Best Online Early Childhood Education Programs in South Carolina (2026)

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South Carolina Early Childhood Education At a Glance

MetricDetail
Median Early Childhood Education Salary$43,612
Salary OutlookSouth Carolina offers competitive wages for early childhood education 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 early childhood education degree in South Carolina offers a flexible path into early childhood education careers. South Carolina offers competitive wages for early childhood education 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 Early Childhood Education Schools in South Carolina

The following schools offer accredited online early childhood education 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

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

#3

College of Charleston

Charleston, SC BOC Score 65.2
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
Graduation rate 64%
Median earnings, 10 yrs after entry $56,416
Avg net price $18,960/yr
TuitionContact school for pricing
Contact
Key stats
  • Retention rate: 82%
  • Programs offered: 22

Source:IPEDSCollege Scorecard

#4

Presbyterian College

Clinton, SC BOC Score 52.6
  • 4 year
Graduation rate 63%
Median earnings, 10 yrs after entry $60,194
Avg net price $20,528/yr
TuitionContact school for pricing
Contact
Key stats
  • Retention rate: 77%
  • Programs offered: 9

Source:IPEDSCollege Scorecard

#5

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


Career Outlook and Salaries in South Carolina

Early Childhood Education 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)
Preschool Teacher$34,500
Kindergarten Teacher$60,890
Preschool and Childcare Center Director$51,200
Teaching Assistant$27,860

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


Why Pursue an Online Early Childhood Education 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 early childhood education 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 Early Childhood Education pay in South Carolina compare to other states?

South Carolina offers competitive wages for early childhood education 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 early childhood education 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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