Our contributing writers leverage diverse educational and professional backgrounds to create content for NurseJournal. This piece was developed in collaboration with one or more of our writers....
By 2030, South Carolina will have a nursing deficit of 10,000 nurses. Learn about the best nursing programs in South Carolina that can prepare you to meet this demand.
Credit: John Coletti / The Image Bank / Getty Images
NurseJournal.org is an advertising-supported site. Featured or trusted partner programs and all school search, finder, or match results are for schools that compensate us. This compensation does not influence our school rankings, resource guides, or other editorially-independent information published on this site.
Are you ready to earn your online nursing degree?
Credit: John Coletti / The Image Bank / Getty Images
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services projects that by 2030, South Carolina could have an unmet need for 10,400 nurses. With 25 fully-accredited nursing schools in South Carolina and more nursing programs applying for approval, how do you choose the best option for your needs?
This guide identifies the top nursing programs in South Carolina, outlines salary and employment prospects, and explores how to earn a South Carolina nursing license.
Whether you're looking for a two-year associate degree in nursing (ADN), a four-year bachelor of science in nursing (BSN), or a graduate degree in nursing, there's a nursing program in South Carolina for your career goals.
Our Methodology: We use a data-driven methodology to rank the best nursing schools in South Carolina, making it easier for you to find a program that works for you. Our methodology is based on metrics that we believe matter most to students, including: academic quality, affordability, reputation, and program offerings.
These rankings include
NurseJournal.org is an advertising-supported site. Featured or trusted partner programs and all school search, finder, or match results are for schools that compensate us. This compensation does not influence our school rankings, resource guides, or other editorially-independent information published on this site.
from our partners. We use publicly available provisional datasets from Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) to inform the data for these schools. All data is current as of the date this article was published. Program-specific information may vary.
#1 South Carolina Nursing Schools and Programs of 2023
Anderson University
Anderson, SC
4 years
Online + Campus
Anderson University is a private Christian university offering several nursing programs at the undergraduate and graduate levels.
Students can choose from various program options, including a traditional BSN program. Those with some college experience can graduate in 15 months by enrolling in the accelerated BSN track.
Graduate students can enroll in online and hybrid programs. These programs offer students more flexibility, especially if they are already working as nurses.
Program(s): Traditional bachelor of science in nursing (TBSN); Accelerated bachelor of science in nursing (ABSN); RN to BSN; BSN to MSN (family nurse practitioner, psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner); BSN to DNP (family nurse practitioner, psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner); MSN to DNP (advanced practice nursing, executive leadership)
Campus: Anderson, South Carolina
Type: Private
Accreditation(s): Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education, Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
Admission Requirements: Undergraduate students need a high school degree and standardized tests with a minimum test score, depending on the program. Requirements for graduate students differ, but applicants need either an undergraduate or graduate degree.
Minimum Time Commitment: 15 months-4 years, depending on the program
On-Campus Requirements: Depends on the program
School NCLEX-RN Pass Rate (2022): 92.42%
Median Earnings Two Years After Graduation: $113,692 for bachelor's graduates, according to College Scorecard
Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$26,820
Out-of-state
$26,820
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$10,140
Out-of-state
$10,140
Retention Rate
84%
Admission Rate
59%
Students Enrolled
3,848
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
60%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
#2 South Carolina Nursing Schools and Programs of 2023
Bob Jones University
Greenville, SC
4 years
Online + Campus
Bob Jones University, a private Christian institution in Greenville, offers a BSN program. Students take courses on campus, enrolling in a mix of religious and nursing classes.
Students complete clinical experience over six semesters. During their fourth year, learners also take a six-week capstone practicum and a research course.
Nursing majors may also participate in the university's short-term medical mission trips. BJU offers students job support through an online career board and job fairs.
Program(s): Bachelor of science in nursing
Campus: Greenville, South Carolina
Type: Private
Accreditation(s): Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education; Transnational Association of Christian Colleges and Schools
Admission Requirements: High school transcripts or GED certificate, a personal profession of faith, and two references.
Minimum Time Commitment: Four years
On-Campus Requirements: Yes
School NCLEX-RN Pass Rate (2022): 83.87%
Median Earnings Two Years After Graduation: $60,240 for bachelor's graduates, according to College Scorecard
Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$19,288
Out-of-state
$19,288
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$8,793
Out-of-state
$8,793
Retention Rate
86%
Admission Rate
Not provided
Students Enrolled
3,029
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
21%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Transnational Association of Christian Colleges and Schools
#3 South Carolina Nursing Schools and Programs of 2023
Clemson University
Clemson, SC
4 years
Online + Campus
Clemson University offers several nursing degrees for aspiring and experienced nurses at different stages in their careers.
