2026 Best Value Liberal Arts Schools in South Carolina

1

Trident Technical College
Charleston, SC

Our analysis ranked Trident Technical College the best value for a degree in liberal arts in South Carolina. Trident Technical College is a very large public school located in the city of Charleston. Students from in state pay about $4,546 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $8,620. Students borrow a median of $9,376 to complete the liberal arts program here. Liberal Arts graduates of Trident Technical College earn a median of $50,166 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $9,376 median debt.

2

York Technical College
Rock Hill, SC

York Technical College came in at #2 on our 2026 list of the best value liberal arts schools. York Technical College is a moderately-sized public school located in the city of Rock Hill. Students from in state pay about $8,036 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $13,340. Students borrow a median of $8,090 to complete the liberal arts program here. Soon after graduation, liberal arts degree recipients from York Technical College generally make around $25,586. Set against $8,090 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.

3

Horry Georgetown Technical College
Conway, SC

Horry Georgetown Technical College came in at #3 on our 2026 list of the best value liberal arts schools. Located in the city of Conway, Horry Georgetown Technical College is a moderately-sized public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $5,518, with out-of-state students paying around $10,978. Typical student debt for liberal arts graduates is $16,500. Soon after graduation, liberal arts degree recipients from Horry Georgetown Technical College generally make around $26,724. That is a strong return on a $16,500 median debt.

4

Midlands Technical College
West Columbia, SC

A rank of #4 makes Midlands Technical College one of the best values for liberal arts. Located in the suburb of West Columbia, Midlands Technical College is a large public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $5,100, with out-of-state students paying around $14,700. Students borrow a median of $14,550 to complete the liberal arts program here. Early-career liberal arts graduates make about $29,688. Set against $14,550 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.

5

Florence Darlington Technical College
Florence, SC

Florence Darlington Technical College is a great value for students pursuing a degree in liberal arts, landing the #5 spot this year. Located in the rural area of Florence, Florence Darlington Technical College is a mid-sized public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $4,636, while out-of-state students pay about $6,772. Students borrow a median of $7,230 to complete the liberal arts program here. Early-career liberal arts graduates make about $34,948. That is a strong return on a $7,230 median debt.

6

Central Carolina Technical College
Sumter, SC

Central Carolina Technical College earned the #6 position for value in liberal arts this year. Set in the city of Sumter, Central Carolina Technical College is a mid-sized public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $5,715, compared with $9,016 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $10,835 to complete the liberal arts program here. Liberal Arts graduates of Central Carolina Technical College earn a median of $26,254 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $10,835 median debt.

7

Tri County Technical College
Pendleton, SC

Tri County Technical College placed #7 among the best values for liberal arts. Set in the suburb of Pendleton, Tri County Technical College is a moderately-sized public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $4,448, while out-of-state students pay about $12,007. Typical student debt for liberal arts graduates is $8,750. Liberal Arts graduates of Tri County Technical College earn a median of $22,578 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.

8

Aiken Technical College
Graniteville, SC

Aiken Technical College came in at #8 for value in liberal arts this year. Located in the suburb of Graniteville, Aiken Technical College is a mid-sized public university. Students from in state pay about $5,174 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $7,924. Liberal Arts graduates carry a median of $13,325 in student loans. Early-career liberal arts graduates make about $51,894. Set against $13,325 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.

9

Greenville Technical College
Greenville, SC

Greenville Technical College landed the #9 spot for liberal arts value this year. Greenville Technical College is a large public school located in the city of Greenville. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $5,495, while out-of-state students pay about $10,775. Typical student debt for liberal arts graduates is $12,190. Soon after graduation, liberal arts degree recipients from Greenville Technical College generally make around $27,684. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.

10

Technical College Of The Lowcountry
Beaufort, SC

Technical College Of The Lowcountry ranked #10 on our 2026 list of the best value liberal arts schools. Set in the city of Beaufort, Technical College Of The Lowcountry is a mid-sized public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $6,156, while out-of-state students pay about $11,916. Students borrow a median of $9,500 to complete the liberal arts program here. Early-career liberal arts graduates make about $28,441. Set against $9,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.

11

Spartanburg Community College
Spartanburg, SC

Spartanburg Community College earned the #11 position for value in liberal arts this year. Set in the suburb of Spartanburg, Spartanburg Community College is a moderately-sized public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $5,071, compared with $10,135 for out-of-state students. Liberal Arts graduates carry a median of $8,250 in student loans. Soon after graduation, liberal arts degree recipients from Spartanburg Community College generally make around $28,222. That is a strong return on a $8,250 median debt.

12

Northeastern Technical College
Cheraw, SC

Northeastern Technical College placed #12 among the best values for liberal arts. Northeastern Technical College is a mid-sized public school located in the rural area of Cheraw. In-state tuition and fees average $5,664, with out-of-state students paying around $6,024. Typical student debt for liberal arts graduates is $18,933. Early-career liberal arts graduates make about $57,772. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.

13

Williamsburg Technical College
Kingstree, SC

Williamsburg Technical College earned the #13 position for value in liberal arts this year. Located in the town of Kingstree, Williamsburg Technical College is a small public university. Students from in state pay about $4,488 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $8,592. Graduates go on to earn a median of $29,935 ten years after entry.

