2022 - Best Nursing Schools in South Carolina

Overview of Nursing Schools in South Carolina

About Nursing Schools in South Carolina

An associate’s degree in nursing or diploma will provide you with the educational requirements need for a nursing license and a rewarding career in healthcare. When ready, obtaining a Bachelor’s of Science in nursing degree will set you apart from your colleagues and open up more job opportunities. Baccalaureate prepared nurses will find that they have more career mobility and more access to specialty areas of certification and licensure. South Carolina is in the midst of a shortage of nurse educators. Nurses who have obtained a BSN degree will be qualified to teach entry-level nursing courses as well as clinical rotations at select colleges and teaching hospitals.

In our South Carolina RN program guide, find rankings for both ADN and BSN Degree programs, tuition costs, NCLEX passing rates, and more. Research key South Carolina RN Program information to help you compare program metrics and to apply to best RN program for your career in nursing.

In the State of South Carolina, nurses are helping to change the face of healthcare. To ensure that they have the best education and preparation for future health care challenges, registered nurses need to graduate from a state-approved associate's degree in nursing program or a BSN degree program.

Nurses who graduate from an RN program can obtain certification in over 100 nursing specialties, go on to earn an RN to BSN or RN to MSN degree.

BSN degree holders have options to earn an Advance Practice Register Nursing (APRN) degree and become a Nurse Practitioner (NP), or earn an advanced degree for a career in any number of nursing leadership roles such Nurse Educator or Clinical Nurse Specialist.

South Carolina RN Program Comparisons: ADN vs BSN

Nursing Programs Offered by South Carolina Nursing Schools

• Registered Nursing: 31
• Family Nurse Practitioner: 4
• CNL: 2
• Adult Acute Care Nurse Practitioner: 1
• Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner: 1
• Adult Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner: 1
• Adult Nurse Practitioner: 1
• Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner: 1
• Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner: 1

South Carolina Nursing Schools with the Most Degree Types

• Medical University of South Carolina: 5
• University of South Carolina-Columbia: 4
• Clemson University: 3
• University of South Carolina-Upstate: 2
• Francis Marion University: 2
• Lander University: 2
• Aiken Technical College: 1
• Spartanburg Community College: 1
• Tri-County Technical College: 1
• Technical College of the Lowcountry: 1

Best Ranked RN Programs in South Carolina

To help nursing students in their search for a top RN program, the education experts at RNCareers.org publish their annual findings of the best nursing schools for both South Carolina and the country. Schools ranked on our list have proven their ability to educate highly competent nurses.

To create our rankings, we evaluated 15 ADN degree programs and 13 BSN degree programs in South Carolina. We obtained each institution’s first-time NCLEX-RN passing rates, the number of students taking the test, the program nursing accreditation and more. We then compared the results against other nursing programs in South Carolina to provide our state rankings. View our methodology. 

University of South Carolina-Columbia

99.39% 3-Year
Pass Rate

• 
  Columbia-Campus, Columbia, SC - 29208
• 
  (803) 777-7000

Nurse Admin: Dawson,

Title: Director, Smart Start Nursing Program and Assistant Professor

• NCLEX Passing Rate: (A) 99.39%
• Programs: Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner, Family Nurse Practitioner, Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, Registered Nursing
• Award Levels: Bachelor, BSN to DNP, BSN to PhD, MSN, MSN to DNP, Post Master's NP Certificate

The University of South Carolina is a public institution in Columbia, South Carolina. It is one of the best nursing colleges in the state and a prime destination for out-of-state students as well. Admission to this public institution is competitive, with different application processes for undergraduate and graduate programs. The

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University Information

• Total Faculty: 1956
• In-State Undergraduate Tuition: $12,688
• Book and Supplies: $1,085
• Percent Received Aid: 94%
• Average Grant or Scholarship: $6,405
• Percent Admitted: 68%
• Percent Admitted who Enrolled: 24%
• Graduation Rate: 78%

York Technical College/USC Lancaster

98.60% 3-Year
Pass Rate

• 
  452 S Anderson Rd, Rock Hill, SC - 29730
• 
  (803) 327-8000

Nurse Admin: Claudine Jones,

Title: Nursing Department Chair

• NCLEX Passing Rate: (A) 98.60%
• Programs: Registered Nursing
• Award Levels: Associate

York Technical College is a public college located in Rock Hill, South Carolina. Nursing at YTC is a collaborative effort with the University of South Carolina Lancaster, and students (including LPN students earning an AAS degree) prepare for advanced degrees at the university. The nursing program at York Technical College

