South Carolina Nursing Schools & Programs

[hen-ui-dynamic-experience placement=”aboveTheFold” /] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services projects that by 2030, South Carolina could have an unmet need for [hen-ui-link href=”https://bhw.hrsa.gov/sites/default/files/bureau-health-workforce/data-research/nchwa-hrsa-nursing-report.pdf” target=”_blank”]10,400 nurses[/hen-ui-link]. 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?[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]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.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Keep reading to learn more about becoming a nurse in South Carolina, or go straight to our list of the best nursing schools in South Carolina or our list of [hen-ui-link href=”#ranking”]the best nurse practitioner (NP) programs in South Carolina[/hen-ui-link].[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-flex gap=”xl” align=”left” direction=”column”] [hen-ui-flex gap=”xs” align=”left” direction=”column”] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Popular Online MSN Programs[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ color=”subtext”]Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-flex] [hen-ui-dynamic-experience placement=”belowTheFold” /] [/hen-ui-flex] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]The Best Nursing Schools in South Carolina[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Whether you’re looking for a two-year associate degree in nursing (ADN), a [hen-ui-link href=”/degrees/bsn/four-year-bsn-degree/”]four-year bachelor of science in nursing (BSN)[/hen-ui-link], or a graduate degree in nursing, there’s a nursing program in South Carolina for your career goals.[/hen-ui-text]

We use trusted sources like Peterson's Data and the National Center for Education Statistics to inform the data for these schools. from our partners appear among these rankings and are indicated as such.

Anderson University

Anderson, SC
4 year
Campus + Online
Accredited

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
Tuition: $500/credit (BSN); $890/credit (ABSN); $755/credit (MSN); $855/credit (DNP)
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

60%

Online Enrollment

$10,140

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

84%

Retention Rate

$10,140

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-State

Acceptance Rate: 59%

Students Enrolled: 3,848

Institution Type: Private

Bob Jones University

Greenville, SC
4 year
Campus + Online
Accredited

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
Tuition: $10,605/semester (undergraduate); $6,900/semester (graduate)
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

21%

Online Enrollment

$8,793

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

86%

Retention Rate

$8,793

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-State

Acceptance Rate: N/A

Students Enrolled: 3,029

Institution Type: Private

Clemson University

Clemson, SC
4 year
Campus + Online
Accredited

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

85%

Online Enrollment

$10,600

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

94%

Retention Rate

$22,050

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-State

Acceptance Rate: 62%

Students Enrolled: 26,406

Institution Type: Public

Lander University

Greenwood, SC
4 year
Campus + Online
Accredited

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

81%

Online Enrollment

$ 8,856

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

75%

Retention Rate

$16,844

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-State

Acceptance Rate: 57%

Students Enrolled: 3,513

Institution Type: Public

University of South Carolina Aiken

Aiken, SC
4 year
Campus + Online
Accredited

At the University of South Carolina Aiken, students can enroll in either a traditional BSN or RN-to-BSN program.

