2026 Best Value Sociology Schools in South Carolina

1

University Of South Carolina Aiken
Aiken, SC

Leading the list is University Of South Carolina Aiken, our #1 best value for sociology in South Carolina. Located in the suburb of Aiken, University Of South Carolina Aiken is a mid-sized public university. Students from in state pay about $10,760 in tuition and fees, compared with $21,218 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $28,750 to complete the sociology program here. Soon after graduation, sociology degree recipients from University Of South Carolina Aiken generally make around $29,438. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. 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, with out-of-state students paying around $29,628. Students borrow a median of $26,475 to complete the sociology program here. Early-career sociology graduates make about $24,738. 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

A rank of #3 makes University Of South Carolina Upstate one of the best values for sociology. University Of South Carolina Upstate is a moderately-sized public school located in the suburb of Spartanburg. Students from in state pay about $11,588 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $23,090. Students borrow a median of $27,000 to complete the sociology program here. Soon after graduation, sociology degree recipients from University Of South Carolina Upstate generally make around $39,473. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of South Carolina Upstate admits about 67% of applicants.

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. In-state tuition and fees average $11,170, compared with $21,544 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $31,500 to complete the sociology program here. Early-career sociology graduates make about $28,982. That is a strong return on a $31,500 median debt. The acceptance rate is 86%.

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. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,730, compared with $21,776 for out-of-state students. Sociology graduates carry a median of $27,971 in student loans. Early-career sociology graduates make about $38,254. Set against $27,971 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 72% of applicants are accepted.

6

Winthrop University
Rock Hill, SC

Winthrop University came in at #6 for value in sociology this year. Located in the city of Rock Hill, Winthrop University is a moderately-sized public university. In-state tuition and fees average $14,678, with out-of-state students paying around $28,676. Typical student debt for sociology graduates is $27,000. Soon after graduation, sociology degree recipients from Winthrop University generally make around $33,877. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 79% of applicants are accepted.

7

College Of Charleston
Charleston, SC

College Of Charleston earned the #7 position for value in sociology this year. Located in the city of Charleston, College Of Charleston is a large public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $12,978, while out-of-state students pay about $38,296. Sociology graduates carry a median of $25,000 in student loans. Early-career sociology graduates make about $28,801. Set against $25,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 60% of applicants are accepted.

8

Clemson University
Clemson, SC

Clemson University ranked #8 on our 2026 list of the best value sociology schools. Located in the suburb of Clemson, Clemson University is a very large public university. In-state tuition and fees average $15,554, while out-of-state students pay about $40,866. Sociology graduates carry a median of $26,125 in student loans. Early-career sociology graduates make about $36,320. That is a strong return on a $26,125 median debt. The acceptance rate is 38%.

9

University Of South Carolina Columbia
Columbia, SC

University Of South Carolina Columbia earned the #9 position for value in sociology this year. Set in the city of Columbia, University Of South Carolina Columbia is a very large public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $12,688, compared with $36,298 for out-of-state students. Sociology graduates carry a median of $27,000 in student loans. Sociology graduates of University Of South Carolina Columbia earn a median of $30,517 early in their careers. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of South Carolina Columbia admits about 60% of applicants.