Best BSW Colleges in South Carolina 2026

6 ranked BSW programs in South Carolina

How we rank these colleges → | All BSW programs in South Carolina →

All 6 Ranked Colleges in South Carolina

1
University of South Carolina-Columbia

Columbia, SC · Public · 38,532 students

National #122
66 / 100
61.2%
Completion Rate
92.0%
Retention Rate
$12,288
In-State Tuition (excl. fees)

University of South Carolina-Columbia ranks #122 in our 2026 BSW program list. While the school faces some challenges in certain metrics, it may still be a good fit depending on your priorities and location.

With a retention rate of 92.0%, University of South Carolina-Columbia clearly invests in keeping students on track toward their degree. You'll pay $12,288 per year in tuition, which is in the typical range for BSW programs. The program graduated 33 social work students last year, making it one of the more active BSW programs.

2
Winthrop University

Rock Hill, SC · Public · 4,894 students

National #296
48.9 / 100
47.0%
Completion Rate
74.0%
Retention Rate
$15,306
In-State Tuition (excl. fees)

Winthrop University ranks #296 in our 2026 BSW program list. While the school faces some challenges in certain metrics, it may still be a good fit depending on your priorities and location.

With a retention rate of 74.0%, Winthrop University clearly invests in keeping students on track toward their degree. In-state tuition of $15,306 per year puts this on the pricier side, so you'll want to factor in financial aid availability. With 26 social work graduates, this is a program with a track record of getting students across the finish line.

3
Limestone University

Gaffney, SC · Private · 1,807 students

National #342
45.2 / 100
36.5%
Completion Rate
64.0%
Retention Rate
$26,400
In-State Tuition (excl. fees)

Coming in at #342, Limestone University is a BSW program with room to grow. That said, rankings don't tell the whole story — factors like location, campus culture, and fieldwork opportunities matter too.

Limestone University keeps 64.0% of its students year over year, which is in line with what you'd expect from a mid-range program. In-state tuition of $26,400 per year puts this on the pricier side, so you'll want to factor in financial aid availability. Limestone University produced 60 BSW completions recently, showing the program has meaningful throughput.

4
Columbia College

Columbia, SC · Private · 1,725 students

National #420
38.9 / 100
49.9%
Completion Rate
60.0%
Retention Rate
$15,980
In-State Tuition (excl. fees)

Columbia College ranks #420 in our 2026 BSW program list. While the school faces some challenges in certain metrics, it may still be a good fit depending on your priorities and location.

With 60.0% of students returning after their first year, Columbia College maintains a reasonable retention rate. At $15,980 per year, tuition is above average — make sure to explore scholarship and aid options. The program graduated 12 social work students last year, making it one of the more active BSW programs.

5
Benedict College

Columbia, SC · Private · 1,691 students

National #573
19.9 / 100
17.5%
Completion Rate
57.0%
Retention Rate
$15,400
In-State Tuition (excl. fees)

Coming in at #573, Benedict College is a BSW program with room to grow. That said, rankings don't tell the whole story — factors like location, campus culture, and fieldwork opportunities matter too.

Benedict College keeps 57.0% of its students year over year, which is in line with what you'd expect from a mid-range program. At $15,400 per year, tuition is above average — make sure to explore scholarship and aid options. The program is smaller, with 9 social work completions last year — which can mean more personalized attention.

6
South Carolina State University

Orangeburg, SC · Public · 3,242 students

National #589
14.3 / 100
25.7%
Completion Rate
56.0%
Retention Rate
$9,528
In-State Tuition (excl. fees)

Coming in at #589, South Carolina State University is a BSW program with room to grow. That said, rankings don't tell the whole story — factors like location, campus culture, and fieldwork opportunities matter too.

The school retains 56.0% of its first-year students — a solid number that suggests most students are getting what they need here. At $9,528 per year, the tuition is moderate — not the cheapest option, but far from the most expensive. With 9 recent completions, this is a smaller program. That often translates to closer faculty relationships.

Where a BSW Leads

A Bachelor of Social Work opens into six main practice areas, and pay differs between them by more than most prospective students expect. Each guide below carries the full BLS percentile spread, pay by work setting, and pay by state. Figures are May 2025 medians.

Not sure which fits? Start with the career and salary overview or the is social work for me self-assessment.