Bottom Line Up Front

South Carolina operates two full VA medical centers—Ralph H. Johnson VA Medical Center in Charleston and William Jennings Bryan Dorn VA Medical Center in Columbia—plus nine community-based outpatient clinics across the state (Anderson, Florence, Beaufort, Greenville, Spartanburg, Rock Hill, Sumter, Orangeburg, and Myrtle Beach). Together, these facilities serve over 200,000 enrolled veterans. About 90% of South Carolina veterans live within 60 minutes of VA care.

For education, South Carolina offers exceptional benefits: free tuition at any state-supported college or university for children of 100% disabled or deceased veterans (up to age 26)—one of the best state education programs nationally. Major GI Bill schools include University of South Carolina (Yellow Ribbon, 1,500+ student veterans), Clemson University (Yellow Ribbon, 900+ student veterans), and The Citadel (Yellow Ribbon, ranked #1 for veterans among regional universities South). BAH rates range from $1,850-$2,100/month depending on location.

Employment is excellent: South Carolina veterans recorded a 1.7% unemployment rate in 2024—tied for 7th lowest nationally and significantly below the 3.0% national veteran average. The state offers mandatory veteran hiring preference (every state agency must interview at least one qualified veteran per position posted). Major veteran employers include Joint Base Charleston, Fort Jackson (3,500 civilian employees), Shaw Air Force Base, Boeing, BAE Systems, and Fidelity Investments.

Overall rating: 8.5/10 for healthcare (two medical centers, excellent geographic coverage), 9/10 for education (outstanding state benefits plus strong GI Bill schools), 9.5/10 for employment (1.7% veteran unemployment, mandatory state hiring preference).

VA Healthcare System

Medical Centers

Ralph H. Johnson VA Medical Center (Charleston)

Location: 109 Bee Street, Charleston, SC 29401
Phone: (843) 577-5011 | Toll-free: (888) 878-6884
Services: Full medical center with primary care, specialty care, mental health, surgery, inpatient services, emergency care, spinal cord injury unit
Specialties: Cardiology, oncology, orthopedics, primary care, mental health, audiology, optometry, prosthetics, spinal cord injury care
Quality rating: 4 stars (above average for VHA)
Wait times: Primary care 12-18 days; specialty care 25-40 days; mental health 15-25 days
Beds: 192 authorized inpatient beds
Catchment area: Charleston metro, Lowcountry, coastal South Carolina, southern Pee Dee region

Ralph H. Johnson VA Medical Center is South Carolina's largest and highest-rated VA facility. It serves approximately 85,000 enrolled veterans across a 22-county area in coastal South Carolina. The hospital is named after Medal of Honor recipient Ralph H. Johnson, who sacrificed his life to save two fellow Marines in Vietnam.

The Charleston VAMC recently completed a $167 million expansion, adding modernized surgical suites, upgraded emergency department, expanded mental health facilities, and state-of-the-art diagnostic imaging. The facility is a major teaching hospital affiliated with the Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC).

William Jennings Bryan Dorn VA Medical Center (Columbia)

Location: 6439 Garners Ferry Road, Columbia, SC 29209
Phone: (803) 776-4000 | Toll-free: (877) 426-2838
Services: Full medical center with primary care, specialty care, mental health, surgery, inpatient services, rehabilitation
Specialties: Primary care, cardiology, mental health, substance abuse treatment, rehabilitation medicine, audiology, optometry
Quality rating: 3 stars (average for VHA)
Wait times: Primary care 15-22 days; specialty care 30-45 days; mental health 20-30 days
Beds: 216 authorized inpatient beds
Catchment area: Columbia metro, Midlands region, Upstate, Pee Dee region

The Dorn VA Medical Center serves approximately 115,000 enrolled veterans across a 36-county area covering the Midlands, Upstate, and northern Pee Dee regions. The facility opened in 1932 and is one of the oldest VA medical centers in the Southeast, though it has undergone extensive modernization.

Recent investments include upgraded mental health facilities, expanded PTSD treatment programs, and enhanced telehealth capabilities. The Columbia VAMC has strong partnerships with University of South Carolina School of Medicine and Palmetto Health system for community care referrals.