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University Information

• Total Faculty: 111
• In-State Undergraduate Tuition: $5,050
• Book and Supplies: $10,354
• Percent Received Aid: 93%
• Average Grant or Scholarship: $4,508
• Percent Admitted: N/A
• Percent Admitted who Enrolled: N/A
• Graduation Rate: 25%

Lander University

School of Nursing

97.32% 3-Year
Pass Rate

• 
  320 Stanley Avenue, Greenwood, SC - 29649-2099
• 
  (864) 388-8000

Nurse Admin: Holisa Wharton, PhD, RN

Title: Dean

• NCLEX Passing Rate: (A) 97.32%
• Programs: CNL, Registered Nursing
• Award Levels: Bachelor, MSN

Lander University at Greenwood, South Carolina is a public institution. The nursing program at Lander University is ranked among the very best in the state and has been acting as a leader in nursing education for more than 50 years. Lander University provides high-demand, market-driven programs to ambitious and talented

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University Information

• Total Faculty: 155
• In-State Undergraduate Tuition: $11,700
• Book and Supplies: $1,200
• Percent Received Aid: 100%
• Average Grant or Scholarship: $10,312
• Percent Admitted: 57%
• Percent Admitted who Enrolled: 27%
• Graduation Rate: 49%

Clemson University

School of Nursing

96.01% 3-Year
Pass Rate

• 
  201 Sikes Hall, Clemson, SC - 29634
• 
  (864) 656-4636

Nurse Admin: Kathleen L. Valentine, PhD, RN

Title: Director And Chief Academic Nursing Officer

• NCLEX Passing Rate: (A) 96.01%
• Programs: Adult Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner, Family Nurse Practitioner, Registered Nursing
• Award Levels: Accelerated BSN, Bachelor, MSN, Post Master's NP Certificate

Clemson University, College of Behavioral, Social and Health Sciences is a public institution ranked highly in terms of the NCLEX-RN pass rates, graduation rates, and course completion rates. Their nationally recognized nursing program is focused on equipping students to make a significant difference in healthcare. CU's comprehensive Nursing Program prepares

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University Information

• Total Faculty: 1764
• In-State Undergraduate Tuition: $15,558
• Book and Supplies: $1,248
• Percent Received Aid: 89%
• Average Grant or Scholarship: $9,287
• Percent Admitted: 62%
• Percent Admitted who Enrolled: 24%
• Graduation Rate: 85%

Medical University of South Carolina

College of Nursing

95.22% 3-Year
Pass Rate

• 
  179 Ashley Ave, Charleston, SC - 29425
• 
  (843) 792-2300

Nurse Admin: Linda Weglicki, PhD, RN

Title: Dean

• NCLEX Passing Rate: (A) 95.22%
• Programs: Adult Acute Care Nurse Practitioner, Adult Nurse Practitioner, Family Nurse Practitioner, Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner, Registered Nursing
• Award Levels: Accelerated BSN, Bachelor, BSN to DNP, BSN to PhD, MSN, MSN to DNP

Charleston, South Carolina is home to the Medical University of South Carolina. The Medical University of South Carolina's nursing school is a public institution. As the state’s only comprehensive academic health science center, its purpose is to serve and optimize human life in South Carolina through its vision to lead

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University Information

• Total Faculty: 1249
• In-State Undergraduate Tuition: N/A
• Book and Supplies: N/A
• Percent Received Aid: N/A
• Average Grant or Scholarship: $1,308,931
• Percent Admitted: N/A
• Percent Admitted who Enrolled: N/A
• Graduation Rate: N/A

University of South Carolina-Aiken

School of Nursing

94.24% 3-Year
Pass Rate

• 
  471 University Pkwy, Aiken, SC - 29801
• 
  (803) 648-6851

Nurse Admin: Thayer McGahee, PhD, RN

Title: Dean

• NCLEX Passing Rate: (A) 94.24%
• Programs: Registered Nursing
• Award Levels: Bachelor

The University of South Carolina-nursing Aiken's school is a public institution in Aiken, South Carolina. The college creates a welcoming environment that is responsive to the students and their needs. The students here play an active role in their education. In addition to traditional classroom education and clinical practice, the

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University Information

• Total Faculty: 158
• In-State Undergraduate Tuition: $10,760
• Book and Supplies: $1,240
• Percent Received Aid: 97%
• Average Grant or Scholarship: $6,644
• Percent Admitted: 56%
• Percent Admitted who Enrolled: 32%
• Graduation Rate: 41%

Greenville Technical College

Nursing Division

94.20% 3-Year
Pass Rate

• 
  506 S Pleasantburg Dr, Greenville, SC - 29606
• 
  (864) 250-8000

Nurse Admin: Tracy Hudgins, DNP, RN, CNE, NE-BC

Title: Academic Program Chair

• NCLEX Passing Rate: (A) 94.20%
• Programs: Registered Nursing
• Award Levels: Associate

