Most schools now have options for online programs. This is so because most students prefer studying online not just because of the flexibility of the program but also for convenience.
Therefore, if your intent is to enroll at an online college in South Carolina SC, then you are right on time. We have compiled the best just for you, to make better-informed choices among them.
This article covers the 10 best-accredited colleges where you can earn an online degree in South Carolina, SC, USA.
We can’t ignore the fact that online colleges and universities have made higher education more accessible than ever. We now have some of the best academic and professional programs in the world at our fingertips. Through online degrees, most of us can now balance the demands of life, such as work and childcare while completing our studies online.
However, even as we enjoy these privileges, it is of essence that we earn these online degrees from accredited colleges. In South Carolina, accredited colleges and universities have had their educational programs and faculty evaluated by an outside agency. Furthermore, these accrediting agencies ensure that these schools provide high-quality education to students.
Therefore, this article will provide you with the vital information you need on the best accredited online programs in South Carolina, the SC schools, colleges or universities where you can earn them.
What are Online Classes?
Basically, an online class is a formal education process in which the students and instructor are not in the same place. In other words, this means that all exams, lectures, and much of the reading in online classes are done on the Web.
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Why Online Colleges and Degrees?
Online education is one thing that has come to stay. A lot of students now embrace online education because of the nature of their job, schedule, and many more factors.
According to the National Center for Education Statistics, as in fall 2015, 5,954,121 students enrolled in distance education courses at degree-granting colleges and universities. This goes a long way to show how popular, affordable and accessible online colleges and programs are becoming. Notwithstanding below are some of the reasons why students opt for online colleges and degree programs:
Flexibility
Attending an online college provides more flexibility than traditional/on-campus ones. That is, it allows you to attend school but also work, so you can fulfill all your important obligations.
This happens to be the answer to many people’s quest to further their education while still meeting their family and work responsibilities.
You are in control of your own schedule
Being in control of your own schedule means that you can also work at your own pace. In other words, you can take a quiz or participate in question/answer sessions at any time of day or night.
You can focus on online degree coursework as much or as little as you want, depending on your schedule that day. For instance, if your work is a long shift type, you know when you can read the lecture or respond to a quiz.
In fact, you can do that any time that is convenient for you. You can re-read any of the coursework and materials since you have access to them for the duration of the course.
Ease of Accessibility
Students in online colleges have easy access to the course material they need them. Also, students can re-read lectures, discussions, explanations, and commentaries. People can also share notes with each other to facilitate community learning.
Range of Options
There is a wider range of degree programs for students to choose from. For instance, some online colleges now develop and offer degree programs which may not be availale in the traditional public or private institutions.
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Are there Accredited Online Colleges in SC?
Yes, there are accredited online colleges and schools in South Carolina. Just like every other state in America, there are several accreditation agencies that accredit not just schools but also, programs in SC.
What are the Accreditation Agencies in SC?
Below are some of the agencies in charge of granting institutional accreditation in South Carolina. Do well to click on any of them for more information.
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Ranking Factors for the Best Accredited Online Colleges in South Carolina
Several schools in SC have their online colleges accredited. However, to get the best out of these Sc online schools, we used the following factors to rank them:
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What are the 1o Best Accredited Online Colleges and Universities in South Carolina SC?
Based on the ranking factors above, the following schools are the 10 best accredited colleges for an online degree program in SC:
#1 Citadel Military College of South Carolina
Ranked #2 in Regional Universities South by the US News & World Reports, the Citadell also known as Military College of South Carolina takes 1st place in our best accredited online colleges in SC ranking. Also, this non-profit public institution is accredited by both SACS and COC.
The citadel runs convenient, affordable and flexible online degree programs, SC through master’s degrees, graduate certificates, and undergraduate degree completion programs. In addition, these programs are offered entirely online.
Currently, the school offers 4 bachelor’s degrees, 9 master’s degrees, and 5 graduate certificates online.
