DEGREES

Top 10 Best Nursing Schools in South Carolina

Written By: Nurse.org Staff

Expert review by: Kathleen Gaines

MSN, RN, BA, CBC

16 Min Read Published June 5, 2024

Top 10 Nursing Schools in South Carolina
Nurse Salary and Job Outlook
Next Steps
Choosing a Nursing School
Getting a License in South Carolina
Conclusion

Find out the best nursing schools in South Carolina as ranked by our panel of experienced nurses.

Popular Online RN-to-BSN Programs

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Top 10 Nursing Schools in South Carolina

This is a panel-reviewed selection based on a number of factors, including,

Reputation
NCLEX-RN pass rate
Tuition
Acceptance rate, when available
Only ACEN or CCNE-accredited schools are eligible

Our selection panel includes 4 Registered Nurses with over 55 years of combined nursing experience and 7 nursing degrees.

Tracy Everhart, MSN, RN, CNS
Tyler Faust, MSN, RN
Kathleen Gaines MSN, RN, BA, CBC
Leah Helmbrecht, BSN, RN

Because nursing careers take different forms, the top 10 South Carolina nursing schools are ranked in no particular order.

1. University of South Carolina Aiken

In-State Tuition

N/A

Out-of-State Tuition

N/A

Accreditation

CCNE

Online?

Yes

USC Aiken, a relatively young state school founded in 1961, had fewer students enrolled last year than in previous years. However, it has quickly become a full university offering programs at the undergraduate and graduate levels.

However, the only nursing school options are a traditional BSN or an RN-to-BSN. With a low in-state cost and a high NCLEX pass rate for graduates, this is an ideal school for South Carolina natives looking for a small, affordable university.

School Information:

Public or Private? Public
Acceptance Rate: N/A
Percent Enrolled Online: 19%

Tuition:

In-State Tuition Per Credit Hour: $686
Out-of-State Tuition Per Credit Hour: $1,398

Contact Information:

Address: 179 Ashley Ave, Charleston, SC
Website

School Success:

Retention Rate: N/A
Median Earnings 2 Years After Completing a BSN: $57,033

2. Anderson University - South Carolina

In-State Tuition

$30,860 per year

Out-of-State Tuition

$30,860 per year

Accreditation

CCNE

Online?

Anderson University is located in Anderson, known by locals as the “Friendliest City in South Carolina.” Although Anderson University, or AU, might be private, U.S. News and World Report ranks it as one of the best value schools in the South.

The nursing program is one of the most advanced in the region and is home to the nation’s only cadaver lab designed specifically for nursing students. Anderson University is a faith-based university. Students can travel to Managua, Nicaragua, for a week to volunteer at a healthcare clinic and deliver lectures to local nursing students.

School Information:

Public or Private? Private
Acceptance Rate: 45%
Percent Enrolled Online: 21%

Tuition:

In-State Tuition Per Credit Hour: $700
Out-of-State Tuition Per Credit Hour: $700

Contact Information:

Address: 316 Boulevard, Anderson, SC
Website

School Success:

Retention Rate: 81%
Median Earnings 2 Years After Completing a BSN: $57,657

3. University of South Carolina Beaufort

In-State Tuition

$10,344 per year

Out-of-State Tuition

$21,390 per year

Accreditation

CCNE

Online?

Despite only having less than 2,000 students, USCB is still a full-fledged university, offering 30 programs, small class sizes, and an impressive 15:1 student-to-faculty ratio.

Despite being such a small school, USCB offers various BSN options for students, including a traditional BSN, RN to BSN, and Honors BSN. The Honors BSN allows for direct entry from high school, removing any doubt for applicants. However, students must have the academics for the USCB’s Honors Program.

School Information:

Public or Private? Public
Acceptance Rate: 80%
Percent Enrolled Online: 17%

Tuition:

In-State Tuition Per Credit Hour: $431
Out-of-State Tuition Per Credit Hour: $891

Contact Information:

Address: 1 University Boulevard, Bluffton, SC
Website

School Success:

Retention Rate: 61%
Median Earnings 2 Years After Completing a BSN: $57,318

Popular Online RN-to-BSN Programs

4. Medical University of South Carolina

In-State Tuition

N/A

Out-of-State Tuition

N/A

Accreditation

CCNE

Online?

Yes

Medical University of South Carolina began as a private medical school but has since established itself as one of the top medical schools in the nation. Most students at MUSC are pursuing a graduate or doctoral degree, although some undergraduate options are available.

Nursing students can choose from an RN to BSN or an accelerated BSN. Both options also lay the groundwork for graduate education and translate seamlessly into MUSC’s graduate nursing program. If you’re eligible for one of the BSN programs, this is an excellent way to get a head start on a doctor of nursing practice (DNP). MUSC College of Nursing’s online RN-BSN program has been named 3rd in the nation for Best Online Bachelor’s Programs by US News & World Report, 2022 rankings.

