Accounting Schools in South Carolina
There are many public and private colleges and universities in South Carolina that offer programs in accounting. Some schools offer general undergraduate or graduate accounting degrees, while others offer specialized concentrations or areas of focus. This guide to accounting schools in South Carolina will help you find a program that best fits your career goals and interests. Continue reading to learn more about different programs, school rankings, career outlooks, and professional licensure requirements in the state.
Quick Facts
- 40 not-for-profit colleges and universities offer an accounting degree program in South Carolina.1
- 14 schools offer a certificate in accounting.1
- 12 schools offer an associate’s degree in accounting.1
- 25 schools offer a bachelor’s degree in accounting.1
- 5 schools offer a graduate degree in accounting.1
- 3 schools ranked in College Factual’s Best Accounting Schools 2023.2
- 2 schools ranked in the Princeton Review’s Best Colleges for Accounting Majors 2023.3
- No programs ranked in US News & World Report’s Best MBA Accounting Programs 2023.4
- 9 schools ranked in US News & World Report’s Best Online Bachelor’s in Business Programs 2023.5
- 1 school ranked in US News & World Report’s Best Undergrad Accounting Programs 2022-2023.6
- 3 schools are accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) in Business and Accounting.7
- 10 schools have accounting programs accredited by the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP).8
- 1 school has an accounting program accredited by the International Accreditation Council for Business Education (IACBE).9
Comparison of South Carolina Accounting Schools and Programs
The table below provides detailed information on not-for-profit accounting programs in South Carolina to help you compare your options. Programs that appear in bold text offer hybrid or online options. For further school statistics, including median SAT, ACT, and GMAT scores, see the tables on our South Carolina business schools page, which break out information at the undergraduate and graduate levels.
| School | Accreditation | Accounting Degree(s) | Acceptance Rate10 | Grad Rate1 | Avg Net Price1 | Median Debt*10 | Median Earnings 10 Years After Entry**10 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aiken Technical College | ACBSP | AAS-Accounting | N.Av. | 19% | $5,611 | $12,250 | $34,263 |
| Anderson University | ACBSP | BSB-Accounting; BBA-Accounting | 50.3% | 60% | $21,633 | $26,700 | $43,381 |
| Benedict College | ACBSP | BS-Accounting; Minor-Accounting | 85.5% | 20% | $17,845 | $32,500 | $31,537 |
| Bob Jones University | — | BS-Accounting | N.Av. | 69% | $18,733 | $16,585 | $43,148 |
| Central Carolina Technical College | — | AAS-Accounting; UG Cert-Accounting Specialist | N.Av. | 22% | $5,521 | $9,977 | $31,315 |
| Charleston Southern University | IACBE | BBA-Accounting | 57.2% | 44% | $17,536 | $26,471 | $43,163 |
| Citadel Military College of South Carolina | — | BSBA-Accounting | 86.4% | 70% | $21,846 | $21,096 | $71,951 |
| Claflin University | ACBSP | BSBA-Accounting | 62.5% | 50% | $19,951 | $29,000 | $35,399 |
| Clemson University | AACSB | BS-Accounting; Minor-Accounting; MPAcc-Assurance Services; MPAcc-Taxation | 49.2% | 85% | $24,577 | $21,500 | $69,479 |
| Coastal Carolina University | — | BSBA-Accounting: CMA; BSBA-Accounting: CPA; 3-Year Accelerated BSBA-Accounting; 4-Year BSBA to MAcc; MAcc; Grad Cert-Fraud Examination | 79.1% | 48% | $14,016 | $23,750 | $46,189 |
| Coker University | — | BSBA-Accounting | 97.6% | 42% | $19,345 | $26,000 | $37,246 |
| College of Charleston | AACSB | BS-Accounting; Accelerated BS to MSA; MSA-Financial Reporting and Assurance; MSA-Financial Reporting and Assurance: International Track; MSA-Taxation; MSA-Taxation: International Track | 76.1% | 65% | $21,120 | $23,250 | $50,235 |
| Columbia College | — | BS-Accounting | 98.6% | 55% | $18,779 | $22,750 | $39,714 |
| Converse University | — | BS-Accounting; Minor-Accounting | 82.0% | 57% | $19,653 | $27,000 | $37,213 |
