Education Archives — Beating Broke

Shortchanged In School: These Are The 7 Worst School Districts in South Carolina and Why You Should Care

February 20, 2025 By Teri Monroe Leave a Comment

Equity in education in South Carolina — Image Source: Pexels

There’s no denying that South Carolina’s school system is struggling. World Population Review’s 2024 report ranked South Carolina 45th among U.S. states in public education quality. The South Carolina Department of Education released school report cards for the 2023-2024 academic year. Of 1,261 schools in South Carolina, 477 schools were rated average, 187 schools were rated below average, and 49 schools were rated unsatisfactory. Although there have been some efforts to make improvements, there are still gaps in equity in education in the state. Here we’ll discuss 7 of the worst-performing school districts in South Carolina and why it matters.

Why Equity in Education Matters

South Carolina’s Department of Education has struggled with an antiquated funding model for years. It has since gotten a major overhaul in 2022, but the state still has catching up to do. The old system allowed for minimal funding flexibility and failed to address unique student needs. According to the Reason Foundation, lack of accountability and transparency led to inequities in education in the state. For example, the highest-needs schools were not always getting their fair share of resources. The new funding system allows for dollars to flow where they are needed, such as raising teacher pay to attract quality teachers.

The state also has implemented school choice legislation to help parents pay for private school tuition, textbooks, tutoring, computers, or transportation for their children to attend other schools, depending on their needs. This program, however, is still very small. To truly have equity in education in South Carolina, programs like this must be expanded. Until then, some students in the state will still have unfair disadvantages in their level and quality of education.

The Worst School Districts in South Carolina

Georgetown County School District: Georgetown County Schools had seven out of nineteen, or 37%, of its total schools falling into the two lowest-performing categories.
Charleston County School District: The largest school district in the state, Charleston County has several schools that don’t meet the State Board of Education’s standards. 17 out of 72 schools listed in the report fall into that “Below Average” or “Unsatisfactory” category, with that being almost 24%. It is important to note that this number was 27 in 2019.
Berkley County School District: In the Berkeley County School District, nine out of 48 fell into the category, which is nearly 19% of the total schools.
Dorchester County District 2: In this district, two schools out of 25 were included in the category, which is 8%.
Dorchester County District 4: This district has one out of eight schools in the below-average category, which is 12.5% of the district.
Colleton County School District: While no schools in this district are “Unsatisfactory”, all of the district’s schools are “Average” or “Below Average”.
Beaufort County School District: Beaufort County Schools had three out of 34 schools fall into the “Below Average” category. There were no “Unsatisfactory” schools. The low-performing percentage is at about 9%.

Are you surprised by these results? Let us know your thoughts about equity in education in South Carolina schools.

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Teri Monroe

Teri Monroe started her career in communications working for local government and nonprofits. Today, she is a freelance finance and lifestyle writer and small business owner. In her spare time, she loves golfing with her husband, taking her dog Milo on long walks, and playing pickleball with friends.

10 State Colleges With Degrees That Are Worth More Than Any Ivy League Degree

June 11, 2024 By Alyssa Serio Leave a Comment

When it comes to higher education, the allure of Ivy League schools is undeniable. They are often equated with prestige, superior education, and a fast track to successful careers. However, several state colleges across the United States offer degrees that rival—or even surpass—Ivy League schools. Here are 10 state colleges where the value of certain degrees exceeds those of their Ivy League counterparts.

1. Georgia Institute of Technology (Computer Science)

Georgia Tech’s Computer Science program stands out nationally for its rigorous curriculum and strong industry ties. Graduates go on to pursue careers in software development and engineering. Often, they start out receiving higher starting salaries compared to their Ivy League peers. The program’s focus on practical, hands-on experience prepares students exceptionally well for real-world challenges.

2. Texas A&M University (Petroleum Engineering)

At Texas A&M, the Petroleum Engineering degree offers one of the highest returns on investment in the field. The university’s close connections with the energy sector provide unparalleled opportunities for internships and job placements. Graduates frequently secure positions with lucrative salaries that significantly exceed those of similar graduates from Ivy League schools. It’s a worthwhile field for anyone interested in higher learning.

3. University of California, Berkeley (Business Administration)

Do you want to go to college in a warm state? UC Berkeley’s Haas School of Business consistently ranks among the top business schools in the world. The Bachelor in Business Administration program gives its graduates entrepreneurial skills and innovative thinking skills that are unmatched. Many go on to get high-paying roles in Silicon Valley and beyond.

4. University of Michigan (Environmental Science)

Known for its championship-winning football team, The University of Michigan is one of the best state colleges in the United States. Thousands of students go to this school not only for their athletics but also for respected programs. Graduates from this school are highly sought after by both governmental agencies and private sectors for their expertise and practical experience. Moreover, they often command higher starting salaries than their Ivy League counterparts.

5. University of Florida (Real Estate)

If you love watching HGTV, then real estate could be a good field for you to enter. The University of Florida offers a highly specialized Real Estate program that provides students with deep insights into market analysis, real estate economics, and property management. You’ll come away from your education well-prepared for high stakes investments and positions in top real estate firms. Plus, it doesn’t hurt to be on campus in a place with beautiful weather.

