Best Online and Campus Psychology Schools in South Carolina
The following guide to psychology schools in South Carolina contains essential information on the variety of psychology programs offered in the state.
Table of Contents
- South Carolina Psychology School Facts
- Top-Ranked Psychology Programs
- Top 15 Bachelor’s in Psychology Programs
- Graduate Psychology Program Comparison
- Related Articles
- Student Reviews
South Carolina Psychology School Facts
- There are 30 not-for-profit colleges and universities with psychology degree programs in South Carolina.1
- 1 school offers an associate degree in psychology.1
- 30 schools offer a bachelor’s degree in psychology.1
- 6 schools offer a master’s or advanced degree in psychology.1
- 1 school ranked in College Factual’s Best General Psychology Schools 2024.2
- No schools ranked in Psychology Degree 411’s Top Schools With Online Psychology Programs.3
- No schools ranked in The Princeton Review’s Great Schools for Psychology Majors 2024.4
- No schools ranked in Times Higher Education’s Best Universities for Psychology 2023.5
- 10 schools ranked in Most Affordable Schools With a Bachelor’s in Psychology.1
Nationally Ranked Top Psychology Programs in South Carolina
Our curated list of third-party and proprietary rankings can be useful in measuring the overall value and reputation of a program. Lists include College Factual, Psychology Degree 411, The Princeton Review, and Times Higher Education. Note if one of these lists is not present below, no schools in the state were named on it. Generally, schools and programs ranked on multiple lists tend to be stronger in academic quality.
Schools Ranked on Multiple Lists
- Clemson University
- North Greenville University
- Southern Wesleyan University
- Winthrop University
College Factual’s Best Psychology Schools 2024
- Clemson University (#70)2
Most Affordable Schools With a Bachelor’s in Psychology
The following South Carolina schools with bachelor’s degrees in psychology have the lowest average net prices. Please note that we grouped regional campuses together and included a range for the net price of these schools. We have included each school’s graduation rate, a key quality metric.
- North Greenville University ($11,705 / Grad rate: 54%)
- University of South Carolina Regional Campuses ($11,872-$16,113 / Grad rate: 38%-43%)
- Francis Marion University ($12,614 / Grad rate: 39%)
- Coastal Carolina University ($14,016 / Grad rate: 48%)
- Voorhees University ($14,587 / Grad rate: 36%)
- Lander University ($15,524 / Grad rate: 45%)
- Winthrop University ($17,008 / Grad rate: 61%)
- South Carolina State University ($17,435 / Grad rate: 34%)
- Charleston Southern University ($17,536 / Grad rate: 44%)
- Southern Wesleyan University ($17,639 / Grad rate: 60%)1
Top 15 Bachelor’s in Psychology Programs in South Carolina
This table compares the top 15 bachelor’s in psychology programs from not-for-profit schools in South Carolina based on a graduation rate of 50% or above and an annual net price below $32,000. A high graduation rate is a top indicator of student success, and affordability is a key consideration for prospective undergrad students. Programs in bold text offer hybrid or online options.
| School | Grad Rate*1 | Accept Rate1 | Median Debt*6 | Median Earnings*6 | Full Price In State1 | Full Price Out of State1 | Net Price*1 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| North Greenville University | 54% | 76% | $23,082 | $41,812 | $34,590 | $34,590 | $11,705 |
| Winthrop University | 61% | 70% | $26,975 | $44,718 | $26,354 | $40,684 | $17,008 |
| Southern Wesleyan University | 60% | 51% | $26,000 | $41,948 | $37,470 | $37,470 | $17,639 |
| Bob Jones University | 69% | N.Av. | $16,585 | $43,148 | $31,240 | $31,240 | $18,733 |
| Columbia College | 55% | 98% | $22,750 | $39,714 | $30,450 | $30,450 | $18,779 |
| Converse University | 57% | 56% | $27,000 | $37,213 | $34,074 | $34,074 | $19,653 |
| Columbia International University | 70% | 48% | $20,000 | $37,683 | $36,790 | $36,790 | $19,911 |
| Claflin University | 50% | 78% | $29,000 | $35,399 | $26,526 | $26,526 | $19,951 |
| College of Charleston | 65% | 76% | $23,250 | $50,235 | $25,964 | $48,784 | $21,120 |
| Presbyterian College | 63% | 59% | $26,000 | $51,619 | $53,200 | $53,200 | $21,571 |
| Anderson University | 60% | 45% | $26,700 | $43,381 | $42,950 | $42,950 | $21,633 |
| Citadel Military College of South Carolina | 70% | 99% | $21,096 | $71,951 | $21,050 | $44,306 | $21,846 |
| University of South Carolina-Columbia | 78% | 64% | $21,500 | $57,734 | $24,468 | $45,708 | $22,427 |
| Clemson University | 85% | 43% | $21,500 | $69,479 | $27,908 | $51,852 | $24,577 |
| Wofford College | 83% | 60% | $25,732 | $67,231 | $66,450 | $66,450 | $31,192 |
*See Table Notes at bottom of page.
Comparison of All Graduate Psychology Programs in South Carolina
This table compares all of South Carolina’s graduate-level psychology programs from not-for-profit schools on multiple factors.
