15 Cheapest Universities in South Carolina for International Students

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In South Carolina, there are a lot of affordable universities that you can find. Enrolling in these schools will help you fulfill your dream of studying in United States without paying a lot. These institutions also provide well-rounded academic programs and curriculums, allowing students to earn a degree with less burden on their pockets.

Now, if you’re planning to study in South Carolina, you’ll have a lot of school options, as they are home to 34 universities. But if you’re looking for cheap universities in South Carolina, make sure to read more!

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Cheap Bachelor's Colleges and Universities in South Carolina for International Students

Here is the list of affordable institutions in South Carolina ordered by their tuition fee for international bachelor's students.

University Annual Bachelor’s International Tuition % Cheaper than Average*
Medical University of South Carolina 9,800 USD - 28,100 USD 62%
Clinton College 11,000 USD 57%
Voorhees University 11,700 USD 54%
Allen University 12,600 USD 51%
Anderson University 15,000 USD 41%
Morris College 15,100 USD 41%
Benedict College 15,400 USD 39%
Claflin University 16,500 USD 35%
Charleston Southern University 18,600 USD - 29,500 USD 27%
Bob Jones University 19,800 USD 22%
South Carolina State University 20,300 USD 20%
Columbia College, South Carolina 20,700 USD 19%
Winthrop University 20,800 USD - 28,000 USD 18%
University of South Carolina Aiken 20,900 USD 18%
Converse College 21,100 USD 17%

* Average Bachelor’s International Tuition is 25,300 USD for universities in South Carolina.

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1. Medical University of South Carolina

The Medical University of South Carolina opened in 1824 as a private medical college. Over the years, the university became a public university focusing on physician and medical professional training. At present, the university has more than 3,000 students.

2. Clinton College

Clinton College is a historically black liberal arts institution with a mission to provide excellent and inclusive education to individuals from all races and walks of life. Established in 1894 by ministers of the African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church, the college strives to facilitate an environment that fosters intellectual, personal, and spiritual growth among its campus community. It offers several bachelor’s, associate, and certificate programs that students can complete on-campus or online.

3. Voorhees University

Voorhees University was primarily an institution that only offered undergraduate education. Recently, it has progressed and now provides graduate studies, expanding its academic excellence. The university is eager to innovate to inspire more students.

4. Allen University

Allen University was established in 1870 through the efforts of the African Methodist Episcopal Church to educate and train aspiring ministers and lawyers in South Carolina. Despite several challenges, the university continued to grow and develop in pursuit of its mission to make a positive impact on society by providing excellent and faith-based education. Some of the most well-known degrees offered at the university are its programs in theology, business, and social sciences.

5. Anderson University

Anderson University (AU) has transformed countless students since its inception in 1911. As it aims to provide a unique academic experience to its students, the university is always finding ways to improve the quality of education and continues to develop innovative and future-oriented programs. It is fully committed to providing exemplary education and numerous opportunities to aid in developing students’ talents and skills needed for their future careers.

6. Morris College

Morris College was founded in 1908 by the Baptist Educational and Missionary Convention of South Carolina to provide the African-American community with opportunities to obtain higher education after years of slavery. To this day, the college strives to foster an inclusive and supportive environment for all its learners as they receive exceptional liberal arts education. Morris College is also dedicated to serving the community through various programs and research projects aimed at addressing problems faced by the locality.

7. Benedict College

Benedict College was primarily an educational institution that offered undergraduate degrees. Recently, it has decided to open master’s courses in order to attract and train more students worldwide. The institution actively participates in national and foreign research activities, enabling its students to gain exposure to the actual industry and explore more career opportunities.

8. Claflin University

Founded in 1869, Claflin University is the first private institution in South Carolina to admit students from all backgrounds. It is evident that multiculturalism is still heavily promoted today as the university’s student body and academic staff come from different countries and nationalities. In addition, the university has a close-knit community where students will be aided by the faculty, as well as students supporting each other.

9. Charleston Southern University

Charleston Southern University was initially founded by the South Carolina Baptist Convention as the Baptist College at Charleston, in response to the need to for another college in 1964. 17 majors were initially offered in the institution, followed by the opening of graduate programs in various colleges. The then Baptist College at Charleston was finally awarded university status in 1990, changing its name to the Charleston Southern University. The university continues to flourish in its academic excellence and development while maintaining a Christian environment for its students, faculty, and staff.

10. Bob Jones University

Although Bob Jones University is a Christian institution, it is non-denominational. Thus, it is not affiliated with a specific religious organization, society, or denomination. Still, BJU molds its students to serve Christ with liberal arts training. As a relatively small institution, it maintains a student-to-faculty ratio of 12:1.

