Best Online Social Work Programs in South Carolina (2026)

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South Carolina Social Work At a Glance

MetricDetail
Median Social Work Salary$58,407
Salary OutlookSouth Carolina offers competitive wages for social work professionals, reflected in the state-specific Bureau of Labor Statistics median salaries shown below.
Primary Licensing BodySouth Carolina Board of Social Work Examiners
Accreditation RequiredInstitutional + Regional

Earning an online social work degree in South Carolina offers a flexible path into social work careers. South Carolina offers competitive wages for social work 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 Social Work Schools in South Carolina

The following schools offer accredited online social work 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

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

#2

Winthrop University

Rock Hill, SC BOC Score 53.8
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
Graduation rate 60%
Median earnings, 10 yrs after entry $47,185
Avg net price $15,343/yr
TuitionContact school for pricing
Contact
Key stats
  • Retention rate: 73%
  • Programs offered: 33

Source:IPEDSCollege Scorecard

#3

Columbia College

Columbia, SC BOC Score 37.5
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
Graduation rate 52%
Median earnings, 10 yrs after entry $41,338
Avg net price $18,408/yr
TuitionContact school for pricing
Contact
Key stats
  • Retention rate: 57%
  • Programs offered: 25

Source:IPEDSCollege Scorecard

#4

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

Social Work 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)
Child, Family, and School Social Worker$51,800
Healthcare Social Worker$60,840
Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Worker$39,930
Social Worker, All Other$96,350
Social and Community Service Manager$73,410
Social and Human Service Assistant$38,550
Community Health Worker$47,970

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


Why Pursue an Online Social Work 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 social work 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 Social Work pay in South Carolina compare to other states?

South Carolina offers competitive wages for social work 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 social work in South Carolina?

The South Carolina Board of Social Work Examiners 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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