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South Carolina, also known for its barbecue and peaches, features a growing technology industry. Home to BMW's largest production plant and a major branch of Boeing commercial airplane assembly, the state continues to create jobs in computer science and engineering.
The $13 billion economic impact of South Carolina's tech industry indicates that computer science professionals can also secure lucrative employment in the state after graduation.
Studying computer science helps learners develop technical skills for evolving sectors across the country. The $13 billion economic impact of South Carolina's tech industry indicates that computer science professionals can also secure lucrative employment in the state after graduation.
This page offers insight into the technology industry in the Palmetto State. Read on to learn more about earning an online computer science degree in South Carolina.
South Carolina at a Glance
- Population: 5,277,830
- Per Capita Income: $31,295
- Number of Higher Learning Institutions: 33
- % of Workforce in Tech: 7.9
- Economic Impact of Tech Industry: $13 billion
- Climate: Average Annual Temperature: 62.4 ℉, Annual Precipitation: 49.8 inches
- Major Sports Teams: Carolina Bobcats, Carolina Hurricanes, Carolina Panthers
Top South Carolina Schools for Computer Science
- Charleston Southern University
- Limestone College
- Wofford College
- Furman University
- Presbyterian College
- Claflin University
- Converse College
- Coker College
- Benedict College
- Citadel Military College of South Carolina
Why Go to College for Computer Science in South Carolina?
With 3,600 emerging tech job postings, computer science graduates in South Carolina benefit from opportunities in a growing industry. Major South Carolina corporations employ tech professionals in various roles and offer opportunities for advancement.
Computer science grads in South Carolina can break into leading tech careers in software, programming, web design, and quality assurance. Tech professionals may also earn higher wages in these roles, with median tech wages in South Carolina 89% higher than the national median.
While breaking into a competitive workforce from the outside can be difficult, graduates can make better connections within their states. Computer science programs in South Carolina offer networking opportunities that help graduates secure employment. Earning an online computer science degree in South Carolina can provide the same opportunities from a distance.
Education Statistics for South Carolina
South Carolina is home to 41 four-year colleges and 25 two-year colleges, offering many opportunities for higher education. Additionally, 37.9% of the population has earned an associate, a bachelor's, or a graduate degree.
South Carolina rivals the national average in percentage of students enrolled in distance education, with 36% of college students at least partially enrolled in online learning. These figures suggest that candidates may be well-situated to earn online computer science degrees in South Carolina.
| Higher Education in South Carolina | ||
|---|---|---|
| South Carolina Data | National Data | |
| Number of Four-Year Colleges | 41 | 2,679 |
| Number of Two-Year Colleges | 25 | 1,303 |
| Percentage of Students Enrolled in Distance Education | 36% | 36.6% |
| Higher Education Appropriations per Full-Time Enrollment, 2020 | $6,586 | $8,636 |
| Percent of Tax Revenue Allocated to Higher Education, 2018 | 6.1% | 5.6% |
| Percentage of Adults Over 25 With an Associate Degree, 2019 | 9.8% | 8.5% |
| Percentage of Adults Over 25 With a Bachelor's Degree, 2019 | 17.8% | 19.8% |
| Percentage of Adults Over 25 With a Graduate Degree or Higher, 2019 | 10.3% | 12.4% |
Accreditation for South Carolina Schools
Accreditation status signifies that schools maintain academic rigor and deliver quality instruction. Regional accreditation indicates the value of an entire college or university. National accreditation, typically held in lower regard than the regional form, typically applies to religious, technical, and vocational institutions.
Colleges and universities in South Carolina receive accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges. The best computer science programs hold accreditation through ABET.
Therefore, learners pursuing online computer science degrees in South Carolina should ensure that all prospective programs offer accreditation through both organizations. These accreditations can also help graduates find success in the job market.
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Considerations for a Computer Science Degree in South Carolina
Prospective tech professionals should consider several educational factors when pursuing online computer science degrees in South Carolina, including degree level.
