🥇
$11,460
Tuition/yr
86%
Grad rate
73.6
Hakia Score
On this page
Reviewed by Taylor Rupe, Founder & EditorSee methodology
Key Takeaways
Best machine learning degree programs: Coastal Carolina, Wofford College, Charleston Southern
Ranked by graduation rates, program outcomes, and institutional quality
Tuition ranges from $8,356 to $57,902/year
Coastal Carolina offers the most affordable option at $11,460/yr
Machine Learning degree programs available: 3 master's, 2 doctoral in South Carolina
From community college pathways to advanced research degrees
3 online machine learning degree programs in South Carolina
Flexible scheduling for working professionals
Major employers: Blackbaud, BenefitFocus, Bosch, Boeing
Tech hubs in Charleston and Columbia
Hakia Research 2026
Machine Learning 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 Machine Learning programs
We rank 14 accredited machine learning 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.
Program completions (35%)Graduation rate (25%)Selectivity (20%)Career outcomes (20%)
See full methodologyAre Machine Learning Degree Programs in South Carolina Worth It?
Answer
$95,670
Yes. The best machine learning degree programs in South Carolina deliver strong ROI, graduates earn $95,670 median salary with +22% job growth through 2032. In-state tuition averages $24,722/year.
Source: BLS OEWS May 2024
Machine Learning Degree Rankings in South Carolina
Compare the top-ranked Machine Learning programs in South Carolina by degree level. Tuition, graduation rate, and Hakia Score for every accredited program.
Best Bachelor's Machine Learning Programs in South Carolina
9
Programs ranked
$30,465
Avg tuition/yr
88%
Avg grad rate
Program Landscape
South Carolina ranks among the nation's top destinations for machine learning education, with 9 accredited bachelor's degree programs across 1 public and 8 private institutions. The highest-ranked programs are Coastal Carolina, Wofford College, Charleston Southern, recognized for academic excellence, research opportunities, and strong industry connections.
Career Outcomes
Graduates from South Carolina machine learning 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 $11,460 to $57,902 annually, with an average of $30,465/yr. Top programs maintain graduation rates above 88%, with the highest reaching 89%. 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 machine learning degrees in South Carolina, these top-ranked machine learning schools offer the strongest combination of academic rigor and career preparation.
Show all 9 ranked programs
| Rank | School | Location | Type | Tuition | Grad Rate | Hakia Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #6 | Bob Jones University | Greenville, SC | Private | $19,756 | — | 58.1 |
| #7 | Presbyterian College | Clinton, SC | Private | $40,200 | — | 55.2 |
| #8 | Claflin University | Orangeburg, SC | Private | $16,476 | — | 51.8 |
| #9 | Coker University | Hartsville, SC | Private | $30,864 | — | 45.2 |
Best Master's Machine Learning Programs in South Carolina
3
Programs ranked
$11,054
Avg tuition/yr
75%
Avg grad rate
Program Landscape
South Carolina offers 3 master's degree programs in machine learning, designed for professionals seeking to advance into senior engineering, technical leadership, and specialized roles. The top programs, U of South Carolina-Columbia, College of Charleston, Citadel Military College ..., 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 $11,054/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 machine learning schools at the graduate level, these programs stand out for both academic quality and career outcomes.
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University of South Carolina-Columbia
Columbia, SCPublic
Inside Carolina Episode 14: Campus Village opens; Gamecock football returns$12,288
Tuition/yr
80%
Grad rate
75.6
Hakia Score
🥈
$12,518
Tuition/yr
70%
Grad rate
53.2
Hakia Score
Best Doctoral Machine Learning Programs in South Carolina
2
Programs ranked
$13,163
Avg tuition/yr
81%
Avg grad rate
Program Landscape
South Carolina is home to 2 doctoral programs in machine learning, preparing students for research positions, faculty appointments, and executive technical roles. Leading programs at Clemson, U of South Carolina-Columbia are recognized for cutting-edge research, strong faculty publications, and competitive funding packages.
Career Outcomes
Doctoral graduates command premium salaries, with South Carolina PhD holders earning a median of $119,588, reflecting the advanced expertise required for research and executive positions. The Charleston, Columbia, Greenville region's research universities and corporate R&D centers provide extensive collaboration opportunities with industry leaders like Blackbaud, BenefitFocus, Bosch.
Costs & Value
PhD programs typically require 4-6 years of full-time study, including coursework, qualifying examinations, and original dissertation research. Many programs offer full funding through teaching or research assistantships, covering tuition and providing stipends of $25,000–$40,000 annually.
Curriculum & Specializations
Research strengths across South Carolina programs include artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, human-computer interaction, systems, and theoretical computer science. For aspiring researchers pursuing machine learning degrees in South Carolina, graduates go on to careers as university faculty, industry research scientists, or technical executives, contributing to advances in technology that impact millions of users worldwide.