11. South Carolina State University

South Carolina State University has maintained its legacy of excellence in providing good education. A lot of scholars and industry leaders have graduated from the university, signifying its curriculum’s effectiveness in the student’s success. The university continues to create a safe and productive learning environment in the state where students are given equal opportunities to achieve their dreams.

12. Columbia College, South Carolina

Columbia College in South Carolina provides online, hybrid, and on-campus undergraduate and graduate level programs for students in and out of the United States. Founded in 1854, its 167 longstanding higher educational services have allowed them to be regionally, nationally, and internationally recognized by various organizations like the U.S. News and World Reports. The vision of the school is to empower students capable of innovation, commitment, social justice, service, and leadership as translated by their academic excellence and experience in the community.

13. Winthrop University

Winthrop University was founded in 1886 initially as a teacher’s college and then expanded into a comprehensive university. It now offers over 60 academic programs in a wide range of disciplines. The university has been ranked among the leading academic institutions in the region for more than 20 years.

14. University of South Carolina Aiken

University of South Carolina Aiken is best for students interested in attaining comprehensive and exceptional degrees. Its commitment to transformative teaching distinguishes USC Aiken through high-impact learning practices. The university promotes excellence in analysis and creative pursuits and prepares students for success.

15. Converse College

Converse College is a private college founded in 1889. It has a student population of 1,481, with 831 undergraduates and 650 graduates. Converse College aims to help students finish their undergraduate education in 4 years and get employment only a few months after graduation. The college also encourages recreation and sports through 35 student clubs and organizations.

Cheap Master's Colleges and Universities in South Carolina for International Students

Here is the list of affordable institutions in South Carolina ordered by their tuition fee for international master's students.

University Annual Master's International Tuition % Cheaper than Average*
Converse College 5,100 USD - 12,000 USD 68%
Bob Jones University 5,840 USD - 12,900 USD 63%
North Greenville University 6,225 USD - 7,875 USD 61%
Lander University 6,540 USD 59%
Charleston Southern University 6,750 USD - 31,000 USD 57%
Furman University 7,560 USD - 15,700 USD 52%
Medical University of South Carolina 7,800 USD - 40,600 USD 50%
Anderson University 8,010 USD - 10,500 USD 49%
Allen University 8,100 USD 49%
Columbia International University 8,175 USD - 8,925 USD 48%
Voorhees University 9,225 USD 41%
Claflin University 11,000 USD - 14,600 USD 30%
Benedict College 12,200 USD 23%
Erskine College 12,200 USD - 12,500 USD 23%
Clemson University 14,700 USD - 26,900 USD 7%

* Average Master's International Tuition is 15,600 USD for universities in South Carolina.

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1. Converse College

Converse College is a private college founded in 1889. It has a student population of 1,481, with 831 undergraduates and 650 graduates. Converse College aims to help students finish their undergraduate education in 4 years and get employment only a few months after graduation. The college also encourages recreation and sports through 35 student clubs and organizations.

If you're looking to save the most on your graduate studies abroad, Converse College should be at the top of your list. International students here pay only 5,100 USD to 12,000 USD annually for their master's degree.

2. Bob Jones University

One of the universities you should definitely check out for practical reasons is Bob Jones University. Here, you can finish your master's degree with minimal stress on your finances. After all, the tuition rate for graduate studies at Bob Jones University is 5,840 USD to 12,900 USD.

Although Bob Jones University is a Christian institution, it is non-denominational. Thus, it is not affiliated with a specific religious organization, society, or denomination. Still, BJU molds its students to serve Christ with liberal arts training. As a relatively small institution, it maintains a student-to-faculty ratio of 12:1.

3. North Greenville University

North Greenville University Campus operates to facilitate a safe and secure environment, helping students achieve spiritual growth, educational achievement, and social development with a Christ-like spirit. Its objective is that students, faculty, staff, and guests find their time at North Greenville University rewarding, enjoyable, and safe. NGU believes that each person is created in the image of God and is someone of worth and significance.

The tuition fee at North Greenville University for incoming international master’s students is 6,225 USD to 7,875 USD. With its cheap rates, you can guarantee you’ll get a quality education without breaking the bank!

4. Lander University

Another affordable university to consider in South Carolina is Lander University.

Lander University is divided into five colleges and one school that offer bachelor’s and master’s degrees in more than 50 areas of study. It also has an online college with multiple degree and non-degree options. The university focuses on giving students a comprehensive learning experience in classes during the spring and fall semesters, while it provides internship opportunities and study-abroad programs during the summer term. As for non-academic options, Lander University has more than 60 student organizations and multiple sports teams.

