Top 3 Computer Science Programs in South Carolina 2025
Clemson University
190 computer science graduates annually, 81% graduation rate
University of South Carolina-Columbia
174 computer science graduates annually, 80% graduation rate
College of Charleston
50 computer science graduates annually, 70% graduation rate
- 1.South Carolina offers 24+ accredited computer science programs across public and private universities
- 2.Clemson University leads with 81% graduation rate
- 3.South Carolina software developers earn median $95,670 annually (BLS OES 2024)
- 4.Tech opportunities concentrated in Charleston, Columbia, Greenville
- 5.Cost of living index: 95.4% of US average (below average)
Computer Science Education in South Carolina: Overview
South Carolina offers 24 accredited computer science programs, producing approximately 646 graduates annually. The state's tech industry is centered in Charleston, Columbia, Greenville, with major employers including Blackbaud, BenefitFocus, Bosch.
With a median software developer salary of $95,670 (BLS OES May 2024) and a cost of living index of 95.4% compared to the US average, South Carolina offers above-average purchasing power for tech workers.
The top computer science programs in the state are led by Clemson University, University of South Carolina-Columbia, College of Charleston, each offering distinct advantages in terms of program size, graduation rates, and industry connections.
South Carolina Computer Science Programs Rankings 2025
| Rank | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Clemson University | Clemson, SC | Public | $14,038 | 81% | 84.9 |
| 2 | University of South Carolina-Columbia | Columbia, SC | Public | $12,288 | 80% | 78.2 |
| 3 | College of Charleston | Charleston, SC | Public | $12,518 | 70% | 56.9 |
| 4 | University of South Carolina Aiken | Aiken, SC | Public | $10,398 | 93% | 51.9 |
| 5 | Wofford College | Spartanburg, SC | Private | $51,750 | 89% | 51.1 |
| 6 | Lander University | Greenwood, SC | Public | $10,700 | 91% | 50.7 |
| 7 | Coastal Carolina University | Conway, SC | Public | $11,460 | 86% | 50.5 |
| 8 | Anderson University | Anderson, SC | Private | $32,710 | 80% | 49.2 |
| 9 | Charleston Southern University | Charleston, SC | Private | $30,380 | 88% | 48.1 |
| 10 | University of South Carolina-Upstate | Spartanburg, SC | Public | $11,208 | — | 43.3 |
| 11 | Furman University | Greenville, SC | Private | $57,902 | — | 43.1 |
| 12 | Bob Jones University | Greenville, SC | Private | $19,756 | — | 42.3 |
| 13 | Voorhees University | Denmark, SC | Private | $11,630 | — | 41.3 |
| 14 | Columbia College | Columbia, SC | Private | $15,980 | 82% | 41.2 |
| 15 | Benedict College | Columbia, SC | Private | $15,400 | — | 40.6 |
| 16 | Winthrop University | Rock Hill, SC | Public | $15,306 | — | 39.8 |
| 17 | South Carolina State University | Orangeburg, SC | Public | $9,528 | 55% | 38.8 |
| 18 | Presbyterian College | Clinton, SC | Private | $40,200 | — | 38.4 |
| 19 | Francis Marion University | Florence, SC | Public | $10,394 | — | 37.6 |
| 20 | Citadel Military College of South Carolina | Charleston, SC | Public | $8,356 | — | 37.4 |
| 21 | Claflin University | Orangeburg, SC | Private | $16,476 | — | 37.2 |
| 22 | Limestone University | Gaffney, SC | Private | $26,400 | — | 35.5 |
| 23 | Coker University | Hartsville, SC | Private | $30,864 | — | 31.9 |
| 24 | Southern Wesleyan University | Central, SC | Private | $26,520 | — | 30 |
Top 5 Computer Science Programs in South Carolina: Side-by-Side
| School | Clemson | U of South Carolina-Columbia | College of Charleston | U of South Carolina Aiken | Wofford College |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rank | #1 | #2 | #3 | #4 | #5 |
| In-State Tuition | $14,038 | $12,288 | $12,518 | $10,398 | $51,750 |
| Graduation Rate | 81% | 80% | 70% | 93% | 89% |
| Annual Graduates | 190 | 174 | 50 | 21 | 9 |
| Acceptance Rate | 38% | 61% | 72% | 80% | 59% |
| Type | Public | Public | Public | Public | Private |
| Score | 84.9/100 | 78.2/100 | 56.9/100 | 51.9/100 | 51.1/100 |
Best Bachelor's Degree Programs in Computer Science in South Carolina
South Carolina offers 24 bachelor's-level computer science programs. The top schools for undergraduate study are Clemson University, University of South Carolina-Columbia, College of Charleston. These programs prepare students for entry-level positions paying approximately $66,969 in the South Carolina market.