6. University of Washington (Information Technology)

When it comes to your degree, it’s best to be in an area where there are guaranteed opportunities. The University of Washington is situated near tech giants like Microsoft and Amazon, providing a valuable environment for IT students. The program’s curriculum is tailored to meet the demands of the rapidly evolving tech industry. Through this education, graduates will feel even more job-ready than those going to an Ivy League school.

7. University of Virginia (Law)

According to the American Bar Association, there are over 100,000 law students in the United States. UVA’s School of Law is one of the most prestigious public law schools in the country. It boasts an impressive bar passage rate and employment statistics comparable or superior to those of Ivy League law schools. The combination of lower tuition costs and excellent employment outcomes makes its law degree highly sought after.

8. California State University, Maritime Academy (Marine Engineering)

There are many respected state colleges in California. The Marine Engineering program at Cal Maritime is highly respected for its rigorous training and hands-on learning approach. The program has high job placement rates and starting salaries that top those from more prestigious universities. Many consider this school a hidden gem for those interested in marine and ocean engineering.

9. Penn State University (Supply Chain Management)

After graduating high school, many students major in general Business because they’re not sure what else to do. For those who want to focus on a specific area, Penn State’s Smeal College of Business has one of the top-rated supply chain management programs in the country. The college’s strong network and industry connections ensure that graduates are in high demand. Many receive higher starting salaries than their peers from Ivy League institutions.

10. Arizona State University (Journalism)

Many argue that journalism is a dying field. However, the Walter Cronkite School of Journalism at Arizona State University challenges that idea as being true. The school is highly regarded for its innovation in media studies and a strong emphasis on digital media skills. Graduates often find immediate employment in high-profile media positions, frequently out-earning Ivy League journalism graduates.

Higher Education

No one will laugh at you for graduating from an Ivy League school. However, if that’s just not in the cards, then these prestigious state colleges offer just as much value. You’ll get an excellent education and high earning potential by considering these degrees and programs. Students should consider their career goals and budget when deciding on where to go for higher education choices, but these schools are a safe bet.

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Alyssa Serio

Alyssa Serio has been a writer and editor since graduating from Aurora University in 2014. In her free time, she loves reading, playing volleyball, and watching any horror movie (even the bad ones) with her husband.

4 Tips for Taking Care of a Dog When You’re Broke

January 9, 2023 By Erin H Leave a Comment

It’s no secret that taking care of a dog involves money. For some pet owners, money might be tight, but that doesn’t mean you can’t be a responsible dog parent. With 85 million American homes having a pet, there are bound to be ways to make it work even when you’re on a budget! Here are some tips for taking care of a dog when your budget is limited.

1. Make Your Own Pet Treats

Making your own doggie treats can help you save money while also giving your pup something extra special. There are plenty of easy recipes that you can whip up with ingredients from your pantry. For instance, try making your pup their own peanut butter and banana treats or some pumpkin and apple ones.

There are lots of recipes online you can use to feed your pup. In addition, you might also be able to use your dog’s kibble to make some tasty treats. While you might need to split your dog’s feeding schedule between two to three times a day, you can use your pet’s kibble as a tasty treat. For instance, wetting your pet’s kibble and putting it into a Kong, then freezing it, is a great way to keep your pup entertained.

2. Shop for Pet Supplies at Thrift Stores and Secondhand Sites

If you’re looking for items like leashes, collars, pet carriers, or even clothes for your pup, you might want to consider shopping at thrift stores or secondhand sites. This can help you save money since these items are usually much cheaper than buying them brand new.

Plus, they usually have a great selection of pet items that you can choose from. Also, if you have friends with pets, ask them if they’re looking to get rid of any items. Chances are, they might have some that you can use for free! However, you will need to make sure to thoroughly clean and inspect the items before using them.

3. Make Grooming at Home a Habit

When it comes to your pet’s grooming needs, you don’t have to go to a professional groomer. You can do most of their grooming needs at home such as brushing, nail trimming, and cleaning behind their ears. Not only will you save money, but it’s also a great bonding experience for both of you!

To start your pet’s grooming routine, first, make sure you have the right tools. Make sure to get a good brush and do some research on how to properly groom your pet. There are plenty of YouTube videos and tutorials that you can use to get started. Also, shop for a removable shower head, which makes it easier to give your pup a bath at home. Investing in the right tools will make grooming at home much easier and is cheaper than taking your dog to the groomer every couple of weeks.

4. Use Reward-Based Training Methods

Training your pup doesn’t have to cost a lot of money. You can use reward-based training methods that involve positive reinforcement and treats. With this method, you use treats to motivate your pup to learn new behaviors and tricks. In addition, you can use verbal praise or petting as a reward too.

Reward-based training is an effective way to bond with your pup and teach them good manners. Plus, it doesn’t require any special equipment or lots of money. All you need is some tasty treats and lots of patience!

Many people review their estate plan regularly when they review their financial plan. Just like people review their estate plans, it’s never too late to review your pet’s care plan. Taking the time to look into ways that you can maximize your budget when it comes to taking care of your pet is always worth it! With the above tips, you can ensure that your pet has a happy and healthy life even when money is tight.