| Denmark Technical College | — | UG Cert-Accounting | N.Av. | 16% | $13,159 | $15,250 | $23,467 |
| Florence-Darlington Technical College | — | AAS-Accounting; UG Cert-Bookkeeping | N.Av. | 19% | $2,334 | $12,250 | $31,038 |
| Francis Marion University | — | BBA-Accounting; Minor-Accounting; Collateral-Accounting (for BBA majors) | 86.1% | 39% | $12,614 | $27,000 | $42,263 |
| Furman University | — | BA-Accounting | 71.4% | 85% | $33,370 | $23,250 | $60,889 |
| Greenville Technical College | ACBSP | AAS-Accounting; UG Cert-Small Business Accounting | N.Av. | 17% | $6,792 | $15,392 | $37,172 |
| Horry-Georgetown Technical College | — | AAS-Accounting | N.Av. | 26% | $4,461 | $14,250 | $32,460 |
| Limestone University | ACBSP | BSBA-Accounting | 87.2% | 25% | $23,478 | $27,639 | $41,484 |
| Midlands Technical College | ACBSP | AAS-Accounting; UG Cert-Accounting; UG Cert-Accounting and Payroll Specialist | N.Av. | 15% | $6,323 | $12,000 | $35,662 |
| Newberry College | — | BS-Accounting; Minor-Accounting | 57.4% | 49% | $19,405 | $26,805 | $45,735 |
| North Greenville University | — | BBA-Accounting | 69.7% | 54% | $11,705 | $23,082 | $41,812 |
| Northeastern Technical College | — | AAS-Business Administration: Accounting; UG Cert-Accounting Clerk; UG Cert-Advanced Bookkeeping; UG Cert-Corporate Accounting I; UG Cert-Corporate Accounting II; UG Cert-Small Business\Bookkeeping I; UG Cert-Small Business\Bookkeeping II | N.Av. | 26% | $6,910 | N.Av. | $30,823 |
| Orangeburg Calhoun Technical College | ACBSP | AAS-Business Administration: Accounting; UG Cert-Basic Accounting | N.Av. | 28% | $4,531 | $10,562 | $32,926 |
| Piedmont Technical College | — | UG Cert-Accounting | N.Av. | 28% | $11,045 | $15,000 | $33,253 |
| Presbyterian College | — | BSBA-Accounting; Minor-Accounting | 71.0% | 63% | $21,571 | $26,000 | $51,619 |
| South Carolina State University | — | BS-Accounting | 87.6% | 34% | $17,435 | $31,000 | $36,750 |
| Southern Wesleyan University | — | BSBA-Accounting; Minor-Accounting | 56.6% | 60% | $17,639 | $26,000 | $41,948 |
| Spartanburg Community College | — | AAS-Accounting; AAS-Accounting with Information Systems Electives; UG Cert-Administrative Accounting Specialist | N.Av. | 29% | $6,421 | $6,500 | $33,226 |
| Technical College of the Lowcountry | — | UG Cert-Accounting | N.Av. | 14% | $7,257 | $10,000 | $31,672 |
| Tri-County Technical College | ACBSP | AAS-Accounting; AAS-Accounting: Office Specialist Emphasis; UG Cert-Bookkeeping and Payroll Accounting Clerk | N.Av. | 35% | $6,521 | $9,000 | $36,849 |
| Trident Technical College | ACBSP | AAS-Accounting; UG Cert-Bookkeeping; UG Cert-Professional Accountancy; UG Cert-Tax Preparer | N.Av. | 24% | $2,135 | $13,029 | $36,844 |
| University of South Carolina-Aiken | — | BSBA-Accounting: General; BSBA-Accounting: Managerial; BSBA-Accounting: Public; BSBA-Accounting: Tax; MBA-Accounting | 83.5% | 42% | $11,872 | $24,275 | $46,909 |
| University of South Carolina-Columbia | AACSB | BSBA-Accounting; BSBA-Accounting: Business Analytics; BSBA-Accounting: Sustainability in Business; Accelerated BS/MAcc; MAcc-Business Measurement & Assurance; MAcc-Taxation; Macc/JD | 61.6% | 78% | $22,427 | $21,500 | $57,734 |
| University of South Carolina-Upstate | — | BSBA-Accounting | 75.7% | 43% | $13,835 | $22,310 | $45,359 |
| Voorhees University | — | BSBA-Accounting; BS-Accounting | N.Av. | 36% | $14,587 | $26,700 | $30,334 |
| Wofford College | — | BS-Accounting; Minor-Accounting | 52.5% | 83% | $31,192 | $25,732 | $67,231 |
| York Technical College | — | AAS-Accounting; UG Cert-Accounting Clerk; UG Cert-Payroll/Income Tax | N.Av. | 31% | $4,676 | $7,000 | $34,121 |
Table Notes:
*Median Debt: The median debt is the cumulative federal loan debt, excluding PLUS loans, at the time of graduation for students who completed an undergraduate program (certificate, associate, or bachelor’s degree) as reported by College Scorecard for academic year 2020-2021 based on National Student Loan Data System (NSLDS) data.
