Best Nursing Schools in South Carolina in 2023 (Online & On-Campus)

If you’re looking for some nursing schools in the south, you’ve come to the right place. Nursing is a profession built on love and dedication and those that have gone the distance to become a registered nurse often feel the need to keep improving. For those in South Carolina that have obtained their RN degree, the next step for many is to apply for a Bachelor of Science Nursing (BSN) degree at one of the best nursing schools in South Carolina.

On average in the United States, the yearly pay for a BSN is around $68,000. This degree allows nurses to do more for patients, let them be more involved in the leadership process at their hospital, and opens up a wide array of possible jobs for those that have previously only held an RN.

What motivation might an RN need to become a BSN? For starters, those that excelled in their nursing programs and obtained a 3.0 GPA or higher will be pleasantly challenged by the classes and clinical rotations that are typical of a BSN program. On top of more experience and better pay, those that obtain a BSN are also going to have better employment prospects and are going to be able to help more people in the process. For those that are looking to obtain their BSN, here are some of the best nursing schools in South Carolina. If you’re looking for programs a bit further north, feel free to check out our list of best nursing schools in North Carolina.

The Best Nursing Schools in South Carolina (SC)

1. Charleston Southern University, Charleston, SC

Charleston Southern University is a private university that offers a fantastic Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree. They also offer Christian values that allow nurses to be employed in a wide range of settings after graduation. They encourage their nursing students to continue their education after they obtain their BSN and do have a doctorate program.

• Nearly 100% NCLEX-RN pass rate
• ACEN accredited
• 129 hours
• $11,400 for each credit hour up to 18, then $470 per additional credit hour after 18
• Minimum 2.9 GPA in prerequisite courses

2. Francis Marion University, Florence, SC

Francis Marion University offers a generalized BSN program that allows students to prepare for a career in a wide range of medical facilities. Instead of being highly specialized which limits students, the generalized degree allows students to seek employment at a wide range of facilities after graduation.

• NCLEX-RN pass rate of 79%
• ACEN accredited
• Four-year degree
• $4,633 per semester for residents and $9,266 for non-residents
• GPA of 3.0, transcripts, and letters of recommendation

3. Lander University, Greenwood, SC

The foundation of this degree at Lander University is based on the liberal arts and also the theoretical and scientific foundations of nursing. They offer technology that helps students to understand the science of nursing to get the best education possible.

• NCLEX-RN pass rate of 95%
• ACEN accredited
• Four-year degree
• $4,572 for residents per semester and $8,652 for non-residents
• High School diploma or GED required

4. Newberry College, Newberry, SC

Newberry is a college that holds Christian values high and works to incorporate them into the nursing curriculum. Learning environments are dynamic to allow for the best possible learning opportunities.

• NCLEX-RN pass rate of 100%
• CCNE Accredited
• Four-year degree
• $24,300 for two semesters or $33,600 for students that live off-campus
• Pre-requisites required along with a 2.75 minimum GPA and TEAS-V

5. University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC

The University of South Carolina offers a typical four-year BSN program that offers an education in the history of nursing, communication, the science of nursing and much more. The university is only able to allow a full-time program for those that want to graduate.

• NCLEX-RN pass rate of 100%
• CCNE accredited
• Four-year degree
• Tuition is $12,688 for in-state students per year and $33,928 for out of state students
• Must have a high school diploma or GED

6. York Technical College and the University of South Carolina Lancaster, Rock Hill, SC

York Tech is a technical school that offers a two-year nursing degree that students can then take to the University of South Carolina Lancaster to turn into a BSN. This is a fantastic course that allows students to start out with a lesser degree then further their education in their own time.

• NCLEX-RN pass rate of 100%
• ACEN accredited
• Two-year degree followed by a second two years to complete the BSN
• Tuition is $21,684 per year
• Must have a high school diploma or GED

7. Orangeburg-Calhoun Technical College, Orangeburg, SC

Orangeburg-Calhoun Technical College promotes hands-on technical skills. It also has small class sizes for the best one-on-one opportunities possible. Students are given a chance to have one-on-one learning for the best possible outcome.

