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Key Takeaways
Best information security degree programs: Anderson, Limestone, Citadel Military College ...
Ranked by graduation rates, program outcomes, and institutional quality
Tuition ranges from $5,024 to $32,710/year
Trident Technical College offers the most affordable option at $5,024/yr
Information Security degree programs available: 2 associate's, 1 master's in South Carolina
From community college pathways to advanced research degrees
South Carolina community college transfer can save 40-60% on total degree costs
2 associate's programs provide transfer pathways to bachelor's degrees
Education Commission of the States
Major employers: Blackbaud, BenefitFocus, Bosch, Boeing
Tech hubs in Charleston and Columbia
Hakia Research 2026
Information Security degree programs near 40+ cities across South Carolina
Search by city to find programs within 200 miles of your location
Updated June 28, 2026
How we ranked South Carolina Information Security programs
We rank 9 accredited information security programs in South Carolina using IPEDS 2024 institutional data, BLS OEWS 2024 state salary data, and College Scorecard outcomes. A 4-factor weighted composite is normalized to a 0–100 score. Schools cannot pay for placement; rankings are produced algorithmically.
Are Information Security Degree Programs in South Carolina Worth It?
Source: BLS OEWS May 2024
Information Security Degree Rankings in South Carolina
Compare the top-ranked Information Security programs in South Carolina by degree level. Tuition, graduation rate, and Hakia Score for every accredited program.
Best Associate's Information Security Programs in South Carolina
Program Landscape
South Carolina offers 2 accredited associate's degree programs in information security, providing an affordable entry point into the technology field. The top-ranked programs include Trident Technical College, Horry-Georgetown Technica..., which combine rigorous technical curriculum with practical skills training.
Costs & Value
Community colleges in South Carolina offer these two-year programs at an average cost of $5,116/yr, significantly less than four-year university tuition. Students completing associate's degrees can pursue entry-level technical positions and transfer opportunities, with entry-level salaries averaging $52,619 in South Carolina.
Career Pathways
Many programs feature guaranteed transfer agreements with South Carolina's public universities, allowing students to complete their first two years at reduced cost before transferring to complete a bachelor's degree. The Charleston, Columbia, Greenville areas offer particularly strong job markets for associate's degree holders, with employers like Blackbaud, BenefitFocus, Bosch hiring for technical support, junior development, and IT specialist positions.
Curriculum & Specializations
Programs typically include coursework in programming fundamentals, database management, networking basics, and software development. Among information security schools in South Carolina, these associate's programs offer the best value for students beginning their information security degrees in South Carolina.
Best Bachelor's Information Security Programs in South Carolina
Program Landscape
South Carolina ranks among the nation's top destinations for information security education, with 6 accredited bachelor's degree programs across 2 public and 4 private institutions. The highest-ranked programs are Anderson, Limestone, Citadel Military College ..., recognized for academic excellence, research opportunities, and strong industry connections.
Career Outcomes
Graduates from South Carolina information security programs earn a median salary of $81,320, 17% below the national average. The state's robust technology sector, anchored by the Charleston, Columbia, Greenville metropolitan areas, provides abundant internship and employment opportunities with companies including Blackbaud, BenefitFocus, Bosch.
Costs & Value
Tuition ranges from $8,356 to $32,710 annually, with an average of $19,633/yr. Top programs maintain graduation rates above 80%, with the highest reaching 80%. Many programs hold ABET accreditation, the gold standard for computing education, ensuring curriculum meets rigorous industry standards.
Curriculum & Specializations
Students can choose from specializations including software engineering, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, data science, and systems architecture. Strong industry partnerships provide access to co-op programs, capstone projects with real companies, and direct recruiting pipelines to South Carolina's leading technology employers. For students seeking information security degrees in South Carolina, these top-ranked information security schools offer the strongest combination of academic rigor and career preparation.
Citadel Military College of South Carolina
North Greenville University
University of South Carolina-Upstate
Show all 9 ranked programs
| Rank | School | Location | Type | Tuition | Grad Rate | Hakia Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #6 | Lander University | Greenwood, SC | Public | $10,700 | 50% | 69.1 |
| #7 | Charleston Southern University | Charleston, SC | Private nonprofit | $31,870 | 47% | 61.3 |
| #8 | Limestone University | Gaffney, SC | Private nonprofit | $26,700 | 35% | 56.1 |
| #9 | Morris College | Sumter, SC | Private nonprofit | $15,064 | 17% | 53.1 |
Best Master's Information Security Programs in South Carolina
Program Landscape
South Carolina offers 1 master's degree programs in information security, designed for professionals seeking to advance into senior engineering, technical leadership, and specialized roles. The top programs, Coastal Carolina, combine advanced technical training with research opportunities and leadership development.
Career Outcomes
Master's graduates in South Carolina earn a median salary of $95,670, approximately 20-30% higher than bachelor's degree holders. The concentration of technology companies in Charleston, Columbia, Greenville creates strong demand for graduate-level talent, with Blackbaud, BenefitFocus, Bosch actively recruiting from these programs.