**Median Earnings 10 Years After Entry: Median earnings are the middle value of earnings, at which half earned more and half earned less, measured 10 years (2020-2021) after the first year of study (2010-2011) for all students, institution-wide, who received federal loans and who are employed but not enrolled in school. Note that this value includes those who completed their program of study as well as those who discontinued study without receiving an award.
Top-Ranked Accounting Schools in South Carolina
College rankings can be a useful tool to measure the overall reputation of a school or program. Weighing multiple rankings when evaluating your college choices can be helpful because different publishers may use different ranking factors in their methodologies. While the best program for your goals may rely on a combination of factors not typically considered in overall rankings, such as location or funding, seeing a program ranked on multiple lists can be a strong indication of reputation and academic quality.
College Factual’s Best Accounting Schools 2023
- University of South Carolina-Columbia (#57)
- Clemson University (#85)
- Wofford College (#251)2
Princeton Review’s Great Schools for Accounting Majors 2023
- Clemson University
- College of Charleston3
US News & World Report’s Best Online Bachelor’s in Business Programs 2023
- Citadel Military College of South Carolina (#8 tie)
- Coastal Carolina University (#66 tie)
- Charleston Southern University (#98 tie)
- University of South Carolina-Aiken (#98 tie)
- Anderson University (#112 tie)
- Columbia College (#170-214)
- North Greenville University (#170-214)
- Limestone University (#170-214)
- Coker University (#170-214)5
US News & World Report’s Best Undergrad Accounting Programs 2022-2023
- Clemson University (#32 tie)6
Highest First-Time CPA Exam Pass Rate with a Bachelor’s Degree
The National Association of State Boards of Accountancy (NASBA) releases reports including data on candidate performance on the Uniform CPA Exam.11 The following schools had the highest first-time CPA exam pass rates in South Carolina in 2019 (the most recent report available*) for candidates with a bachelor’s degree, with the overall pass rate for first-time test-takers in South Carolina being 62.6%:
- Anderson University 85,7%
- University of South Carolina Upstate 79.4%
- Bob Jones University 76.9%
- Furman University 76.9%
- Clemson University 75.8%
- University of South Carolina Columbia 64.3%
*As NASBA makes significant changes to the CPA Exam as part of the CPA Evolution initiative, new candidate score reports by state are not anticipated until at least mid-2024.
Schools in South Carolina with Accounting Degrees
To give you an idea of the breadth and depth of accounting degrees offered in South Carolina, we have profiled select programs below. Be sure to visit the websites of programs of interest for more detailed information on courses, admissions requirements and deadlines, and faculty.
Undergraduate Accounting Programs
Clemson University
Clemson University offers a Bachelor of Science (BS) in Accounting. Undergraduate students first complete a broad-based liberal arts core curriculum that includes classes in the humanities, English, public speaking, mathematics, and natural and social sciences. Accounting majors then take business and accounting courses in accounting methodology, auditing, taxation, and financial management theory such as Financial Accounting Concepts, Cost Accounting, and Accounting Information Systems. Coursework focuses on building the technical skills used in the field, but students also learn analytical, communication, and interpersonal skills. Graduates are prepared to find management positions in organizations, start their own businesses, or pursue other roles in finance and business. Students interested in CPA certification can pursue Clemson’s Master of Professional Accountancy (MPAcc).
Coastal Carolina University
Coastal Carolina University’s (CCU) Wall College of Business offers a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration (BSBA) with a major in Accounting. The curriculum is designed to prepare students for careers in auditing, finance, tax, fraud detection, management, and government. Students may choose a CMA or CPA concentration depending on which exam they want to take after graduation. The program requires 36 to 45 credits of business core coursework and 24 credits of accounting major requirements, including classes such as Cost Accounting; Business and Financial Analysis; and Multinational Corporate Finance. Many students complete internships and volunteer for the IRS Volunteer Income Assistance (VITA) program. Wall College of Business also offers a Degree in Three program that allows students to complete their undergraduate degree in three years, and More in Four, an accelerated undergraduate/graduate degree program that can be completed in just four years. Students interested in graduate-level study can pursue CCU’s Master of Accountancy (MAcc).