• NCLEX-RN pass rate of 100%
• Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
• Total of 15 semester hours
• Tuition is $2,208 per credit hour for in-state residents and $2,700 for out of state residents
• Must have prerequisite courses

8. Greenville Tech College, Greenville, SC

As one of the largest technical colleges in the state, Greenville Tech offers students the chance to truly succeed. They put an emphasis on proficiency.

• NCLEX-RN pass rate of 80%
• ACEN accredited
• Four-year degree
• Tuition $3,687 per year
• Must have a high school diploma or GED

9. Aiken Technical College, Graniteville, SC

Aiken Technical College offers students a warm environment that allows students to be prepared for entry-level nursing positions but also provides continuing education for those that want to further their education.

• NCELX-RN pass rate of near 100%
• Fully accredited
• Variety of program types
• Tuition is $4,712 in-state and $8,224 out-of-state
• Must be a high school graduate or have GED

10. Central Carolina Tech College, Sumter, SC

Central Carolina Tech College offers an ADN program that is accredited by the ACEN. The program works with students learning through classroom lectures and clinical rotations.

• NCLEX-RN pass rate of 94%
• ACEN accredited
• Two-year program
• Tuition is $5,075 per semester for in-state students and $7,658 for out-of-state students
• Must be a high school graduate or have GED

11. Anderson University, Anderson, SC

Anderson University offers evidence-based teaching along with Christian values in a state-of-the-art facility that gives students all the tools they need to succeed.

• NCLEX-RN pass rate of 85%
• CCNE accredited
• Four-year degree
• Tuition is $5,520
• Must be a high school graduate or have GED

12. Coastal Carolina University, Conway, SC

The Coastal Carolina University offers both an RN to BSN program for those that already have their degree as well as a 2+2 residential program for incoming freshmen.

• NCLEX-RN high pass rates
• ACEN accredited
• Two different ways to earn your degree: 2+2 residential program for freshmen and an RN to BSN
• In-state tuition of $5,768 per semester and $13,324 per semester for out-of-state students
• Must be a high school graduate or have a GED

13. Florence Darlington Technical College, Florence, SC

Florence Darlington Technical College offers both a Practical Nursing (LPN) diploma and the associate degree in Nursing (RN) for students. The College does offer an LPN to RN transition program which is three semesters in length which allows registered LPN the opportunity to become a RN in a relatively short amount of time. Program start time are each Fall semester with the RN program having an additional start time in the Spring semester as well.

• NCLEX pass rates for the RN program is 84% and the LPN is 86%
• The Nursing (RN) program is ACEN accredited
• The LPN and RN program requires 48 credit hours and 68 credit hours respectively
• Total tuition cost for each program is $11,201 for LPN and $16,000 for RN.
• Students must be high school graduates or have a GED; there are other admissions requirements depending on the program selected.

14. Horry Georgetown Technical College, Conway, SC

Horry Georgetown Technical College offers an ADN, a BSN, and a PN program. This allows students to choose the program that is going to work best for them.

• NCLEX-RN pass rate of 88%
• ACEN accredited
• Variety of programs to choose from
• Tuition is $4,710 per year
• Students must look at the particular program of their choice to find the requirements

15. Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC

The Medical University of South Carolina offers a range of different program options. They offer a DNP, Accelerated BSN, BSN and more. This allows students the chance to find the right program for them.

• NCLEX-RN pass rate of 91%
• CCNE accredited
• Variety of programs
• Tuition $910 per credit hour for the online nursing program
• Students must look at the program of interest to find specific requirements

16. Midlands Technical College, Columbia, SC

Midlands Technical College offers a wide range of programs including ADN, RN, and LPN. This gives students the opportunity to choose the program they feel best fits their needs and desired career outcomes.

• NCLEX-RN pass rate of 85%
• ACEN accredited
• Variety of programs
• Students need to look at the specific program to find requirements

17. Piedmont Technical College, Greenwood, SC

Piedmont Technical College offers a wide range of learning options and learning instruction. They offer both in-class lessons as well as clinical rotations.

