Rankings / By State
Best Master's Programs in South Carolina
- 32
- Schools
- $47,740
- Avg. Earnings
- 51%
- Avg. Graduation
- $18,410
- Avg. Net Price
- $24,438
- Avg. Debt
CollegeRanker Research
What Surprised Us Most
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Median graduate earnings across these 32 schools run from $30,614 to $72,085, a 2.4× 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, Francis Marion University ($11,386 net price), still posts $43,888 in earnings, at or above the list average. Paying more does not guarantee a better outcome.
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Clemson University graduates 87% of its students, versus a 51% average across the list. Completion, more than selectivity, signals whether a degree actually gets finished.
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Spartanburg Methodist College carries the healthiest debt load, with graduates owing just 0.28× their annual earnings.
Surprising Comparisons
- #1 Wofford College ($68,964 earnings) outranks the list's highest earner, Citadel Military College of South Carolina ($72,085), because it does more on mobility and cost.
- Francis Marion University costs $11,386 a year and Furman University costs $30,308. Yet their graduates earn $43,888 and $68,635, nowhere near the $18,922 price gap.
- On value, University of South Carolina Aiken beats Citadel Military College of South Carolina: comparable career payoff at a fraction of the 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 University of South Carolina Aiken 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 $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 Wofford College #1 overall | $68,964 ▲ +44% vs avg | $18,732 | 82% | 69 |
| 2 Clemson University #2 overall | $71,513 ▲ +50% vs avg | $22,253 | 87% | 69 |
| 3 Furman University #3 overall | $68,635 ▲ +44% vs avg | $30,308 | 80% | 69 |
| $56,416 ▲ +18% vs avg | $18,960 | 65% | 66 | |
| $60,194 ▲ +26% vs avg | $20,528 | 56% | 65 |
Score uses our 4-pillar methodology. Earnings % is vs. this list's average.
See full ranking →Executive Summary
Best Master's Programs in South Carolina
This analysis ranks 32 institutions on graduate earnings, social mobility, completion, and cost. Across the list, alumni earn a median of $47,740 ten years after enrolling, against an average graduation rate of 51% and an average net price of $18,410.
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: Citadel Military College of South Carolina — Median alumni earnings: $72,085
CollegeRanker Primary Research
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?
$44,979
Median earnings (10yr)
49%
Median graduation rate
$18,329
Median net price
1.3%
Avg. mobility rate
Higher education is intensely local: most students enroll close to home and stay to work nearby, so a state's colleges are also its talent pipeline. This ranking looks at the mix of public and private institutions across South Carolina, asking who keeps graduates in-state, who delivers earnings against the local cost of living, and who moves residents up the income ladder.
The median graduation rate across these 32 schools is 49%. Median graduate earnings reach $44,979 ten years after enrollment. Average net price, the cost after grants, is $18,329 a year, and median federal debt at graduation is about $25,366. Some 40% of students receive Pell grants, and mobility, the share of low-income students who reach the top quintile, averages 1.3%.
What we’re seeing: the schools that matter most for South Carolina pair affordability with outcomes that keep talent local. A median net price of $18,329 and median earnings of $44,979 show which institutions strengthen the regional economy rather than simply enrolling students.