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

94%

Online Enrollment

$13,734

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

66%

Retention Rate

$29,760

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-State

Acceptance Rate: 56%

Students Enrolled: 3,944

Institution Type: Public

[hen-ui-accordion variant=”no-background”] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”How We Rank Schools”] [hen-ui-text-stack gap=”sm”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]We use a [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/methodology/”]data-driven methodology[/hen-ui-link] to rank the best nursing programs, making it easy to find a program that meets your needs. Informed by data from the most reputable sources, including the U.S. Department of Education, our methodology is based on metrics that matter most to nursing students, including academic quality, affordability, reputation, and program offerings. This ranking is from 2022.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-text-stack] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [/hen-ui-accordion] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]How to Choose a Nursing Program in South Carolina[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]This guide only includes accredited schools, since [hen-ui-link href=”/resources//what-is-accreditation/”]accreditation is vital[/hen-ui-link] 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.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Why Become a Nurse in South Carolina[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]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 [hen-ui-link href=”https://meric.mo.gov/data/cost-living-data-series” target=”_blank”]cost of living[/hen-ui-link], at 94.8, is below the U.S. index of 100. South Carolina is also a [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.ncsbn.org/nurse-licensure-compact.htm” target=”_blank”]Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC)[/hen-ui-link] state, which means nurses with a South Carolina nursing license can practice in the 39 other compact states.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]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.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Salary and Job Outlook for Nurses in South Carolina[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Both the cost of living and median annual nursing salaries in South Carolina are lower than figures for the U.S. overall. The median salary for a registered nurse (RN) in South Carolina is $66,050, according to the BLS, compared to $75,330 nationally. Similarly, the median salary for an NP is $98,940, compared to $111,680 nationally.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Although salaries are lower than national medians, the [hen-ui-link href=”https://meric.mo.gov/data/cost-living-data-series” target=”_blank”]cost of living[/hen-ui-link] is also lower. With rising demand for nurses, including 9.4% [hen-ui-link href=”https://projectionscentral.org/” target=”_blank”]projected job growth[/hen-ui-link] between 2018 and 2028 and an [hen-ui-link href=”/articles/the-us-nursing-shortage-state-by-state-breakdown//”]anticipated shortage[/hen-ui-link] of 10,400 nurses, salaries trend upward. This makes earning a degree from a nursing school in South Carolina an even more valuable investment.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]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.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-table] [hen-ui-table-caption]Highest Paying Cities for Nurses in South Carolina[/hen-ui-table-caption] [hen-ui-table-header] [hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Top Paying Metropolitan Areas[/hen-ui-table-head] [hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Median Salary for RNs[/hen-ui-table-head] [/hen-ui-table-row] [/hen-ui-table-header] [hen-ui-table-body] [hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Spartanburg[/hen-ui-table-head] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Top Paying Metropolitan Areas”]$69,260[/hen-ui-table-cell] [/hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Charleston-North Charleston[/hen-ui-table-head] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Top Paying Metropolitan Areas”]$69,130[/hen-ui-table-cell] [/hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Hilton Head Island-Bluffton-Beaufort[/hen-ui-table-head] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Top Paying Metropolitan Areas”]$67,450[/hen-ui-table-cell] [/hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Florence[/hen-ui-table-head] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Top Paying Metropolitan Areas”]$66,240[/hen-ui-table-cell] [/hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Columbia[/hen-ui-table-head] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Top Paying Metropolitan Areas”]$66,100[/hen-ui-table-cell] [/hen-ui-table-row] [/hen-ui-table-body] [/hen-ui-table] Source: BLS [hen-ui-article-card title=”Nurse Salary in South Carolina” href=”/state/south-carolina/rn-salary/” size=”compact” border=”stroke”][/hen-ui-article-card] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Steps to Becoming a Nurse in South Carolina[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-link href=”https://llr.sc.gov/nurse/Online/Instructions.aspx#Compact” target=”_blank”]South Carolina is an NLC state[/hen-ui-link], 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.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-grid columns-md=”2″ gap=”md”] [hen-ui-card variant=”background-white” border=”stroke” padding=”lg”] [hen-ui-card-content] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]RN Requirements[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-link href=”/registered-nursing/rn-licensing-requirements-by-state/”]Like other states[/hen-ui-link], South Carolina requires prospective [hen-ui-link href=”/registered-nursing/”]RNs[/hen-ui-link] to graduate from an [hen-ui-link href=”/degrees/adn/”]ADN[/hen-ui-link] or [hen-ui-link href=”/degrees/bsn/”]BSN[/hen-ui-link] program and pass the NCLEX-RN examination. The [hen-ui-link href=”https://llr.sc.gov/nurse/” target=”_blank”]state board of nursing[/hen-ui-link] 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.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]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.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The [hen-ui-link href=”https://llr.sc.gov/nurse/Online/Instructions.aspx” target=”_blank”]full requirements[/hen-ui-link] are on the South Carolina State Board of Nursing website.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-card-content] [/hen-ui-card] [hen-ui-card variant=”background-white” border=”stroke” padding=”lg”] [hen-ui-card-content] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]APRN Requirements[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]For [hen-ui-link href=”/careers/advanced-practice-nursing/”]advanced practice registered nurse[/hen-ui-link] (APRN) licensing, you need a [hen-ui-link href=”/degrees/msn/”]master of science in nursing[/hen-ui-link] (MSN) or a [hen-ui-link href=”/degrees/dnp//”]doctor of nursing practice[/hen-ui-link] (DNP). You must also pass the board certification examination.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The [hen-ui-link href=”https://llr.sc.gov/nurse/Online/APRNUPDATELEAD.aspx” target=”_blank”]state board of nursing requirements[/hen-ui-link] include a valid South Carolina RN license; confirmation of education and specialization; and, if you intend to prescribe medications, an [hen-ui-link href=”https://llr.sc.gov/nurse/pdf/Prescriptive_Authority_App.PDF” target=”_blank”]application for prescriptive authority[/hen-ui-link], 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.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-card-content] [/hen-ui-card] [/hen-ui-grid] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Other Top Nursing Programs in South Carolina[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-grid columns=”1″ columns-md=”2″ gap=”md”] [hen-ui-article-card title=”Top South Carolina RN to BSN Degree Programs” href=”/state/south-carolina/rn-to-bsn/” size=”compact” border=”stroke”][/hen-ui-article-card] [hen-ui-article-card title=”Top RN To MSN Programs in South Carolina” href=”/state/south-carolina/msn-programs/” size=”compact” border=”stroke”][/hen-ui-article-card] [/hen-ui-grid] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Frequently Asked Questions About Nursing in South Carolina[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-accordion variant=”no-background”] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”How much are nurses paid in South Carolina?” expanded=”true”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]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[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”Is South Carolina good for nursing?”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]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.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”How many nursing schools does South Carolina have?”] [hen-ui-text-stack gap=”sm”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]There are 25 state-approved nursing schools in South Carolina that offer two-year ADN or four-year BSN programs. [hen-ui-link href=”https://projectionscentral.org/” target=”_blank”]The BLS projects[/hen-ui-link] 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 [hen-ui-link href=”/articles/why-is-there-a-nursing-shortage//”]projects a shortage[/hen-ui-link] 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.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-text-stack] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”How do I get my nursing license in South Carolina?”] [hen-ui-text-stack gap=”sm”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]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 [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.llr.sc.gov/nurse/” target=”_blank”]South Carolina State Board of Nursing website[/hen-ui-link] offers complete information, including fees.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-text-stack] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [/hen-ui-accordion] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Find Nursing Programs in Other States[/hen-ui-heading]

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