Enrollees can pursue online computer science degrees at all levels of postsecondary learning, but each degree carries different time commitments and earning potential.
Computer Science Concentration Options
In South Carolina, the primary tech occupations include software development, programming, web design, and quality assurance. Concentrating in these areas of study allows students to hone their skills and develop crucial professional abilities.
Software Development
Software development applies operating systems, databases, and algorithms to solve computer-related issues. Nearly every computerized organization employs software developers in some capacity.
Computer Programming
Computer programming concentrations teach students to design and implement applications through networks, databases, and operating systems. Enrollees learn to use web programming languages like Java, C#, and PHP.
Web Design
Web designers create responsive user interfaces. They apply analytics, principles of design, and usability to inform their web design choices. These professionals work in nearly every sector to improve user experience.
Paying for Your Computer Science Degree
Many students face difficulties paying for postsecondary degrees, but alternative financing options can help. Degree-seekers can pursue financial aid, scholarships, fellowships, grants, and loans to lower their overall costs. Follow the link below to learn more about financial aid options for computer science students.
In-State Versus Out-of-State Tuition
Perhaps due to South Carolina allocating a higher percentage of tax revenue to higher education, the college tuition and fees in this state are higher than the national average. Though costs for public education in South Carolina remain high, private four-year schools in this state cost less than the national average.
Nonresidents pay significantly more to attend school in South Carolina, but the Academic Common Market (ACM) can help. ACM aims to remove barriers like inflated out-of-state tuition for residents of 15 participating southern states. For more than 35 years, ACM has enabled students to study out-of-state while paying in-state tuition rates.
To qualify for ACM, a prospective student must prove residency in a participating state, select an eligible program, and complete the admissions process for their desired institution.
South Carolina's Cost of Living
The cost of living index for each state considers the amount of money needed to maintain a standard of living. This figure accounts for the costs of groceries, housing, utilities, and transportation. South Carolina's 95.9 cost of living index compares favorably to the national average of 100.
A state's cost of living impacts overall educational costs because students need to budget for basic human needs in addition to tuition and school-related fees. High rent and transportation costs may deter learners from pursuing higher education in certain areas. Fortunately, students can pursue online computer science degrees in South Carolina from anywhere.
Selecting Your Computer Science Program
In addition to accreditation and cost of living, students should also consider educational factors like school size, concentration offerings, student demographics, and program culture. If you're ready to begin your school search, start with our ranked lists of the best programs at each degree level. Follow the links below to learn more.
Explore Our Rankings for the Best Computer Science Programs
Careers for Computer Science Graduates in South Carolina
South Carolina hosts leading industries in agriculture, aerospace and aviation, automotive production, and advanced manufacturing — particularly in cities like Charleston, Columbia, and Greenville. Tech professionals with specialized training can pursue these lucrative computer science careers in South Carolina.
Computer science graduates in South Carolina can work as software developers, computer programmers, and web developers. Major corporations also need tech professionals with expertise in cloud computing, the collection and analysis of big data, and information security.
Read on to learn facts and figures about computer science careers in South Carolina. We've included details about the top employers in the state and average salaries for each tech career.
Select Computer Science Careers in South Carolina
Software developers create computer programs and applications for mobile and desktop use. These professionals identify client needs, solve problems, develop programs, and improve functionality. The manufacturing, business, finance, and software publishing industries commonly employ software developers.
Average Annual Salary for Software Developers in SC: $90,930 | Job Outlook in SC: +16.2% (2018-28)
Computer programmers design and write code for computer applications and software. Programmers work in nearly every field, including government service, information technology, academia, and medical fields.
Average Annual Salary for Computer Programmers in SC: $79,960 | Job Outlook in SC: -5.1% (2018-28)
Web developers build functional systems for clients and consumers. They may work on code to enhance UI/UX functionality. Web developers may work in marketing, information technology, or as independent freelancers.
