Attending College in South Carolina: What You Need to Know (Including South Carolina Scholarships)

Updated on September 29th, 2023

Attending college in South Carolina is a dream come true for many students. But selecting between all of the outstanding schools isn’t easy. Plus, figuring out how to cover the cost of attendance can be tricky.

If your student plans on attending college in South Carolina, scholarships can make nearly any school affordable. If you and your student want to learn about South Carolina scholarships, sign up for our free college scholarship webinar! Take a quick trip over to http://thescholarshipsystem.com/freewebinar to reserve a spot today.

Fortunately, students can use strategies to find their ideal South Carolina college and cover the cost. If your student wants to attend college in South Carolina, here’s what they need to know.

Contents

1 About South Carolina
2 Colleges and Universities in South Carolina
- 2.1 College Towns in South Carolina
- 2.2 Major South Carolina Colleges and Universities
3 South Carolina Financial Aid
- 3.1 South Carolina College Grants
- 3.2 South Carolina Scholarships
4 Living and Getting Around in South Carolina
5 Making Money in South Carolina

About South Carolina

South Carolina is a breathtakingly beautiful state with an interesting history and a warm, inviting culture. The state has more than 2,800 miles of coastline, as well as many awe-inspiring waterfalls, rivers, and lakes, and strikingly beautiful mountains. One of the oldest trees in the nation – the Angel Oak – is also found in the state.

Some people are surprised to learn that South Carolina’s Morgan Island is home to more than 4,000 rhesus monkeys. While it’s not inhabited by people, it’s possible to take a boat to view the monkeys in this surprising habitat. And though many people assume that Georgia is the top peach producer in the country, South Carolina actually produces more.

When it comes to the weather, South Carolina is considered humid subtropical. Summer temperatures can reach between the mid-70s and into the 100s, depending on the exact location, while winter averages usually range between the mid-50s and low-60s.

Colleges and Universities in South Carolina

In total, there are 96 South Carolina universities and colleges. For students specifically focused on finding a four-year university in South Carolina, there are 46 available. Plus, there are 50 South Carolina community colleges and technical schools offering two-year degrees or professional certificates.

For many students, looking through all of those options is overly cumbersome. Fortunately, they can make the process more efficient by using the right strategy. Here are two that work quite well.

College Towns in South Carolina

While this approach is a bit unconventional, focusing on college towns when conducting a college search can work well for most students. It lets them ensure that the broader area meets their various needs. Plus, many of these cities are highly supportive of their local schools, which works in students’ favor.

Here is a list of South Carolina college towns:

Aiken
Bluffton
Conway
Charleston
Clemson
Gaffney
Greenville
Rock Hill
Spartanburg

While many students will find that the cities above can meet their needs, some may be curious about other options. For example, Columbia isn’t on the list since it’s the state capital, so it doesn’t specifically cater to students. However, it could be an appealing option in some cases. As a result, students should explore other locations if the colleges in Charleston, South Carolina, colleges near Greenville, South Carolina, or universities near these college towns don’t meet their broader needs.

Major South Carolina Colleges and Universities

While focusing on college towns works well for many students, others may want to concentrate on their on-campus experience. As a result, exploring the major public and private colleges in South Carolina could be the better choice.

Every top college in South Carolina brings something unique to the table. They may be known for exceptional academics, rare programs, top-quality athletics, or fantastic cultures. As a result, starting here can make it easier for students to narrow down their options and find the right South Carolina college for them.

Here is a list of some of the best colleges in South Carolina:

While the list of colleges and universities in South Carolina above will help many students find their perfect school, it may not meet every student’s needs. Ultimately, students should deviate from the top colleges in South Carolina information above if none of those schools feels like a strong match. That way, they can find the best South Carolina technical colleges or universities for them, ensuring they have the best possible experience.

South Carolina Financial Aid

Before your student heads to a South Carolina university or college, figuring out how they’re going to cover the cost is typically essential. While student loans are technically an option, they result in cumbersome debt, which isn’t ideal. Fortunately, South Carolina grants and scholarships can make their education more affordable while also giving them a chance to graduate with less debt (or even debt-free).

In most cases, South Carolina scholarships and grants require a student to be a resident of the state to be eligible for the award. Usually, residency requirements for scholarships and grants in South Carolina are similar to those associated with in-state tuition. Having a domicile established in the state for a minimum of 12 months prior to the start of the semester or quarter for a reason other than school is a crucial part of the equation, but it’s not the only requirement.

Now, this doesn’t mean out-of-state students can’t find awards for colleges in South Carolina. Institutional scholarships typically require enrollment in the school, but they don’t often have residency as a requirement. That means students can explore University of South Carolina scholarships or Citadel Military College of South Carolina scholarships to find awards that are open to non-residents if they’re planning to attend one of those schools.