Furman University
Students at Furman University can earn a Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Accounting. The core curriculum emphasizes interdisciplinary connections between accounting, finance, marketing, operations, and other subjects, and students learn how to communicate, think critically, and work collaboratively. The curriculum covers accounting fundamentals through courses such as Cost Accounting, Auditing, and Federal Income Taxation. Students gain real-world experience by volunteering with the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program preparing tax returns for low-income taxpayers in the community as part of classes Intermediate Accounting I and II. Junior and senior students work in teams to complete experiential exercises and special projects, and the business school also sponsors seminars, guest lectures, and company visits. Furman emphasizes experiential learning and career preparation, offering support for networking, professional development, and study abroad and internship placement opportunities. Graduates can go on to work in leadership positions in the industry or start their own firms and businesses.
Graduate Accounting Programs
College of Charleston
The College of Charleston (CofC) offers a Master of Science in Accountancy (MSA) degree. This 30-credit program is designed for students interested in pursuing the CPA designation and can be completed on a full-time basis within 12 months or a part-time basis with late afternoon and evening classes in two years. The MSA degree offers two tracks, Financial Reporting/Assurance and Taxation, and required courses include Accounting Theory and Contemporary Accountancy Issues. Students interested in working with multinational firms can also follow a simultaneous International Track that emphasizes global perspectives and real-world experience. This graduate program focuses on the technical skills, professional development, and effective communication styles needed to work within public accounting, private industry, and government. CofC also offers an accelerated MSA option for undergraduate accounting seniors interested in pursuing graduate study.
University of South Carolina
At the University of South Carolina’s (UofSC) Darla Moore School of Business, students can earn a Master of Accountancy (MAcc) degree. The graduate curriculum provides a foundation for pursuing CPA licensure as well as the technical knowledge needed to succeed in the accounting field. Students learn to analyze financial information, think creatively, and communicate possible solutions for businesses and organizations. The Darla Moore School of Business offers three MAcc tracks: Taxation; Business Measurement and Assurance; and Information Systems and Control. Students can also choose from specializations in advisory/consulting services, CPA exam preparation, corporate/managerial accounting, finance, international business, and entrepreneurship, in addition to certificates in business analytics, cybersecurity, management, and strategic innovation. UofSC also offers a combined MAcc/Juris Doctor (JD) program for those wanting to combine a career in law and accountancy. Graduates are encouraged to take advantage of UofSC’s extensive alumni and industry network for post-graduation career opportunities.
Online and Hybrid Accounting Programs
Orangeburg-Calhoun Technical College
Students at Orangeburg-Calhoun Tech (OCtech) can earn an Associate of Applied Science (AAS) in Business Administration with a Specialization in Accounting entirely online. This 66-semester hour program can be the foundation for further undergraduate study or the starting point for entry-level work in the accounting field. The curriculum focuses on fundamental business principles as well as management and problem-solving techniques. Students learn relevant skills such as supply chain and operations management, strategic resource planning, and project management. Coursework also emphasizes business analysis and financial planning. Students must complete classes such as Principles of Management, Practical Accounting Applications, and Individual Tax Procedures. OCtech students can complete this program online at their own pace or through evening classes in six semesters. Graduates with an AAS in Business Administration with an Accounting Specialization can transfer their academic credit to one of the many four-year schools with which OC Tech partners. OCtech also offers a 27-credit Basic Accounting Certificate that can be completed online. This certificate can be applied towards an AAS degree or completed on its own for those looking for entry-level accounting-related positions.
Southern Wesleyan University
Southern Wesleyan University (SWU) offers a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration (BSBA) degree that can be completed on-campus or online. On-campus students have the option to add a concentration in Accounting, but all business administration students study the same core curriculum. Courses cover subjects such as accounting, business law, economics, finance, management, marketing, statistics, and strategy. Classes such as Financial Accounting and Corporate Finance teach students how to analyze and understand the financial information that impacts an organization. Students learn problem-solving strategies, collaborative teamwork skills, and relevant technology used in the field. Graduates from SWU can find positions in management or accounting or use their entrepreneurial knowledge to start and operate their own businesses.