Average Annual Salary for Web Developers in SC: $75,540 | Job Outlook in SC: +18.4% (2018-28)
Computer Science Employers in South Carolina
Blackbaud
Headquartered in Charleston, Blackbaud serves nonprofit foundations, education institutions, healthcare organizations, and religious organizations through cloud computing. Blackbaud serves communities through fundraising, website management, financial management, and education administration.
Boeing South Carolina
The Boeing branch located in South Carolina provides assembly and completion services for some of the company's largest and most important aircraft. Boeing employs computer science professionals for cybersecurity and information technology roles to meet the massive operation's various tech needs.
BMW Manufacturing
Located in Greer, the BMW manufacturing plant employs professionals to accomplish their highest rates of vehicle production volume of all their worldwide plants. BMW employs computer science professionals in IT security, software engineering, data analysis, and user experience design roles.
Projected Job Growth for Computer Programmers, Computer and Information Systems Managers, and Web Developers
| South Carolina Employment Trends | ||
|---|---|---|
| State | National | |
| Computer Programmers | ||
| 2018 Employment | 3,330 | 250,300 |
| 2028 Projected Employment | 3,160 | 232,300 |
| Projected Job Growth, 2018-28 | -5.1% | -7.2% |
| Computer and Information Systems Managers | ||
| 2018 Employment | 3,250 | 414,400 |
| 2028 Projected Employment | 3,760 | 461,100 |
| Projected Job Growth, 2018-28 | +15.7% | +11.3% |
| Web Developers | ||
| 2018 Employment | 1,630 | 160,500 |
| 2028 Projected Employment | 1,930 | 181,400 |
| Projected Job Growth, 2018-28 | +18.4% | +13% |
SC Employment
- Web Developers: 1,510
- Network and Computer Systems Administrators: 5,770
- Computer Programmers: 2,050
- Database Administrators: 890
- Computer Systems Analysts: 8,390
- Information Security Analysts: 1,570
- Software Developers: 7,440
- Computer Hardware Engineers: 460
- Computer and Information Research Scientists: 430
- Computer and Information Systems Managers: 3,610
South Carolina's growing tech industry requires trained tech professionals to fill highly specialized roles. Both computer and information systems management careers and web development roles are projected to grow by over 15% from 2018-2028.
Many tech careers in South Carolina also offer strong salaries. Computer hardware engineers and computer and information research scientists take home six-figure average annual wages. In addition to high growth potential, computer and information systems management careers also offer especially high salaries, making it an ideal occupation for the region.
Curious About Other Computer Science Jobs? Explore More Here.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is computer science a good major in South Carolina?
Yes. Computer science graduates in South Carolina benefit from a growing tech industry. Many tech careers in this state offer high pay and opportunities for growth.
What is the best field in computer science in South Carolina?
Many computer science careers in South Carolina offer rewarding employment, but computer and information systems management roles offer high pay and promising projected growth rates.
What computer science jobs are there in South Carolina?
Computer science graduates in South Carolina can pursue careers in web development, network and computer systems administration, computer hardware engineering, and software development.
Does South Carolina have online computer science programs?
Yes — 36% of South Carolina students enroll in some form of online education. Degree-seekers can pursue online computer science degrees in South Carolina through many accredited universities.
Professional Computer Science Organizations in South Carolina
TASC accelerates growth and innovation in the technology community while providing a unified voice. This association aims to encourage entrepreneurs, boost connectivity, and establish South Carolina as a global hub for innovation.
UWT offers a strong, supportive women's networking group that promotes learning and connection within the technology community. They welcome women of all ages and experience levels to learn about technology.
University of South Carolina offers a student chapter of ACM, the world's largest educational and scientific computing society. This organization provides resources and networking opportunities that advance computing as a science and a profession.
The South Carolina chapter of CSTA fosters excellence in computing teachers throughout the state. This organization encourages connections with industry and universities to inspire computer science students.
Featured Image: Getty Images
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