South Carolina Commission on Higher Education 2024 Statistical Abstract provides detailed look at higher ed trends and data in SC WRHI

The 46th Annual Abstract of Postsecondary Education in South Carolina

The abstract is a comprehensive report that provides an overview of postsecondary education trends in South Carolina. It is published annually by the South Carolina Commission on Higher Education (SCCHE) and is intended to support understanding of the state’s higher education landscape.

Key Findings

The 46th Annual Abstract of Postsecondary Education in South Carolina highlights several key findings that are relevant to policymakers, educators, and the general public. Some of the key findings include:

The number of students enrolled in postsecondary education institutions in South Carolina has increased by 10% over the past five years. The majority of students (63%) are pursuing a degree in a field related to healthcare, technology, or business. The state’s higher education institutions have seen a significant increase in online and distance learning programs, with 71% of institutions offering at least one online course.

Key Takeaways: South Carolina’s commitment to higher education reached a new milestone for Fiscal Year 2023-24, exceeding $1B in state appropriations to public colleges and universities for the first time. Total headcount enrollment increased 2.5 percent (238,182 in fall 2023 to 244,142 in fall 2024). 59,956 total degrees were awarded during the 2022-23 fiscal year, a 7.4 percent increase from the previous year total of 55,838. 26,588 of these were bachelor’s degrees, 22,583 were other undergraduate level degrees, and 10,785 were graduate level degrees. Business, management, marketing and related support services remained the most popular academic discipline, followed by health professions and related programs.

South Carolina awarded a total of $431,299,814 in scholarship money during the 2023-24 academic year, a 1.2 percent increase from $426,013,906 in 2022-23. Funding amounts through the five main scholarships were: $207,636,046 awarded through LIFE scholarships $70,893,464 through Palmetto Fellows scholarships $52,174,241 through Lottery Tuition Assistance$88,089,385 through Need-based Grants $12,506,678 through HOPE scholarships