The tuition fee in Lander University for master’s program for foreign students starts from 6,540 USD.

5. Charleston Southern University

Aside from its outstanding quality of education, Charleston Southern University has some of the lowest tuition fee prices for foreign students who are planning to take a master's degree here. International master's students only pay as low as 6,750 USD yearly.

Charleston Southern University was initially founded by the South Carolina Baptist Convention as the Baptist College at Charleston, in response to the need to for another college in 1964. 17 majors were initially offered in the institution, followed by the opening of graduate programs in various colleges. The then Baptist College at Charleston was finally awarded university status in 1990, changing its name to the Charleston Southern University. The university continues to flourish in its academic excellence and development while maintaining a Christian environment for its students, faculty, and staff.

6. Furman University

Furman University is considered the oldest private higher education institution in South Carolina. It warmly welcomes students from all over the world and provides a one-of-a-kind university experience. The university takes pride in its field-based learning and personalized industry mentoring.

7. Medical University of South Carolina

The Medical University of South Carolina opened in 1824 as a private medical college. Over the years, the university became a public university focusing on physician and medical professional training. At present, the university has more than 3,000 students.

8. Anderson University

Anderson University (AU) has transformed countless students since its inception in 1911. As it aims to provide a unique academic experience to its students, the university is always finding ways to improve the quality of education and continues to develop innovative and future-oriented programs. It is fully committed to providing exemplary education and numerous opportunities to aid in developing students’ talents and skills needed for their future careers.

9. Allen University

Allen University was established in 1870 through the efforts of the African Methodist Episcopal Church to educate and train aspiring ministers and lawyers in South Carolina. Despite several challenges, the university continued to grow and develop in pursuit of its mission to make a positive impact on society by providing excellent and faith-based education. Some of the most well-known degrees offered at the university are its programs in theology, business, and social sciences.

10. Columbia International University

For those who are interested in receiving an education that follows the values of Christianity, Columbia International University is the perfect place for obtaining a degree. This private institution offers 22 bachelor’s degree programs and about 30 master’s degree programs that are available in multiple Christian-related areas, like Chaplaincy and Ministry Studies. Its five colleges have small-sized classes for all majors, which are focused on covering biblical studies and exploring Christian principles. This means that no matter what area of study you choose, Columbia International University will show you the path to explore your faith with the support of its closed-knitted community.

11. Voorhees University

Voorhees University was primarily an institution that only offered undergraduate education. Recently, it has progressed and now provides graduate studies, expanding its academic excellence. The university is eager to innovate to inspire more students.

12. Claflin University

Founded in 1869, Claflin University is the first private institution in South Carolina to admit students from all backgrounds. It is evident that multiculturalism is still heavily promoted today as the university’s student body and academic staff come from different countries and nationalities. In addition, the university has a close-knit community where students will be aided by the faculty, as well as students supporting each other.

13. Benedict College

Benedict College was primarily an educational institution that offered undergraduate degrees. Recently, it has decided to open master’s courses in order to attract and train more students worldwide. The institution actively participates in national and foreign research activities, enabling its students to gain exposure to the actual industry and explore more career opportunities.

14. Erskine College

Erskine College is a private Christian college in Due West, South Carolina. It was founded in 1839 by the Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church and named after one of its pastors, Ebenezer Erskine. Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Science degrees are available in a variety of fields of study, including arts, science, business, and Christian education.

15. Clemson University

Clemson University is one of the biggest institutions in South Carolina, with a huge campus that consists of seven colleges, two schools, and over 25,000 local and international students from all over the world. The university is known for being very selective and for having student traditions that have survived for over a century. Their education encompasses high-quality training and innovative research that is performed in their Experimental Forest.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How do I get admission to affordable universities in South Carolina?

Applying to cheap universities in South Carolina requires you to complete different requirements depending on your degree and chosen university. These usually include admission forms, language proficiency scores, and a visa. Check out our full guide to studying in United States for a more comprehensive guide!

2. What can I study at Best affordable universities in South Carolina?

International students can study a variety of programs at the undergraduate and graduate levels in South Carolina. For example, one of the best affordable schools in South Carolina is the Allen University, which offers Sports Management, Social Science, and Criminal Justice to students seeking a bachelor’s degree. At the master’s level, the Allen University offers Divinity, and Religious Studies.

It's important to take a look at all your options when selecting where to attend post-secondary school. With so many different types of schools, degrees, and universities in South Carolina, it can be tough to know where to start looking.

So, make sure to explore the best public universities in South Carolina as well if you're looking for affordable education!

We hope that this article on affordable institutions in South Carolina for international students was helpful!