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University of South Carolina-Columbia
Columbia, SCPublic
$12,288
Tuition/yr
80%
Grad rate
65.0
Hakia Score
Machine Learning Degree Costs & Tuition in South Carolina
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average in-state tuition | $24,722/year |
| Average out-of-state tuition | $61,805/year |
| Community college tuition | $6,181/year |
| 4-year savings for residents | $148,332 |
| 2+2 transfer pathway savings | $37,082 |
Source: IPEDS 2024
Financial Aid & Scholarships for Machine Learning Students in South Carolina
State Aid Programs
South Carolina residents pursuing machine learning degrees have access to multiple financial aid pathways, beginning with the federal FAFSA process. Through Federal Student Aid, students can apply for grants, loans, and work-study opportunities. The state's flagship merit-based aid program, the LIFE Scholarship, provides eligible South Carolina residents with awards up to $5,000 per year for undergraduate study at in-state institutions (South Carolina Commission on Higher Education). This scholarship significantly reduces the financial barrier for talented students pursuing machine learning and related technical programs.
Key Programs & Amounts
Beyond state grants, South Carolina's four-year public institutions offer competitive institutional scholarships and assistantships, particularly at leading programs like Clemson University and the University of South Carolina-Columbia. Students should explore both need-based and merit-based institutional aid through individual school financial aid offices. Additionally, many employers in South Carolina's tech hubs, including Prisma Health, MUSC, and Boeing, offer tuition reimbursement and internship stipends for students in technical fields. Prospective students are encouraged to review detailed aid packages on College Scorecard and consult the SC Transfer and Articulation Center to maximize aid eligibility across transfer pathways. For more information on program quality and outcomes, explore Machine Learning in South Carolina and related fields like Data Science in South Carolina.
Machine Learning Degree ROI Calculator, South Carolina
Use our interactive ROI calculator to estimate your return on investment for a machine learning 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.
Machine Learning Degree ROI Calculator
Estimate your return on investment for a machine learning degree
Leave blank to use average cost for selected program type
20 years
10 years20 years30 years
20-Year ROI
+1064%
Net gain divided by total investment. ROI above 200% is considered excellent for education investments.
Net Gain
$1,967,896
Your additional lifetime earnings with this degree vs. working without one, minus the total investment.
Break-Even
5 years
Years until your cumulative earnings exceed total investment. Shorter programs often break even faster due to lower opportunity cost.
COL-Adjusted Salary
$147,619
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
Total Investment$185,000
Tuition plus opportunity cost (earnings you miss while in school)
Program Cost (Tuition)$45,000
Direct cost of the degree program
Opportunity Cost$140,000
4 years × $35K/year foregone salary while studying full-time
20-Year Earnings (with degree)$3,003,304
Projected career earnings starting after graduation, with salary growth
20-Year Earnings (without degree)$850,408
What you'd earn working at $35K/year with 2% annual growth
Starting Salary (Austin, TX)$155,000
Median salary for this role in your selected location (BLS 2024)
Annualized Return5.5%
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
Machine Learning Salaries by Metro Area
Median annual salary in South Carolina metro areas
Charleston$105K
Columbia$100K
Greenville$96K
View data table
| Category | Value |
|---|---|
| Charleston | $105K |
| Columbia | $100K |
| Greenville | $96K |
Source: BLS OEWS May 2024
Hakia.com
Top Employers Hiring Machine Learning Graduates in South Carolina
Find machine learning jobs in South Carolina. These major employers across South Carolina metro areas are actively hiring machine learning degree holders. Click employer names to view current job openings.
Machine Learning Jobs in Charleston
SCBooz Allen Hamilton
consulting
Blackbaud
tech
BoomTown
tech
Benefitfocus
healthtech
Machine Learning Jobs in Columbia
SCBlueCross BlueShield of SC
healthcare
University of South Carolina
education
Machine Learning Jobs in Greenville
SCBMW Manufacturing
manufacturing
GE Power
energy
Michelin
manufacturing
Transfer Pathways for Machine Learning Degrees in South Carolina
State Transfer System
South Carolina provides structured transfer pathways through the SC Transfer and Articulation Center, which maps course equivalencies and transfer agreements between institutions. The state system includes 25 two-year institutions and 41 four-year institutions (IPEDS), creating multiple entry points for students beginning their machine learning studies at community colleges. The SC Transfer and Articulation Center maintains comprehensive articulation agreements allowing students to complete general education and foundational courses at two-year institutions before transferring to four-year universities like Clemson University, University of South Carolina-Columbia, or College of Charleston to complete specialized machine learning coursework. This pathway significantly reduces tuition costs while maintaining academic progression toward bachelor's degrees.
