Affordable Online Degrees for South Carolina Residents
ACE programs cost less, no matter your location.
ACE vs. Online Colleges in South Carolina
to $1 ROI
For every $1 ACE students invest in their education, they receive $19.20 in higher future earnings.6
When exploring degree options, many students begin by looking at colleges within their home state. South Carolina offers several respected public universities, but proximity alone does not always mean flexibility, affordability or long-term value.
American College of Education (ACE) is a fully online college designed to help students maximize their educational investment. By emphasizing career-relevant coursework, practical application and cost transparency, ACE helps our adult learners move forward without unnecessary financial strain.
Our strong student satisfaction¹ reflects an academic experience built around working adults and real-world outcomes. That is the ACE difference, and it’s why students across South Carolina choose ACE for affordable online degrees.
Why Choose ACE?
From the moment you apply through graduation and beyond, ACE is built to support your goals. You can earn a respected degree while keeping your schedule flexible and your education affordable, making it easier to balance school with work and life commitments.
How ACE Compares
South Carolina is home to well-known public universities such as Clemson University, the University of South Carolina, Coastal Carolina College and the College of Charleston. These institutions offer a range of graduate programs, including options in education.
ACE takes a different approach. As a college built specifically for online learning, ACE focuses on flexible, career-centered programs designed for working adults, without the cost structures commonly associated with traditional institutions.
Even colleges that now offer online options were not originally designed with online learning in mind. Compare your options below to see why ACE continues to stand out.
| ACE | Clemson University | University of South Carolina | Coastal Carolina | College of Charleston | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Course Delivery | Fully online courses2 | Few online options | Few online options | Few online options | Few online options |
| Built for working adults | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Start dates per year | 9 starts | 2-4 starts | 2-4 starts | 2-5 starts | 2-4 starts |
| Cost (online master’s) | Most under $10,0003 (total program cost) | $12,6464 (average annual in-state cost) | $14,1344 (average annual in-state cost) | $10,7644 (average annual in-state cost) | $16,3004 (average annual in-state cost) |
| GRE requirement | Never | Sometimes | Sometimes | Sometimes | Sometimes |
Published tuition and fee figures for comparison institutions reflect annual costs rather than total program cost. As master’s programs commonly span multiple academic years, total costs at comparison institutions may exceed the annual amounts shown.
Our Unmatched Affordability
Students searching for affordable online degrees in South Carolina often find that ACE offers a clearer and more predictable tuition model. Costs are intentionally kept low and transparent, allowing students to plan confidently for their education.
That commitment to affordability makes a measurable difference. In fact, 87% of ACE students graduate without student loan debt.5 By reducing financial barriers, ACE helps ensure your degree supports your future rather than delaying it.
Our Unique Academic Experience
ACE programs are developed in-house by academic experts and reviewed regularly to ensure alignment with current industry standards and professional expectations. Coursework focuses on practical skills, evidence-based strategies and tools that can be applied immediately in the workplace.
Faculty members bring real-world experience into every course, offering insight grounded in professional practice. Programs evolve alongside industry needs so that graduates leave with knowledge that remains relevant.
Your experience also includes:
- Consistent course design: Every course follows the same structure, making it easier to stay focused on learning.
- Flexible, asynchronous learning: Outside of select hands-on requirements, coursework can be completed online and on your own schedule.
- Comprehensive student support: Access a digital library, writing center and free monthly tutoring throughout your program.
How ACE Supports Aspiring South Carolina Teachers
ACE has supported thousands of educators as they progress from early teaching roles into experienced instructional and leadership positions. For many, that journey begins with earning initial teaching credentials.
At ACE, you can complete an initial licensure certificate or a master’s degree and then take steps toward South Carolina teaching certification. As with any licensure pathway, it is important to review and plan for any additional state-specific requirements.
Programs That Advance Careers
We’re accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) and have the online programs you need to advance your career.
Education
Whether you’re looking to become an educator, grow your expertise or advance into administration, ACE equips you with the research, strategies, pedagogies and skills you need.
Business
Dive into today’s business landscape and discover how to address its challenges with relevant skills, practices and technologies that are designed to make a difference.
Healthcare
Healthcare administrators and public health professionals are a driving force in ensuring quality patient care. ACE prepares you to succeed in non-clinical healthcare roles.
Nursing
Nurses looking to become leaders or educators should look no further than ACE to support their career goals with innovative and applicable practices that lead to positive patient outcomes.
FAQs
Is ACE authorized to offer programs to students in South Carolina?
Yes! ACE is approved to enroll students in South Carolina and other SARA participating states through its home-state authorization in Indiana. Read about this agreement to learn more about how ACE supports out-of-state enrollments.
What do ACE programs offer that online South Carolina colleges might not?
ACE programs are known for their affordability, flexibility and quality. Courses are taught by experienced faculty and designed to build skills that apply immediately in professional settings. For every $1 ACE students invest in their education, they receive $19.20 in higher future earnings.6
How can an ACE degree help me get a South Carolina teaching certificate?
ACE’s initial licensure programs provide foundational teaching knowledge, instructional strategies, assessment tools and educational technologies that support classroom success.
2Some programs also have local practicum, internship or student teaching requirements.
3This is an estimated value of the cost for tuition and fees. Amounts may vary depending on number of transfer credits applied to the selected program hours, the pace and satisfactory completion of the selected program, receipt of institutional scholarship and/or grant amounts, or adjustments to tuition or fees as described in the Catalog Right to Modify Tuition section. State sales and use tax will apply where required by law.
4CollegeTuitionCompare: Clemson University, University of South Carolina, Coastal Carolina, College of Charleston. Accessed Jan. 25, 2026.
5Internal research completed in November 2025