2026 Best Value Sociology Schools in South Carolina

1

University Of South Carolina Aiken
Aiken, SC

For return on investment in sociology, no school beat University Of South Carolina Aiken this year. Set in the suburb of Aiken, University Of South Carolina Aiken is a mid-sized public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,760, while out-of-state students pay about $21,218. Students borrow a median of $28,750 to complete the sociology program here. Sociology graduates of University Of South Carolina Aiken earn a median of $29,438 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $28,750 median debt. Roughly 78% of applicants are accepted.

2

Coastal Carolina University
Conway, SC

A rank of #2 makes Coastal Carolina University one of the best values for sociology. Coastal Carolina University is a large public school located in the city of Conway. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,640, compared with $29,628 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for sociology graduates is $26,475. Sociology graduates of Coastal Carolina University earn a median of $24,738 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 75%.

3

University Of South Carolina Upstate
Spartanburg, SC

University Of South Carolina Upstate is a great value for students pursuing a degree in sociology, landing the #3 spot this year. Set in the suburb of Spartanburg, University Of South Carolina Upstate is a moderately-sized public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,588, while out-of-state students pay about $23,090. Sociology graduates carry a median of $27,000 in student loans. Soon after graduation, sociology degree recipients from University Of South Carolina Upstate generally make around $39,473. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. The acceptance rate is 67%.

4

Francis Marion University
Florence, SC

Francis Marion University is a great value for students pursuing a degree in sociology, landing the #4 spot this year. Set in the rural area of Florence, Francis Marion University is a mid-sized public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,170, with out-of-state students paying around $21,544. Sociology graduates carry a median of $31,500 in student loans. Sociology graduates of Francis Marion University earn a median of $28,982 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $31,500 median debt. Roughly 86% of applicants are accepted.

5

University Of South Carolina Beaufort
Bluffton, SC

The strong cost-to-outcome balance at University Of South Carolina Beaufort earned it the #5 place for sociology. Set in the town of Bluffton, University Of South Carolina Beaufort is a mid-sized public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $10,730, while out-of-state students pay about $21,776. Sociology graduates carry a median of $27,971 in student loans. Early-career sociology graduates make about $38,254. That is a strong return on a $27,971 median debt. The acceptance rate is 72%.

6

Winthrop University
Rock Hill, SC

Winthrop University ranked #6 on our 2026 list of the best value sociology schools. Set in the city of Rock Hill, Winthrop University is a moderately-sized public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $14,678, with out-of-state students paying around $28,676. Students borrow a median of $27,000 to complete the sociology program here. Sociology graduates of Winthrop University earn a median of $33,877 early in their careers. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 79%.

7

College Of Charleston
Charleston, SC

College Of Charleston came in at #7 for value in sociology this year. College Of Charleston is a large public school located in the city of Charleston. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $12,978, compared with $38,296 for out-of-state students. Sociology graduates carry a median of $25,000 in student loans. Sociology graduates of College Of Charleston earn a median of $28,801 early in their careers. Set against $25,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. College Of Charleston admits about 60% of applicants.

8

Clemson University
Clemson, SC

Clemson University landed the #8 spot for sociology value this year. Located in the suburb of Clemson, Clemson University is a very large public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $15,554, compared with $40,866 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $26,125 to complete the sociology program here. Soon after graduation, sociology degree recipients from Clemson University generally make around $36,320. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 38%.

9

University Of South Carolina Columbia
Columbia, SC

University Of South Carolina Columbia ranked #9 on our 2026 list of the best value sociology schools. University Of South Carolina Columbia is a very large public school located in the city of Columbia. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $12,688, compared with $36,298 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for sociology graduates is $27,000. Soon after graduation, sociology degree recipients from University Of South Carolina Columbia generally make around $30,517. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 60% of applicants are accepted.