A bachelor's in computer science typically requires 120-128 credit hours and takes 4 years to complete. For national rankings, see our Best Computer Science Bachelor's Programs guide.
Top 3 Computer Science Bachelor's Programs in South Carolina
| School | Tuition | Grad Rate | Graduates | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 Clemson | $14,038 | 81% | 190 | 84.9 |
| #2 U of South Carolina-Columbia | $12,288 | 80% | 174 | 78.2 |
| #3 College of Charleston | $12,518 | 70% | 50 | 56.9 |
Top Computer Science Schools for Master's Degrees in South Carolina
For graduate study, South Carolina offers 5 master's-level computer science programs. Leading institutions include Clemson University, University of South Carolina-Columbia, Charleston Southern University. A master's degree can boost earning potential by 15-25%, with senior roles in South Carolina reaching $124,371 or more.
Explore our complete national rankings of the best computer science master's programs for more options beyond South Carolina.
Top 3 Computer Science Master's Programs in South Carolina
| School | Tuition | Grad Rate | Graduates | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 Clemson | $14,038 | 81% | 76 | 80.2 |
| #2 U of South Carolina-Columbia | $12,288 | 80% | 18 | 55.9 |
| #3 Charleston Southern | $30,380 | 88% | 5 | 47.9 |
Most Affordable Computer Science Colleges in South Carolina
For budget-conscious students, the most affordable computer science programs in South Carolina are at Citadel Military College of South Carolina ($8,356/year), South Carolina State University ($9,528/year), Francis Marion University ($10,394/year). These programs offer strong ROI given South Carolina's competitive tech salaries.
At Citadel Military College of South Carolina, a 4-year degree costs approximately $33,424 in tuition alone. With entry-level salaries around $66,969, graduates can typically recoup their investment within 1 years. See our Most Affordable Computer Science Programs for national comparisons.
Most Affordable Computer Science Programs in South Carolina (with ROI)
| School | Annual Tuition | 4-Year Cost | Payback Period | Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 Citadel Military College... | $8,356 | $33,424 | 1 years | Public |
| #2 South Carolina State | $9,528 | $38,112 | 1.2 years | Public |
| #3 Francis Marion | $10,394 | $41,576 | 1.3 years | Public |
Detailed Program Spotlights: Inside the Top 5 Computer Science Schools in South Carolina
Below are detailed profiles of the top 5 computer science programs in South Carolina, including admissions requirements, curriculum highlights, career outcomes, and what makes each program unique. Data sourced from official university websites and IPEDS 2023.
Clemson University
Clemson, SC • Public
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $14,038 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: 81% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Computer Science Graduates: 190 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 38%
- • Ranking Score: 84.9 / 100
Program Strengths
- 81% graduation rate
- 190 computer science graduates annually
- Public institution
- Overall score: 84.9 / 100
Why Ranked #1
Ranked #1 based on graduation rate (81%), program size (190 graduates), state salary outcomes ($95,670), and selectivity (38% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Why Choose This Program
Clemson's Computer Science program is housed within the College of Engineering, Computing and Applied Sciences and offers research opportunities through Creative Inquiry. The university maintains significant industry partnerships and specialized facilities including automotive research centers and innovation campuses.
University of South Carolina-Columbia
Columbia, SC • Public
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $12,288 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: 80% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Computer Science Graduates: 174 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 61%
- • Ranking Score: 78.2 / 100
Program Strengths
- 80% graduation rate
- 174 computer science graduates annually
- Public institution
- Overall score: 78.2 / 100
Why Ranked #2
Ranked #2 based on graduation rate (80%), program size (174 graduates), state salary outcomes ($95,670), and selectivity (61% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Why Choose This Program
The Computer Science program at USC prepares students for careers as programmers, software designers, systems analysts, data scientists, UI/UX designers and mobile app developers in a field where employment is projected to grow 21% from 2018 to 2028. The program offers undergraduate research opportunities through the McNAIR Fellowship Program and accelerated graduate programs for advanced study.