• NCLEX-RN pass rate of 92%
• ACEN accredited
• Number of hours depends on the program of choice
• Tuition of $24,077 per year

18. Spartanburg Community College, Spartanburg, SC

Spartanburg Community College offers an associate degree that is perfect for building a framework for a future career in nursing.

• NCLEX-RN pass rate of 75%
• ACEN accredited
• Associate degree of two years
• Tuition is $4,200 per year
• High school graduate or GED

19. Technical College of the Low Country, Beaufort, SC

The Technical College of the Low Country offers an associate degree in nursing as well as a practical nursing diploma. Tuition is low so you can get your degree quickly and easily without going into a great deal of debt.

• NCLEX-RN pass rate of 86%
• ACEN accredited
• Offer both a PN diploma and an ADN diploma as well
• Tuition $4,080 per year
• High school graduate or GED

20. Tri-County Technical College, Pendleton, SC

Tri-County Technical offers a wide range of programs to help you fulfill your dream of becoming a nurse. They offer programs for those that are just starting out and programs for those that are transitioning into a later part of their career.

• NCLEX-RN pass rate of 90%
• ACEN accredited
• ADN, PN, LPN to ADN, and RN to BSN programs
• Tuition is $5,167 in-state and $8,815 out-of-state
• Program requirements vary

21. Trident Technical College, North Charleston, SC

Trident Technical offers a wide range of nursing programs in South Carolina from LPN, ADN, and even a pre-nursing certificate. The school offers a range of learning options and allows students to take classes both online and in-person.

• NCLEX-RN pass rate of 93%
• ACEN accredited
• Total hours in the program depend on what degree or certificate you choose
• Tuition is $4,481 in-state and out-of-state is $7,645
• Students must visit the site and determine what the program of their choice requires

22. University of South Carolina- Columbia, Columbia, SC

The Columbia branch of the University of South Carolina offers state-of-the-art equipment, lecture, and residency opportunities. The degree is evidence-based and gives students the best chance at success.

• NCLEX-RN pass rate of 95%
• CCNE accredited
• Traditional four-year degree
• Tuition is $12,262 per year for residents and $32,362 for non-residents
• High school graduate or GED, prerequisite courses

23. University of South Carolina- Beaufort, Beaufort, SC

The Beaufort branch of the University of South Carolina offers a range of similar programs as the main campus. They offer both online content and in-person lectures along with clinical rotations that prepare students for success.

• NCLEX-RN pass rate of 86%
• CCNE accredited
• Pre-licensure, BSN, accelerated BSN, Honors BSN
• Tuition is $10,454 in-state, and the out-of-state tuition is $21,230
• Program requirements vary depending on the course of study you choose

24. University of South Carolina-Upstate, Spartanburg, SC

The Mary Black School of Nursing has long been a fantastic school for those that want a hands-on education and want a student-to-teacher ratio that means success.

• NCLEX-RN pass rate of 89%
• CCNE accredited
• Four-year program
• Tuition is $11,688 in-state, and $23,190 out-of-state
• Program requirements are similar to that of a four-year degree

25. ECPI University, Charleston, SC

ECPI is an online-based university that delivers most of the content needed to graduate online. They do have a physical campus where you will need to complete your clinical rotations to attain your degree.

• High NCLEX-RN pass rate
• Accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commissions on Colleges
• ADN, RN to BSN, Practical Nursing, Master of Science in Nursing, BSN
• Tuition is $16,639 per year
• Requirements differ from program to program

26. Fortis College, Columbia, SC

Fortis works to prepare students for an entry-level nursing position. It allows students a chance at various learning experiences.

• High NCLEX-RN pass rate
• ABHES, ACCSC, ACICS, and COE accredited
• Offers an ADN degree
• Tuition varies dependent on financial aid
• Requires that students be high school graduate or have GED

27. South University, Columbia, SC

South University is a college entirely online that allows you to get your classroom learning credits online, then work on clinical rotations at approved hospitals around you.

