Most
Affordable Colleges in Columbia in 2027

Business Administration

Studying business administration in Columbia, SC, offers students a foundation in management, accounting, marketing, finance, economics, business law, and organizational behavior. Programs often include statistics, entrepreneurship, operations, and strategic planning, with internships providing experience. Popular local options include the University of South Carolina, Benedict College, and Columbia College. Graduates commonly pursue careers as business analysts, marketing coordinators, sales representatives, human resources specialists, project coordinators, or management trainees across industries such as healthcare, finance, and retail.

Psychology

Studying psychology in Columbia, SC offers students opportunities to explore human behavior through learning and research. Typical courses include introduction to psychology, developmental psychology, social psychology, abnormal psychology, research methods, statistics, and neuroscience. The University of South Carolina, Columbia College, and Benedict College are popular options. Graduates may pursue roles such as case manager, human resources specialist, behavioral health technician, research assistant, or community outreach worker; advanced clinical or counseling practice generally requires graduate study.

Computer Science

Studying computer science in Columbia, SC offers access to growing technology and research communities. Programs typically cover programming, data structures, algorithms, databases, operating systems, software engineering, cybersecurity, and artificial intelligence. Students build practical skills through projects, internships, and collaboration. Graduates commonly pursue careers as software developers, systems analysts, data analysts, cybersecurity specialists, or IT consultants. Popular local options include the University of South Carolina and Benedict College, both located in Columbia. Compare curricula and opportunities.

Counseling

Studying counseling in Columbia, SC, offers preparation for work supporting individuals, families, and communities. Programs at the University of South Carolina and Columbia College commonly cover counseling theories, human development, ethics, assessment, multicultural practice, group counseling, and research methods. Depending on degree and licensure, graduates may pursue roles as school counselors, mental health counselors, career counselors, case managers, or substance use counselors. Field placements and supervised clinical experience help students build skills and meet requirements.

Nursing

Studying nursing in Columbia, South Carolina, combines classroom learning with clinical practice in healthcare settings. Typical courses include anatomy and physiology, microbiology, pharmacology, health assessment, nursing fundamentals, and maternal, pediatric, and mental health nursing. Options include the University of South Carolina, Columbia College, Benedict College, and Midlands Technical College. Depending on the degree and licensure, graduates may work as registered nurses, licensed practical nurses, or community health nurses in hospitals, clinics, schools, and health agencies.

Best Colleges in Columbia, SC Ranking Summary & Conclusions

• The median total cost of studying is 18,188.0, compared with 31,299.0 at schools in the top 10% - a difference of 13,111.0.
• Financial aid reaches an average of 100.0% of students across the schools, versus 83.4% at schools in the top 10%.
• The average acceptance rate is 83.4%. Schools receive an average of 12,876.0 applicants, compared with 33,661.0 applicants at schools in the top 10%.
• The median number of applicants is 1,284.0 for men and 2,245.0 for women.
• Average test scores are 1,146.5 on the SAT and 25.0 on the ACT.
• The average number of enrolled students is 8,062.83. Average enrollment is 632.8 men and 999.8 women.
• The average graduation rate is 37.17%, compared with 63.0% at schools in the top 10%. The median graduation rate is 22.0% for men and 31.5% for women.
• Four institutions offer associate's degrees, six offer bachelor's degrees, six offer master's degrees, and three offer doctor's degrees.
• Six schools are coeducational; there are 0 schools for men and 0 schools for women.
• When choosing a college, compare total cost and financial-aid availability alongside acceptance rates, test scores, enrollment, degree offerings, and graduation rates. Consider how the overall and gender-specific graduation figures relate to your priorities, and compare individual schools rather than relying only on averages.

How much does studying at a college in Columbia, SC cost?

In Columbia, SC, the average reported total cost of studying toward a degree is $21,203.67. Treat this as a planning benchmark, not a guaranteed bill: your actual cost depends on the school, program, living arrangements, and financial aid. Students considering the University of South Carolina, Columbia College, or Benedict College should compare each institution's current cost-of-attendance estimate before enrolling.

Available averages list tuition and fees at $19,308.50, room and board at $10,797.33, and books and supplies at $1,245.60. These components exceed the stated total when added, so they may reflect different student groups or cost calculations; don't combine them as a single itemized budget without checking the college's figures.

