Best Online Accounting Bachelor's Degree Programs In South Carolina 2025

Why Pick an Online Accounting Degree in South Carolina?

Choosing an online accounting degree in South Carolina positions you to capitalize on a job market expanding faster than national trends. The state’s accountant and auditor roles are projected to grow 11% between 2020 and 2030 according to South Carolina Employment Trends, outpacing the 6% national growth rate from 2023-2033 reported by the Bureau of Labor Statistics. This translates to nearly 1,930 new positions statewide by 2030, with 190 annual job openings created by industry growth and retirements. Employers in Charleston’s tech-driven finance sector and Greenville’s manufacturing hubs increasingly seek professionals skilled in cloud-based systems and compliance frameworks—competencies emphasized in online programs designed for South Carolina’s licensure requirements.

You’ll gain flexibility to align coursework with emerging opportunities in sectors like healthcare logistics and renewable energy, where financial oversight demands are intensifying. Programs through institutions like the University of South Carolina integrate CPA exam preparation with industry-specific case studies, ensuring you meet credentialing standards while addressing real challenges faced by local employers. Online curricula develop expertise applicable across corporate, nonprofit, and government roles, with hybrid internships available through partnerships with firms like Forvis and regional accounting associations.

Beyond technical skills, virtual cohorts connect you with peers at companies shaping the state’s economic future, from Columbia’s public sector agencies to Spartanburg’s international manufacturing networks. South Carolina’s lower cost of living amplifies earning potential, allowing you to pursue roles in high-growth metros without sacrificing affordability. As automation reshapes routine tasks, your degree prepares you for advisory positions focused on strategic planning and data-driven decision-making—areas where demand is surging.

With remote learning options eliminating commute barriers, you can engage in SCACPA networking events or statewide career fairs while completing assignments. This accessibility, combined with projections showing sustained hiring through 2030, makes now the ideal time to build credentials aligned with South Carolina’s evolving financial landscape. Explore programs that blend academic rigor with practical training to secure your place in a field critical to the state’s prosperity.

Where Can You Work After Graduating?

South Carolina offers diverse opportunities for accounting graduates, with employers ranging from national firms to specialized local practices. Companies like Forvis frequently appear in industry rankings as a top choice for audit and tax roles, particularly for those interested in collaborative team environments. Their South Carolina offices emphasize professional development programs, including mentorship initiatives for recent graduates. Protiviti, another firm highlighted in recent accounting firm analyses, provides consulting positions focused on risk management and internal audit processes. They often seek candidates comfortable with technology integration in financial systems, offering hybrid work arrangements across their Charleston and Columbia offices.

Regional firms like Blumer & Associates, CPAs stand out for their niche services, as noted in Clutch’s accounting firm directory. This Greenville-based company specializes in small business accounting and tax strategy, ideal if you prefer direct client interaction and hands-on financial advisory work. Their team culture prioritizes long-term client relationships, with opportunities to manage bookkeeping projects and quarterly reporting cycles. For those drawn to corporate finance, Accenture’s South Carolina operations hire for roles in financial analysis and process optimization, often requiring familiarity with cloud-based accounting platforms.

The Upstate region hosts growing firms like Bradshaw, Gordon & Clinkscales, recognized in accounting industry reports for its estate planning and business valuation services. This firm provides exposure to complex tax scenarios, particularly for agricultural and manufacturing clients. Many Midlands-area companies value CPA candidates with knowledge of industry-specific regulations, given the concentration of automotive and aerospace suppliers near Columbia’s economic hubs.

To connect with these employers, attend regional networking events hosted by the South Carolina Association of CPAs in Greenville or Charleston. Follow local firm social media accounts for updates on entry-level positions, as many smaller practices advertise openings through direct channels rather than national job boards. Consider joining industry-specific training workshops offered through Columbia’s business incubators to build connections with startups needing part-time or contract accounting support.

How Much Can You Earn as an Accountant in South Carolina?

If you're starting your accounting career in South Carolina, entry-level positions typically offer between $55,189 and $60,480 annually based on Salary.com's Accountant I data, with the average at $60,480 as of 2025. This range reflects base pay for roles requiring 0-2 years of experience, with potential variations depending on employer size and industry. Mid-career professionals with 3-7 years of experience often see salaries closer to the statewide average of $57,661 reported by Indeed's general accountant salary data, though specialized skills or managerial responsibilities can push earnings higher. Senior accountants and those with 8+ years of experience frequently surpass these figures, particularly if they hold certifications like the CPA license—certified public accountants in the state earn an average of $90,112 annually according to Indeed's CPA-specific research.

South Carolina's accountant salaries generally trend 10-15% below the national average, but strategic career moves can close this gap. Obtaining a CPA license creates the most significant boost, increasing earning potential by over 55% compared to non-certified peers. Specializing in high-demand areas like forensic accounting, tax strategy, or government auditing can add $8,000-$15,000 to base salaries. Employers in metropolitan areas like Charleston and Columbia often pay 12-18% more than rural counterparts, particularly for roles requiring expertise in industry-specific compliance or advanced software systems.

The field shows steady growth, with the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projecting 4% national job growth for accountants through 2032—a trend likely mirrored in South Carolina as industries expand and remote work opportunities increase. Hybrid and fully online accounting roles are becoming more common, often offering competitive salaries comparable to in-office positions while reducing geographic limitations. Professionals who continuously update their skills in areas like AI-driven financial analysis or sustainability reporting may see faster-than-average salary growth in the coming decade.

How Do You Get Licensed as an Accountant in South Carolina?

Step 1: Meet Education Requirements
You must complete 150 semester hours of education, including a bachelor’s degree or higher. At least 24 semester hours must cover accounting subjects like auditing, taxation, or financial reporting, and 24 additional hours in business-related courses. The South Carolina Board of Accountancy requires transcripts to be sent directly from your institution when applying for licensure.

Step 2: Pass the Uniform CPA Exam
Apply for the exam through the South Carolina Board of Accountancy after meeting education prerequisites. Pay the $170 application fee and $344.80 per exam section (as of 2024). You must pass all four sections within 18 months, scoring at least 75 on each. Exam results are valid indefinitely in South Carolina.

Step 3: Gain Qualifying Work Experience
Complete one year (2,000 hours) of supervised accounting work under a licensed CPA. Experience must include skills in auditing, tax preparation, or financial advisory services. The board accepts part-time roles if hours are documented. Submit a Verification of Experience form signed by your supervising CPA.

Step 4: Submit License Application
Apply through the South Carolina Board of Accountancy with a $200 fee. Provide official transcripts, exam scores, and experience verification. You must also pass a criminal background check via fingerprinting ($51.20 fee) through an approved vendor. Processing takes 4-6 weeks after all materials are received.

Step 5: Maintain Active License Status
Renew your license annually by December 31 with a $100 fee. Complete 40 hours of continuing professional education (CPE) yearly, including 4 hours in South Carolina-specific ethics. The South Carolina Code of Laws mandates that all CPAs and non-CPA firm owners meet identical CPE standards.

Reciprocity for Out-of-State Licensees
South Carolina grants reciprocity if your original license is from a state with “substantially equivalent” requirements. Submit proof of licensure, CPE compliance, and a $250 fee. Active licensees from non-equivalent states may need additional education or exam credits.

For application forms or CPE tracking tools, visit the South Carolina Board of Accountancy’s portal.