100% ONLINE or ON CAMPUS

Fresh Start. Flexible Finish.

Earn Your Associate Degree at USC Union!

Are you ready to start your educational journey? Our small campus, located in Union, South Carolina with a branch campus in Laurens, is a great place to do it. Our students have the advantage of smaller class sizes, smaller faculty-to-student ratios, and student organization opportunities. 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 Union 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 Union?

As a Palmetto College Campus of the University of South Carolina, USC Union 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.

Coming to USC Union was one of the best decisions I’ve made. From day one, it felt like a place where people truly care about your success. The small class sizes helped me connect with professors and get the support I needed to grow. What stands out most is the strong sense of community. Whether in class, at events, or supporting Bantam athletics, there’s always opportunities to get involved, build friendships, and gain confidence.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does it cost?

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

USC Union Tuition and Fees

Where is the campus located?

Our Locations

Main Building:
401 E. Main Street
Union, SC 29379

Laurens Location:
600 Peachtree St
Clinton, SC 29325

Our Location – USC Union | University of South Carolina

When do classes start?

Campus Calendar: Calendar – USC Union | 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 Union 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 – USC Union

Can I tour the campus at any time?

There’s no better way to learn about USC Union and our Laurens Location than by scheduling a visit. We look forward to showing you everything we have to offer.

Available Tours:
Monday – Friday: 8:30 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Saturday – Sunday: By appointment

Admissions Office
(864) 424-8011

Ready to get started?

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

401 E. Main Street, Union, SC 29379 | 864-424-8011