• Ask for an aid estimate; scholarships and grants can make a Columbia education more affordable.
• Compare commuting with campus housing, including meals, transportation, and course supplies.
• Ask financial-aid offices about payment plans early, so you can focus on classes and campus life.

How long does it take to finish college in Columbia, SC?

Most students in Columbia, SC need about four years to earn a bachelor's degree; an associate degree at Midlands Technical College typically takes two. At the University of South Carolina, Columbia College, or Benedict College, your timeline depends on course load, major requirements, and whether you attend full time.

The average graduation rate in the supplied figures is 37.17%; it is 63% among the top 10% of schools. Rates average 32.2% for men and 41.33% for women. These figures indicate completion, not how long any one student will take.

You may finish sooner with a plan:

• Taking summer courses or a heavier course load can help you complete credits faster and stay on schedule.
• If you earned AP or dual-enrollment credits or have prior college coursework, ask whether they transfer toward your program requirements.
• Meet an adviser early to map prerequisites; evening or online classes can fit around work and family.

Salary

College graduates in Columbia, SC, have a median alumni salary of about $38,970. At schools in the top 10% by alumni salary, the median is about $51,335. These figures offer a useful benchmark, though your own earnings can vary by degree, career, and experience.

If you're considering the University of South Carolina, Columbia College, or Benedict College, your choice of major and the opportunities you pursue while studying can help shape your career path. It's encouraging to know that graduates from top-earning schools in the area reach a median above $51,000.

People also ask

How much does it cost to go to college in Columbia?

In Columbia, SC, tuition can range from roughly $5,000-$7,000 a year at a public technical college to around $13,000 or more for in-state tuition at a public four-year university. Private colleges generally cost more. Housing, meals, books, and fees add to the total, so your residency, course load, and living arrangements matter.

What college in Columbia has the lowest tuition?

For a local college, Midlands Technical College is generally among the lowest-cost options, especially for South Carolina residents pursuing an associate degree or taking transfer courses. A full-time resident student might budget roughly $5,000-$7,000 per year for tuition, before books and other expenses. Confirm the current rate with the college, since fees and tuition change.

Top 5 Colleges in the Most Affordable Colleges Ranking in Columbia, SC Ranking in 2026-2027

At Columbia College in Columbia, SC, students can pursue a more intimate college experience, with 1,856 enrolled. The college's liberal-arts setting may suit learners seeking close campus engagement in the state capital. Its 37% graduation rate and 94% acceptance rate provide useful context when weighing fit and persistence. Annual total study cost is $19,276, while median alumni salary is $43,897. For local students, staying in Columbia can make campus visits and access to city amenities convenient throughout the academic year.

Allen University, located in Columbia, SC, is a historically Black university with a compact enrollment of 610 students. Its small scale may appeal to students who prefer a close-knit campus while studying in the capital. The reported graduation rate is 13%, acceptance rate 73%, total study cost $12,540, and median alumni salary $30,193. Those figures offer starting points for comparing affordability and outcomes; prospective students should also consider program availability, financial aid, and how campus life fits their own goals.

University of South Carolina-Columbia is the largest option in this group, enrolling 40,357 students in Columbia, SC. As the state's flagship public research university, it offers a broad campus environment in the capital, with many academic and extracurricular possibilities. Its 79% graduation rate and 60% acceptance rate stand alongside a total study cost of $35,898 and median alumni salary of $49,441. For local applicants, its scale, range, and city location are important factors to explore before making an enrollment decision.

Benedict College is a private historically Black college in Columbia, SC, with 1,693 students. Its campus offers an option for learners seeking a smaller institution within the state capital. Reported figures include a 24% graduation rate, 96% acceptance rate, total study cost of $15,708, and median alumni salary of $33,965. Students comparing nearby choices can use these measures as a starting point, then investigate specific majors, student support, financial aid, and opportunities connected to life in Columbia before making decisions.

South University-Columbia is a smaller campus option in Columbia, SC, reporting 504 enrolled students. Its local setting may appeal to students seeking a focused college environment without leaving the city. The available data list a total study cost of $17,100 and a median alumni salary of $53,229; acceptance and graduation rates are not provided here. Compare program offerings, admissions requirements, and aid directly with the school, and consider how studying in Columbia fits your schedule, commute, and long-term career plans.