Online Colleges in South Carolina (SC)

The South Carolina Commission on Higher Education’s primary goal is to coordinate efforts to meet the educational and workforce demands of the state. To do this, the Commission works alongside public and private colleges and universities to brainstorm and pioneer an educational agenda. Much of the Commission’s time is spent researching and analyzing South Carolina’s economic development, increasing statewide education and community collaboration, and increasing the use of the technology through online colleges in the state. Furthermore, the Commission also works to form partnerships with school districts and state agencies to enhance training of instructors, quality of education in public schools, and preparation of K-12 grade school students and the educational support that is available to them. Any students, parents, or citizens with concerns about a public, private, or online college in South Carolina are welcome to contact the Commission.

The South Carolina Commission on Higher Education

1122 Lady Street
Suite 300
Columbia, SC 29201
(803) 737-2260

The Growth of Online Education in South Carolina

Between 2007 and 2011, two-year colleges and online schools in South Carolina experienced a surge in enrollment, some schools experiencing nearly 24% growth. With the knowledge that not every student can pursue the traditional brick-and-mortar college route, the South Carolina Commission on Higher Education works diligently to improve the quality and availability of online colleges, as well as public and private universities, in the state.

Strategic Plan for Higher Education in South Carolina

In 2001, the Commission decided to revise the strategic plan for higher education in South Carolina. Through a series of community meetings, the Commission developed a plan that would address the needs of public and private higher education institutions in the state. The plan focused on a number of strategic goals: expanding educational opportunities for South Carolina citizens, meeting the changing statewide workforce needs, positioning students to compete in a global economy, and creating a generation of public and private sector leaders. In order to do this, the Commission looked to “promote development of distance education courses and programs to reach students who may not have access to traditional educational programs.”

Increase Cooperation and Collaboration for Efficiency and Quality

One of the points the Commission addresses in their research is the effectiveness of collaborating with K-12 schools in preparing students for the college education experience. The Commission places particular emphasis on addressing the needs of “traditionally under-served populations including first generation college students, minorities, students from low-income families, and adult learners.” In the hopes of increasing traditionally under-served student enrollment, the Commission works with K-12 schools to develop programs and policies that encourage students to progress from two-year colleges or online colleges to four-year universities. In order to do this, the Commission develops distance education courses and schools that appeal to students who may not have the ability to attend traditional brick-and-mortar institutions.

Strategies to help evaluate the quality of postsecondary educational programs and schools

In order to uphold the prestige of online colleges in South Carolina, the Commission has laid out a number of requirements and expectations of online and distance education schools. In particular, the Commission’s outline thoroughly details the differences between diploma mills and accredited online colleges. According to the Commission, “state law requires that the South Carolina Commission on Higher Education license private institutions that operate or solicit in South Carolina. Licensed institutions are required to meet a set of standards and provide accurate and useful information to prospective and current students.” These guidelines will help potential college students understand if the university they are applying to is a respectable public or private university, college, or online college.

The Career Outlook for South Carolina Graduates

Medicine, science, and education are among the most prosperous industries in South Carolina. Between 2008 and 2018, employment in these areas is projected to expand faster than any other in the state. Medical assistants and technicians are in-demand in South Carolina, with some entry-level occupations available to students with an undergraduate education and/or vocational training. Graduates of an advanced degree program may be eligible for a career in medical science or medical engineering, while those with terminal degrees may choose to pursue a teaching career. These occupations represent the fastest-growing jobs in the state of South Carolina:

Additional Resources:

• South Carolina Commission on Higher Education
• South Carolina Higher Education Foundation
• South Carolina Women in Higher Education
• South Carolina Department of Education