Available Scholarships
Admission Prerequisites
- •4 units English
- •4 units Mathematics including Algebra I, Algebra II, Geometry
College of Charleston
Charleston, SC • Public
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $12,518 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: 70% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Computer Science Graduates: 50 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 72%
- • Ranking Score: 56.9 / 100
Program Strengths
- 70% graduation rate
- 50 computer science graduates annually
- Public institution
- Overall score: 56.9 / 100
Why Ranked #3
Ranked #3 based on graduation rate (70%), program size (50 graduates), state salary outcomes ($95,670), and selectivity (72% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Why Choose This Program
The program offers both B.A. and B.S. options with strong industry connections to over 400 tech companies in Charleston's 'Silicon Harbor' region, featuring hands-on learning in specialized facilities like Harbor Walk and seven research labs. Students benefit from an accelerated 4+1 bachelor's to master's program and industry-supervised capstone projects with real clients.
Career Outcomes
- Top Employers: Capgemini, Boeing, Bosch, Mercedes-Benz Vans, Volvo, Google, SPAWAR, Benefitfocus, Boomtown!
University of South Carolina Aiken
Aiken, SC • Public
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $10,398 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: 93% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Computer Science Graduates: 21 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 80%
- • Ranking Score: 51.9 / 100
Program Strengths
- 93% graduation rate
- 21 computer science graduates annually
- Public institution
- Overall score: 51.9 / 100
Why Ranked #4
Ranked #4 based on graduation rate (93%), program size (21 graduates), state salary outcomes ($95,670), and selectivity (80% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Wofford College
Spartanburg, SC • Private
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $51,750 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: 89% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Computer Science Graduates: 9 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 59%
- • Ranking Score: 51.1 / 100
Program Strengths
- 89% graduation rate
- 9 computer science graduates annually
- Private institution
- Overall score: 51.1 / 100
Why Ranked #5
Ranked #5 based on graduation rate (89%), program size (9 graduates), state salary outcomes ($95,670), and selectivity (59% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Career Paths
Software Developer
SOC 15-1252Software Developer opportunities in South Carolina with strong job growth.
Full Stack Developer
SOC 15-1252Full Stack Developer opportunities in South Carolina with strong job growth.
Systems Architect
SOC 15-1252Systems Architect opportunities in South Carolina with strong job growth.
DevOps Engineer
SOC 15-1244DevOps Engineer opportunities in South Carolina with strong job growth.
Technical Lead
SOC 15-1252Technical Lead opportunities in South Carolina with strong job growth.
Computer Science Programs in Other States
California
Texas
New York
Florida
Washington
Massachusetts
Illinois
Georgia
Which Should You Choose?
- You want access to tech jobs in Charleston, Columbia, Greenville
- You're seeking lower cost of living (95.4% of US average)
- You want to work at companies like Blackbaud or BenefitFocus
- You prefer South Carolina's quality of life
- You prioritize highest possible salary (consider CA, WA, NY)
- You want more program options (CA has 100+ vs South Carolina's 24)
- You're looking for major coastal tech hub concentration
Computer Science in South Carolina FAQ
Based on 24 programs from IPEDS 2023, BLS OES May 2024
Computer Science degree completions indicating program size, faculty, and resources (IPEDS 2023)
6-year completion rate from IPEDS 2023
Admission rate from IPEDS 2023 (lower = more selective)
South Carolina-specific salaries from BLS OES May 2024
Related Resources
Data Sources & Methodology
Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System - program completions, graduation rates, tuition, admissions
Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics - South Carolina salary data
2023-2033 occupational outlook and growth projections
Program-specific admissions, curriculum, and career outcome data
Taylor Rupe
Full-Stack Developer (B.S. Computer Science, B.A. Psychology)
Taylor combines formal training in computer science with a background in human behavior to evaluate complex search, AI, and data-driven topics. His technical review ensures each article reflects current best practices in semantic search, AI systems, and web technology.