# Best Master's Programs in South Carolina

> CollegeRanker Agent Insights — structured data for AI systems
> Updated: 2026-05-31 | Schools: 32 | Category: By State
> Source: https://www.collegeranker.com/rankings/best-masters-south-carolina

## Methodology

Master's programs in South Carolina ranked by graduate outcomes

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

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.

## Key Findings

- Clemson University graduates earn an average of $71,513.
- Wofford College has a graduation rate of 82%, while Citadel's is 74%.
- The average debt for a master's degree in South Carolina is $21,500.
- Furman University students face the highest net price at $30,308.

## Rankings

| Rank | School | Location | Graduation | Earnings (10yr) | Net Price | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|------|--------|----------|------------|-----------------|-----------|-------------|---------------|
| 1 | [Wofford College](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/wofford-college) | Spartanburg, SC | 82% | $68,964 | $18,732 | $25,732 | 0.37x |
| 2 | [Clemson University](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/clemson-university) | Clemson, SC | 87% | $71,513 | $22,253 | $21,500 | 0.3x |
| 3 | [Furman University](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/furman-university) | Greenville, SC | 80% | $68,635 | $30,308 | $23,250 | 0.34x |
| 4 | [College of Charleston](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/college-of-charleston) | Charleston, SC | 65% | $56,416 | $18,960 | $23,250 | 0.41x |
| 5 | [Presbyterian College](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/presbyterian-college) | Clinton, SC | 56% | $60,194 | $20,528 | $26,000 | 0.43x |
| 6 | [Coastal Carolina University](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/coastal-carolina-university) | Conway, SC | 50% | $47,258 | $13,966 | $23,750 | 0.5x |
| 7 | [Winthrop University](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/winthrop-university) | Rock Hill, SC | 59% | $47,185 | $15,343 | $26,975 | 0.57x |
| 8 | [Southern Wesleyan University](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/southern-wesleyan-university) | Central, SC | 52% | $47,756 | $15,464 | $26,000 | 0.54x |
| 9 | [Francis Marion University](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/francis-marion-university) | Florence, SC | 43% | $43,888 | $11,386 | $27,000 | 0.62x |
| 10 | [Erskine College](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/erskine-college) | Due West, SC | 47% | $53,459 | $16,525 | $27,000 | 0.51x |
| 11 | [Converse University](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/converse-university) | Spartanburg, SC | 54% | $40,867 | $23,283 | $27,000 | 0.66x |
| 12 | [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 |
| 13 | [Lander University](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/lander-university) | Greenwood, SC | 49% | $42,396 | $15,363 | $25,000 | 0.59x |
| 14 | [North Greenville University](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/north-greenville-university) | Tigerville, SC | 55% | $43,035 | $21,063 | $23,082 | 0.54x |
| 15 | [Newberry College](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/newberry-college) | Newberry, SC | 45% | $48,040 | $21,656 | $26,805 | 0.56x |
| 16 | [Columbia International University](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/columbia-international-university) | Columbia, SC | 55% | $38,951 | $26,036 | $20,000 | 0.51x |
| 17 | [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 |
| 18 | [Spartanburg Methodist College](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/spartanburg-methodist-college) | Spartanburg, SC | 41% | $42,895 | $14,580 | $12,000 | 0.28x |
| 19 | [Charleston Southern University](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/charleston-southern-university) | Charleston, SC | 48% | $45,898 | $21,666 | $26,471 | 0.58x |
| 20 | [Bob Jones University](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/bob-jones-university) | Greenville, SC | 67% | $44,354 | $16,641 | $16,585 | 0.37x |
| 21 | [Coker University](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/coker-university) | Hartsville, SC | 38% | $40,117 | $20,286 | $26,000 | 0.65x |
| 22 | [Claflin University](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/claflin-university) | Orangeburg, SC | 50% | $40,304 | $17,800 | $29,000 | 0.72x |
| 23 | [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 |
| 24 | [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 |
| 25 | [South Carolina State University](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/south-carolina-state-university) | Orangeburg, SC | 33% | $38,262 | $18,097 | $31,000 | 0.81x |
| 26 | [Anderson University](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/anderson-university-sc) | Anderson, SC | 67% | $42,101 | $23,544 | $26,700 | 0.63x |
| 27 | [Greenville Technical College](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/greenville-technical-college) | Greenville, SC | 19% | $39,473 | $11,713 | $15,392 | 0.39x |
| 28 | [University of South Carolina Beaufort](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/university-of-south-carolina-beaufort) | Bluffton, SC | 36% | $48,088 | $14,656 | $24,000 | 0.5x |
| 29 | [Columbia College](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/columbia-college-sc) | Columbia, SC | 45% | $41,338 | $18,408 | $22,750 | 0.55x |
| 30 | [Voorhees University](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/voorhees-university) | Denmark, SC | 40% | $35,339 | $13,335 | $26,700 | 0.76x |
| 31 | [Benedict College](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/benedict-college) | Columbia, SC | 23% | $31,902 | $18,250 | $32,500 | 1.02x |
| 32 | [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 Master's Programs in South Carolina." CollegeRanker.com, 2026-05-31. https://www.collegeranker.com/rankings/best-masters-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/.