Related Articles:
- Business Schools in South Carolina
- Online MBA Programs in South Carolina
- Online MBA – No GMAT Programs
South Carolina CPA Requirements
The South Carolina Board of Accountancy (the Board) requires CPA candidates to earn at least a bachelor’s degree and 150 semester hours of credit from an accredited college or university. To sit for the CPA Exam, they must have completed at least 120 semester hours of credit including 24 in accounting courses and 24 in business courses. CPA applicants must then complete a year, or 2,000 hours, of work as a professional accountant. This experience must be verified by a licensed CPA. After gaining licensure, CPAs must maintain their professional designation by completing continued professional education (CPE) hours, such as professional development courses or specialized industry training.
Career Opportunities for Accounting Graduates in South Carolina
Graduates with accounting degrees in South Carolina may find many different opportunities to work within the state’s accounting industry after finishing their studies. Large companies like AgFirst Farm Credit Bank and BlueCross BlueShield of South Carolina employ high numbers of accounting, finance, and tax experts. Graduates may also find opportunities with statewide or local accounting firms or choose to start their own businesses.
South Carolina Accounting Salary and Jobs by Metro Area
| Metro Area | Accountants & Auditors Employed12 | Average Annual Salary12 | Augusta-Richmond County | 1,520 | $75,580 |
|---|---|---|
| Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia | 14,490 | $94,050 |
| Charleston-North Charleston | 2,650 | $80,690 |
| Columbia | 3,540 | $65,530 |
| Greenville-Anderson-Mauldin | 2890 | $76,680 |
| Myrtle Beach-Conway-North Myrtle Beach, SC-NC | 1,050 | $68,840 |
South Carolina Schools with Accounting Degree Programs
Note: Student Reviews are based on the experiences of a few individuals and it is unlikely that you will have similar results. Please review the “Data, Student Reviews and Other Information” section in our Terms of Use and Disclaimers.
University of South Carolina
816 Bull St
Columbia, SC 29208
(803) 777-7000
https://sc.edu/
Student Review:
“Overall, the University of South Carolina is a great school with a great accounting program. South Carolina is a place where the professors really want you to succeed and they understand how difficult accounting can be. Some of the upper level courses were extremely difficult as well as the finance courses required. The professors I had were great at teaching the material and made sure the class understood what was going on at all times. There were also special study sessions, review sessions, and student instructor sessions from students who had already taken the clases and done well. Overall, a great institution, with great professors, and a great hands on learning experience.” -Elijah W., student at University of South Carolina
Student Review: “The accounting program at the University of South Carolina definitely prepares students for the accounting field. It provides enough of a challenge that material stays fresh and interesting, but not so much that truly interested students become discouraged from taking it. As a double-major with a non-business minor, I also found that the accounting program is willing and able to work with other areas and programs at the university to provide the best experience and curriculum for students. My favorite aspect is the MAcc program, though. Students who persevere and work hard toward their goals are able to not only get a bachelor’s degree, but a master’s as well. The master’s program and it’s accompanying requirement of internships is built into the curriculum, so in five years, hard-working and diligent students at USC will walk away with a master’s degree and the experience necessary for the workforce.” -Sam B., student at University of South Carolina
Popular Accounting Degree State Pages:
References:
1. National Center for Education Statistics: https://nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator/
2. College Factual Best Accounting Schools 2023: https://www.collegefactual.com/majors/business-management-marketing-sales/accounting/rankings/top-ranked/
3. The Princeton Review. The Best 382 Colleges 2023 Edition. Penguin Random House, 2022.
4. US News & World Report’s Best MBA Accounting Programs: https://www.usnews.com/best-graduate-schools/top-business-schools/accounting-rankings
5. US News & World Report’s Best Online Bachelor’s in Business Programs 2023: https://www.usnews.com/education/online-education/bachelors/online-bachelors-business-rankings
6. US News & World Report’s Best Undergraduate Accounting Programs: https://www.usnews.com/best-colleges/rankings/business-accounting
7. Association to Advance College Schools of Business, Accredited Universities and Schools, Business & Accounting: https://www.aacsb.edu/accredited
8. Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs, Accredited Schools, Separate Accounting: https://acbspsearch.org/
9. International Accreditation Council for Business Education, Members: https://iacbe.org/accreditation/member-status-information/results/
10. Department of Education College Scorecard: https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/data/
11. The NASBA Candidate Performance Report, 2019 University Edition: https://nasbareport.com/
12. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment Statistics, May 2022 State Occupational Employment and Wage Estimates, South Carolina: https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes_sc.htm