from the list. Clemson graduates enjoy significantly higher earnings at $71,513 compared to Citadel’s $72,085, but they also face a higher average debt of $21,500 versus Citadel's $21,096. These figures illustrate the trade-off between investment and potential return, encouraging students to weigh their options carefully as they consider their future in computer science.

## Key Findings

- Clemson University graduates earn an average of $71,513, making it one of the top earners in the state.
- Citadel Military College's net price is $20,723, offering a balance of cost and earning potential.
- Trident Technical College has the lowest net price at $1,406 but also the lowest graduation rate at 29%.
- The average graduation rate across these schools is just 47%, highlighting the competitiveness of computer science programs.

## Rankings

| Rank | School | Location | Graduation | Earnings (10yr) | Net Price | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|------|--------|----------|------------|-----------------|-----------|-------------|---------------|
| 1 | [Clemson University](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/clemson-university) | Clemson, SC | 87% | $71,513 | $22,253 | $21,500 | 0.3x |
| 2 | [Furman University](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/furman-university) | Greenville, SC | 80% | $68,635 | $30,308 | $23,250 | 0.34x |
| 3 | [Wofford College](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/wofford-college) | Spartanburg, SC | 82% | $68,964 | $18,732 | $25,732 | 0.37x |
| 4 | [College of Charleston](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/college-of-charleston) | Charleston, SC | 65% | $56,416 | $18,960 | $23,250 | 0.41x |
| 5 | [Trident Technical College](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/trident-technical-college) | Charleston, SC | 29% | $38,253 | $1,406 | $13,029 | 0.34x |
| 6 | [Midlands Technical College](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/midlands-technical-college) | West Columbia, SC | 17% | $38,701 | $4,647 | $12,000 | 0.31x |
| 7 | [Aiken Technical College](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/aiken-technical-college) | Graniteville, SC | 26% | $39,225 | $4,807 | $12,250 | 0.31x |
| 8 | [North Greenville University](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/north-greenville-university) | Tigerville, SC | 55% | $43,035 | $21,063 | $23,082 | 0.54x |
| 9 | [Lander University](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/lander-university) | Greenwood, SC | 49% | $42,396 | $15,363 | $25,000 | 0.59x |
| 10 | [Charleston Southern University](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/charleston-southern-university) | Charleston, SC | 48% | $45,898 | $21,666 | $26,471 | 0.58x |
| 11 | [Citadel Military College of South Carolina](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/citadel-military-college-of-south-carolina) | Charleston, SC | 74% | $72,085 | $20,723 | $21,096 | 0.29x |
| 12 | [University of South Carolina-Columbia](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/university-of-south-carolina-columbia) | Columbia, SC | 78% | $62,177 | $22,811 | $21,500 | 0.35x |
| 13 | [South Carolina State University](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/south-carolina-state-university) | Orangeburg, SC | 33% | $38,262 | $18,097 | $31,000 | 0.81x |
| 14 | [Claflin University](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/claflin-university) | Orangeburg, SC | 50% | $40,304 | $17,800 | $29,000 | 0.72x |
| 15 | [University of South Carolina-Upstate](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/university-of-south-carolina-upstate) | Spartanburg, SC | 43% | $48,587 | $13,557 | $22,310 | 0.46x |
| 16 | [University of South Carolina Aiken](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/university-of-south-carolina-aiken) | Aiken, SC | 40% | $45,603 | $11,641 | $24,275 | 0.53x |
| 17 | [Bob Jones University](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/bob-jones-university) | Greenville, SC | 67% | $44,354 | $16,641 | $16,585 | 0.37x |
| 18 | [Anderson University](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/anderson-university-sc) | Anderson, SC | 67% | $42,101 | $23,544 | $26,700 | 0.63x |
| 19 | [Voorhees University](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/voorhees-university) | Denmark, SC | 40% | $35,339 | $13,335 | $26,700 | 0.76x |
| 20 | [Columbia College](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/columbia-college-sc) | Columbia, SC | 45% | $41,338 | $18,408 | $22,750 | 0.55x |
| 21 | [Benedict College](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/benedict-college) | Columbia, SC | 23% | $31,902 | $18,250 | $32,500 | 1.02x |
| 22 | [Morris College](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/morris-college) | Sumter, SC | 19% | $30,614 | $20,555 | $31,400 | 1.03x |

## Data Sources

- U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (https://collegescorecard.ed.gov)
- Opportunity Insights Mobility Report Card (https://opportunityinsights.org/data)
- Opportunity Insights Social Capital Atlas
- Times Higher Education World University Rankings
- NCES IPEDS

## Citation

CollegeRanker. "Best Computer Science Colleges in South Carolina." CollegeRanker.com, 2026-08-03. https://www.collegeranker.com/rankings/best-computer-science-south-carolina

## License

This data summary is provided for informational purposes. Underlying data from federal sources (College Scorecard, IPEDS) is public domain. Opportunity Insights data is available under their data use agreement at https://opportunityinsights.org/data/.