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
Wofford College lands at #1 with a 69/100 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, 44% above this list's average, and net price runs $18,732 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 #2
Clemson University lands at #2 with a 69/100 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, 50% 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 69/100 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, 44% 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
College of Charleston lands at #4 with a 66/100 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 #5
Presbyterian College lands at #5 with a 65/100 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, 26% 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 65/100 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, 1% 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 puts it near the top, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #7
Winthrop University lands at #7 with a 64/100 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, 1% 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 #8
Southern Wesleyan University lands at #8 with a 63/100 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, 0% 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 #9
Francis Marion University lands at #9 with a 63/100 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, 8% 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
Erskine College lands at #10 with a 63/100 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, 12% 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 #11
Converse University lands at #11 with a 63/100 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, 14% 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 carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Charleston, SC · 23% accepted · $20,723 net
Why it ranks #12
Citadel Military College of South Carolina lands at #12 with a 62/100 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, 51% 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 #13
Lander University lands at #13 with a 61/100 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, 11% 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
North Greenville University lands at #14 with a 61/100 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 carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #15
Newberry College lands at #15 with a 61/100 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, 1% 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 #16
Columbia International University lands at #16 with a 60/100 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, 18% 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 #17
University of South Carolina-Columbia lands at #17 with a 60/100 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, 30% 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 #18
Spartanburg Methodist College lands at #18 with a 59/100 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, 10% 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 #19
Charleston Southern University lands at #19 with a 59/100 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 #20
Bob Jones University lands at #20 with a 58/100 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, 7% 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 #21
Coker University lands at #21 with a 58/100 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, 16% 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
Why it ranks #22
Claflin University lands at #22 with a 57/100 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 #23
University of South Carolina Aiken lands at #23 with a 57/100 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, 4% 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 #24
University of South Carolina-Upstate lands at #24 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, 2% 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 #25
South Carolina State University lands at #25 with a 56/100 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 #26
Anderson University lands at #26 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, 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
Why it ranks #27
Greenville Technical College lands at #27 with a 55/100 composite, led by value per dollar (74/100) and pulled down by academic quality (39/100). Graduates earn a median $39,473 a decade after enrolling, 17% below this list's average, and net price runs $11,713 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 #28
University of South Carolina Beaufort lands at #28 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, 1% 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 #29
Columbia College lands at #29 with a 49/100 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, 13% 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
Why it ranks #30
Voorhees University lands at #30 with a 48/100 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, 26% 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
Why it ranks #31
Benedict College lands at #31 with a 44/100 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, 33% 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 #32
Morris College lands at #32 with a 38/100 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, 36% 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 32 schools, re-ranked by the outcome that matters to you.
Where the programs are
Choosing the right master's program can be a pivotal decision, especially in South Carolina, where 32 institutions offer advanced degrees. Each of these schools aims to equip students with the skills needed to succeed in their careers, but the outcomes can vary significantly. The average earnings for graduates in the state is $47,740, underscoring the importance of selecting a program that truly delivers on its promises.
What sets the top programs apart from the others? Key factors like graduate earnings, graduation rates, student debt, and overall completion rates provide a clearer picture of potential success. For instance, Clemson University boasts impressive earnings of $71,513, along with an 87% graduation rate, making it a standout choice for prospective students looking for strong outcomes.
Take Wofford College and Citadel Military College of South Carolina, for example. Wofford graduates earn $68,964 on average, with an 82% graduation rate. In contrast, Citadel's earnings are slightly higher at $72,085, but it has a lower graduation rate of 74%. This contrast highlights the tradeoffs students need to consider when evaluating their options, whether they prioritize higher earnings or a stronger completion rate.
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 21 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, 9.8% 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 16.4% 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 1.33, 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
When examining the data, a notable pattern emerges between Clemson University and Furman University. While Clemson graduates enjoy higher earnings at $71,513, Furman students face a significantly higher net price of $30,308. This illustrates how a higher cost can impact overall financial outcomes, making it essential for students to weigh the return on investment when selecting a program.
After reviewing the rankings, the next step is to align this data with personal priorities. Consider factors such as location, program fit, campus culture, and financial constraints. If earning potential is your top priority, schools like Clemson and Citadel might be more appealing, while Wofford could be a better fit for those who value a strong graduation rate without as much debt.
The stakes are high when it comes to selecting a master's program. As families navigate these choices, the data suggests that the right decision can lead to a stable future. With an average earnings gap of nearly $10,000 between top programs and the overall average, this decision can have lasting implications on financial stability and career success.
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 Master's Programs in South Carolina: Your Questions, Answered
What is the #1 school in the Best Master's Programs in South Carolina ranking? +
Wofford College in Spartanburg, SC ranks #1 in our 2026 Best Master's Programs in South Carolina ranking. It earns the top spot on the strength of a median $68,964 in graduate earnings ten years after enrollment and a 82% 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 $47,740 average across the 32 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 51% 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 $18,410 a year across the 32 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 Master's Programs 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 32 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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