Online Bachelor’s Degree Programs
Online Master’s Degree Programs
Graduate Certificates
- Undergraduate Student – $500 per credit hour
- Graduate Student – $695 per credit hour
$97,000
#2 University of South Carolina-Upstate
Ranked #11 in Regional Universities South by the US News & World Reports, the University of South Carolina Upstate ranks 2nd in our best accredited online colleges in SC ranking. Also, this non-profit public institution is accredited by both SACS and COC.
Basically, USC Upstate offers a growing number of courses at the undergraduate and graduate levels through distance learning. In addition, this SC online college is committed to providing quality instruction and course content to students regardless of geographical location or course content delivery format.
Currently, the school offers 1 completion certificate, 4 bachelor’s degrees, and 1 master’s degree online.
Completion Program
Online Bachelor’s Degree Programs
Online Master’s Degree Programs
- Undergraduate Student – $22,848
- Graduate Student – $28,848
$72,700
#3 Claflin University
Ranked #9 in Regional Universities South by the US News & World Reports, Claflin University ranks 3rd in our best accredited online colleges in SC ranking. Furthermore, this non-profit private institution is accredited by both SACS and COC.
The mission of Claflin Online is to offer broad access to exemplary academic programs through undergraduate, graduate, continuing education and certificate program offerings in an online educational environment.
Currently, this accredited SC school offers four undergraduate degree programs and two graduate-level programs online.
Online Bachelor’s Degree Programs
Online Master’s Degree Programs
#4 University of South Carolina-Aiken
Ranked #13 in Regional Universities South by the US News & World Reports, the University of South Carolina Aiken ranks 4th in our best accredited online colleges in SC ranking. Furthermore, this non-profit public institution is accredited by both SACS and COC.
USC Aiken offers online degree completion programs that are flexible and convenient for students to help them complete their degree, especially those that have some previous college credit but never graduated.
Currently, this accredited SC school offers online degree completion courses in 4 bachelor’s degrees and 6 master’s degrees.
Online Bachelor’s Degree Programs
Online Master’s Degree Programs
| RN to BSN Program (Both Resident and Non-Resident) | $306.00 per credit hour |
| MBA Online (Both Resident and Non-Resident) | $450.00 per credit hour |
$61,100
#5 Medical University of South Carolina
As South Carolina’s only comprehensive academic health science center, the Medical University of South Carolina ranks 5th in our best accredited online colleges in SC ranking. Furthermore, this non-profit public institution is accredited by both SACS and COC.
MUSC has a long, rich history, and a diverse community that includes faculty and staff who are dedicated to helping all students succeed.
Currently, this accredited SC school offers 25 online degrees in the following associate, bachelor’s, master’s, doctorate degrees and graduate certification.
Associate Degree Programs
Online Bachelor’s Degree Programs
SC Online Master’s Degree Programs
Online Doctorate Degree Programs
Graduate Certification Programs
$20,640
$73,500
#6 Newberry College
Ranked #16 in Regional Universities South by the US News & World Reports, Newberry College ranks 6th in our best accredited online colleges in SC ranking. Also, as a non-profit private institution, this SC online college is accredited by both SACS and COC.
A Newberry College education reaches beyond classroom walls, city limits, preconceived notions of higher learning, and definitions of success. Also, Newberry Online provides a flexible, fast-paced, affordable way to get the credentials you need to add momentum to your career. Currently, when you enroll for Newberry online program, you get your first 3-credit classes free.
As one of the best accredited SC online schools, Newberry College offers 25 online bachelor’s degrees in the following programs
$25,000
$56,000
#7 South Carolina State University
Ranked #82 in Regional Universities South by the US News & World Reports, Newberry College ranks 7th in our best accredited online colleges in SC ranking. Also, as a non-profit public institution, this SC online college is accredited by both SACS and COC.
With 39 faculty teaching online, SC State Online provides convenient and flexible access to high quality, educational offerings.
As one of the best accredited SC online schools, South Carolina State University offers 103 online courses in the following bachelor’s and master’s degrees programs
$397 per credit hour
$72,000
#8 Francis Marion University
Ranked #61 in Regional Universities South by the US News & World Reports, Francis Marion University ranks 8th in our best accredited online colleges in SC ranking. Also, as a non-profit public institution, this SC online college is accredited by both SACS and COC.
