Best Design and Applied Arts Schools in South Carolina

South Carolina has 8 colleges offering Design and Applied Arts programs tracked by the College Scorecard, producing 261 recent graduates. Graduates in South Carolina earn $31,863 on average within two years — 9% below the national average of $34,895. Lower cost of living or industry mix may explain the gap.

School choice matters significantly: Clemson University graduates earn $42,156 while South University-Columbia graduates earn $27,590 — a $14,566 gap. Research each program's curriculum, employer connections, and career services before deciding.

Schools in SC

$31,863

SC Avg. Earnings

$34,895

National Avg.

371

Schools Nationally

Public vs Private: Design and Applied Arts in South Carolina

Public Schools (3)

$32,523

avg. 2yr earnings

Private Schools (4)

$32,435

avg. 2yr earnings

Public schools in South Carolina produce comparable or higher early earnings for Design and Applied Arts graduates, often at lower cost — making them strong value options.

Design and Applied Arts Schools in South Carolina, Ranked by Earnings

Clemson University

Clemson, SC · Public

$42,156

2yr Earnings

1yr Earnings: $41,708

Graduates: 105

Acceptance: 38.0%

Winthrop University

Rock Hill, SC · Public

$35,274

2yr Earnings

1yr Earnings: $37,116

Graduates: 28

Acceptance: 75.1%

Anderson University

Anderson, SC · Private

$37,363

2yr Earnings

1yr Earnings: $32,964

Graduates: 47

Acceptance: 52.8%

Charleston Southern University

Charleston, SC · Private

$32,284

2yr Earnings

1yr Earnings: $24,781

Graduates: 32

Acceptance: 76.1%

Coastal Carolina University

Conway, SC · Public

$20,140

2yr Earnings

1yr Earnings: $19,827

Graduates: 49

Acceptance: 80.2%

Converse University

Spartanburg, SC · Private

$30,409

2yr Earnings

Acceptance: 64.0%

Bob Jones University

Greenville, SC · Private

$29,685

2yr Earnings

Acceptance: N/A

South University-Columbia

Columbia, SC ·

$27,590

2yr Earnings

Acceptance: N/A

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best school for Design and Applied Arts in South Carolina?

Clemson University ranks #1 for Design and Applied Arts in South Carolina with median graduate earnings of $42,156 within two years of graduation. There are 8 schools offering Design and Applied Arts programs in the state.

How much do Design and Applied Arts graduates earn in South Carolina?

Design and Applied Arts graduates in South Carolina earn an average of $31,863 within two years of graduation. This is 9% below the national average of $34,895 for this major.

What is the hardest Design and Applied Arts school to get into in South Carolina?

Clemson University is the most selective Design and Applied Arts program in South Carolina with an acceptance rate of 38.0%. The average acceptance rate across Design and Applied Arts programs in the state is 64.4%.

Should I attend a public or private school for Design and Applied Arts in South Carolina?

In South Carolina, private Design and Applied Arts programs produce average earnings of $32,435 vs $32,523 at public schools. However, public schools typically cost less — consider net price relative to earnings when calculating ROI. There are 3 public and 4 private options in the state.

Other Popular Majors in South Carolina

Chemical Engineering $72,701 Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering $67,549 Computer Engineering $65,872 Engineering-Related Fields $62,665 Civil Engineering $59,438 International Business $56,853 Information Science/Studies $56,848 Biomedical/Medical Engineering $53,919

All colleges in South Carolina →

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Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, field-of-study file last updated June 2026. Institution-level figures elsewhere on the site come from the June 2026 release.