School Information:

Public or Private? Public
Acceptance Rate: N/A
Percent Enrolled Online: 19%

Tuition:

In-State Tuition Per Credit Hour: $686
Out-of-State Tuition Per Credit Hour: $1,398

Contact Information:

Address: 179 Ashley Ave, Charleston, SC
Website

School Success:

Retention Rate: N/A
Median Earnings 2 Years After Completing a BSN: $57,033

5. Clemson University

In-State Tuition

$14,118 per year

Out-of-State Tuition

$38,062 per year

Accreditation

CCNE

Online?

Yes

Known for its Championship Football team, Clemson University is one of the premier colleges in the South. With over 20,000 undergraduate students, Clemson offers countless options for nursing students. Clemson has several undergraduate options, including a traditional BSN, RN-BSN bridge, and ABSN.

Unlike most traditional BSN programs, students can enter the program as freshmen, transfer in, or enter it after their freshman or sophomore year.

School Information:

Public or Private? Public
Acceptance Rate: 43%
Percent Enrolled Online: 8%

Tuition:

In-State Tuition Per Credit Hour: $657
Out-of-State Tuition Per Credit Hour: $1,698

Contact Information:

Address: 201 Sikes Hall, Clemson, SC
Website

School Success:

Retention Rate: 92%
Median Earnings 2 Years After Completing a BSN: $57,874

6. University of South Carolina

In-State Tuition

$12,288 per year

Out-of-State Tuition

$33,528 per year

Accreditation

CCNE

Online?

Yes

The University of South Carolina is often considered one of the best colleges in the state. Its campus in Columbia is home to nearly 27,000 students, many of whom are from other states or countries.

Nursing students have two options at USC: a traditional BSN and an online RN to BSN. Current RNs can complete the online BSN in just 12 months while continuing to work. Almost every nursing student passed the NCLEX last year, an excellent sign for future students.

School Information:

Public or Private? Public
Acceptance Rate: 64%
Percent Enrolled Online: 9%

Tuition:

In-State Tuition Per Credit Hour: $512
Out-of-State Tuition Per Credit Hour: $1,397

Contact Information:

Address: Columbia-Campus, Columbia, SC
Website

School Success:

Retention Rate: 90%
Median Earnings 2 Years After Completing a BSN: $60,405

7. Lander University

In-State Tuition

$10,700 per year

Out-of-State Tuition

$20,300 per year

Accreditation

CCNE

Online?

One of Lander University’s goals is to offer high-quality programs that lead to high-demand jobs, and nursing is no exception. Three nursing programs are available at Lander: a traditional BSN, an online RN to BSN, and a master’s of science in nursing (MSN) focusing on clinical nurse leadership. Over the past five years, graduates of the traditional BSN have had a 95% pass rate on the NCLEX or higher, including a perfect pass rate in 2020.

School Information:

Public or Private? Public
Acceptance Rate: 67%
Percent Enrolled Online: 19%

Tuition:

In-State Tuition Per Credit Hour: $446
Out-of-State Tuition Per Credit Hour: $846

Contact Information:

Address: 320 Stanley Avenue, Greenwood, SC
Website

School Success:

Retention Rate: 66%
Median Earnings 2 Years After Completing a BSN: $56,189

8. Newberry College

In-State Tuition

$26,350 per year

Out-of-State Tuition

$26,350 per year

Accreditation

CCNE

Online?

Considered one of the top schools in the region both for value and quality, Newberry College focuses on academics, personal growth, and civic values. Founded in Lutheran traditions, students at Newberry are highly encouraged to volunteer and grow spiritually.

While students are encouraged to volunteer, it is not required for students in the nursing program. An online RN to BSN is also available, and current RNs can finish this degree in less than a year. Newberry College also offers a BSN Prelicensure Track in partnership with Lexington Medical Center.

School Information:

Public or Private? Private
Acceptance Rate: 75%
Percent Enrolled Online: 4%

Tuition:

In-State Tuition Per Credit Hour: $968
Out-of-State Tuition Per Credit Hour: $968

Contact Information:

Address: 2100 College St, Newberry, SC
Website

School Success:

Retention Rate: 69%
Median Earnings 2 Years After Completing a BSN: $56,415

9. University of South Carolina Upstate

In-State Tuition

$11,208 per year

Out-of-State Tuition

$22,170 per year

Accreditation

CCNE

Online?

Yes

The University of South Carolina Upstate is another quickly growing public school. Currently home to approximately 5,000 students, USC Upstate has been ranked as one of the top public schools in the region.

Students interested in a BSN will commit to a four-year track that does not guarantee acceptance into the program. After two years of study, students will apply to the upper-division courses. Students who do get in will earn a BSN from one of the top universities in South Carolina.

School Information:

Public or Private? Public
Acceptance Rate: 79%
Percent Enrolled Online: 24%

Tuition:

In-State Tuition Per Credit Hour: $467
Out-of-State Tuition Per Credit Hour: $946

Contact Information:

Address: 800 University Way, Spartanburg, SC
Website

School Success:

Retention Rate: 64%
Median Earnings 2 Years After Completing a BSN: $57,512

10. Francis Marion University

In-State Tuition

$10,384 per year

Out-of-State Tuition

$20,768 per year

Accreditation

CCNE

Online?