The traditional bachelor's program lasts four years. Students spend their second and third years in clinicals, and they also practice on high-tech human patient simulators.
The university designed the accelerated BSN for students who already have a bachelor's degree, though not necessarily in nursing. It follows a full-time, 16-month curriculum.
The RN-to-BSN program follows an online format, allowing registered nurses to pursue their bachelor's degree while working.
Clemson also offers a master's degree with a concentration in nursing education.
Program(s): Bachelor of science in nursing — traditional track; Bachelor of science in nursing — accelerated track; RN-to-BSN; Master of science in nursing
Campus: Clemson, South Carolina
Type: Public
Accreditation(s): Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education; Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
Tuition: $8,560/semester for in-state students and $20,532/semester for out-of-state students (undergraduate); $9,930/semester for in-state students and $17,450/semester for out-of-state students (graduate)
Admission Requirements: For a BSN: a high school degree; For an RN-to-BSN: an ADN with a minimum 2.75 GPA and an RN license; For an MSN: BSN with minimum 3.25 GPA, three recommendation letters, an RN license
Minimum Time Commitment: Depends on the program
On-Campus Requirements: Yes
School NCLEX-RN Pass Rate (2022): 90.61%
Median Earnings Two Years After Graduation: $57,874 for bachelor's graduates, according to College Scorecard
Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$14,118
Out-of-state
$37,110
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$10,600
Out-of-state
$22,050
Retention Rate
94%
Admission Rate
62%
Students Enrolled
26,406
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
85%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
#4 South Carolina Nursing Schools and Programs of 2023
Lander University
Greenwood, SC
4 years
Online + Campus
The school of nursing at Greenwood-based Lander College offers several healthcare-related degrees, including three nursing degrees. Students can enroll in a traditional BSN, an online RN-to-BSN, and an online MSN.
The traditional BSN consists of 120 credits, which students can complete in four years. The RN-to-BSN allows students to pick up where they left off with their ADN.
The MSN curriculum includes a clinical nurse leader concentration. Students must complete several clinical nurse leader practicum courses and 400 clinical hours. Graduates are eligible to sit for the clinical nurse leader certification exam
Program(s): Bachelor of science in nursing; RN-to-BSN; MSN with a clinical nurse leader concentration
Campus: Greenwood, South Carolina
Type: Public
Accreditation(s): Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education; Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
Tuition: $11,700 per year for in-state students and $21,300 per year for out-of-state students (undergraduate); $6,540 per year (graduate)
Admission Requirements: For a BSN: a high school degree; For an RN-to-BSN: an ADN and an RN license; For an MSN: a BSN with a minimum 3.0 GPA and RN licensure
Minimum Time Commitment: Depends on the program
On-Campus Requirements: Yes
School NCLEX-RN Pass Rate (2022): 95.83%
Median Earnings Two Years After Graduation: $56,189 for bachelor's graduates, according to College Scorecard
Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$10,700
Out-of-state
$20,300
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$8,856
Out-of-state
$16,844
Retention Rate
75%
Admission Rate
57%
Students Enrolled
3,513
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
81%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
#5 South Carolina Nursing Schools and Programs of 2023
The traditional BSN lasts four years, and students must apply to the program after completing prerequisite college coursework. Learners complete several courses in specific areas of nursing and a senior clinical practicum.
Registered nurses aiming to earn their bachelor's degree can enroll in the online RN-to-BSN program and graduate as soon as 12 months.
Program(s): Traditional BSN; RN-to-BSN completion track
Campus: Aiken, South Carolina
Type: Public
Accreditation(s): Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education; Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
Tuition: $10,398 per year for in-state students and $20,856 per year for out-of-state students (BSN); $306 per credit (Online RN-to-BSN)
Admission Requirements: For a BSN, a high school degree and a minimum 3.0 GPA in all prerequisite college courses, two references, and an essay; For an RN-to-BSN, an associate degree in nursing, a 2.5 GPA on all prior undergraduate coursework, and an RN license.