Outpatient Clinics

Anderson VA Clinic

Location: 3030 North Highway 81, Anderson, SC 29621
Phone: (864) 224-5154
Services: Primary care, mental health, lab, pharmacy, telehealth

Beaufort VA Clinic

Location: 1 Pinckney Boulevard, Beaufort, SC 29902
Phone: (843) 770-0444
Services: Primary care, mental health, lab, pharmacy

Florence VA Clinic

Location: 1380 Celebration Boulevard, Florence, SC 29501
Phone: (843) 292-8300
Services: Primary care, mental health, lab, pharmacy, podiatry

Greenville VA Clinic

Location: 41 Park Creek Drive, Greenville, SC 29605
Phone: (864) 299-1600
Services: Primary care, mental health, lab, pharmacy, telehealth

Spartanburg VA Clinic

Location: 279 North Grove Medical Park Drive, Spartanburg, SC 29303
Phone: (864) 582-7025
Services: Primary care, mental health

Rock Hill VA Clinic (New—Opened July 2024)

Location: 459 Lakeshore Parkway, Rock Hill, SC 29730
Phone: (803) 289-5400
Services: Primary care, mental health, women's health, lab, pharmacy, physical therapy
Details: Brand-new, state-of-the-art 26,000 sq ft facility serving 7,000+ veterans in York County area

Myrtle Beach VA Clinic

Location: 3381 Phillis Boulevard, Myrtle Beach, SC 29577
Phone: (843) 839-2100
Services: Primary care, mental health, lab, pharmacy

Sumter VA Clinic

Location: 5000 Broad Street, Suite 200, Sumter, SC 29150
Phone: (803) 938-9777
Services: Primary care, mental health

Orangeburg VA Clinic

Location: 1767 Joe S. Jeffords Highway, Orangeburg, SC 29115
Phone: (803) 937-1900
Services: Primary care, mental health

These community-based outpatient clinics provide primary care and mental health services closer to home for veterans in rural and suburban areas. For specialty care, surgery, and inpatient treatment, veterans travel to Charleston or Columbia medical centers or receive Community Care referrals to civilian providers.

Vet Centers

Charleston Vet Center

Location: 5603A Rivers Avenue, North Charleston, SC 29406
Phone: (843) 789-7000
Services: PTSD counseling, readjustment counseling, MST therapy, family counseling, bereavement support, military sexual trauma counseling

Columbia Vet Center

Location: 1513 Pickens Street, Columbia, SC 29201
Phone: (803) 765-9944
Services: Same as Charleston Vet Center

Greenville Vet Center

Location: 14 Lavinia Avenue, Greenville, SC 29601
Phone: (864) 271-2711
Services: Same as Charleston Vet Center

Vet Centers provide free, confidential counseling for combat veterans, veterans who experienced military sexual trauma, and bereaved family members of service members who died on active duty. Services are provided in non-medical settings and do not require VA healthcare enrollment.

Healthcare Access Analysis

Coverage:

90% of South Carolina veterans live within 60 minutes of VA care (medical center or outpatient clinic)
Urban access (Charleston, Columbia, Greenville): Excellent—direct access to medical centers or major clinics within 20-30 minutes
Suburban access (Rock Hill, Spartanburg, Anderson, Florence, Beaufort, Myrtle Beach): Very good—outpatient clinics within 30-40 minutes
Rural access (Upstate mountains, Pee Dee region): Moderate—clinics within 45-75 minutes, specialty care requires travel to Charleston or Columbia

Quality Ratings:

Charleston VAMC: 4 stars (above average)—consistently high patient satisfaction, strong surgical and specialty care
Columbia VAMC: 3 stars (average)—solid primary care and mental health, recent improvements in wait times
Overall system: Above national average for VHA

Wait Times:

Primary care: 12-22 days (meets or exceeds VA's 20-day standard at Charleston; slightly longer at Columbia)
Mental health: 15-30 days (both facilities meet 28-day standard)
Specialty care: 25-45 days (cardiology, orthopedics, and neurology run longer; dermatology and urology typically 20-30 days)

Strengths: Two full medical centers with comprehensive services, excellent geographic coverage via nine outpatient clinics, strong teaching hospital affiliations (MUSC, USC School of Medicine), recent facility upgrades (Charleston expansion, new Rock Hill clinic).