• NCLEX-RN pass rate of 100%
• Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges accredited
• DNP, RN to BSN, MSN, as well as other programs
• Tuition is $16,761 per year
• Individual requirements vary from program to program

28. Academy for Careers and Technology, Marion, SC

The Academy for Careers and Technology offers an LPN program for those that want to start their nursing career but may not know just where to start or may not want to go right into a longer degree.

• NCLEX-RN pass rate of near 100%
• Accredited
• LPN program
• Tuition varies after financial aid
• Program requires you to be a high school graduate or have a GED

29. Denmark Technical College, Denmark, SC

Denmark Technical College offers students the chance to get a well-rounded degree with a focus on evidence-based teaching and treating patients well.

• NCLEX-RN pass rate of 100%
• South Carolina Board of Nursing accredited
• Diploma in applied science of practical nursing
• Tuition is $2,926 in-state per year and $5,542 out-of-state
• Must be a high school graduate or have a GED

30. Northeastern Technical College, Cheraw, SC

Northeastern Technical College offers a wonderful two-year degree for students that want to get a good start in their nursing career.

• High NCLEX-RN pass rates
• Accredited
• AND
• Tuition $4,062 in-state and $6,462 out-of-state

31. Bob Jones University, Greenville, SC

Bob Jones University offers both a four-year BSN degree as well as a completely online RN to BSN Completion degree.  Through the challenging classes and clinical program at BJU, you’ll be equipped with the skills and the confidence you need to succeed. But beyond that, you’ll be inspired to view nursing as a calling, not just a career.

• NCLEX-RN pass rate of over 90%
• Accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education, SACSCOC, and TRACS; and is approved by the SC Board of Nursing
• Bachelor of Science in Nursing (in resident) and RN to BSN (online)
• Tuition for the resident program is $9,550 per semester.  The online RN to BSN tuition is $450 per credit hour.
• Require that you be a high school graduate or have a GED

32. Gardner-Webb University

Gardner-Webb University offers flexibility for those that want to be a nurse and that need a program that is going to grow with them.

• NCLEX-RN pass rate of near 100%
• Accredited
• Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing, Associate of Science in Nursing/Bachelor of Science in Nursing
• Tuition $28,280 per year
• Requirements vary from program to program

33. University of South Carolina Lancaster, Lancaster, SC

The University of South Carolina-Lancaster offers both a four-year BSN degree as well as a two-year RN to BSN degree. The RN to BSN degree is partnered with York Technical College for those that want to start at York then transfer to USC Lancaster.

• NCLEX-RN pass rate of 100%
• ACEN accredited
• Two-year degree for those that are completing an RN degree or a four-year degree
• Tuition is $21,684 per year
• Must have a high school diploma or GED

34. Citadel Military College of South Carolina, Charleston, SC

The Citadel is one of the main public universities in South Carolina and the Swain Department of Nursing offers students a unique chance to earn their nursing certification. Students that are veterans and current cadets have access to a traditional four-year degree.

• NCLEX-Rn pass rates of near 100%
• Accredited
• BSN
• Tuition varies dependent on financial aid and veteran status
• Requirements vary depending on the program chosen

35. Williamsburg Technical College, Kingstree, SC

Williamsburg Technical offers students a certificate in nursing program that allows students the chance to obtain a starting degree should they want to transfer to a four-year college later to obtain their BSN. This program allows students to use both online and in-person resources to obtain their degree.

• NCLEX-RN pass rate of
• Accredited
• Certificate of nursing
• Tuition is $4,128 for in-state students and $7,608 for out of state students
• Must be a high school graduate or have GED

Online Options Open to South Carolina Students

36. Regis University Online

Regis offers a variety of nursing programs that are entirely online and that only require you to take the classes and the NCLEX-RN. This program is perfect for working students that want to earn their nursing degree in their spare time or that may not be able to devote time to a full-time on-campus program.

