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South Carolina Criminal Justice At a Glance

MetricDetail
Median Criminal Justice Salary$65,878
National ComparisonSouth Carolina offers competitive entry-level wages, though median salaries are currently 25.6% below the national trend.
Primary Licensing BodySouth Carolina POST Commission
Accreditation RequiredInstitutional + Regional

Earning an online criminal justice degree in South Carolina offers a flexible path to a high-demand career. South Carolina offers competitive entry-level wages, though median salaries are currently 25.6% below the national trend. Whether you’re looking for an affordable in-state option or a top-ranked national program, South Carolina students have access to a variety of accredited online choices that balance quality and cost.


Top Online Criminal Justice Schools in South Carolina

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

How we rank schools: Rankings are based on available IPEDS and College Scorecard data including graduation rate, admission rate, program availability, completions, and published tuition. Data is informational only -- always confirm details directly with each school.

#1

Coastal Carolina University

Conway, SC In-state option
  • 4 year
  • Accredited
Acceptance rate 80%
Graduation rate 49%
Tuition
In‑state$11,640
Out‑of‑state$29,628
Contact
Key stats
  • Programs offered: 8

Source:ACCSCIPEDSCollege Scorecard

#2

University of South Carolina-Upstate

Spartanburg, SC In-state option
  • 4 year
  • Accredited
Acceptance rate 70%
Graduation rate 43%
Tuition
In‑state$11,583
Out‑of‑state$22,545
Contact
Key stats
  • Programs offered: 12

Source:ACCSCIPEDSCollege Scorecard

#3

South Carolina State University

Orangeburg, SC In-state option
  • 4 year
  • Accredited
Acceptance rate 82%
Graduation rate 32%
Tuition
In‑state$11,060
Out‑of‑state$21,750
Contact
Key stats
  • Programs offered: 12

Source:ACCSCIPEDSCollege Scorecard

#4

Spartanburg Methodist College

Spartanburg, SC In-state option
  • 4 year
  • Accredited
Acceptance rate 81%
Graduation rate 37%
Tuition
In‑state$19,350
Out‑of‑state$19,350
Contact
Key stats
  • Programs offered: 2

Source:ACCSCIPEDSCollege Scorecard

#5

Voorhees University

Denmark, SC In-state option
  • 4 year
  • Accredited
Graduation rate 37%
Tuition
In‑state$12,630
Out‑of‑state$12,630
Contact
Key stats
  • Programs offered: 4

Source:ACCSCIPEDSCollege Scorecard


Career Outlook and Salaries in South Carolina

Criminal Justice 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)
Attorney$104,160
Judge or Magistrate$84,270
Police Supervisor$80,230
Detective or Criminal Investigator$63,060
Police or Sheriff’s Patrol Officer$58,020
Correctional Officer$48,470
Probation Officer$56,090
Forensic Science Technician$49,960
Paralegal or Legal Assistant$48,640
Information Security AnalystN/A

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), May 2024 Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.


Why Pursue an Online Criminal Justice 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.
  • Licensing Alignment: Programs in South Carolina often align with POST (Peace Officer Standards and Training) requirements specific to the state.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are online criminal justice programs in South Carolina accredited?

Yes, the programs listed above are accredited by recognized regional or national agencies. For South Carolina, this includes accreditation from agencies recognized by the U.S. Department of Education, ensuring your degree meets high academic standards.

How does Criminal Justice pay in South Carolina compare to other states?

South Carolina offers competitive entry-level wages, though median salaries are currently 25.6% below the national trend. This makes South Carolina a strong choice for students looking to maximize their ROI after graduation.

What is the primary licensing board for criminal justice in South Carolina?

The South Carolina POST Commission 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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