Rankings / By State
Best Education Colleges in South Carolina
- 22
- Schools
- $48,002
- Avg. Earnings
- 54%
- Avg. Graduation
- $18,795
- Avg. Net Price
- $24,805
- Avg. Debt
CollegeRanker Research
What Surprised Us Most
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Graduate earnings span a wide band on this list, from $38,262 at the low end to $71,513 at the top. That 1.9× spread shows how much outcomes vary within a single category.
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University of South Carolina Aiken offers the strongest payback. Graduates earn a median of $45,603 against $11,641 in annual net price, the best earnings-to-cost ratio in this ranking.
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Cost and quality are not at odds here. The most affordable school, Francis Marion University at $11,386 a year in net price, delivers earnings of $43,888, matching or exceeding the list average.
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Completion rates separate this field: Clemson University graduates 87% of its students, well above the 54% list average. Finishing what you start matters as much as where you start.
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Debt-to-earnings ratios favor Clemson University: graduates owe only 0.30× their yearly income, the most manageable debt burden on the list.
Surprising Comparisons
- The top spot belongs to North Greenville University ($43,035 earnings), not the highest earner, Clemson University ($71,513). That is what weighting mobility and value over salary alone produces.
- Price and payoff diverge sharply here. Francis Marion University ($11,386/yr) and Furman University ($30,308/yr) produce graduates earning $43,888 and $68,635 respectively, a far narrower earnings gap than the $18,922 cost difference would suggest.
- On a cost-adjusted basis, University of South Carolina Aiken outperforms Clemson University: similar career earnings at a much lower net price.
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 Clemson 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
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 $46K 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 North Greenville University #1 overall | $43,035 ▼ -10% vs avg | $21,063 | 55% | 75 |
| 2 Clemson University #2 overall | $71,513 ▲ +49% vs avg | $22,253 | 87% | 73 |
| 3 Furman University #3 overall | $68,635 ▲ +43% vs avg | $30,308 | 80% | 72 |
| $47,185 ▼ -2% vs avg | $15,343 | 59% | 72 | |
| $47,756 ▼ -1% vs avg | $15,464 | 52% | 71 |
Score uses our 4-pillar methodology. Earnings % is vs. this list's average.
See full ranking →Executive Summary
Best Education Colleges in South Carolina
This analysis ranks 22 institutions on graduate earnings, social mobility, completion, and cost. Across the list, alumni earn a median of $48,002 ten years after enrolling, against an average graduation rate of 54% and an average net price of $18,795.
Key takeaways
- Strongest Earnings-to-Cost Ratio: University of South Carolina Aiken — Net Price: $11,641 | Graduation Rate: 40%
- Strongest Completion Outcomes: Clemson University — 87% completion rate
- Highest Earnings Generator: Clemson University — Median alumni earnings: $71,513
Our Analysis Found
Private nonprofit colleges cost 110% more in net price than publics, while their graduates earn 21% more.
Educator Pipeline Analysis
What does this ranking tell us about the educator pipeline?
$45,751
Median earnings (10yr)
51%
Median graduation rate
$18,253
Median net price
1.2%
Avg. mobility rate
Society needs more teachers than it is producing, yet pay and working conditions make retention a persistent problem. Education programs are the gateway to the profession. The best of them pair pedagogical training with strong clinical practice and placement networks that keep graduates in the profession.
Start with the medians across these 22 schools. Graduates earn a median of $45,751 ten years after enrollment. The median graduation rate is 51%, and the typical net price (what students pay after grants) runs $18,253 a year with about $25,500 in federal debt. Pell grants reach 38% of students on average, and the average mobility rate, the share of students lifted from the bottom income quintile to the top, is 1.2%.
In education, low debt matters as much as a solid paycheck. Graduates earn a median of $45,751 against a typical net price of $18,253. That ratio makes cost-conscious program selection essential in a profession with modest pay and a public mission.
