Top 3 Information Systems Programs in South Carolina 2025
University of South Carolina-Columbia
304 information systems graduates annually, 80% graduation rate
Clemson University
22 information systems graduates annually, 81% graduation rate
Coastal Carolina University
43 information systems graduates annually, 86% graduation rate
- 1.South Carolina offers 11+ accredited information systems programs across public and private universities
- 2.University of South Carolina-Columbia leads with 80% 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)
Information Systems Education in South Carolina: Overview
South Carolina offers 11 accredited information systems programs, producing approximately 477 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 information systems programs in the state are led by University of South Carolina-Columbia, Clemson University, Coastal Carolina University, each offering distinct advantages in terms of program size, graduation rates, and industry connections.
South Carolina Information Systems Programs Rankings 2025
| Rank | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | University of South Carolina-Columbia | Columbia, SC | Public | $12,288 | 80% | 79.8 |
| 2 | Clemson University | Clemson, SC | Public | $14,038 | 81% | 55.2 |
| 3 | Coastal Carolina University | Conway, SC | Public | $11,460 | 86% | 51.8 |
| 4 | University of South Carolina Beaufort | Bluffton, SC | Public | $10,344 | 98% | 50.1 |
| 5 | College of Charleston | Charleston, SC | Public | $12,518 | 70% | 45.4 |
| 6 | Strayer University-South Carolina | Greenville, SC | For-Profit | $13,725 | — | 43.7 |
| 7 | University of South Carolina-Upstate | Spartanburg, SC | Public | $11,208 | — | 43.2 |
| 8 | Bob Jones University | Greenville, SC | Private | $19,756 | — | 42 |
| 9 | Furman University | Greenville, SC | Private | $57,902 | — | 41 |
| 10 | Francis Marion University | Florence, SC | Public | $10,394 | — | 34.9 |
| 11 | Claflin University | Orangeburg, SC | Private | $16,476 | — | 33 |
Top 5 Information Systems Programs in South Carolina: Side-by-Side
| School | U of South Carolina-Columbia | Clemson | Coastal Carolina | U of South Carolina Beaufort | College of Charleston |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rank | #1 | #2 | #3 | #4 | #5 |
| In-State Tuition | $12,288 | $14,038 | $11,460 | $10,344 | $12,518 |
| Graduation Rate | 80% | 81% | 86% | 98% | 70% |
| Annual Graduates | 304 | 22 | 43 | 10 | 21 |
| Acceptance Rate | 61% | 38% | 80% | 69% | 72% |
| Type | Public | Public | Public | Public | Public |
| Score | 79.8/100 | 55.2/100 | 51.8/100 | 50.1/100 | 45.4/100 |
Best Bachelor's Degree Programs in Information Systems in South Carolina
South Carolina offers 11 bachelor's-level information systems programs. The top schools for undergraduate study are University of South Carolina-Columbia, Clemson University, Coastal Carolina University. These programs prepare students for entry-level positions paying approximately $66,969 in the South Carolina market.
A bachelor's in information systems typically requires 120-128 credit hours and takes 4 years to complete. For national rankings, see our Best Information Systems Bachelor's Programs guide.
Top 3 Information Systems Bachelor's Programs in South Carolina
| School | Tuition | Grad Rate | Graduates | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 U of South Carolina-Columbia | $12,288 | 80% | 304 | 79.8 |
| #2 Clemson | $14,038 | 81% | 22 | 55.2 |
| #3 Coastal Carolina | $11,460 | 86% | 43 | 51.8 |
Top Information Systems Schools for Master's Degrees in South Carolina
For graduate study, South Carolina offers 1 master's-level information systems programs. Leading institutions include Strayer University-South Carolina. 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 information systems master's programs for more options beyond South Carolina.