South Carolina College Grants

Functionally, college grants for South Carolina students work similarly to Pell Grants, as they don’t result in debt. However, there is a key difference between the two. While Pell Grants are managed at the federal level, South Carolina grants are overseen at the state level. Still, how they’re administered is highly similar, making them a strong choice for students looking to graduate debt-free.

For local students attending South Carolina colleges, it’s critical to remember that the exact eligibility requirements for the awards below can vary. While all usually require residency, other qualifying factors do apply. As a result, students from South Carolina planning to attend universities or community colleges in South Carolina need to review the rules carefully before submitting applications.

Here is a list of South Carolina college grants:

South Carolina Scholarships

South Carolina college scholarships are an excellent way to make college more affordable. When students land college scholarships in South Carolina, they get financial support for their schooling that doesn’t result in debt, making them a far better choice when compared to student loans.

As with other types of awards, South Carolina state scholarships can have varying eligibility requirements. However, with those listed below, residency is typically a must.

Here is a list of scholarships for South Carolina students:

Living and Getting Around in South Carolina

While students usually focus on their studies while attending college in South Carolina, it’s also wise to prepare for broader needs. Knowing what living and getting around in South Carolina is like can help students plan for more of their needs, allowing their college transition to go forward a bit easier. Here’s an overview of what students need to understand.

Housing in South Carolina

For students, choosing between dorms and off-campus apartments (and other types of housing) may seem tricky at first. However, after looking at housing costs in South Carolina, some students may find the decision is easier to make.

As of September 2023, the average home value in South Carolina is $287,598. While that’s well below the national average of $349,770, most students won’t have enough income to buy a property in the state.

When it comes to rentals, the fair market value for a one-bedroom apartment is $966 per month, while a two-bedroom has a fair market value of $1,117 per month. For some students, this may be affordable, particularly if they get a roommate. However, others may find the prices a bit high, making a dorm room a better choice.

Transportation Options

If students need to get out and about, they can do so easily while attending college in South Carolina. Major cities typically have a mix of rideshare services, as well as buses and taxis. For long-distance travel, airports and train stations are readily available.

Here are the major airports in South Carolina:

Here is a list of the South Carolina Amtrak stations:

Camden, SC (CAM)
Charleston, SC (CHS)
Clemson, SC (CSN)
Columbia, SC (CLB)
Denmark, SC (DNK)
Florence, SC (FLO)
Greenville, SC (GRV)
Kingstree, SC (KTR)
Spartanburg, SC (SPB)
Yemassee, SC (YEM)

Things to Do in South Carolina

When students need to relax or have some fun, they’re in luck. There are plenty of things to do in South Carolina, allowing students to find destinations or activities that best suit their tastes.

For a casual time outside, Brookgreen Gardens and Falls Park on the Reedy are both excellent choices. History buffs may appreciate a trip to the Patriots Point Naval & Maritime Museum or Fort Sumter National Monument, while fans of boardwalk attractions should head to Broadway at the Beach for some fun. Ripley’s Aquarium of Myrtle Beach is ideal for rainy days, while Huntington Beach State Park is excellent for relaxing in the sun, hiking, or otherwise enjoying the great outdoors.

Making Money in South Carolina

Since many students need income during college, understanding the economy of South Carolina is helpful. Here’s some information about making money in South Carolina.

Minimum Wage

Since many college students have limited work experience and need positions that offer flexibility when it comes to schedule, most end up in minimum-wage jobs. As a result, it’s critical to understand what the minimum wage is before heading to South Carolina, ensuring students can effectively plan for their financial needs.

In South Carolina, there are no separate minimum wage laws. Since that’s the case, the federal minimum wage mandates apply, making the minimum wage in South Carolina $7.25 per hour. Tipped workers can earn as little as $2.13 per hour from their employer, suggesting their tips bring them up to the equivalent of $7.25 per hour. Otherwise, the company must make up the difference.

Employment Rates

Employment rates in a state typically provide insights into the availability of jobs in the area. Low unemployment means jobs are often accessible, while the reverse is true when unemployment is high.

In South Carolina, the unemployment rate as of July 2023 was 3.1 percent. Along with being considered low overall, that’s under the national average of 3.5 percent. That means students shouldn’t have too many issues finding suitable job opportunities.

South Carolina Key Industries

Understanding the major industries in a state is beneficial for students, as leading sectors typically have more job opportunities. As a result, it can help students figure out where to focus when seeking out part-time work or internships, as well as show what career paths are most viable for students looking to stay in the state long term.

When it comes to key industries in South Carolina, advanced manufacturing and advanced materials are both big businesses. The same is true of agribusiness, as well as automotive manufacturing and electric vehicle manufacturing.

The aerospace sector is similarly booming in South Carolina. Distribution and logistics are also major parts of the economy, along with the life science industry.

Attending College in South Carolina: What You Need to Know (Including South Carolina Scholarships)

About South Carolina