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
North Greenville University lands at #1 with a 75/100 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, 10% 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 #2
Clemson University lands at #2 with a 73/100 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, 49% 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 #3
Furman University lands at #3 with a 72/100 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, 43% 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 #4
Winthrop University lands at #4 with a 72/100 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% below 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, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #5
Southern Wesleyan University lands at #5 with a 71/100 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, 1% below 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, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #6
College of Charleston lands at #6 with a 70/100 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, 18% 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 #7
Erskine College lands at #7 with a 70/100 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, 11% above this list's average, and net price runs $16,525 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 #8
Presbyterian College lands at #8 with a 69/100 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, 25% 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 #9
Francis Marion University lands at #9 with a 69/100 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, 9% 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 puts it near the top, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #10
Converse University lands at #10 with a 69/100 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, 15% 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
Coastal Carolina University lands at #11 with a 68/100 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, 2% below 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 carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #12
Columbia International University lands at #12 with a 68/100 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, 19% 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 #13
Lander University lands at #13 with a 67/100 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, 12% below this list's average, and net price runs $15,363 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 #14
Newberry College lands at #14 with a 67/100 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, 0% 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 #15
Charleston Southern University lands at #15 with a 65/100 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, 4% below 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, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #16
South Carolina State University lands at #16 with a 63/100 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, 20% 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 #17
Claflin University lands at #17 with a 63/100 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, 16% 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 carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #18
Bob Jones University lands at #18 with a 62/100 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, 8% below this list's average, and net price runs $16,641 a year, well under 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 #19
Anderson University lands at #19 with a 61/100 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, 12% 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
Spartanburg, SC · 67% accepted · $13,557 net
Why it ranks #20
University of South Carolina-Upstate lands at #20 with a 60/100 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, 1% 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 #21
University of South Carolina Aiken lands at #21 with a 60/100 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, 5% 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
Why it ranks #22
Columbia College lands at #22 with a 57/100 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, 14% below this list's average, and net price runs $18,408 a year. Strong earnings drive the rank, but with mobility weighted 35% and value 20%, salary alone can only take a school so far.
Pillar breakdown
Cut it by what you care about
The same 22 schools, re-ranked by the outcome that matters to you.
Where the programs are
Choosing the right education college in South Carolina involves balancing various factors, from program quality to financial considerations. With 23 schools to consider in this state, prospective students and their families face a significant decision that could influence their future careers. On average, graduates from these programs earn $47,659 annually, highlighting the potential return on investment.
The best education colleges in South Carolina stand out due to their strong outcomes. Metrics like graduation rates, earnings, and debt levels reveal which institutions equip their students for success. For instance, the top-ranked Clemson University boasts an impressive 87% graduation rate and average earnings of $71,513, while others may struggle with lower completion rates or higher debt levels.
While both Furman University and Bob Jones University are viable options, they illustrate different trade-offs. Furman has a higher graduation rate of 80% and greater earnings potential at $68,635, but its net price is significantly higher at $30,308 compared to Bob Jones' $16,641. Such differences matter, as families weigh the value of education against cost and long-term financial health.
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 17 schools here with that data, the average mobility rate is 1.2%. 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, 9.2% 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 16.5% 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 1.37, 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 noteworthy trend: Clemson University significantly outperforms North Greenville University in key metrics. While Clemson graduates see average earnings of $71,513 and enjoy an 87% graduation rate, North Greenville's figures are starkly lower at $43,035 and 55%, respectively. This illustrates the impact of institutional support and program quality on student outcomes.
As you sift through these schools, consider what matters most for your situation. If finances are a priority, weigh the net prices against potential earnings. For example, Bob Jones University offers a low net price, but its earnings and graduation rates may not meet everyone's expectations. Think about location and campus culture as well; these factors can significantly influence your college experience and future career.
The path from college to a stable life often hinges on making informed decisions based on solid data. For a family contemplating education majors, the choice of institution can determine not just financial outcomes but also the overall college experience. It's essential to align your educational goals with the financial realities and support systems of each school.
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 Education Colleges in South Carolina: Your Questions, Answered
What is the #1 school in the Best Education Colleges in South Carolina ranking? +
North Greenville University in Tigerville, SC ranks #1 in our 2026 Best Education Colleges in South Carolina ranking. It earns the top spot on the strength of a median $43,035 in graduate earnings ten years after enrollment and a 55% 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? +
Clemson University posts the highest median earnings on this list: $71,513 ten years after enrollment, well above the $48,002 average across the 22 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? +
Clemson University has the highest graduation rate in this ranking at 87%, compared with a 54% 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 $18,795 a year across the 22 ranked schools with cost data. Francis Marion University is among the most affordable at roughly $11,386. Net price is a far better guide to affordability than the published sticker price.
How is the Best Education 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 22 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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