Top 3 Information Systems Master's Programs in South Carolina
| School | Tuition | Grad Rate | Graduates | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 Strayer University-South... | $13,725 | N/A% | 3 | 41.7 |
Most Affordable Information Systems Colleges in South Carolina
For budget-conscious students, the most affordable information systems programs in South Carolina are at University of South Carolina Beaufort ($10,344/year), Francis Marion University ($10,394/year), University of South Carolina-Upstate ($11,208/year). These programs offer strong ROI given South Carolina's competitive tech salaries.
At University of South Carolina Beaufort, a 4-year degree costs approximately $41,376 in tuition alone. With entry-level salaries around $66,969, graduates can typically recoup their investment within 1.3 years. See our Most Affordable Information Systems Programs for national comparisons.
Most Affordable Information Systems Programs in South Carolina (with ROI)
| School | Annual Tuition | 4-Year Cost | Payback Period | Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 U of South Carolina Beaufort | $10,344 | $41,376 | 1.3 years | Public |
| #2 Francis Marion | $10,394 | $41,576 | 1.3 years | Public |
| #3 U of South Carolina-Upstate | $11,208 | $44,832 | 1.4 years | Public |
Detailed Program Spotlights: Inside the Top 5 Information Systems Schools in South Carolina
Below are detailed profiles of the top 5 information systems 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.
University of South Carolina-Columbia
Columbia, SC • Public
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $12,288 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: 80% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Information Systems Graduates: 304 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 61%
- • Ranking Score: 79.8 / 100
Program Strengths
- 80% graduation rate
- 304 information systems graduates annually
- Public institution
- Overall score: 79.8 / 100
Why Ranked #1
Ranked #1 based on graduation rate (80%), program size (304 graduates), state salary outcomes ($95,670), and selectivity (61% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Clemson University
Clemson, SC • Public
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $14,038 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: 81% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Information Systems Graduates: 22 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 38%
- • Ranking Score: 55.2 / 100
Program Strengths
- 81% graduation rate
- 22 information systems graduates annually
- Public institution
- Overall score: 55.2 / 100
Why Ranked #2
Ranked #2 based on graduation rate (81%), program size (22 graduates), state salary outcomes ($95,670), and selectivity (38% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Coastal Carolina University
Conway, SC • Public
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $11,460 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: 86% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Information Systems Graduates: 43 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 80%
- • Ranking Score: 51.8 / 100
Program Strengths
- 86% graduation rate
- 43 information systems graduates annually
- Public institution
- Overall score: 51.8 / 100
Why Ranked #3
Ranked #3 based on graduation rate (86%), program size (43 graduates), state salary outcomes ($95,670), and selectivity (80% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
University of South Carolina Beaufort
Bluffton, SC • Public
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $10,344 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: 98% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Information Systems Graduates: 10 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 69%
- • Ranking Score: 50.1 / 100
Program Strengths
- 98% graduation rate
- 10 information systems graduates annually
- Public institution
- Overall score: 50.1 / 100
Why Ranked #4
Ranked #4 based on graduation rate (98%), program size (10 graduates), state salary outcomes ($95,670), and selectivity (69% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
College of Charleston
Charleston, SC • Public
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $12,518 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: 70% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Information Systems Graduates: 21 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 72%
- • Ranking Score: 45.4 / 100
Program Strengths
- 70% graduation rate
- 21 information systems graduates annually
- Public institution
- Overall score: 45.4 / 100
Why Ranked #5
Ranked #5 based on graduation rate (70%), program size (21 graduates), state salary outcomes ($95,670), and selectivity (72% 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.
Systems Analyst
SOC 15-1211Systems Analyst opportunities in South Carolina with strong job growth.
IT Manager
SOC 15-1299IT Manager opportunities in South Carolina with strong job growth.
Technical Consultant
SOC 15-1299Technical Consultant opportunities in South Carolina with strong job growth.
Database Administrator
SOC 15-1242Database Administrator opportunities in South Carolina with strong job growth.
Information Systems 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 11)
- You're looking for major coastal tech hub concentration
Information Systems in South Carolina FAQ
Based on 11 programs from IPEDS 2023, BLS OES May 2024
Information Systems 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.