FMU offers programs of study that encourage students to think critically and creatively, communicate clearly and honestly. In addition, these programs will help you develop an appreciation of aesthetic values and also, be concerned with the common good as well as their own interests
As one of the best accredited SC online schools, FMU offers online bachelor’s, masters, Ph.D. degrees and certification in the following programs
Online Bachelor’s Degree Programs
SC Online Master’s Degree Programs
Online Doctorate Degree Programs
Certification Programs
$12,524
$64,800
#9 Coastal Carolina University
Ranked #61 in Regional Universities South by the US News & World Reports, Coastal carolina University ranks 9th in our best accredited online colleges in SC ranking. Also, as a non-profit public institution, this SC online college is accredited by both SACS and COC.
Coastal Carolina University has a great Distance Learning program that most certainly provides students and professionals both local and international with an opportunity to further their education. Also Coastal Carolina online programs are flexible in delivery.
As one of the best accredited SC online schools, Coastal Carolina University offers online bachelor’s, masters degrees and certification in the following programs
Online Bachelor’s Degree Programs
SC Online Master’s Degree Programs
Online Doctorate Degree Programs
Certification Programs
In-state – $487 per credit
Out-of-state – $1,138 per credit
$62,600
#10 University of South Carolina
Ranked #104 in Regional Universities South by the US News & World Reports, the University of South Carolina, Columbia ranks 10th in our best accredited online colleges in SC ranking. Also, as a non-profit public institution, this SC online college is accredited by both SACS and COC.
The university’s online programs and courses are rich learning opportunities that help you meet your curriculum, degree or career goals with enhanced flexibility and convenience.
As one of the best accredited SC online schools, the University of South Carolina, Columbia offers over 1000 online courses in the following bachelor’s, masters, Ph.D. degrees and certification programs.
Online Bachelor’s Degree Programs
SC Online Master’s Degree Programs
Online Doctorate Degree Programs
Doctor of Education in:
Doctor of Nursing:
Doctor of Philosophy:
Certification Programs
residents -$12,738
non-residents – $33,627
Tips To A Successful Online Experience
As you make plans to enroll in any of the above listed accredited online colleges and universities in South Carolina, SC, USA, the following tips will help you have a successful online experience:
Frequently Asked Questions on 10 Best Accredited Online Colleges in South Carolina SC – FAQs
Yes, most online coleges in Sc are accredited by various accreditation bodies both in South Carolina and the USA.
Students are also advised to check out the accreditation status of the schools before the enrol in any of them. Refer to these 10 best accredited online colleges in South Carolina on World Scholarship Forum for more information.
The duration for online education varies among schools.
Some online programs are designed so that students can complete their major coursework in three semesters and one summer session. For instance, if students enter the program with a two year degree, they typically can complete their bachelor’s degree in 18 months.
In summary most online programs last for 2 to 3 years, at most 4 years.
As more and more trusted schools offer online degree programs, the respect given to these programs increases.
According to a survey conducted by CareerBuilder.com, 83 percent of executives say that “an online degree is as credible as one earned through a traditional campus-based program.”
In other words, provided the degree is earned from an accredited online college, it carries the same credibility as those gotten through on-campus training.
To know if an online school is accredited, students are advised to carry out a background check on the schools they want to apply to.
They can also search the U.S. Department of Education Database by following these process:
1. Within the website for the United States Department of Education, there is a Database of Accredited Postsecondary Institutions and Programs.
2. Check the Six Main Regional Accrediting Agencies.
3. Finally, they can contact the Online College or University Directly.
Several programs are now been offered online. For example several completion programs like RN to BSN programs, certification programs, health science programs, MBAs and a lot more.
Conclusion
Most schools all over the world are now developing programs to accommodate the growing number of students who embrace online education. Colleges in South Carolina, SC are not left out as most online colleges and universities are getting recognized and approved by various accreditation agents both in South Carolina and the United States.
I hope this article on the 10 best accredited online colleges in SC helps you in making your online education decision.
Good Luck and Success!!!
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