Top 10 Best Nursing Schools in South Carolina
Find out the best nursing schools in South Carolina as ranked by our panel of experienced nurses.
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
Annual In-State Tuition: $10,398 | NCLEX Pass Rate: 92.31%
Traditional: Yes
Online: Yes
Accelerated: No
Bridge: No
The 3,100 students enrolled last year was less than previous years for USC Aiken, which is a relatively young state school. Founded in 1961, USC Aiken has quickly turned into a full university that offers programs at the undergraduate and graduate level. However, the only options in the nursing school 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.
2. Anderson University - South Carolina
Annual Tuition: $32,120 | NCLEX Pass Rate: 88.24%
Traditional: Yes
Online: No
Accelerated: Yes
Bridge: Yes
Anderson University is located in the city of Anderson, known by locals as the “Friendliest City in South Carolina.” Anderson University, or AU, might be private, but 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 and students have the opportunity to travel to Managua, Nicaragua for a week to volunteer at a healthcare clinic, as well as deliver lectures to local nursing students.
In the past healthcare was administered to residents in a nursing home, supplies were delivered to children in an orphanage, and bible stories were shared with the patients in a children's cancer ward.
3. University of South Carolina Beaufort
Annual In-State Tuition: $10,344 | NCLEX Pass Rate: 91.43%
Traditional: Yes
Online: Yes
Accelerated: No
Bridge: No
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.
4. Medical University of South Carolina
Annual In-State Tuition: $23,433 | NCLEX Pass Rate: 98.39%
Traditional: No
Online: Yes
Accelerated: Yes
Bridge: 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 a 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.
5. Clemson University
Annual In-State Tuition: $15,120 | NCLEX Pass Rate: 95.41%
Traditional: Yes
Online: Yes
Accelerated: Yes
Bridge: 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,
-
Accelerated Second Degree in Nursing
Unlike most traditional BSN programs, students can enter the program as freshmen, transfer in, or enter the program after their freshman or sophomore year.
6. University of South Carolina
Annual In-State Tuition: $12,688| NCLEX Pass Rate: 99.47%
Traditional: Yes
Online: Yes
Accelerated: No
Bridge: Yes
The University of South Carolina is often considered one of the best all-around colleges in South Carolina. The 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, all while continuing to work. Almost every nursing student passed the NCLEX last year, an excellent sign for future students.
7. Lander University
Annual In-State Tuition: $11,700 | NCLEX Pass Rate: 97.62%
Traditional: Yes
Online: Yes
Accelerated: No
Bridge: No
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) with a focus 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.
8. Newberry College
Annual Tuition: $26,350 | NCLEX Pass Rate: 83.33%
Traditional: Yes
Online: Yes
Accelerated: No
Bridge: No
Considered one of the top schools in the region both for value and quality, Newberry College places a focus 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.
9. University of South Carolina Upstate
Annual In-State Tuition: $11,208 | NCLEX Pass Rate: 83.44%
Traditional: Yes
Online: No
Accelerated: No
Bridge: No
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 be committing 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 — and admission is not guaranteed by USC Upstate. However, students that do get in will earn a BSN from one of the top universities in South Carolina.
10. Francis Marion University
Annual In-State Tuition: $11,160 | NCLEX Pass Rate: 93.33%
Traditional: Yes
Online: Yes
Accelerated: No
Bridge: No
Located in Florence, South Carolina, Francis Marion University has small class sizes that average 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) along with four graduate-level degrees. The traditional BSN is a 2+2 program, meaning two years of lower-division courses must be finished before students can apply for upper-division courses. So, two years of schooling must be completed before students find out if they’re accepted into the nursing school.
Nurse Salary and Job Outlook
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS),
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South Carolina nurses earn a median wage of $69,580.
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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:
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High school transcript (GPA)
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ACT and/or SAT scores
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College entrance essay(s)
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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:
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Submit proof that you earned a degree from a board-recognized program
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Take and pass the NCLEX-RN
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Pass a criminal background check, submit your fingerprints, and pay an application fee
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Apply online through the South Carolina Board of Nursing
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.
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