Minimum Time Commitment: Four years for the traditional BSN; 12 months for the RN-to-BSN
On-Campus Requirements: Yes (BSN); No (RN-to-BSN)
School NCLEX-RN Pass Rate (2022): 85.33%
Median Earnings Two Years After Graduation: $60,689 for bachelor's graduates, according to College Scorecard
Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$10,398
Out-of-state
$20,856
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$13,734
Out-of-state
$29,760
Retention Rate
66%
Admission Rate
56%
Students Enrolled
3,944
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
94%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
Featured Online MSN Programs
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
How to Choose a Nursing Program in South Carolina
This guide only includes accredited schools, since accreditation is vital to education and career success. Important considerations include total cost (tuition and other expenses, along with financial aid); the NCLEX-RN pass rate; acceptance rate; graduation rate; program format; curriculum; and location and where you can find clinical placement, especially if you plan to attend online.
Why Become a Nurse in South Carolina
The high demand for nurses in South Carolina puts nursing school graduates in an excellent position for job hunting. While the median salary for nurses is $66,050, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the cost of living, at 94.8, is below the U.S. index of 100. South Carolina is also a Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) state, which means nurses with a South Carolina nursing license can practice in the 39 other compact states.
In addition, South Carolina hosts some of the most beautiful cities and tourist areas of the U.S., including Myrtle Beach, Charleston, and Hilton Head Island. If you like beaches, landscaped gardens and parks, or fine southern cuisine, South Carolina has much to offer.
Salary and Job Outlook for Nurses in South Carolina
Although salaries are lower than national medians, the cost of living is also lower. With rising demand for nurses, including 9.4% projected job growth between 2018 and 2028 and an anticipated shortage of 10,400 nurses, salaries trend upward. This makes earning a degree from a nursing school in South Carolina an even more valuable investment.
Some of Charleston's most beautiful locations also offer the highest salaries in the state. Many of these cities host academic medical centers. If you are looking for an even higher salary, the lower Savannah South Carolina nonmetropolitan area's average salary for an RN is $72,920.
Highest Paying Cities for Nurses in South Carolina
South Carolina is an NLC state, so you can practice in South Carolina if you have a license from another NLC state. However, if you transfer residence to South Carolina, you must apply for a South Carolina license.
RN Requirements
Like other states, South Carolina requires prospective RNs to graduate from an ADN or BSN program and pass the NCLEX-RN examination. The state board of nursing also requires that you submit a copy of your driver's license, passport number, or equivalent identification and a notarized signature affidavit with a 2 x 2 color passport photo form.
You must pass a criminal background check. If you attended nursing school in South Carolina, have your school submit a certificate of endorsement form. If you graduated from a nursing school in another state, have your school send official transcripts.
The full requirements are on the South Carolina State Board of Nursing website.
The state board of nursing requirements include a valid South Carolina RN license; confirmation of education and specialization; and, if you intend to prescribe medications, an application for prescriptive authority, with 45 hours in completed pharmacology coursework in the last two years prior to applying. This requirement must include at least 15 hours in controlled substance pharmacology or a graduate-level pharmacology course within the last two years.
Frequently Asked Questions About Nursing in South Carolina
How much are nurses paid in South Carolina?
The median salary for South Carolina nurses is $66,050, but salaries vary based on location and experience. In the rural lower Savannah area, for example, the average salary for an RN is $72,920, because of the higher demand. The median salary for a nurse practitioner is $98,940
Is South Carolina good for nursing?
While the median salary for nurses in South Carolina is below the national median, so is the cost of living. Since South Carolina is an NLC state, attending nursing school in South Carolina allows you to practice in other NLC states. Many people move to South Carolina to enjoy affordable coastal living.
How many nursing schools does South Carolina have?
There are 25 state-approved nursing schools in South Carolina that offer two-year ADN or four-year BSN programs. The BLS projects a 9.4% growth in nursing jobs between 2018 and 2028 in South Carolina. In addition, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services projects a shortage of 10,400 nurses from 2014-2030. Because of the high demand, earning a nursing degree in South Carolina can be a great investment for your future.
How do I get my nursing license in South Carolina?
To obtain licensure in South Carolina, you must graduate nursing school with an ADN or a BSN degree, pass the NCLEX-RN exam, submit verification of your identity and eligibility to work in the U.S., and pass a criminal background check. The South Carolina State Board of Nursing website offers complete information, including fees.
Find Nursing Programs in Other States
State
NurseJournal.org is an advertising-supported site. Featured or trusted partner programs and all school search, finder, or match results are for schools that compensate us. This compensation does not influence our school rankings, resource guides, or other editorially-independent information published on this site.
Are you ready to earn your online nursing degree?
Whether you’re looking to get your pre-licensure degree or taking the next step in your career, the education you need could be more affordable than you think. Find the right nursing program for you.
Popular Resources
Resources and articles written by professionals and other nurses like you.