14

Orangeburg Calhoun Technical College
Orangeburg, SC

Orangeburg Calhoun Technical College earned the #14 position for value in liberal arts this year. Set in the town of Orangeburg, Orangeburg Calhoun Technical College is a mid-sized public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $5,210, while out-of-state students pay about $8,354. Students borrow a median of $19,407 to complete the liberal arts program here. Early-career liberal arts graduates make about $61,814. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.

15

University Of South Carolina Sumter
Sumter, SC

University Of South Carolina Sumter came in at #15 for value in liberal arts this year. Set in the city of Sumter, University Of South Carolina Sumter is a mid-sized public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $7,558, with out-of-state students paying around $18,238. Typical student debt for liberal arts graduates is $10,500. Early-career liberal arts graduates make about $18,517. That is a strong return on a $10,500 median debt. Roughly 74% of applicants are accepted.

16

University Of South Carolina Lancaster
Lancaster, SC

University Of South Carolina Lancaster came in at #16 for value in liberal arts this year. University Of South Carolina Lancaster is a mid-sized public school located in the town of Lancaster. In-state tuition and fees average $7,558, compared with $18,238 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $11,480 to complete the liberal arts program here. Liberal Arts graduates of University Of South Carolina Lancaster earn a median of $22,995 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $11,480 median debt. The acceptance rate is 83%.

17

Piedmont Technical College
Greenwood, SC

Piedmont Technical College came in at #17 for value in liberal arts this year. Piedmont Technical College is a moderately-sized public school located in the town of Greenwood. In-state tuition and fees average $4,775, while out-of-state students pay about $6,923. Students borrow a median of $14,000 to complete the liberal arts program here. Soon after graduation, liberal arts degree recipients from Piedmont Technical College generally make around $25,532. Set against $14,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.

18

University Of South Carolina Union
Union, SC

University Of South Carolina Union earned the #18 position for value in liberal arts this year. University Of South Carolina Union is a small public school located in the town of Union. In-state tuition and fees average $7,558, with out-of-state students paying around $18,238. Typical student debt for liberal arts graduates is $9,250. Liberal Arts graduates of University Of South Carolina Union earn a median of $18,455 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 62%.

19

University Of South Carolina Salkehatchie
Allendale, SC

University Of South Carolina Salkehatchie placed #19 among the best values for liberal arts. Set in the rural area of Allendale, University Of South Carolina Salkehatchie is a small public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $7,558, compared with $18,238 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for liberal arts graduates is $11,588. Liberal Arts graduates of University Of South Carolina Salkehatchie earn a median of $19,438 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $11,588 median debt. The acceptance rate is 76%.

20

University Of South Carolina Upstate
Spartanburg, SC

University Of South Carolina Upstate ranked #20 on our 2026 list of the best value liberal arts schools. University Of South Carolina Upstate is a moderately-sized public school located in the suburb of Spartanburg. In-state tuition and fees average $11,588, while out-of-state students pay about $23,090. Liberal Arts graduates carry a median of $30,000 in student loans. Early-career liberal arts graduates make about $36,241. That is a strong return on a $30,000 median debt. University Of South Carolina Upstate admits about 67% of applicants.

21

Coastal Carolina University
Conway, SC

Coastal Carolina University placed #21 among the best values for liberal arts. Located in the city of Conway, Coastal Carolina University is a large public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,640, while out-of-state students pay about $29,628. Typical student debt for liberal arts graduates is $27,250. Early-career liberal arts graduates make about $27,221. Set against $27,250 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 75%.

22

Francis Marion University
Florence, SC

Francis Marion University ranked #22 on our 2026 list of the best value liberal arts schools. Set in the rural area of Florence, Francis Marion University is a mid-sized public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,170, with out-of-state students paying around $21,544. Liberal Arts graduates carry a median of $41,475 in student loans. Soon after graduation, liberal arts degree recipients from Francis Marion University generally make around $21,838. Set against $41,475 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Francis Marion University admits about 86% of applicants.

23

Lander University
Greenwood, SC

Lander University landed the #23 spot for liberal arts value this year. Lander University is a mid-sized public school located in the town of Greenwood. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,700, while out-of-state students pay about $21,300. Liberal Arts graduates carry a median of $27,125 in student loans. Early-career liberal arts graduates make about $25,204. Set against $27,125 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 81%.

24

University Of South Carolina Beaufort
Bluffton, SC

University Of South Carolina Beaufort landed the #24 spot for liberal arts value this year. Set in the town of Bluffton, University Of South Carolina Beaufort is a mid-sized public institution. Students from in state pay about $10,730 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $21,776. Students borrow a median of $27,971 to complete the liberal arts program here. Soon after graduation, liberal arts degree recipients from University Of South Carolina Beaufort generally make around $38,254. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 72%.

25

Spartanburg Methodist College
Spartanburg, SC

Spartanburg Methodist College earned the #25 position for value in liberal arts this year. Spartanburg Methodist College is a small private not-for-profit school located in the suburb of Spartanburg. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $20,650. Students borrow a median of $12,000 to complete the liberal arts program here. Liberal Arts graduates of Spartanburg Methodist College earn a median of $14,509 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 78%.