Best Online Education Programs in Columbia, SC (2026)
Columbia, South Carolina has a population of about 138,019. The city’s median household income is $55,653 (Census ACS 2023, 5-year). About 46.1% of adults 25+ hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. There is 1 accredited education program within 100 miles of Columbia, with tuition ranging from $11,060 to $29,957 per year. In the Columbia, SC metro area, the top-earning education-related role is Education Administrator, K-12 at a median $101,370 annually (BLS OEWS, May 2024).
Closest Education Schools to Columbia
The five accredited institutions below are the closest options indexed in our directory that offer education programs. Distances are calculated from Columbia city center.
| School | City | Distance | Tuition | Online |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| South Carolina State University | Orangeburg, SC | 37.3 mi | $11,060 - $29,957 | – |
Source: IPEDS / College Scorecard (2023 cohort). Browse all South Carolina schools on the South Carolina education page.
Education Wages Near Columbia
Columbia is part of the Columbia, SC metro area (BLS area code 17900). 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 | $60,180 | Columbia, SC | $64,226 |
| Elementary School Teacher | $59,150 | Columbia, SC | $63,127 |
| Middle School Teacher | $57,540 | Columbia, SC | $61,409 |
| Education Teacher, Postsecondary | $76,500 | Columbia, SC | $81,644 |
| Education Administrator, K-12 | $101,370 | Columbia, SC | $108,186 |
| Education Administrator, Postsecondary | $98,160 | Columbia, SC | $104,760 |
| Tutor | $38,900 | Columbia, SC | $41,515 |
| Educational and Career Counselor | $58,990 | Columbia, SC | $62,956 |
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.
Columbia at a Glance
| Metric | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 138,019 | Census ACS 2023 5-yr (B01003) |
| Median household income | $55,653 | Census ACS 2023 5-yr (B19013) |
| Adults 25+ with bachelor’s+ | 46.1% | Census ACS 2023 5-yr (B15003) |
| Regional Price Parity (US=100) | 93.7 (below U.S. average) | BEA RPP 2024 |
| Education-related employment in Richland County | 4,090 workers, 220 establishments | BLS QCEW 2024 annual |
Other Columbia-Area Cities With Education Programs
- Lexington, SC – 18.4 mi away (20,988 pop)
- Sumter, SC – 30.1 mi away (73,468 pop)
- Orangeburg, SC – 37.6 mi away (31,666 pop)
- Lancaster, SC – 48.1 mi away (25,691 pop)
- Aiken, SC – 58.8 mi away (30,937 pop)
Frequently Asked Questions
How many accredited education programs are near Columbia, SC?
Our directory lists 1 education programs within 100 miles of Columbia. The closest is South Carolina State University in Orangeburg, SC (37.3 miles), and the farthest in our top picks is South Carolina State University (37.3 miles). 0 of these programs are offered fully online.
What are the highest-paying education roles near Columbia?
Based on BLS OEWS May 2024 wage data, the top-paying education-related roles near Columbia are: Education Administrator, K-12 ($101,370), Education Administrator, Postsecondary ($98,160), Education Teacher, Postsecondary ($76,500). 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 Lexington instead of Columbia?
Lexington, SC is 18.4 miles from Columbia 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 Columbia an affordable place to study education?
Columbia’s median household income of $55,653 (Census ACS 2023) is one input. Online programs let students stay in Columbia 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.
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