Criminal justice programs in South Carolina

Looking for police academy & criminal justice schools in South Carolina? There are 17, including 17 public colleges. Police officers in South Carolina earn a median $58,070 a year, according to the BLS.

Schools
17
Public colleges
17
Median pay in SC
$58,070
Cities with schools
5

17 police academy & criminal justice schools

School results

  1. Aiken Technical College

    Graniteville, SC · Public

    • Police academy & criminal justice
    • HVAC technician
    • Welding
    • +14

  2. Central Carolina Technical College

    Sumter, SC · Public

    • Police academy & criminal justice
    • HVAC technician
    • Welding
    • +11

  3. Denmark Technical College

    Denmark, SC · Public

    • Police academy & criminal justice
    • Welding
    • Practical nursing (LPN/LVN)
    • +5

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  5. Florence-Darlington Technical College

    Florence, SC · Public

    • Police academy & criminal justice
    • HVAC technician
    • Welding
    • +17

  6. Greenville Technical College

    Greenville, SC · Public

    • Police academy & criminal justice
    • Electrician
    • HVAC technician
    • +24

  7. Horry-Georgetown Technical College

    Conway, SC · Public

    • Police academy & criminal justice
    • Electrician
    • HVAC technician
    • +25

  8. Midlands Technical College

    West Columbia, SC · Public

    • Police academy & criminal justice
    • Electrician
    • HVAC technician
    • +20

  9. Northeastern Technical College

    Cheraw, SC · Public

    • Police academy & criminal justice
    • Electrician
    • Welding
    • +8

  10. Orangeburg Calhoun Technical College

    Orangeburg, SC · Public

    • Police academy & criminal justice
    • Electrician
    • Welding
    • +14

  11. Piedmont Technical College

    Greenwood, SC · Public

    • Police academy & criminal justice
    • HVAC technician
    • Welding
    • +16

  12. Spartanburg Community College

    Spartanburg, SC · Public

    • Police academy & criminal justice
    • HVAC technician
    • Welding
    • +18

  13. Technical College of the Lowcountry

    Beaufort, SC · Public

    • Police academy & criminal justice
    • Electrician
    • HVAC technician
    • +11

  14. Tri-County Technical College

    Pendleton, SC · Public

    • Police academy & criminal justice
    • HVAC technician
    • Welding
    • +12

  15. Trident Technical College

    Charleston, SC · Public

    • Police academy & criminal justice
    • Electrician
    • HVAC technician
    • +24

  16. University of South Carolina-Lancaster

    Lancaster, SC · Public

    • Police academy & criminal justice

  17. Williamsburg Technical College

    Kingstree, SC · Public

    • Police academy & criminal justice
    • HVAC technician
    • Welding
    • +7

  18. York Technical College

    Rock Hill, SC · Public

    • Police academy & criminal justice
    • Electrician
    • HVAC technician
    • +19

Criminal justice programs by city

What police officers earn in South Carolina

Median pay means half earn more and half earn less. Pay grows with experience, certifications and overtime.

Police officer salary in South CarolinaHow to become a police officer

Median pay
$58,070
$27.92 an hour
Typical range
$45,060–$78,760
10th to 90th percentile
Jobs in SC
12,930
Job growth, 2025–35
+3.5%
51,500 openings a year (U.S.)

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025, and Employment Projections.

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Frequently asked questions

How many police academy & criminal justice schools are in South Carolina?

We list 17 schools in South Carolina with police academy & criminal justice programs: 17 public colleges. Campuses are in Graniteville, Sumter, Spartanburg, Beaufort, and Pendleton.

Are there community college police academy & criminal justice programs in South Carolina?

Yes. 17 public colleges in South Carolina offer police academy & criminal justice. Public programs often cost less and are usually eligible for federal financial aid. Confirm costs and aid with each school.

How much does police academy & criminal justice school cost in South Carolina?

Among the 17 schools here that report it to the U.S. Department of Education, the average yearly net price (after grants and scholarships) ranges from $1,406 to $19,156. That figure covers the whole school, not just this program, so ask each school for the program's total cost.

How much do police officers make in South Carolina?

The median pay for police officers in South Carolina is $58,070 a year, and most earn between $45,060 and $78,760, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

How do I choose a police academy & criminal justice school in South Carolina?

Ask each school about accreditation, total cost after financial aid, hands-on lab hours, certification exam prep, class sizes and job placement. Request info from two or three schools so you can compare their answers side by side.

Other programs in South Carolina

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Criminal justice programs in other states