How Transfers Work
Students using transfer pathways benefit from lower community college tuition costs while gaining access to four-year university resources and advanced machine learning programs. The SC Transfer and Articulation Center provides detailed transfer guides, course equivalency tables, and guaranteed admission policies for qualifying students. Many South Carolina community colleges offer foundational courses in computer science, mathematics, and programming that transfer directly to bachelor's programs at major universities. Students should work with academic advisors at their current institution to ensure selected courses align with their target university's machine learning program requirements. Additionally, the LIFE Scholarship and other state financial aid apply to transfer students, making the pathway from two-year to four-year institutions financially accessible. Related pathways in Computer Science in South Carolina and Data Analytics in South Carolina offer complementary educational routes for students exploring adjacent fields.
Why Pursue a Machine Learning Degree in South Carolina?
Industry & Workforce
South Carolina offers a strong and growing machine learning education landscape with 16 institutions currently offering programs at the bachelor's, master's, and doctoral levels (IPEDS). The state awarded 80 bachelor's degrees, 26 master's degrees, and 17 doctoral degrees in machine learning during 2023, demonstrating significant institutional investment in this high-demand field. Leading schools like Clemson University and the University of South Carolina-Columbia consistently rank among the nation's best machine learning programs, providing students with access to faculty and advanced research opportunities without requiring relocation to traditionally expensive tech hubs.
Salary Outlook
South Carolina's geographic positioning across three major metropolitan regions. Columbia, Charleston-North Charleston, and Greenville-Anderson, creates abundant career opportunities with major employers including Prisma Health, MUSC, BMW Manufacturing, Boeing, and Greenville Health System. Students benefit from competitive in-state tuition averaging $11,287 annually at public four-year institutions, substantially lower than the out-of-state average of $26,140 (College Scorecard). Additionally, South Carolina residents may qualify for the LIFE Scholarship, a merit-based award providing up to $5,000 per year for eligible students (LIFE Scholarship). This combination of affordability, quality education, and regional job market demand makes South Carolina an attractive destination for aspiring machine learning professionals seeking value and career advancement.
Machine Learning Program Availability in South Carolina
13 Programs
South Carolina offers 13 accredited machine learning programs across public universities, private colleges, and community colleges. Top tech hubs include Charleston, Columbia, Greenville.
Source: IPEDS 2024
Machine Learning Job Market & Salary Data in South Carolina
Employment Outlook
South Carolina's machine learning job market is experiencing steady growth, supported by a diverse employer base across multiple regions. The state's major metropolitan areas. Columbia, Charleston-North Charleston, and Greenville-Anderson, serve as primary hubs for technology and data science positions. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, South Carolina's tech sector continues to expand, with increasing demand for machine learning professionals across healthcare, manufacturing, and defense industries. The state's average public in-state tuition for four-year institutions is $11,287, making education affordable for students preparing to enter this competitive field.
Salaries by Metro
With 16 institutions offering machine learning programs across bachelor's, master's, and doctoral levels, South Carolina provides strong educational pathways. The state awarded 80 bachelor's completions, 26 master's completions, and 17 doctoral completions in machine learning (IPEDS Program Data), demonstrating a pipeline of qualified graduates entering the workforce. The College Scorecard provides detailed labor market outcomes for graduates from South Carolina institutions, helping prospective students evaluate career prospects. Career seekers should explore programs at top institutions like Clemson University and University of South Carolina-Columbia, which together account for significant program completions and maintain strong connections to regional employers. For comparative insights, students may also review national machine learning rankings and data science opportunities in South Carolina.
Entry-Level (0-2 yrs)
New graduates and career changers
Senior (8+ yrs)
Technical leads and architects
Median Salary in South Carolina$62,186$138,722
Typical RolesJunior Developer, AnalystStaff Engineer, Architect
Remote Work AccessLimitedCommon
Degree ExpectationBachelor's sufficientMaster's preferred
Online vs On-Campus Machine Learning Programs in South Carolina
Online Programs
3 available in South Carolina
On-Campus Programs
Traditional classroom experience
Typical Tuition$22,250/yr$24,722/yr
Schedule FlexibilitySelf-paced or asyncFixed schedule
NetworkingVirtual cohortsIn-person, career fairs
Best ForWorking professionalsTraditional students
Completion Time2-4 years (flexible)4 years (standard)
Compare Machine Learning Programs in Other States
Best Machine Learning Degree Programs in North Carolina
- Total Programs
- 40
- Median Tuition
- $5,500
Best Machine Learning Degree Programs in Georgia
- Total Programs
- 25
- Median Tuition
- $9,800
Best Machine Learning Degree Programs in California
- Total Programs
- 179
- Median Tuition
- $5,700
Best Machine Learning Degree Programs in Washington
- Total Programs
- 39
- Median Tuition
- $11,000
Best Machine Learning Degree Programs in Texas
- Total Programs
- 73
- Median Tuition
- $9,000
Best Machine Learning Degree Programs in New York
- Total Programs
- 119
- Median Tuition
- $7,100
Best Machine Learning Degree Programs in Massachusetts
- Total Programs
- 73
- Median Tuition
- $47,600
Best Machine Learning Degree Programs in Virginia
- Total Programs
- 28
- Median Tuition
- $10,100
Machine Learning Degree Programs in South Carolina: FAQ
What are the best machine learning degree programs in South Carolina?