Areas for improvement: Wait times for specialty care at Columbia can exceed 45 days during peak periods. Rural veterans in far northwestern SC (Oconee County) and far northeastern SC (Marlboro, Dillon counties) may drive 90+ minutes to nearest VA facility.

Community Care (Non-VA Options)

South Carolina has excellent Community Care networks:

Eligibility: If you live 40+ miles from VA, wait times exceed 28 days (primary) or 56 days (specialty), or service isn't available
Networks: MUSC (Charleston), Prisma Health (Columbia, Greenville, Upstate), Bon Secours St. Francis (Greenville), McLeod Health (Florence, Pee Dee region), Tidelands Health (Myrtle Beach)
Coverage: VA authorizes and pays for care at civilian facilities; no out-of-pocket costs for service-connected conditions

TRICARE: Military retirees have excellent TRICARE network access statewide. Major TRICARE networks include Prime (available at major bases), Select, and For Life. All major hospital systems in South Carolina accept TRICARE.

Education Benefits

Top GI Bill Schools

University of South Carolina (USC) - Columbia

Location: Columbia, SC (main campus); multiple satellite campuses (Aiken, Upstate, Beaufort, Lancaster, Salkehatchie, Sumter, Union)
Veteran enrollment: 1,500+ student veterans (Columbia campus)
Yellow Ribbon: Yes (amount varies annually—typically $5,000-$8,000 per year)
In-state tuition: $12,688/year | Out-of-state: $34,188/year
BAH Rate: $1,850/month (Columbia E-5 with dependents)
GI Bill coverage: 100% in-state; Yellow Ribbon covers partial out-of-state gap for eligible students
Graduation rate: 77%
Popular programs: Business (Darla Moore School), engineering, nursing, exercise science, criminal justice, political science, international business
Veteran services: Veterans and Military Services office, dedicated advisors, veterans lounge, Student Veterans Association, priority registration

USC is South Carolina's flagship university and one of the most veteran-friendly schools in the Southeast. The university enrolls over 1,500 student veterans and military-affiliated students on the Columbia campus alone. USC participates in Yellow Ribbon (awarded $165,994 to 33 veterans last year—$5,030 average per veteran, $10,060 after government matching).

USC offers reduced per-credit tuition for all military-affiliated students and spouses, regardless of residency. Under the Veterans Choice Act, veterans using Chapter 30, 31, 33, or 35 benefits automatically receive in-state tuition if they reside out of state.

Clemson University

Location: Clemson, SC (Upstate, near Anderson and Greenville)
Veteran enrollment: 900+ student veterans
Yellow Ribbon: Yes (awarded $46,866 to 15 veterans last year—$3,124 average per veteran)
In-state tuition: $15,374/year | Out-of-state: $38,550/year
BAH Rate: $1,850/month (Anderson-Greenville area E-5 with dependents)
GI Bill coverage: 100% in-state; Yellow Ribbon helps with out-of-state gap
Graduation rate: 83%
Popular programs: Engineering (top-ranked), business, agriculture, architecture, computer science, nursing
Veteran services: Office of Military & Veteran Engagement, two dedicated resource centers, 1,400+ military-connected students

Clemson is South Carolina's premier engineering and technical university, consistently ranked among the top public universities nationally. The Veterans Choice Act requires Clemson to charge qualified veterans, spouses, and dependents the in-state tuition rate—making out-of-state costs nearly irrelevant for most veterans.

Clemson received recognition in May 2025 for its commitment to serving the military community. The Office of Military & Veteran Engagement provides comprehensive support, and Clemson is approved for the Post-9/11 GI Bill STEM Scholarship (9 additional months of benefits for STEM majors).