Yes

Located in Florence, South Carolina, Francis Marion University has small class sizes, averaging just 20 students. There is no shortage of options for nursing students. Francis Marion offers three BSN options (traditional, RN to BSN, and RN to BSN for veterans) and four graduate-level degrees.

The traditional BSN is a 2+2 program, meaning students must complete two years of lower-division courses before applying for upper-division courses. Thus, students must complete two years of schooling before determining if they’re accepted into nursing school.

School Information:

Public or Private? Public
Acceptance Rate: 83%
Percent Enrolled Online: 9%

Tuition:

In-State Tuition Per Credit Hour: $519
Out-of-State Tuition Per Credit Hour: $1,038

Contact Information:

Address: 4822 East Palmetto Street, Florence, SC
Website

School Success:

Retention Rate: 65%
Median Earnings 2 Years After Completing a BSN: $58,866

Nurse Salary and Job Outlook

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS),

South Carolina nurses earn a median wage of $69,580.
South Carolina is home to 46,160 and employs more nurses per capita than the national average.

South Carolina may not be the highest-paying state for nurses, but the cost of living in SC is lower than the national average, according to BestPlaces.

Also, because South Carolina employs more nurses per capita than the national average, recent graduates may have an easier time finding a position in-state than elsewhere.

Even if you don’t want to work in-state, South Carolina is part of the Enhanced Nursing Licensure Compact (eNLC), meaning a nursing license in South Carolina will transfer to most states.

Next Steps

Students should always plan on applying to multiple schools of varying types and sizes. While public schools can be more affordable, private schools may offer financial aid to remain competitive. Also, while a large school may seem fun, smaller schools might have a higher admission rate for the BSN degree.

After you’ve selected the schools you’re interested in, the next steps are to:

Contact each school’s admissions offices. If you have any questions about the admissions process, admissions officers can answer them. Their jobs are to help students with the application process. They can even help you find out if you’re meeting the nursing school’s admissions requirements.

Make sure you meet the nursing school requirements. Yes, nursing schools often have their own set of requirements! Nursing schools tend to have stricter requirements than the university they’re a part of, so simply meeting a university’s admissions standards may not be enough.

Submit your application(s). Once you’ve gathered all your materials, the last step is to submit your applications. Some schools use the Common App where you submit one application to multiple schools. Make sure you’re submitting everything you need for each school.

Required materials typically include:

High school transcript (GPA)
ACT and/or SAT scores
College entrance essay(s)
Letter(s) of recommendation

Schools may also request other information, such as volunteer experience, extracurricular activities, or even grades for specific courses.

Choosing a Nursing School

When a school reviews and accepts your application, you’ll receive a letter in the mail. This is a big step for future college students! However, students often receive multiple acceptance letters, meaning they’ll need to pick which school to attend. The school you choose will have an impact on your future career as a nurse, so consider what each school is offering and how it correlates with your goals.

Other factors you’ll want to consider include:

Annual tuition and total program cost (these can be different)
Financial aid, scholarships, and grants offered
Fees associated with the school and/or program
Commute to hospitals for clinicals
Cost of living on-campus versus off-campus
Acceptance rate (both for the school and the nursing program)
Unique aspects to each program
School’s accreditation (regional and national)
Clinical placements and hours
Why you should care about the nursing program’s accreditation

Accreditation is a way of standardizing quality for schools and programs. Schools can either be accredited regionally or nationally, so make sure each school you apply to has either a national or regional accreditation. Nursing programs can also be accredited, and you should not apply to an unaccredited nursing program.

Prior to applying to a college, ensure that it’s accredited by one or both of these accrediting bodies:

If a school doesn’t have one of these two accreditations, you may not be eligible for federal financial aid and could have a hard time finding work as a nurse.

Getting a License in South Carolina

As mentioned before, South Carolina is part of the Enhanced Nursing Licensure Compact (eNLC), meaning a license in South Carolina is also accepted in most states. To be part of the eNLC, South Carolina must adhere to minimum nursing standards. Fortunately, any prerequisites you need to become a nurse in SC should be satisfied after you earn a BSN and pass the NCLEX.

To get a license in South Carolina, you’ll need to:

Submit proof that you earned a degree from a board-recognized program
Take and pass the NCLEX-RN
Pass a criminal background check, submit your fingerprints, and pay an application fee
Apply online through the South Carolina Board of Nursing

Popular Online RN-to-BSN Programs

Conclusion

With thousands of nursing jobs and some of the best nursing schools in the region, South Carolina is an excellent place for nurses to earn a degree and start a career. Not only are schools affordable for in-state students, but some are nationally recognized for their quality. If nurses want to move away from South Carolina, their license will transfer to most states thanks to the eNLC.