Greenville Technical College of the nursing program is a public institution in Greenville, South Carolina. They have been in operation since 1971 and are one of the largest nursing programs in South Carolina. Employers express confidence in the program and the skills new nurses bring to the job, which is

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University Information

• Total Faculty: 346
• In-State Undergraduate Tuition: $4,778
• Book and Supplies: $9,410
• Percent Received Aid: 95%
• Average Grant or Scholarship: $3,967
• Percent Admitted: N/A
• Percent Admitted who Enrolled: N/A
• Graduation Rate: N/A

Aiken Technical College

93.50% 3-Year
Pass Rate

• 
  2276 Jefferson Davis Highway, Graniteville, SC - 29829
• 
  (803) 508-7263

Nurse Admin: Hannah Williams,

Title: Chair, Nursing

• NCLEX Passing Rate: (A) 93.50%
• Programs: Registered Nursing
• Award Levels: Associate

The University of South Carolina-nursing Aiken's school is a public institution in Aiken, South Carolina. The college creates a welcoming environment that is responsive to the students and their needs. The students here play an active role in their education. In addition to traditional classroom education and clinical practice, the

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University Information

• Total Faculty: 52
• In-State Undergraduate Tuition: $4,946
• Book and Supplies: $6,880
• Percent Received Aid: 99%
• Average Grant or Scholarship: $4,438
• Percent Admitted: N/A
• Percent Admitted who Enrolled: N/A
• Graduation Rate: 26%

Anderson University

School of Nursing

93.32% 3-Year
Pass Rate

• 
  316 Boulevard, Anderson, SC - 29621-4035
• 
  (864) 231-2000

Nurse Admin: Cynthia R. Cross, DNP, MBA, MSN, RN

Title: Interim Chief Nurse Administrator

• NCLEX Passing Rate: (A) 93.32%
• Programs: Registered Nursing
• Award Levels: Accelerated BSN, APRN Certificate, Bachelor, MSN, MSN to DNP

Anderson University is a private not-for-profit institution located in Anderson, South Carolina. Ranked among the top universities for nursing in the state, Anderson University delivers nursing education that is rooted in its Christ-centered ethos. To prepare the next generation of quality healthcare providers and leaders, the university houses faculty made

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University Information

• Total Faculty: 163
• In-State Undergraduate Tuition: $1,200
• Book and Supplies: N/A
• Percent Received Aid: 100%
• Average Grant or Scholarship: $20,431
• Percent Admitted: 59%
• Percent Admitted who Enrolled: 31%
• Graduation Rate: 57%

Bob Jones University

Division of Nursing

92.68% 3-Year
Pass Rate

• 
  1700 Wade Hampton Boulavard, Greenville, SC - 29614-0001
• 
  (864) 242-5100

Nurse Admin: Megan E. Lanpher, MSN, ACNP-BC

Title: Chair

• NCLEX Passing Rate: (A) 92.68%
• Programs: Registered Nursing
• Award Levels: Bachelor

Bob Jones University is a private for-profit university in Greenville, South Carolina. Through practice and research, Bob Jones University of Nursing seeks to prepare exemplary nurse leaders who integrate education, service, and scholarship.  The graduates are committed to improving the lives of rural and diverse populations. BJU is a Christian

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University Information

• Total Faculty: 167
• In-State Undergraduate Tuition: $1,200
• Book and Supplies: N/A
• Percent Received Aid: 96%
• Average Grant or Scholarship: $11,753
• Percent Admitted: N/A
• Percent Admitted who Enrolled: N/A
• Graduation Rate: 65%

Trident Technical College

92.40% 3-Year
Pass Rate

• 
  7000 Rivers Avenue, Charleston, SC - 29423-8067
• 
  (843) 574-6111

Nurse Admin: Nancy Hilburn,

Title: Dean

• NCLEX Passing Rate: (A) 92.40%
• Programs: Registered Nursing
• Award Levels: Associate

Trident Technical College is a public college in Charleston, South Carolina. They provide several degree options for students interested in pursuing a career in nursing, including a practical nursing program and an ADN program. Trident Technical College is the Lowcountry's largest provider of quality nursing education. The college houses a

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University Information

• Total Faculty: 245
• In-State Undergraduate Tuition: $4,648
• Book and Supplies: $8,690
• Percent Received Aid: 94%
• Average Grant or Scholarship: $7,236
• Percent Admitted: N/A
• Percent Admitted who Enrolled: N/A
• Graduation Rate: 18%