The Citadel

Location: Charleston, SC
Veteran enrollment: 600+ student veterans (16% of student body uses GI Bill)
Yellow Ribbon: Yes (awarded $44,919 to 12 veterans last year—$3,743 average per veteran, $7,487 after matching)
Tuition: $13,558/year in-state | $39,346/year out-of-state
BAH Rate: $2,100/month (Charleston E-5 with dependents)
GI Bill coverage: 100% in-state with Yellow Ribbon; out-of-state partially covered with Yellow Ribbon
Graduation rate: 73%
Popular programs: Business administration, criminal justice, civil engineering, political science, cybersecurity, intelligence & security studies
Veteran services: Veteran Student Success Center, dedicated counselors, active Student Veterans Association

The Citadel is ranked #1 for Best Colleges for Veterans among Regional Universities in the South. This military college has a unique culture and strong veteran support network. The Citadel offers both the traditional Corps of Cadets experience and the Citadel Graduate College (evening/online programs for working adults and veterans).

Veterans using Post-9/11 or Chapter 30 benefits qualify for in-state tuition regardless of residency. The Citadel is approved for all major GI Bill chapters (30, 31, 33, 35, 1606).

Coastal Carolina University

Location: Conway, SC (near Myrtle Beach)
Veteran enrollment: 500+ student veterans
Yellow Ribbon: Yes
Tuition: $11,640/year in-state | $28,810/year out-of-state
BAH Rate: $1,800/month (Myrtle Beach E-5 with dependents)
Programs: Marine science, business, coastal and marine systems science, resort tourism management, education

Coastal Carolina is an excellent option for veterans seeking a coastal lifestyle, strong marine science programs, and a growing veteran community near Myrtle Beach.

Southern Wesleyan University (Private, Christian)

Location: Central, SC (near Clemson)
Yellow Ribbon: Yes
Tuition: $28,500/year
Programs: Business, education, criminal justice, ministry

Columbia College (Private)

Location: Columbia, SC
Yellow Ribbon: Yes
Tuition: $32,000/year
Programs: Business, education, cybersecurity, nursing

Technical and Community Colleges

South Carolina has 16 technical colleges, all GI Bill-approved and offering affordable career training:

Trident Technical College (Charleston)

Tuition: $5,600/year in-state
Programs: Nursing, dental hygiene, automotive, welding, HVAC, IT
GI Bill: Fully covered + BAH ($2,100/month Charleston)

Midlands Technical College (Columbia)

Tuition: $5,200/year in-state
Programs: Nursing, advanced manufacturing, cybersecurity, culinary arts, automotive

Greenville Technical College

Tuition: $5,400/year in-state
Programs: Engineering technology, mechatronics, BMW Scholars Program (automotive), IT, nursing

Florence-Darlington Technical College

Tuition: $5,100/year in-state
Programs: Nursing, welding, industrial maintenance, machine tool technology

Horry-Georgetown Technical College (Myrtle Beach area)

Tuition: $5,300/year in-state
Programs: Marine technology, hospitality and tourism, nursing, welding

All 16 technical colleges offer tuition fully covered by GI Bill (in-state rates are well below the maximum GI Bill tuition coverage) plus BAH ($1,800-$2,100/month depending on location). These colleges provide hands-on career training in high-demand fields like healthcare, advanced manufacturing, IT, and skilled trades.

State Education Benefits

Free Tuition for Children of Disabled or Deceased Veterans

South Carolina offers full tuition waivers at any state-supported college, university, or technical college for children of:

100% permanently and totally disabled South Carolina veterans
Deceased veterans who were killed during military service or died from service-connected disabilities
Veterans who are POW or MIA
Medal of Honor recipients

Eligibility Requirements:

For veterans: Must have been a South Carolina resident at time of entry into service, during service, and still reside in the state (or if deceased, resided in SC for one year before death). Must be deemed 100% P&T disabled by VA, died during service, died from service-connected disability, or received Medal of Honor/Purple Heart.
For students: Children must be 26 years old or younger and maintain satisfactory academic progress and conduct. Both student and veteran (if living) must have been SC residents for 12+ continuous months prior to application.

Benefit: Full tuition waiver at any South Carolina state-supported institution (USC, Clemson, The Citadel, College of Charleston, technical colleges, etc.). Fees and room/board are not covered—only tuition.

Value: $12,000-$38,000+ per year depending on institution

Technical college: $5,000-$5,600/year saved
Public university in-state: $12,000-$15,000/year saved
Clemson/Citadel out-of-state: $38,000-$39,000/year saved (if student qualifies for in-state tuition through other means)

This is one of the best state veteran education benefits in the country. Your child can attend any state institution tuition-free until age 26. Stack this with federal Pell Grants, scholarships, and GI Bill transfer benefits (if available) for a completely free education.

