12 best SC colleges ranked for value by Money: See how 4 Upstate colleges rate

Nina Tran, Greenville News

Updated June 26, 2024 at 7:53 AM·3 min read

Choosing the right college to attend is a task that requires careful consideration from both parent and student. Academic programs, cost, location, and opportunities are a few factors that come to mind before even filling out an application.

Finding a college worth the price tag can be especially challenging when colleges are not upfront with tuition costs, leaving families in the dark. According to Money, the prices colleges advertise may be reduced through the use of scholarships and grants. Private institutions in particular are known for this.

In its 2024 Best Colleges roundup, Money analyzed 745 colleges in the country. Twelve South Carolina colleges were named based on alumni salaries, cost of attendance, financial aid, and graduation rates, among other factors. The compilation is not intended for the purpose of "narrowing down" the best colleges, but it may be helpful in determining schools where students are more likely to secure a job that pays well with manageable student debt.

Here are the colleges that were mentioned in S.C. and why.

SC's best colleges in 2024, according to Money

4.5 stars

Citadel Military College, Charleston: Acceptance Rate: 99%. Estimated Full Price 2024-25: $32,200. Estimated Price with Average Grant: $23,100. Graduation Rate: 72%

4 stars

Clemson University, Clemson: Acceptance Rate: 43%. Estimated Full Price 2024-25: $36,100. Estimated Price with Average Grant: $26,000. Graduation Rate: 83%.
Wofford College, Spartanburg: Acceptance Rate: 60%. Estimated Full Price 2024-25: $73,000. Estimated Price with Average Grant: $33,000. Graduation Rate: 81%.

3 stars

Coker University, Hartsville: Acceptance Rate: 94%. Estimated Full Price 2024-25: $46,900. Estimated Price with Average Grant: $22,300. Graduation Rate: 57%.
College of Charleston, Charleston: Acceptance Rate: 76%. Estimated Full Price 2024-25: $32,700. Estimated Price with Average Grant: $22,300. Graduation Rate: 65%.
Columbia College, Columbia: Acceptance Rate: 98%. Estimated Full Price 2024-25: $40,300. Estimated Price with Average Grant: $19,900. Graduation Rate: 62%.
Furman University, Greenville: Acceptance Rate: 67%. Estimated Full Price 2024-25: $76,800. Estimated Price with Average Grant: $35,300. Graduation Rate: 81%.
Southern Wesleyan University, Central: Acceptance Rate: 51%. Estimated Full Price 2024-25: $42,300. Estimated Price with Average Grant: $18,600. Graduation Rate: 57%.
University of South Carolina-Columbia, Columbia: Acceptance Rate: 64%. Estimated Full Price 2024-25: $31,100. Estimated Price with Average Grant: $23,700. Graduation Rate: 77%.
University of South Carolina-Upstate, Spartanburg: Acceptance Rate: 79%. Estimated Full Price 2024-25: $27,400. Estimated Price with Average Grant: $14,600. Graduation Rate: 60%.

2.5 stars

Winthrop University, Rock Hill: Acceptance Rate: 70%. Estimated Full Price 2024-25: $32,400. Estimated Price with Average Grant: $18,000. Graduation Rate: 61%.

2 stars

Claflin University, Orangeburg: Acceptance Rate: 78%. Estimated Full Price 2024-25: $35,000. Estimated Price with Average Grant: $21,100. Graduation Rate: 48%.

Cohen Kellogg, 20, is a student at Wofford College. Here, Kellogg talks about his company the 'Window Washing Guy' and how he started it to learn how to run a small business.

Does college pay off? Here's what recent surveys say

Is the American dream out of reach? Recent surveys indicate that only half of Americans believe a college degree is worth paying for, according to a Wall Street Journal-NORC poll. A Pew Research poll seconded this, showing only 29% of Americans believe college is worth the cost if student loans need to be used. Those who think college is still worth the money make up 47%, but only if loans are not needed to attend.

The reason for the change in views towards college stems from the growth in opportunities to make a good living without a bachelor's degree, as well as the rising cost of living. Per Money, the median wealth among households headed by high school graduates increased from $12,700 in 2013 to $30,700 as of 2022. Even so, in comparison, the net worth growth among households with college degrees ranged between $46,600 to $120,200.

College consideration is also declining due to the changes in college pricing since 2001, as noted by College Board. After inflation adjustments, tuition and fees soared by 81% at public four-year colleges. In comparison, private colleges rose by 46%.