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 33 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 - 27,500 USD 66%
Clinton College 11,000 USD 62%
Voorhees University 11,700 USD 60%
Allen University 14,400 USD 50%
Benedict College 16,100 USD 44%
Morris College 16,700 USD 42%
Claflin University 17,300 USD 40%
Francis Marion University 20,800 USD - 32,500 USD 28%
University of South Carolina Aiken 20,900 USD 27%
Lander University 21,400 USD 25%
South Carolina State University 21,800 USD 24%
University of South Carolina Beaufort 22,200 USD 23%
Bob Jones University 23,000 USD 20%
Columbia College, South Carolina 23,600 USD 18%
University of South Carolina-Upstate 23,700 USD 18%

* Average Bachelor’s International Tuition is 28,600 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. 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.

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. 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.

8. Francis Marion University

Francis Marion University is one of the few public universities that have a hefty tuition fee amount for their prospective students. However, this expensive tuition fee comes with the benefit of a comfortable and excellent student life in the area of academics, social, and sports. This is proven through its student population of 4200 students, multiple honors programs, and service programs that cover counseling, healthcare, dining, and recreation.  While fairly young compared to other higher educational institutions. Francis Marion University’s large constituency, partnership exchange programs with international universities, and national accreditations are a testament to its performance and demand for education from the youth.

9. 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.

10. 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.

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. University of South Carolina Beaufort

While the school has had its roots dug deep 200 years ago, the University of South Carolina Beaufort was only established around 69 years ago as an excellent higher education institution that can compete with Ivy League universities. Its degree programs offered are rather limited, with only 19 Bachelor’s degree programs and 2 Master’s degree programs. However, what their service lacks in quantity is compensated for by their quality of service. The mission of the university is to create a diverse and inclusive community that engages in rigorous and innovative research for the world. The vision they have for individuals is to provide core values of cultural appreciation, academic excellence, resourcefulness, engagement, and partnerships, as well as student success, that help them achieve their mission.

13. 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.

14. 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.

15. University of South Carolina-Upstate

University of South Carolina-Upstate (USC Upstate) was established in 1967 to educate an increasing number of nursing students in South Carolina. Today, the institution has become one of the most highly rated public universities in the South, offering numerous academic programs. Moreover, the university has been acknowledged for its high standards of teaching and research.

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*
North Greenville University 4,980 USD - 10,400 USD 64%
Anderson University 5,160 USD - 11,500 USD 63%
Furman University 5,700 USD - 8,550 USD 59%
Charleston Southern University 6,300 USD - 11,700 USD 54%
Converse University 6,300 USD - 12,600 USD 54%
Erskine College 6,360 USD - 10,700 USD 54%
Claflin University 6,600 USD - 11,700 USD 52%
Columbia International University 6,600 USD - 11,300 USD 52%
Voorhees University 7,380 USD - 11,100 USD 46%
Allen University 8,100 USD 41%
Bob Jones University 8,100 USD - 8,500 USD 41%
Coker University 8,280 USD - 12,500 USD 40%
The Citadel, The Military College of South Carolina 8,820 USD - 12,700 USD 36%
Winthrop University 11,000 USD - 16,400 USD 20%
Medical University of South Carolina 12,000 USD - 26,600 USD 12%

* Average Master's International Tuition is 13,600 USD for universities in South Carolina.

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1. 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.

If you're looking to save the most on your graduate studies abroad, North Greenville University should be at the top of your list. International students here pay only 4,980 USD to 10,332 USD annually for their master's degree.

2. Anderson University

One of the universities you should definitely check out for practical reasons is Anderson University. Here, you can finish your master's degree with minimal stress on your finances. After all, the tuition rate for graduate studies at Anderson University is 5,160 USD to 11,430 USD.

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.

3. 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.

The tuition fee at Furman University for incoming international master’s students is 5,700 USD to 8,550 USD. With its cheap rates, you can guarantee you’ll get a quality education without breaking the bank!

4. Charleston Southern University

Another affordable university to consider in South Carolina is 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.

The tuition fee in Charleston Southern University for master’s program for foreign students starts from 6,300 USD.

5. Converse University

Aside from its outstanding quality of education, Converse 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 6,300 USD yearly.

Converse University (formerly Converse College) is a private university founded in 1889. It has a student population of 1,481, with 831 undergraduates and 650 graduates. Converse University 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.

6. 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.

7. 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.

8. 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.

9. 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.

10. 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.

11. 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.

12. Coker University

Coker University is a private university in Hartsville, South Carolina. It was founded in 1894 as Welsh Neck High School. Under the Trans4mations Program, the university offers four-year undergraduate degrees. The fourth year of this program requires students to complete a capstone project. Students can choose from over 29 undergraduate majors and 23 minors.

13. The Citadel, The Military College of South Carolina

The Citadel, The Military College of South Carolina, is an institution that primarily trains aspiring military students. Years after its establishment, it has started to expand its class offerings and begun to cater to non-military programs. The school has grown over the years and has deeply improved to keep up with the competitiveness of other educational institutes.

14. 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.

15. 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.

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!