How to apply: Contact South Carolina Department of Veterans' Affairs at (803) 960-8327. Submit application with DD-214, VA award letter showing 100% P&T disability (or death certificate if deceased veteran), and proof of South Carolina residency.

National Guard Tuition Assistance

South Carolina National Guard members receive up to $5,500 per academic year (maximum $22,000 lifetime) for undergraduate education at in-state institutions. This stacks with federal GI Bill benefits.

Education Resources

Veterans and Military Services (USC): (803) 777-5156 | sc.edu/veterans
Military & Veteran Engagement (Clemson): (864) 656-4529 | clemson.edu/veterans
Veteran Student Success Center (The Citadel): (843) 953-2259 | citadel.edu/veterans
SC Department of Veterans' Affairs (tuition waivers): (803) 960-8327 | scdva.sc.gov/education

Employment Opportunities

Veteran Employment Statistics

South Carolina veterans recorded a 1.7% unemployment rate in 2024—tied for 7th lowest in the nation and significantly below the 3.0% national veteran average. This is nearly identical to South Carolina's overall unemployment rate (2.5%), indicating veterans are thriving in the state's job market.

Key statistics:

176,000 veterans in South Carolina labor force
3,000 unemployed veterans (1.7% unemployment)
Non-veterans: 4.3% unemployment (2.6 percentage points higher than veterans)
South Carolina veteran unemployment has consistently ranked in the top 10 nationally for the past five years

State Employment Programs for Veterans

Veteran Hiring Preference (Mandatory)

Effective January 1, 2021, South Carolina law requires that every state government agency and higher education institution must interview at least one qualified veteran for every full-time position posted. This gives honorably discharged veterans significant advantages in state government hiring.

Requirements to qualify:

Honorably discharged from U.S. Armed Forces
Submit DD Form 214 with state application
Meet minimum qualifications for the position
Capable of performing duties with or without reasonable accommodation

Covered employers:

All state agencies (SCDOT, SCDNR, SCDSS, etc.)
State colleges and universities
Technical colleges
State law enforcement agencies

This hiring preference applies to approximately 70,000 state government positions across South Carolina. State agencies actively recruit veterans through SC Careers (careers.sc.gov).

Operation Palmetto Employment (OPE)

OPE is South Carolina's premier military employment initiative, partnering with state agencies, workforce development organizations, and private employers to streamline veteran employment. OPE hosts quarterly hiring events statewide (Charleston, Columbia, Greenville, Fort Jackson, Joint Base Charleston).

SC WORKS Centers

SC WORKS Centers have staff specifically trained to assist veterans in finding civilian employment. Veterans receive priority service in SC WORKS Centers—for the first 24 hours a job is posted on SC Works Online, only military-affiliated jobseekers can view and apply.

Disabled Veterans Outreach Program (DVOP)

DVOP representatives provide intensive case management services for disabled veterans who are economically or educationally disadvantaged. Services include career counseling, skills assessment, resume writing, interview coaching, job placement assistance, and follow-up support.

Contact: SC Department of Employment and Workforce | (803) 737-2400 | dew.sc.gov/veterans

Military Installations (Civilian Employment)

Joint Base Charleston

Location: Charleston, SC (Air Force Base and Naval Weapons Station)
Civilian employees: 5,000+
Major employers on base: Department of Defense, Boeing, C-17 Globemaster III production and maintenance, 437th Airlift Wing, 315th Airlift Wing
Veteran hiring: Excellent—federal preference applies, Boeing actively recruits veterans through SkillBridge
Typical jobs: Aircraft maintenance, logistics, supply chain, engineering, security, administrative

Joint Base Charleston is South Carolina's largest military installation and a major employer for veterans. Boeing's Charleston campus (adjacent to the base) produces the C-17 Globemaster III and employs over 7,000 workers, many of them veterans. Boeing sponsors veteran hiring fairs and participates in SkillBridge.