Costs & Value
Program formats include traditional full-time study (typically 2 years), part-time options for working professionals (2-3 years), and accelerated tracks. Tuition averages $11,460/yr, with many employers offering tuition reimbursement for graduate education. Some programs offer thesis and non-thesis tracks, allowing students to focus on research or professional development based on their career goals.
Curriculum & Specializations
Curriculum covers advanced topics including machine learning, distributed systems, software architecture, and technical management. Many programs include practicum experiences, industry capstone projects, or consulting engagements that provide real-world application of advanced concepts. Among South Carolina's information security schools at the graduate level, these programs stand out for both academic quality and career outcomes.
Strayer University-South Carolina
Information Security Degree Costs & Tuition in South Carolina
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average in-state tuition | $15,499/year |
| Average out-of-state tuition | $38,748/year |
| Community college tuition | $3,875/year |
| 4-year savings for residents | $92,996 |
| 2+2 transfer pathway savings | $23,248 |
Source: IPEDS 2024
Financial Aid & Scholarships for Information Security Students in South Carolina
State Aid Programs
South Carolina residents pursuing information security degrees have access to multiple financial aid pathways designed to make higher education affordable. The primary state-level opportunity is the LIFE Scholarship, a merit-based award that provides eligible South Carolina residents with up to $5,000 per year to support their education (LIFE Scholarship). This program is administered by the South Carolina Commission on Higher Education and represents a significant funding source for qualified students attending institutions across the state, including the 13 institutions currently offering information security programs (South Carolina Commission on Higher Education).
Key Programs & Amounts
Beyond state grants, students should complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to access federal loans, grants, and work-study opportunities. The federal government offers multiple aid types including Pell Grants, Federal Stafford Loans, and Parent PLUS Loans, all of which can be explored through Federal Student Aid. Additionally, many South Carolina institutions offer institutional scholarships and merit-based awards specific to information security or cybersecurity students. For comprehensive financial planning, prospective students can use the College Scorecard to compare aid packages and net price across schools like Clemson University, University of South Carolina–Columbia, and other leading information security programs in the state (College Scorecard). The SC Transfer and Articulation Center also helps students navigate financial aid when transferring between institutions (SC Transfer and Articulation Center).
Information Security Degree ROI Calculator, South Carolina
Use our interactive ROI calculator to estimate your return on investment for a information security degree in South Carolina. Enter your expected tuition costs, financial aid, and career goals to see projected payback periods and lifetime earnings. The calculator uses current salary data from BLS and tuition data from IPEDS to provide accurate estimates.
Information Security Degree ROI Calculator
Estimate your return on investment for a information security degree
Leave blank to use average cost for selected program type
+907%
Net gain divided by total investment. ROI above 200% is considered excellent for education investments.
$1,677,254
Your additional lifetime earnings with this degree vs. working without one, minus the total investment.
5 years
Years until your cumulative earnings exceed total investment. Shorter programs often break even faster due to lower opportunity cost.
$133,333
Your starting salary adjusted for local cost of living. This shows real purchasing power compared to a $100K national baseline.
Why does break-even change with program type? Your "total investment" includes both tuition AND opportunity cost (foregone earnings while in school). A 4-year full-time public university (in-state) means 4 years of not earning a salary ($140,000 in opportunity cost). Shorter full-time programs may have higher tuition but lower total investment because you return to the workforce sooner.
Detailed Breakdown
How we calculate your degree ROI using real salary data
Tuition plus opportunity cost (earnings you miss while in school)
Direct cost of the degree program
4 years × $35K/year foregone salary while studying full-time
Projected career earnings starting after graduation, with salary growth
What you'd earn working at $35K/year with 2% annual growth
Median salary for this role in your selected location (BLS 2024)
Your investment's compound annual growth rate (similar to stock market returns)
Data sources: BLS OEWS May 2024, IPEDS 2024. Calculations use median salaries, 3% discount rate, and assume salary growth declines from 6% to 2% over career. Individual results will vary. | Powered by Hakia.com
Information Security Salaries by Metro Area
Median annual salary in South Carolina metro areas
View data table
| Category | Value |
|---|---|
| Charleston | $105K |
| Columbia | $100K |
| Greenville | $96K |
Source: BLS OEWS May 2024
Hakia.com
Top Employers Hiring Information Security Graduates in South Carolina
Find information security jobs in South Carolina. These major employers across South Carolina metro areas are actively hiring information security degree holders. Click employer names to view current job openings.
Information Security Jobs in Charleston
SCInformation Security Jobs in Columbia
SCInformation Security Jobs in Greenville
SCTransfer Pathways for Information Security Degrees in South Carolina
State Transfer System
South Carolina's transfer system streamlines the pathway from community colleges to four-year universities through the SC Transfer and Articulation Center, which maps credit transfer agreements and articulation pathways across the state's institutions. This system allows students to begin their information security studies at 2 community colleges offering associate degrees. Trident Technical College (which produced 65 completions in 2023, the state's leading program) and Horry-Georgetown Technical College (with 9 completions), before transferring credits to bachelor degree programs at universities. The associate to bachelor transfer pathway is particularly valuable for cost-conscious students, as average in-state tuition at two-year institutions is significantly lower than four-year public universities.
