Best Online Colleges in South Carolina

Benefits of Studying Online in South Carolina

In terms of population, South Carolina is the 23rd largest state in the U.S., with more than 5.1 million inhabitants residing within its borders. It's capitol (Columbia) is tucked neatly within the central part of the state. A unique state with roots in the old south, South Carolina is home to the seaport city of Charleston (the state's largest city), the beautiful beaches of Myrtle Beach and Hilton Head, and the legendary Blue Ridge Mountains. Aside from its natural beauty, South Carolina carries an important economic presence, which provides plenty of incentives for future students.

Employment Stats

As far as economic health goes, South Carolina has 2,247,000 employed workers, making it the 23rd largest employer in the country and account for 1.47% of the nation's total workforce. That number is up 4.14% from 2021, when the employment rate was roughly 2,158,000, which makes South Carolina the 9th fastest growing state in terms of employment in the nation. Additionally, the number of employed workers is 14% higher than the national median (270,000 more to be precise).

Yet, South Carolina just edged out Alabama for the 23 spot, which employed a total of 2,099,000 workers in 2022 (making the difference 149,000 or 7.08% more than Alabama). Likewise, the state also just barely lost out to Maryland, with the latter coming in at just 2,734,000 employed workers (meaning South Carolina was down by 487,000 or -17.8%). That being said, South Carolina falls roughly 87% short of the nation leader (which is not surprising given the state's population).

Job Opportunities

South Carolina is home to the 23rd largest workforce in the nation, boasting more than 2 million workers. That’s about 1.47% of the total US population, which outranks 56% of states by job quantity. It’s also worth noting that the state has around 701 unique job types, which is about -3% fewer than the national median of 722. So although there are 700+ job options, some slightly more specialized positions may be hard to come by. Nevertheless, the state has a healthy selection of employment opportunities across technology, healthcare, tourism and outdoor recreation industries.

The state is home to some of the nation’s top universities, such as the University of South Carolina and Clemson University. The University of South Carolina puts out more than 28,000 graduates annually, while Clemson boasts an impressive alumni network (including the late Apple founder Steve Jobs). The two universities offer a number of top-level programs, from engineering to digital design, plus a plethora of extracurricular opportunities.

South Carolina also has a number of Fortune 500 companies located within its borders, including BMW and Michelin. So, as a new college grad, you may be able to find the perfect job near your alma mater and be able to jump right into the workforce. Additionally, the state has several highly rated medical centers, such as MUSC and Prisma Health, so if you’re looking to break into the healthcare industry, South Carolina makes for a great choice.

All in all, South Carolina makes for an excellent study destination, as its economic prospects are expected to see growth in the near future, with plenty of employment opportunities available from the bevy of Fortune 500 companies operating here (such as Boeing, Google, and Microsoft to name a few). Moreover, South Carolina is a beautiful, diverse state, combining the natural beauty of the east coast with an attractive economy. Whether students are interested in the outdoors, beach life, or a vigorous job hunt, South Carolina has something to offer everyone.

*All data sourced from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (2023)