Fort Jackson

Location: Columbia, SC
Civilian employees: 3,500+
Economic impact: $2.2 billion annually on Columbia metro economy
Veteran hiring: Excellent—federal preference applies
Typical jobs: Training support, logistics, IT, administrative, healthcare, supply chain

Fort Jackson is the Army's premier Basic Combat Training center, training 50% of all Army recruits. The installation employs 3,500 civilians supporting training operations, and veteran hiring preference gives transitioning soldiers and local veterans significant advantages.

Shaw Air Force Base

Location: Sumter, SC
Civilian employees: 2,500+
Veteran hiring: Excellent—federal preference applies
Typical jobs: Aircraft maintenance, logistics, security, IT, contracting

Shaw AFB is home to the 20th Fighter Wing and U.S. Central Command Forward. The base employs over 2,500 civilians supporting combat operations and fighter aircraft maintenance.

How to apply for federal civilian jobs: USAJobs.gov | Search "South Carolina" + "Veterans" for jobs with veteran preference

Major Veteran Employers (Private Sector)

Boeing (Charleston)

Location: North Charleston, SC
Employees: 7,000+
Veteran hiring: Excellent—Boeing is a recognized veteran-friendly employer, SkillBridge partner, sponsors hiring fairs
Typical jobs: Aircraft assembly, engineering, quality assurance, logistics, supply chain, project management
Average salary: $70,000-$95,000

Boeing's Charleston campus is one of the largest aerospace employers in the Southeast. The company actively recruits veterans and has partnered with SC Department of Veterans' Affairs on multiple hiring initiatives.

BAE Systems (Charleston, York County)

Location: Charleston, York County (Rock Hill area)
Employees: 1,500+ (South Carolina)
Veteran hiring: Excellent—defense contractor actively recruits veterans
Typical jobs: Engineering, cybersecurity, defense technology, manufacturing
Average salary: $75,000-$100,000

BAE Systems operates multiple facilities in South Carolina supporting defense programs. Veterans with technical backgrounds (IT, engineering, logistics) are highly sought after.

Fidelity Investments (Greenville, Columbia)

Location: Greenville (call center), Columbia (operations)
Employees: 2,000+ (South Carolina)
Veteran hiring: Very good—Fidelity is a recognized veteran-friendly employer
Typical jobs: Customer service, financial advising, IT, operations, risk management
Average salary: $50,000-$85,000

Fidelity operates large customer service and operations centers in Greenville and Columbia, employing over 2,000 workers. The company actively recruits veterans for customer service, IT, and financial services roles.

Michelin (Greenville area)

Location: Anderson, Spartanburg, Lexington (multiple plants)
Employees: 8,000+ (South Carolina)
Veteran hiring: Good—manufacturing experience valued
Typical jobs: Manufacturing, quality assurance, engineering, logistics, supply chain
Average salary: $55,000-$75,000

Michelin operates multiple tire manufacturing plants in the Upstate and Midlands regions. Veterans with manufacturing, quality control, or logistics backgrounds are in high demand.

Nucor Steel (Multiple locations)

Location: Berkeley County, Darlington, Florence
Employees: 2,000+ (South Carolina)
Veteran hiring: Good
Typical jobs: Steelmaking, manufacturing, quality control, maintenance, engineering
Average salary: $60,000-$85,000

Nucor is one of the largest steel producers in the U.S. and operates multiple facilities in South Carolina. The company values veterans' work ethic and technical skills.

Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC) - Charleston

Employees: 17,000+ (South Carolina's largest employer in Charleston area)
Veteran hiring: Very good—state hiring preference applies
Typical jobs: Nursing, healthcare administration, IT, facilities, security, research
Average salary: $50,000-$95,000 depending on role

Prisma Health (Columbia, Greenville, Upstate)

Employees: 30,000+ (South Carolina's largest private employer)
Veteran hiring: Very good
Typical jobs: Nursing, healthcare, IT, administration, facilities
Average salary: $50,000-$90,000

Recognized Veteran-Friendly Employers

The South Carolina Department of Veterans' Affairs maintains a list of Recognized Veteran-Friendly Employers:

Amazon (Columbia, Charleston, Greenville fulfillment centers)
Home Depot (multiple locations)
Lowe's (multiple locations)
Walmart (multiple locations)
Target (distribution center, Columbia)
FedEx (multiple locations)
UPS (multiple locations)

For the complete list, visit: scdva.sc.gov/recognized-veteran-friendly-employers

Entrepreneurship & Small Business Resources

South Carolina Small Business Development Centers (SBDC)

Free consulting and training for veteran entrepreneurs
14 locations statewide
Services: Business planning, financial projections, marketing, loan packaging, government contracting
Contact: (803) 777-4907 | scsbdc.com

Veterans Business Outreach Center (VBOC) - Fayetteville State University

Serves North and South Carolina veterans
Services: Business training, counseling, mentorship, access to capital
Contact: (910) 672-1727 | vboc.faystate.edu

Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business (SDVOSB) Certification

Federal set-asides: 3% of all federal contracts reserved for SDVOSBs
South Carolina state contracts: Veteran-owned businesses receive preference
Certification: veterans.certify.sba.gov

Job Search Resources

SC Works Online Services: scworks.org (veterans get 24-hour priority access to new job postings)
SC Careers (state government jobs): careers.sc.gov
USAJobs (federal civilian jobs): usajobs.gov (filter for "Veterans Preference")
Hire Our Heroes (SC Chamber): scchamber.net/veterans
Military Hire: militaryhire.com/jobs-for-veterans/state/South-Carolina
RecruitMilitary (veteran job fairs): recruitmilitary.com/employers/state/South-Carolina

Additional Veteran Services

Housing Assistance

Veterans' Homelessness and Transition Grant

SC Department of Veterans' Affairs awards grants to nonprofits and state agencies assisting homeless veterans
Services: Housing assistance, rental assistance, utility assistance, case management

HUD-VASH (Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing)

Combines Housing Choice Voucher rental assistance with VA case management
Available in Charleston, Columbia, Greenville, Florence, Myrtle Beach
Contact: Charleston VA (843) 577-5011 or Columbia VA (803) 776-4000

Veterans Welcome Home Resource Center (Myrtle Beach)

Built 25 tiny homes offering low-rent housing for veterans
Services: Transitional housing, employment assistance, counseling
Contact: vwhrc.org

State Veterans Homes

South Carolina operates four state veterans homes providing long-term care for elderly veterans:

Richard M. Campbell Veterans Nursing Home - Anderson
Victory House Veterans Nursing Home - Walterboro
State Veterans Home at Pee Dee - Florence
State Veterans Home at Columbia - Columbia (planned)

Burial Benefits

M.J. "Dolly" Cooper Veterans Cemetery

Location: Anderson, SC
Eligibility: Honorably discharged South Carolina resident veterans and spouses
Costs: Free for veteran (plot, grave liner, marker, opening/closing). $300 for spouse or dependent children.
Military honors: Available upon request through funeral director
Contact: (864) 332-8022

VA National Cemeteries in South Carolina:

Beaufort National Cemetery (Beaufort, SC)
Florence National Cemetery (Florence, SC)
Fort Jackson National Cemetery (Columbia, SC)

Hunting and Fishing Benefits

South Carolina offers free 3-year Disability Combination Licenses for disabled veterans with VA disability ratings. The license covers freshwater fishing, saltwater fishing, state hunting, big game, Wildlife Management Areas, and migratory waterfowl.

Lifetime licenses are available for paraplegic, quadriplegic, or legally blind veterans (statement from doctor required).

Value: $100-$150+ per 3-year license period

Contact: SC Department of Natural Resources | (803) 734-3838 | dnr.sc.gov

Resources

Healthcare:

Ralph H. Johnson VA Medical Center (Charleston): (843) 577-5011 | charleston.va.gov
William Jennings Bryan Dorn VA Medical Center (Columbia): (803) 776-4000 | columbiava.gov
VA Benefits (Columbia Regional Office): (800) 827-1000

Education:

SC Department of Veterans' Affairs (tuition waivers): (803) 960-8327 | scdva.sc.gov/education
Veterans and Military Services (USC): (803) 777-5156 | sc.edu/veterans
Military & Veteran Engagement (Clemson): (864) 656-4529 | clemson.edu/veterans
Veteran Student Success Center (The Citadel): (843) 953-2259 | citadel.edu/veterans

