Best Online Communications Programs in South Carolina (2026)

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South Carolina Communications At a Glance

MetricDetail
Median Communications Salary$71,258
Salary OutlookSouth Carolina offers competitive wages for communications professionals, reflected in the state-specific Bureau of Labor Statistics median salaries shown below.
Primary Licensing BodySouth Carolina Professional Licensing Board
Accreditation RequiredInstitutional + Regional

Earning an online communications degree in South Carolina offers a flexible path into communications careers. South Carolina offers competitive wages for communications professionals, reflected in the state-specific Bureau of Labor Statistics median salaries shown below. Whether you’re looking for an affordable in-state option or a nationally available program, South Carolina students have access to a variety of accredited online choices that balance quality and cost.


Online Communications Schools in South Carolina

The following schools offer accredited online communications programs and are ranked based on affordability, graduation rates, and student outcomes in South Carolina.

How We Rank Schools

Every school list on this site is ordered by the BOC Score, computed from the most recent school-level data published by the U.S. Department of Education (College Scorecard and IPEDS). To qualify, a school must be currently operating and accredited by an agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. Each eligible school is then scored on five measures, percentile-ranked against schools at the same credential level:

  • Graduation rate 30%
  • Median earnings, 10 years after entry 25%
  • Average net price (lower is better) 20%
  • Retention rate 15%
  • Fully online availability 10%

Schools without enough outcome data appear after ranked schools, without a score. Advertising never affects these rankings. Read the full methodology.

#1

Clemson University

Clemson, SC BOC Score 80.4
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
Graduation rate 84%
Median earnings, 10 yrs after entry $71,513
Avg net price $22,253/yr
TuitionContact school for pricing
Contact
Key stats
  • Retention rate: 93%
  • Programs offered: 50

Source:IPEDSCollege Scorecard

#2

Furman University

Greenville, SC BOC Score 74.1
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
Graduation rate 84%
Median earnings, 10 yrs after entry $68,635
Avg net price $30,308/yr
TuitionContact school for pricing
Contact
Key stats
  • Retention rate: 91%
  • Programs offered: 20

Source:IPEDSCollege Scorecard

#3

University of South Carolina-Columbia

Columbia, SC BOC Score 74.1
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
Graduation rate 77%
Median earnings, 10 yrs after entry $62,177
Avg net price $22,811/yr
TuitionContact school for pricing
Contact
Key stats
  • Retention rate: 92%
  • Programs offered: 68

Source:IPEDSCollege Scorecard

#4

Benedict College

Columbia, SC BOC Score 16.1
  • 4 year
Graduation rate 22%
Median earnings, 10 yrs after entry $31,902
Avg net price $18,250/yr
TuitionContact school for pricing
Contact
Key stats
  • Retention rate: 61%
  • Programs offered: 18

Source:IPEDSCollege Scorecard

#5

Morris College

Sumter, SC BOC Score 12.9
  • 4 year
Graduation rate 29%
Median earnings, 10 yrs after entry $30,614
Avg net price $20,555/yr
TuitionContact school for pricing
Contact
Key stats
  • Retention rate: 44%
  • Programs offered: 10

Source:IPEDSCollege Scorecard


Career Outlook and Salaries in South Carolina

Communications professionals in South Carolina experience a dynamic job market with competitive wages. Below are the median annual salaries for key roles in the field, based on the latest Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) data for South Carolina.

OccupationMedian Annual Salary (South Carolina)
Public Relations Specialist$62,730
Public Relations Manager$104,920
News Analyst, Reporter and Journalist$47,940
Market Research Analyst and Marketing Specialist$69,440

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), May 2025 Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.


Why Pursue an Online Communications Degree in South Carolina?

Choosing a program in South Carolina can provide several advantages:

  • In-State Tuition: Many public universities in South Carolina offer lower tuition rates for residents, even for online programs.
  • Local Networking: Attending a school within your state can make it easier to connect with local employers and professional organizations.
  • Regional Relevance: Curriculum often incorporates data and case studies relevant to the South Carolina economy and job market.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are online communications programs in South Carolina accredited?

The schools in our directory hold institutional accreditation from agencies recognized by the U.S. Department of Education - that is a condition of inclusion. Verify any specific school and program in the Department’s DAPIP database before enrolling.

How does Communications pay in South Carolina compare to other states?

South Carolina offers competitive wages for communications professionals, reflected in the state-specific Bureau of Labor Statistics median salaries shown below. This makes South Carolina a strong choice for students looking to maximize their ROI after graduation.

What is the primary licensing board for communications in South Carolina?

The South Carolina Professional Licensing Board oversees professional standards and licensure for the field in South Carolina. Most accredited programs are designed to align with their specific requirements.


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