100% ONLINE or ON CAMPUS

Fresh Start. Flexible Finish.

Earn Your Associate Degree at USC Sumter!

USC Sumter is located in the heart of the state, about 45 miles east of Columbia. Our campus offers affordable tuition, student clubs, and athletic opportunities; has earned the Military Friendly Designation; and was ranked the #2 Two-Year College in South Carolina by Niche. If online classes are a better fit for your lifestyle, our Palmetto College associate degrees provide a well-rounded education to prepare students for a successful career or further education.

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Flexible

Palmetto College at USC Sumter offers a convenient way to complete your degree without taking time away from work, family, or your community. If you're a full-time student, the program should take about two years, the same as if you were attending class in person.

Affordable

Palmetto College tuition rates are the lowest in the USC system, making a high-quality, accredited degree more accessible without sacrificing the value or reputation of your education. This allows you to invest in your future without taking on unnecessary financial stress.

Reputable

Because Palmetto College associate degrees are issued by our regional campuses within the USC system, your degree is nationally recognized and offered by world-class faculty. Your diploma will be identical to those earned by students on campus.

Why Palmetto College at USC Sumter?

As a Palmetto College Campus of the University of South Carolina, USC Sumter offers students a flexible, affordable way to earn their associate degree online or in person. Our degrees are a great path to a short-term credential, with the option to apply the credits towards a baccalaureate degree.

Associate Degrees:

Endless Opportunities

Your degree will expand your options for employment and higher earnings: According to the U.S. Census Bureau, workers who have an associate degree earn about $8,000 more per year than those with only a high school diploma.

Our graduates often continue into our Bachelor’s Degree Completion Programs.

Prerequisites and Requirements

To enroll in the Palmetto College online degree program:

Freshman applicants must have a high school diploma from a regionally accredited association or its equivalent (GED) prior to enrolling.
High school transcripts for freshman applicants must show completion of the College Preparatory Curriculum, which includes 20 units, along with a 2.0 GPA (4.0 scale) or higher.
Applicants who did not graduate from high school must submit a copy of a GED certificate or satisfactory GED test scores.
Prospective students transferring from another institution must have a cumulative GPA of 2.0 or higher (4.0 scale). If fewer than 30 semester hours (45 quarter hours) of college-level work have been attempted, the applicant must also meet freshman admission requirements.

USC Sumter was already a good value for the cost and earning scholarships made it even more affordable for me. I wasn’t sure what I wanted to major in, so USC Sumter gave me the opportunity to get my feet wet in college and decide where my educational career would take me.

I was very grateful to receive scholarships. When I started looking into college, I was worried it would be too expensive. Thankfully I received scholarships from generous donors at USC Sumter. It was nice to not have to worry about working while I was attending classes.

USC Sumter made it possible for me to build the life and career I dreamed about. As a young wife and mother, commuting for college simply was not realistic, but the faculty and staff found ways to help students like me succeed. They encouraged us, supported us, and made education feel attainable every step of the way. Because of USC Sumter, I was able to earn both my education degree and graduate degree while raising a family and working full time. The relationships I built there changed the course of my life and ultimately allowed me to impact hundreds of students, teachers, and families throughout my career.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does it cost?

Tuition and fees for USC Sumter can be found by following the link below for the most up-to-date information.

USC Sumter Tuition and Fees

Where is the campus located?

Our Location

We are located in Sumter, South Carolina, about one hour from Columbia.

200 Miller Road
Sumter, SC 29150-2498

Our Location – USC Sumter | University of South Carolina

When do classes start?

Campus Calendar: Calendar – USC Sumter | University of South Carolina

Summer 2026:
May 11, 2026 – July 30, 2026

Fall 2026:
August 18, 2026 – December 4, 2026

Spring 2027:
January 11, 2027 – April 26, 2027

Summer 2027: TBD

Can I take classes from home?

We offer flexible learning options to meet a variety of student needs. Students can choose a fully online experience if they are unable to attend classes in person, or opt for a flex or hybrid schedule that blends online and in-person learning. Our fully online courses are 100% asynchronous and are taught by USC faculty, allowing students to learn on their own schedule while still receiving a high-quality education.

Are there student loan options?

Financial aid information for USC Sumter can be found by following the link below. The page includes details on available grants, loans, and scholarship opportunities to help support your education.

Financial Aid and Veterans/Military – USC Sumter | University of South Carolina

Can I tour the campus at any time?

There’s no better way to learn about USC Sumter than to schedule a campus visit! You can schedule a tour at any time.

If you’re unable to visit in person, a virtual tour option is also available.

Ready to get started?

Our trained representatives can create a plan that takes into account your earned credits and your unique circumstances.

200 Miller Road, Sumter, SC 29150 | 803-775-8727 | pcadm@mailbox.sc.edu