Spartanburg Community College

92.20% 3-Year
Pass Rate

• 
  107 Community College Drive, Spartanburg, SC - 29303
• 
  (864) 592-4500

• NCLEX Passing Rate: (A) 92.20%
• Programs: Registered Nursing
• Award Levels: Associate

Spartanburg Community College's nursing school is a public institution in Spartanburg, South Carolina that ranks among the top five nursing colleges in the state and among the best in the country as well. At SCC, nursing students are taught to focus on improving health outcomes and patient conditions through education,

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University Information

• Total Faculty: 124
• In-State Undergraduate Tuition: $4,902
• Book and Supplies: $9,822
• Percent Received Aid: 83%
• Average Grant or Scholarship: $7,527
• Percent Admitted: N/A
• Percent Admitted who Enrolled: N/A
• Graduation Rate: 28%

Francis Marion University

Department of Nursing

92.07% 3-Year
Pass Rate

• 
  4822 East Palmetto Street, Florence, SC - 29506
• 
  (843) 661-1362

Nurse Admin: Rhonda Brogdon, DNP, RN, MBA

Title: Department Chair

• NCLEX Passing Rate: (A) 92.07%
• Programs: Family Nurse Practitioner, Registered Nursing
• Award Levels: Bachelor, MSN

Francis Marion University is located in Florence, South Carolina.  They offer a traditional BSN program.  They also offer several RN to BSN options - they offer an online program, a hybrid program a their Mount Pleasant campus, and also an RN to BSN Veterans program.  The veterans program is for

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University Information

• Total Faculty: 212
• In-State Undergraduate Tuition: $11,160
• Book and Supplies: $1,245
• Percent Received Aid: 99%
• Average Grant or Scholarship: $9,107
• Percent Admitted: 75%
• Percent Admitted who Enrolled: 23%
• Graduation Rate: 44%

Become an Advance Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) in South Carolina

RNs who wish to become advanced practice registered nurses will want to pursue any number of avenues to earn Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degree. Earning a Master of Science in Nursing consists of graduate-level coursework and clinical practice for those nurses who wish to direct patient roles such as a nurse practitioner. You can also pursue indirect patient roles such as teaching or leadership roles, or become involved in policy, state-wide health initiatives or community engagement. There are many clinical and non-clinical avenues that an RN with MSN can pursue.

Become a Nurse Practitioner (NP) in South Carolina

Learn how to become a Nurse Practitioner (NP) and research schools in South Carolina offering the following high paying nurse practitioner specialties:

• Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner
• Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
• Family Nurse Practitioner
• Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner

Learn about Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Degree.

South Carolina  RN Licensing Requirements

RN Licensure by Exams

The candidate will need to apply to the South Carolina board and register with Pearson VUE, the company that administers the NCLEX exam. The candidate may apply prior to graduation and must include a passport photo with the application. There is a $90 fee that the candidate will be responsible in order to apply by examination. There is also a $200 fee to take the NCLEX exam. Candidates may be issued a temporary permit while waiting for their NCLEX results. If the candidate does not pass on the first attempt, there will be a 45-day waiting before he/she can test again. The exam can be attempted for up to a year and will require remediation after that point. There is a $65 fee that is owed to the board for re-examination.

RN Licensure by Endorsement

Nurses who have obtained licensure in one of the other 50 states will be able to obtain licensure in South Carolina by endorsement. South Carolina accepts both the NCLEX and the SBTPE. There are two cases in which an out of state nurse may be granted a temporary permit. One is when the initial screening proves that the candidate is eligible for licensure. In this scenario the permit is good for up to 60 days. The second scenario will grant the nurse a 90-day permit. In order to obtain a permit in this case, the nurse must complete a refresher course. The endorsement application itself costs $100 and there is an additional $10 fee for the temporary license.

RN License for Nurses Educated Abroad

Nurses who completed a nursing program in a foreign country must demonstrate English proficiency. Their credentials must also be evaluated through a professional service.

RN Salaries in South Carolina

Sixty percent of the registered nurses in the state of South Carolina work in hospitals and the demand for new registered nurses is growing every day. It has been reported that 36% of the registered nurses in South Carolina have pursued higher education outside of associates. The RN to BSN programs in South Carolina are designed with the intention of increasing the number of Bachelor’s prepared nurses state-wide. Some opportunities that will be available to a baccalaureate-prepared nurse include (but are not limited to):

• Wound, ostomy, and continence
• Psychiatrists
• Nurse educators
• Critical care
• Health policies

South Carolina Registered Nursing Salaries

The Charleston metropolitan area has the highest employment rate of registered nurses along with the highest hourly mean wage and annual median wage.
Source: BLS, Department of Education, State Board of Nursing, Nursing School Websites.