We’ve included accreditation status by the American Psychological Association (APA), the Masters in Psychology and Counseling Accreditation Council (MPCAC), and the National Association of School Psychologists (NASP). We also highlight the levels offered, 2020-2022 pass rates for the Examination for Professional Practice of Psychology (EPPP), and tuition information. Note EPPP scores are reported by degree type (clinical, counseling, or school psychology) and level (PhD or PsyD), so some schools may be listed more than once to include all pass rates. Schools in bold text offer hybrid or online options. Tuition per credit hour is more relevant for master’s and PsyD programs due to the fact that PhD students typically receive more program-awarded funding.
| School | Accreditation7-10 | Levels Offered | EPPP Pass Rate 2020-2211 | EPPP # Taking 2020-2211 | Grad Tuition Per Credit Hour |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Citadel Military College of South Carolina | NASP | MA, EdS | — | — | $695 |
| Clemson University | — | MS, PhD | — | — | $889 |
| Francis Marion University | MPCAC, NASP | MS, SSP | — | — | $531 |
| University of South Carolina Aiken | MPCAC | MS | — | — | $572 |
| University of South Carolina-Columbia (Clinical PhD) | APA, NASP | MEd, PhD | 92% | 13 | $572 |
| University of South Carolina-Columbia (School PhD) | APA, NASP | MEd, PhD | 100% | 7 | $572 |
| Winthrop University | NASP | MS, SSP | — | — | $653 |
Related Articles
- Degree Levels Overview: Associate to PhD
- South Carolina Licensure Guide
- Top Online Bachelor’s Programs Ranking
- Psychology Careers by Degree Level
South Carolina Schools With Psychology Programs
Note: Student Reviews are based on the experiences of a few individuals and not everyone has the same results. Please review the “Data, Student Reviews, and Other Information” section in our Terms of Use and Disclaimers.
Clemson University
101 Calhoun Dr
105 Sikes Hall
Clemson, SC 29634
(864) 656-3311
https://www.clemson.edu/
Student Review: “This program had a wide range of options to get involved that included volunteer work and research credit hours. I found that most of the professors were more than willing to help you if you were struggling with the content or a homework assignment. What I liked most was the variety of class choices they offered, ranging from anything like abnormal psychology to human sexual behavior. Throughout getting my degree, I was able to engage in every aspect of the psychology department. My favorite involvement was through research in eating disorders, as it opened my eyes to an entirely new area of psychology and gave me hands-on experience that one cannot find in a classroom.” – Student at Clemson University
Student Review: “I found the psychology curriculum at Clemson University to be adequate and populated by good people, but not engaging or practical enough to propel me into a career in the field. I always felt that the department wasn’t a priority for the university. I did think the professors were good people and cared about the students, but I didn’t necessarily receive the best training to make practical use of my degree. Part of that was my fault, to be sure, but I was very impressionable then and if my interest was piqued and grabbed I feel I would have benefited more from the program.” – Student at Clemson University
Spartanburg Community College
107 Community College Dr
Spartanburg, SC 29303
(864) 592-4800
https://www.sccsc.edu/home/
Student Review: “I attend Spartanburg Community College and I found their psychology department to be very worthwhile. I attend class three days a week and a lot of extracurricular activities to expand my knowledge of psychology. My professors were very helpful when it comes to needing help and a better understanding of a particular area of psychology. The only thing I would change about my experience was that I would’ve attended class more often so I could expand my course hours and complete my classes sooner. I will soon transfer to a higher university in which I can further my education in psychology above and beyond what my community college offered.” – Student at Spartanburg Community College
University of South Carolina
516/518 Main St
Columbia, SC 29208
(803) 777-7000
https://sc.edu/
Student Review: “The psychology program at USC was very research-based and placed great emphasis on doing your own research. Therefore, my experience in the psychology program allowed me to grow into the field of psychology with confidence. At one point, we were asked to pair with a professor that interested you and conduct a psychological research study. This was helpful for me to get into a graduate study program. The psychology program at this university also allowed me to explore many areas of psychology which were not strictly related to my research interests. This broad experience aimed to diversify all the psychology students. This program also allowed us to learn from current graduate students who were teaching our introductory classes.” – Student at University of South Carolina
*Table Notes:
-N.Av. indicates data is not available.
-Metrics are institution-wide unless otherwise noted.
-Graduation rate is completion percentage within six years of start.
-Median (average) debt is cumulative federal loan debt for undergraduate completers in 2020-2021.
-Median earnings are from the 2020-2021 cohort 10 years post school entry.
-Net price is the average yearly price paid by full-time, first-year undergraduate students receiving financial aid. See NCES for more in-depth information.
References:
1. National Center for Education Statistics College Navigator: https://nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator/
2. College Factual, Best Colleges Offering Degrees in Psychology (Nationwide): https://www.collegefactual.com/majors/psychology/rankings/top-ranked/#
3. Psychology Degree 411 Top Schools With Online Psychology Programs: https://www.psychologydegree411.com/degrees/online/
4. The Princeton Review. The Best 388 Colleges, 2023 Edition. The Princeton Review, 2022.
5. Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2023 – Psychology: https://www.timeshighereducation.com/world-university-rankings/2023/subject-ranking/psychology
6. Department of Education College Scorecard: https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/data/
7. American Psychological Association Accredited Programs: https://accreditation.apa.org/accredited-programs
8. Council for Accreditation of Counseling & Related Educational Programs, Directory: https://www.cacrep.org/directory/
9. Masters in Psychology and Counseling Accreditation Council Accredited Programs: https://mpcacaccreditation.org/accredited-programs/
10. National Association for School Psychologists, Approved Programs: https://apps.nasponline.org/standards-and-certification/graduate-program-approval-and-accreditation/approved-accredited.aspx
11. The Association of State and Provincial Psychology Boards, 2023 Psychology Licensing Exam Scores by Doctoral Program: https://cdn.ymaws.com/www.asppb.net/resource/resmgr/eppp_/2023_dr_rpt_012024.pdf