• NCLEX-RN pass rate of near 100%
• CCNE accredited
• Variety of programs
• Tuition is $33,710 per year
• Requirements vary from program to program

37. Bellevue University Online

This is a fantastic option for those that want a comprehensive online program that is going to prepare them for a fantastic career in nursing. This is another fantastic online school that offers a range of online programs. This type of school is great for already working nurses that want to get a higher certification while still working.

• NCLEX-RN pass rate of over 90%
• CCNE accredited
• Variety of fully online programs
• Tuition is $7,752 per year
• Program requirements vary

38. Anna Maria College Online

Anna Maria College offers a range of online nursing programs to fit the needs and aspirations of any student that decides to attend. They offer fully online programs that allow nurses to get higher certification or to get their first degree making it a perfect school for nurses at all phases of their career.

• High NCLEX-RN pass rate
• Fully accredited
• Variety of online programs
• Tuition is $35,074 per year
• Requirements vary dependent on program

39. American Sentinel Online

American Sentinel online offers a range of programs to help anyone become a fully licensed and registered nurse. This school offers entirely online classes making it a perfect option for students that are already working as nurses and that may not have the time to devote to a full-time on-campus program.

• High NCLEX-RN pass rates
• Fully accredited by CCNE
• Programs like MS, BSN, DNP and more
• Tuition is varied dependent on certain factors
• Program requirements vary from program to program

40. University of Phoenix Online

This university offers a fully online program for students that are on the go and do not have time for an on-campus degree. Students are prepared to take the NCLEX-RN with classes and assignments that challenge their learning processes.

• NCLEX-RN pass rate of nearly 100%
• Accredited by CCNE
• Programs include ADN, MSN, BSN, and more
• Tuition is $10,554
• Requirements vary dependent no program

41. University of Alabama Online

This fully online program is perfect for those that may not want to or may not have time to devote to a traditional on-campus degree. This is a widely known school and a degree from the University of Alabama should help any nurse get their foot in the door after obtaining a higher degree. This fully online program is perfect for non-traditional students that may not have time for a traditional degree.

• NCLEX-RN 95%
• Fully accredited
• BSN
• Tuition is $7,510 per year
• Must be a high school graduate or have a GED

42. Ball State University Online

This fully online program is great for students that are currently working as a nurse and simply want to further their current degree but that do not have time to complete on-campus classes. Again, online programs are perfect for non-traditional students that may already be working as a nurse and simply do not have the time to visit a campus every day for classes. Students can complete assignments on their own time and in their own space.

• NCLEX-RN pass rate 100%
• Accredited
• RN to MS and online MS, BSN
• Tuition $8,682 per year
• Requirements differ from program to program

43. Fort Hays State University Online

This is a completely online program. The university was first run out of the infirmary rooms at the Fort Hays military base but now serves more than 15,000 students. This program is perfect for students that may not have the time to pursue a typical degree or that want to simply get a higher certification in their free time while they are not working as a currently registered nurse.

• NCLEX-RN pass rate 95%
• Accredited
• BSN and MSN
• Tuition $3,450 per year
• Requirements differ from program to program

44. Maryville University Online

Maryville is a fully accredited online option for students that want a great degree but that do not want to visit a campus. This program is great for students that are already nurses and are just looking for a way to get a higher degree without having to go to campus each and every day to obtain it. They can take their licensure tests after completing the program or can simply get a higher certification for a degree that they already have.

• High NCLEX-RN pass rate
• Accredited through the CCNE
• MSN, BSN, ADN, DNP and more
• Tuition is $26,958 per year

45. Clarkson College Online

Clarkson offers five different online nursing programs to help students find the program that fits their career aspirations as well as their individual needs.

• High NCLEX-RN pass rates
• CCNE accredited
• Variety of programs to choose from
• Tuition is varied dependent on financial aid
• Requirements vary from program to program

List of Nursing Schools in South Carolina Ranking Methodology

Schools were ranked based on a variety of factors such as accreditation, pass rates, ease of access for students, and the programs that they offer.

If you represent any of the schools listed here and would like to amend or edit the information provided, please feel free to contact us.