 |
Over 25% of undergraduates in South Carolina have enrolled exclusively in online learning courses in the past few years. What's causing this move toward online education, and should you be considering low-cost or free online colleges in South Carolina?
The benefits of distance learning for degree programs are vast - they're often more flexible, provide additional learning resources, and allow students to learn at their own pace.
But more importantly, online colleges are often cheaper than traditional ones. Best Accredited Colleges can tell you about some of the best low-cost colleges in South Carolina and how to get a free online degree.
List of Free and Low-Cost Colleges with Online Degree Programs
1. University of South Carolina
The largest university in the state, the University of South Carolina provides online degrees through four different campuses - Aiken, Beaufort, Upstate (Spartanburg), and the main campus in Columbia.
The online degrees that this university offers differ based on what campus you're a part of - the main campus offers graduate degrees, Aiken and Beaufort offer bachelor's degrees, and USC Upstate specializes in online graduate nursing programs.
The in-state yearly tuition for the University of South Carolina is $12,000 - while higher than the national average, this can be brought down easily with financial aid so that you can get a low-cost or free online degree.
2. Columbia College
Columbia College is a private liberal arts college for women that became fully coeducational in 2020. You can learn in an environment that embodies the values of the United Methodist Church at this college.
Right now, Columbia College is best known for its online graduate criminal justice program, but also provides online bachelor's programs for students who prefer additional flexibility.
Because Columbia College is a private college, its annual tuition cost is just under $21,000 for undergraduates. With its 99% acceptance rate, this college is worth it, even with the increased cost.
3. Clemson University
As the second-largest university in South Carolina by enrollment, Clemson University has a great reputation as a public research university.
Unlike the other colleges on this list, Clemson University only offers online degrees for graduate programs. Specifically, you can earn an online graduate degree in education, engineering, or business administration.
In-state tuition for one year at Clemson University is roughly $15,500, but the cost could be different for graduate degree transfer students.
How Can I Get an Online College Degree for Free in South Carolina?
The first and most important way to get an online degree for free in South Carolina is by applying for financial aid.
- Federal Student Aid
- With federal student aid, you can access scholarships, grants, loans, and work-study opportunities all across the country. Start your efforts to get federal student aid by using the FAFSA.
- FAFSA
- The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is the form that gives you eligibility access to federal financial assistance. Visit the FAFSA website to fill it out after deciding on and getting accepted to your online college of choice.
- Pell Grant
- The Pell Grant is a financial award given to families who make less than $45,000 a year - though it's most often awarded to families making less than $20,000. It covers up to $6,495, and you don't have to pay it back since it's a grant.
- Scholarships in South Carolina
- State-specific scholarships can be given through the FAFSA or separate applications to each program. State-funded scholarships include the HOPE Scholarship (for first-year students), LIFE Scholarship (for all students), and the Palmetto Fellows Scholarship (for people not eligible for other scholarships who have exemplary test scores).
How Can I Cover Additional Online Degree Costs in South Carolina?
Some forms of financial aid can cover more than just tuition - grants or loans can go toward things like books, room and board, and equipment you need for online learning.
You also have the option to work through your college's work-study program - the money you make through work-study can pay for day-to-day expenses like food and transportation.
FAQs Regarding Free Online College Degrees in South Carolina
Does South Carolina Have Free Tuition?
Some South Carolina schools offer free tuition based on your selected major and scholarship eligibility. For example, Trident Technical College will waive any tuition and fees remaining after federal aid based on your major.
Who Qualifies for Free Tuition in South Carolina?
Outside of specific requirements for majors or need, seniors over the age of 60 automatically qualify for South Carolina's free tuition program. As long as you're over 60, have been a state resident for at least a year, and have been accepted to the University of South Carolina, your tuition fee is waived for any classes that have space for you.
Do Employers Take Online Degrees from South Carolina Seriously?
Employers will take any degree from an accredited school seriously, regardless of whether you earned the degree in person or online. Actually, employers rarely ask how you earned your degree - just if you've acquired one and when.
Find a Free or Low-Cost Degree Online in South Carolina Today
If you want to begin or continue your education online in South Carolina, now is the time to start! Best Accredited Colleges has all the information you need about low-cost and free online colleges in South Carolina, as well as ways for you to reduce education costs through financial aid.