How Transfers Work
Articulation agreements between specific two-year and four-year institutions ensure that coursework completed at institutions like Trident Technical College aligns with bachelor degree requirements at universities such as University of South Carolina-Columbia and Clemson University. Students can complete general education and foundational information security courses at lower cost, then transfer seamlessly to complete upper-level specializations. The SC Transfer and Articulation Center maintains detailed transfer guides and course equivalency information online, helping students plan their educational path strategically. For additional information on four-year program options after transfer, explore University of South Carolina Aiken and Lander University, which offer affordable bachelor degree pathways. Financial aid, including the LIFE Scholarship, applies throughout the transfer process, supporting continuous enrollment.
Why Pursue an Information Security Degree in South Carolina?
Industry & Workforce
South Carolina offers a strong pathway into information security education with 13 institutions currently offering programs across associate, bachelor, and master degree levels (IPEDS). The state's information security programs produced 74 associate degree completions, 26 bachelor degree completions, and 5 master degree completions in 2023, indicating strong workforce development in this critical field. This educational infrastructure positions students to enter a growing cybersecurity market where expertise is increasingly in demand across industries.
Salary Outlook
South Carolina's major metropolitan areas, including Columbia, Charleston-North Charleston, and Greenville-Anderson, serve as regional technology hubs with major employers like Prisma Health, MUSC, BMW Manufacturing, Boeing, and Greenville Health System actively seeking information security professionals. Public in-state tuition at four-year institutions averages $11,287, making South Carolina an affordable option compared to the national average (College Scorecard). Top-ranked programs at institutions like Clemson University and the University of South Carolina-Columbia combine affordability with academic excellence, while associate degree programs at technical colleges like Trident Technical College offer cost-effective entry points into the field.
Regional Tech Hubs
Students pursuing information security in South Carolina benefit from state-specific financial aid opportunities. The LIFE Scholarship provides merit-based awards up to $5,000 per year for South Carolina residents, reducing overall education costs. Additionally, the state's SC Transfer and Articulation Center facilitates pathways from community colleges to four-year universities, allowing students to start at lower-cost institutions and transfer credits seamlessly. Explore related fields like cybersecurity in South Carolina and network administration in South Carolina to understand the broader information technology landscape in the state.
Information Security Program Availability in South Carolina
Source: IPEDS 2024
Information Security Job Market & Salary Data in South Carolina
Employment Outlook
South Carolina's information security job market is experiencing steady growth driven by expanding healthcare, manufacturing, and aerospace sectors across the state's major metropolitan areas. The state offers competitive opportunities in Columbia, Charleston-North Charleston, Greenville-Anderson, and the Grand Strand region, where major employers are actively recruiting cybersecurity professionals. According to labor statistics, South Carolina's job market for information security roles continues to develop as organizations prioritize data protection and compliance (BLS State Data).
Salaries by Metro
Educational pathways in South Carolina support this demand through 13 institutions offering information security programs at the associate's, bachelor's, and master's levels (IPEDS). The state's public four-year universities maintain an average in-state tuition of $11,287, making education accessible to South Carolina residents pursuing security careers. Top-performing institutions like Clemson University and the University of South Carolina-Columbia rank among the nation's best for information security education, positioning graduates competitively for roles across the state. For detailed career outlook information, prospective students can consult the College Scorecard to compare program outcomes and earnings potential.
Entry-Level (0-2 yrs)
New graduates and career changers
Senior (8+ yrs)
Technical leads and architects
Online vs On-Campus Information Security Programs in South Carolina
Online Programs
0 available in South Carolina
On-Campus Programs
Traditional classroom experience
Compare Information Security Programs in Other States
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- 9
- Median Tuition
- $18,000
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- Median Tuition
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- Median Tuition
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- Total Programs
- 48
- Median Tuition
- $6,200
- Total Programs
- 57
- Median Tuition
- $17,800
- Total Programs
- 20
- Median Tuition
- $44,500
- Total Programs
- 23
- Median Tuition
- $15,000
Information Security Degree Programs in South Carolina: FAQ
What are the best information security degree programs in South Carolina?
How much do information security degree programs cost in South Carolina?
What salary can information security degree graduates earn in South Carolina?
Are there online information security degree programs in South Carolina?
What companies hire information security degree graduates in South Carolina?
Is an information security degree program worth it in South Carolina?
How long do information security degree programs take in South Carolina?
What financial aid is available for information security degree students in South Carolina?
Data Sources
Institutional characteristics, completions, graduation rates
South Carolina salary and employment data
Program details and admissions information
Last Updated: June 26, 2026. Rankings based on IPEDS 2024 data. Salary data from BLS OEWS May 2024.
Taylor Rupe
Co-founder & Editor (B.S. Computer Science, Oregon State • B.A. Psychology, University of Washington)
Taylor combines technical expertise in computer science with a deep understanding of human behavior and learning. His dual background drives Hakia's mission: leveraging technology to build authoritative educational resources that help people make better decisions about their academic and career paths.