Best Online Engineering Programs in Gaffney, SC (2026)
Gaffney, South Carolina has a population of about 12,612. The city’s median household income is $41,214 (Census ACS 2023, 5-year). About 21.8% of adults 25+ hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. There are 5 accredited engineering programs within 100 miles of Gaffney, with tuition ranging from $2,602 to $24,565 per year. In South Carolina, the top-earning engineering-related role is Architectural and Engineering Manager at a median $163,790 annually (BLS, May 2024).
Closest Engineering Schools to Gaffney
The five accredited institutions below are the closest options indexed in our directory that offer engineering programs. Distances are calculated from Gaffney city center.
| School | City | Distance | Tuition | Online |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cleveland Community College | Shelby, NC | 17.0 mi | $2,602 - $8,746 | – |
| University of South Carolina-Upstate | Spartanburg, SC | 18.5 mi | $11,583 - $24,565 | – |
| Spartanburg Community College | Spartanburg, SC | 20.0 mi | $5,046 - $15,031 | – |
| Isothermal Community College | Spindale, NC | 23.3 mi | Contact school for pricing | – |
| Gaston College | Dallas, NC | 30.8 mi | Contact school for pricing | – |
Source: IPEDS / College Scorecard (2023 cohort). Browse all South Carolina schools on the South Carolina engineering page.
Engineering Wages Near Gaffney
| Occupation | Median Annual Wage (South Carolina, statewide) |
|---|---|
| Civil Engineer | $99,680 |
| Electrical Engineer | $104,210 |
| Mechanical Engineer | $105,360 |
| Chemical Engineer | $104,660 |
| Aerospace Engineer | $131,820 |
| Biomedical Engineer | $96,350 |
| Environmental Engineer | $99,040 |
| Architectural and Engineering Manager | $163,790 |
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.
Gaffney at a Glance
| Metric | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 12,612 | Census ACS 2023 5-yr (B01003) |
| Median household income | $41,214 | Census ACS 2023 5-yr (B19013) |
| Adults 25+ with bachelor’s+ | 21.8% | Census ACS 2023 5-yr (B15003) |
| Engineering-related employment in Cherokee County | 44 workers, 8 establishments | BLS QCEW 2024 annual |
Other Gaffney-Area Cities With Engineering Programs
- Shelby, NC – 16.2 mi away (27,288 pop)
- Spartanburg, SC – 17.7 mi away (185,031 pop)
- Forest City, NC – 21.6 mi away (25,817 pop)
- Gastonia, NC – 29.2 mi away (178,477 pop)
- Greer, SC – 34.1 mi away (29,000 pop)
Frequently Asked Questions
How many accredited engineering programs are near Gaffney, SC?
Our directory lists 5 engineering programs within 100 miles of Gaffney. The closest is Cleveland Community College in Shelby, NC (17.0 miles), and the farthest in our top picks is Gaston College (30.8 miles). 0 of these programs are offered fully online.
What are the highest-paying engineering roles in South Carolina?
Based on BLS May 2024 state wage data, the top-paying engineering-related roles in South Carolina are: Architectural and Engineering Manager ($163,790), Aerospace Engineer ($131,820), Mechanical Engineer ($105,360). Wages for Gaffney workers will track these statewide medians, adjusted for local cost of living.
Should I look at programs in Shelby instead of Gaffney?
Shelby, NC is 16.2 miles from Gaffney and has its own set of local engineering programs – see the city’s page. For online programs, distance matters less; for hybrid or in-person formats, comparing both can help.
Is Gaffney an affordable place to study engineering?
Gaffney’s median household income of $41,214 (Census ACS 2023) is one input. Online programs let students stay in Gaffney 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
- Online Engineering Programs in South Carolina
- Main Engineering Degree Guide
- Engineering Programs by State
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