Best Online Education Programs in Aiken, SC (2026)
Aiken, South Carolina has a population of about 32,334. The city’s median household income is $69,837 (Census ACS 2023, 5-year). About 45.1% of adults 25+ hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. There are 3 accredited education programs within 100 miles of Aiken, with tuition ranging from $11,060 to $29,957 per year. In the Augusta-Richmond County, GA-SC metro area, the top-earning education-related role is Education Administrator, Postsecondary at a median $170,460 annually (BLS OEWS, May 2024).
Closest Education Schools to Aiken
The five accredited institutions below are the closest options indexed in our directory that offer education programs. Distances are calculated from Aiken city center.
| School | City | Distance | Tuition | Online |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| South Carolina State University | Orangeburg, SC | 50.8 mi | $11,060 - $29,957 | – |
| Clemson University | Clemson, SC | 95.7 mi | Contact school for pricing | – |
| Emmanuel University | Franklin Springs, GA | 96.7 mi | Contact school for pricing | – |
Source: IPEDS / College Scorecard (2023 cohort). Browse all South Carolina schools on the South Carolina education page.
Education Wages Near Aiken
Aiken is part of the Augusta-Richmond County, GA-SC metro area (BLS area code 12260). Where MSA-level wages are published, the table below shows MSA medians; otherwise it falls back to South Carolina statewide.
| Occupation | Median Wage | Source | COL-Adjusted (US=100) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Secondary School Teacher | $63,040 | Augusta-Richmond County, GA-SC | $68,596 |
| Elementary School Teacher | $60,660 | Augusta-Richmond County, GA-SC | $66,007 |
| Middle School Teacher | $59,320 | Augusta-Richmond County, GA-SC | $64,548 |
| Education Teacher, Postsecondary | $63,480 | Augusta-Richmond County, GA-SC | $69,075 |
| Education Administrator, K-12 | $96,600 | Augusta-Richmond County, GA-SC | $105,114 |
| Education Administrator, Postsecondary | $170,460 | Augusta-Richmond County, GA-SC | $185,484 |
| Tutor | $42,120 | Augusta-Richmond County, GA-SC | $45,832 |
| Educational and Career Counselor | $58,860 | Augusta-Richmond County, GA-SC | $64,048 |
Source: BLS, May 2024 Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics publishes wage data at the metro (MSA) and state level – not by individual city.
Aiken at a Glance
| Metric | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 32,334 | Census ACS 2023 5-yr (B01003) |
| Median household income | $69,837 | Census ACS 2023 5-yr (B19013) |
| Adults 25+ with bachelor’s+ | 45.1% | Census ACS 2023 5-yr (B15003) |
| Regional Price Parity (US=100) | 91.9 (below U.S. average) | BEA RPP 2024 |
| Education-related employment in Aiken County | 312 workers, 34 establishments | BLS QCEW 2024 annual |
Other Aiken-Area Cities With Education Programs
- North Augusta, SC – 13.1 mi away (22,932 pop)
- Augusta, GA – 22.9 mi away (389,215 pop)
- Lexington, SC – 43.0 mi away (20,988 pop)
- Orangeburg, SC – 49.6 mi away (31,666 pop)
- Greenwood, SC – 52.0 mi away (42,279 pop)
Frequently Asked Questions
How many accredited education programs are near Aiken, SC?
Our directory lists 3 education programs within 100 miles of Aiken. The closest is South Carolina State University in Orangeburg, SC (50.8 miles), and the farthest in our top picks is Emmanuel University (96.7 miles). 0 of these programs are offered fully online.
What are the highest-paying education roles near Aiken?
Based on BLS OEWS May 2024 wage data, the top-paying education-related roles near Aiken are: Education Administrator, Postsecondary ($170,460), Education Administrator, K-12 ($96,600), Education Teacher, Postsecondary ($63,480). These reflect MSA-level medians where published, with South Carolina statewide fallback for occupations not reported at the metro level.
Should I look at programs in North Augusta instead of Aiken?
North Augusta, SC is 13.1 miles from Aiken and has its own set of local education programs – see the city’s page. For online programs, distance matters less; for hybrid or in-person formats, comparing both can help.
Is Aiken an affordable place to study education?
Aiken’s median household income of $69,837 (Census ACS 2023) is one input. Online programs let students stay in Aiken while attending lower-cost out-of-state schools, and South Carolina public universities often offer reduced in-state online tuition.
How do I verify a program is accredited?
Confirm institutional accreditation via the U.S. Department of Education database (U.S. Dept. of Education database), and check for any program-specific accreditation listed by the school.
Related Resources
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