The best machine learning degree programs in South Carolina based on our methodology are: 1) Coastal Carolina University (86% graduation rate), 2) Wofford College, and 3) Charleston Southern University. Our rankings weight graduation rates (25%), program completions (35%), selectivity (20%), and career outcomes (20%). South Carolina offers 13 total accredited programs across 5 public and 8 private institutions. See our complete rankings for all 9 bachelor's programs.
How much do machine learning degree programs cost in South Carolina?
Machine Learning degree program costs in South Carolina vary significantly by institution type. In-state public tuition averages $24,722/year, while private institutions average $54,388/year. Community colleges offer the most affordable path at approximately $6,181/year for associate's degrees. The total 4-year cost ranges from $98,888 at public schools to $217,554 at private institutions before financial aid. Most students don't pay full sticker price, federal grants, state aid, and institutional scholarships can reduce costs by 30-60%.
What salary can machine learning degree graduates earn in South Carolina?
Machine Learning professionals in South Carolina earn a median salary of $95,670, which is competitive with the national average of $115,500. Entry-level positions typically start around $62,186, while senior roles exceed $138,722. Salaries vary by metro area: Charleston ($105,237), Columbia ($100,454) offer the highest compensation. Specialized roles like AI/ML engineers and cloud architects command premiums of 15-30% above median.
Are there online machine learning degree programs in South Carolina?
Yes, South Carolina offers 3 accredited online Machine Learning programs from state institutions. These programs award the same degree as on-campus options and include synchronous and asynchronous formats. Top-ranked online programs include offerings from Charleston Southern University and Claflin University. Online programs typically cost the same as on-campus tuition for in-state students. Many programs offer flexible scheduling for working professionals, with some offering accelerated completion in 2-3 years. Ensure any online program holds regional accreditation and ideally ABET accreditation for engineering programs.
What companies hire machine learning degree graduates in South Carolina?
Major Machine Learning employers in South Carolina include Blackbaud, BenefitFocus, Bosch, Boeing, BMW. The Charleston and Columbia metro areas serve as primary tech hubs with thousands of open positions. Top employers maintain recruiting pipelines directly from South Carolina universities, with many offering internship-to-hire programs. Beyond tech giants, opportunities exist in healthcare IT, financial services, defense contractors, and growing startups. South Carolina's tech sector shows +22% projected job growth through 2033, outpacing most other industries.
Is a machine learning degree program worth it in South Carolina?
A machine learning degree program in South Carolina offers strong ROI with a $95,670 median salary and +22% projected job growth. At average in-state tuition of $24,722/year, graduates typically recoup their educational investment within 3-5 years. The degree opens doors to high-paying careers in software development ($108,107), data science, cybersecurity, and AI/ML. Beyond salary, benefits include job security, remote work flexibility, and clear advancement paths. Alternative paths like bootcamps exist for career changers, but bachelor's degrees provide broader career options and higher lifetime earnings.
How long do machine learning degree programs take in South Carolina?
Standard completion times for machine learning degree programs in South Carolina are: Associate's (2 years, 60 credits), Bachelor's (4 years, 120 credits), and Master's (1-2 years, 30-36 credits). However, actual timelines vary based on course load, transfer credits, and program format. Accelerated programs can compress a bachelor's to 3 years or a master's to 12 months. Part-time students typically need 5-6 years for a bachelor's degree. South Carolina community colleges offer a cost-effective "2+2" path: complete your associate's in 2 years, then transfer to a South Carolina university for the final 2 years of a bachelor's program.
What financial aid is available for machine learning degree students in South Carolina?
South Carolina machine learning degree students can access multiple financial aid sources. Federal aid includes Pell Grants (up to $7,395/year for qualifying students) and federal student loans. South Carolina state grants provide additional support for residents attending in-state schools. Institutional scholarships from universities can significantly reduce costs, many schools offer merit-based awards for STEM students. Work-study programs and teaching/research assistantships (especially for graduate students) provide income while building experience. Complete the FAFSA by South Carolina's priority deadline to maximize aid eligibility. Some employers also offer tuition reimbursement for employees pursuing CS degrees.
Data Sources
Institutional characteristics, completions, graduation rates
South Carolina salary and employment data
Official University Websites
Program details and admissions information
Last Updated: June 26, 2026. Rankings based on IPEDS 2024 data. Salary data from BLS OEWS May 2024.
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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.