Employment:

SC Department of Employment and Workforce (Veteran Services): (803) 737-2400 | dew.sc.gov/veterans
SC Works Centers: scworks.org/jobseeker/jobseeker-programs/veteran-services
SC Careers (state government jobs): careers.sc.gov
Operation Palmetto Employment: scdva.sc.gov/employment

General Assistance:

SC Department of Veterans' Affairs: (803) 960-8327 | scdva.sc.gov | scmveterans@admin.sc.gov
County Veterans Affairs Offices: Find your county at scdva.sc.gov/county-veterans-affairs-offices

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How far do I live from the nearest VA medical facility?

A: About 90% of South Carolina veterans live within 60 minutes of a VA medical center (Charleston or Columbia) or outpatient clinic. Use the VA Facility Locator at va.gov/find-locations to find your nearest facility.

Q: Can my children attend USC or Clemson tuition-free if I'm 100% disabled?

A: Yes. South Carolina offers full tuition waivers at any state-supported institution (including USC, Clemson, The Citadel, College of Charleston, technical colleges) for children of 100% P&T disabled South Carolina veterans (up to age 26). Fees and room/board are not covered. Contact SC Department of Veterans' Affairs at (803) 960-8327 to apply.

Q: Does USC or Clemson participate in Yellow Ribbon?

A: Yes, both USC and Clemson participate in Yellow Ribbon. USC awarded $165,994 to 33 veterans last year ($5,030 average). Clemson awarded $46,866 to 15 veterans ($3,124 average). Yellow Ribbon amounts vary annually—check with each school's veterans office.

Q: What's the veteran unemployment rate in South Carolina?

A: 1.7% (2024)—tied for 7th lowest nationally and significantly below the 3.0% national average. South Carolina is an excellent state for veteran employment.

Q: Do I get hiring preference for state government jobs?

A: Yes. South Carolina law requires every state agency and public college/university to interview at least one qualified veteran for every full-time position posted. Submit your DD-214 with your application to receive preference.

Q: Can I use VA healthcare if I live in a rural area?

A: Yes. South Carolina has nine outpatient clinics across the state. If you live more than 40 miles from a VA facility or wait times exceed standards, you're eligible for Community Care—VA will authorize and pay for civilian healthcare at local hospitals.

Q: Does South Carolina have TRICARE providers?

A: Yes. All major hospital systems in South Carolina accept TRICARE (Prisma Health, MUSC, Bon Secours, McLeod Health, Tidelands Health, etc.). TRICARE network access is excellent statewide.

Q: Where can I find veteran job fairs?

A: Operation Palmetto Employment hosts quarterly hiring events at Joint Base Charleston, Fort Jackson, Columbia, Greenville, and Charleston. Check scdva.sc.gov/employment for upcoming events. Also check recruitmilitary.com for national veteran job fairs in South Carolina.

Q: Are there veteran business resources in South Carolina?

A: Yes. South Carolina Small Business Development Centers (SBDC) offer free consulting for veteran entrepreneurs at 14 locations statewide. Contact (803) 777-4907 or visit scsbdc.com. Also check the Veterans Business Outreach Center (VBOC) at Fayetteville State University: (910) 672-1727.

Q: Can I get free hunting and fishing licenses as a disabled veteran?

A: Yes. Disabled veterans with VA disability ratings receive free 3-year Disability Combination Licenses covering freshwater fishing, saltwater fishing, state hunting, big game, WMA, and migratory waterfowl. Lifetime licenses available for paraplegic, quadriplegic, or legally blind veterans. Contact SC Department of Natural Resources: (803) 734-3838.

Q: Where can I get help with VA claims?

A: Contact your County Veterans Affairs Office for free assistance with VA claims, benefits applications, and appeals. Find your county office at scdva.sc.gov/county-veterans-affairs-offices. You can also contact SC Department of Veterans' Affairs at (803) 960-8327.

Last updated: 2025. Programs and benefits change frequently. Verify current information with SC Department of Veterans' Affairs, VA facilities, and educational institutions.

Sources: VA.gov, Military OneSource, Benefits.gov