Compare top-ranked SC nursing programs by cost, NCLEX pass rates, outcomes, and format to find your best fit.
South Carolina faces a projected shortage of 13,600 registered nurses by 2036, making the choice of a nursing program a pivotal career decision. This year’s ranking evaluates 26 schools across the state, public and private, offering both bachelor’s and associate pathways, with a focus on metrics that matter most: net cost, NCLEX first-time pass rates, and graduate earnings. Tuition spans from under $5,100 at technical colleges to over $35,000 at private universities, while median earnings 10 years out range from $35,500 to $72,100. As employers increasingly require a BSN, finding a program that balances affordability with strong clinical training is essential for a sustainable career in South Carolina nursing.
South Carolina nursing students can choose from public research universities, military colleges, private Christian campuses, and technical college ADN pathways. For 2026, this ranking highlights ten programs with strong clinical networks, licensure preparation, and distinctive student supports. Use the cards below to compare BSN and ADN options side by side.
| Rank | School | Location | Net price | Best for | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | Clemson University | Clemson, SC | $20,000 – $25,000/yr (est.) | Direct-admit traditional BSN freshmen | |
Clemson University is a public research university that admits nursing students directly as freshmen. Its traditional BSN uses high-tech simulation labs and clinical partnerships with Upstate hospitals, supported by an 8:1 clinical student-faculty ratio. The program reports NCLEX pass rates above average and 95-100% graduate satisfaction. About 87% of Clemson undergraduates complete their degrees, an institution-wide marker. CCNE accredited
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| #2 | University of South Carolina | Columbia, SC | ~$14,000/yr (est.) | Research-minded future nurse leaders | |
The University of South Carolina is the state's flagship public research university. Its College of Nursing reports a top 1% NCLEX pass rate, two NLN Center of Excellence designations, and substantial NIH-ranked research funding. A Master's Entry to Practice Nursing pathway offers a hybrid route for non-nursing graduates. Institution-wide, about 79% of USC students graduate. CCNE accredited
CCNE accredited
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| #3 | Citadel Military College of South Carolina | Charleston, SC | $13,000 – $39,000/yr (est.) | Veterans and military-connected students | |
The Citadel is a public senior military college in Charleston. Its BSN serves Corps of Cadets and veteran students with high-fidelity simulation and Lowcountry clinical sites, while a separate transfer track offers evening classes for working adults. The institution reports a 75% graduation rate across all students. CCNE accredited
CCNE accredited
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| #4 | Bob Jones University | Greenville, SC | ~$17,000/yr (est.) | ||
Bob Jones University is a private Christian university in Greenville. Its BSN combines six semesters of clinical rotations with a patient simulator lab and a 100% NCLEX-RN pass rate, plus optional medical mission trips. About 65% of Bob Jones undergraduates complete their degrees, an institution-wide figure. CCNE accredited
CCNE accredited
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| #5 | Southeastern College-Charleston | North Charleston, SC | ~$31,000/yr (est.) | ||
Southeastern College-Charleston is a private college offering a 25-month associate degree in nursing. The hybrid program prepares students for the NCLEX-RN with clinical sites up to 100 miles away and requires a TEAS exam and 3.0 GPA in prerequisites. About 67% of students at the Charleston campus graduate, an institution-wide marker.
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| #6 | Anderson University | Anderson, SC | ~$24,000/yr (est.) | ||
Anderson University is a private Christian university in Anderson. Its traditional BSN is a 123-credit, four-year campus program with a state-of-the-art simulation center and cadaver lab. The institution reports a 66% graduation rate across all undergraduates. CCNE accredited
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| #7 | Southeastern College-Columbia | Columbia, SC | ~$32,000/yr (est.) | ||
Southeastern College-Columbia is a private college offering a 25-month associate degree in nursing on campus and hybrid formats. The program includes LPN transitional enrollment and clinical placements up to 100 miles away. About 67% of students at the Columbia campus graduate, an institution-wide figure.
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| #8 | Coastal Carolina University | Conway, SC | $10,000 – $15,000/yr (est.) | ||
Coastal Carolina University is a public university in Conway serving the Grand Strand region. Its ACEN-accredited BSN is a 120-credit campus program with required entrance exams and faculty mentoring. Institution-wide, about 48% of Coastal undergraduates complete their degrees.
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| #9 | Spartanburg Community College | Spartanburg, SC | ~$2,000/yr (est.) | ||
Spartanburg Community College is a public technical college in Spartanburg. Its ACEN-accredited ADN reports a 98% NCLEX pass rate and emphasizes holistic nursing care. The college's institution-wide graduation rate is about 28%. ACEN accredited
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| #10 | Orangeburg Calhoun Technical College | Orangeburg, SC | $5,000 – $8,000/yr (est.) | ||
Orangeburg Calhoun Technical College is a public technical college in Orangeburg. Its ADN is a 68-credit, five-semester program with fall admission and 95-100% annual job placement. About 32% of all OCtech students graduate, an institution-wide marker.
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What determines whether a nursing program earns a spot near the top of our list? Our ranking for South Carolina schools weighs four factors that matter most to you: net price after aid, graduation rates, graduates' earnings, and whether those earnings justify the debt.
We pull net price and graduation rates from the federal IPEDS database; program-level earnings data come from the U.S. Department of Education’s College Scorecard. Together they produce a rough return on investment (ROI) ratio that compares median debt to median earnings 1 and 4 years after graduation. Schools that deliver stronger earnings relative to cost rank higher.
Note that graduation rates are institution-wide, not nursing-specific. A thriving nursing program at a university with a lower overall completion rate may thus appear weaker than it is. Similarly, College Scorecard earnings are tied to individual programs: if a school reports a BSN program earnings figure, we use it; if no program-level data exists, we note the absence rather than guess. Some graduates work part-time or travel, which can reduce median earnings even if full-time wages are strong.
NCLEX first-time pass rates appear on the school cards but are not part of the ranking formula. NCLEX results tell you how well a program prepares students for the licensing exam, providing context alongside the ROI data. For a deeper dive into those trends, see our guide to South Carolina NCLEX pass rates.
For a detailed breakdown of weights, data years, and how we handle missing information, visit the full methodology page.
The table below compares tuition and average net price for BSN programs in South Carolina, with public and private institutions listed separately to highlight the sector-level cost differences. Net price reflects the institution-wide average after grant and scholarship aid, so your actual cost may vary based on financial aid eligibility and other factors.
| Institution | Type | In-State Tuition | Out-of-State Tuition | Average Net Price (After Aid) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| University of South Carolina Beaufort | Public | $10,730 | $21,776 | $14,656 |
| Francis Marion University | Public | $11,170 | $21,544 | $11,386 |
| University of South Carolina-Upstate | Public | $11,588 | $23,090 | $13,557 |
| Coastal Carolina University | Public | $11,640 | $29,628 | $13,966 |
| Lander University | Public | $11,700 | $21,300 | $15,363 |
| Citadel Military College of South Carolina | Public | $12,570 | $38,508 | $20,723 |
| University of South Carolina | Public | $12,688 | $35,972 | $22,811 |
| Clemson University | Public | $15,554 | $40,866 | $22,253 |
| Bob Jones University | Private | $22,892 | $22,892 | $16,641 |
| Columbia International University | Private | $27,900 | $27,900 | $26,036 |
| Newberry College | Private | $31,100 | $31,100 | $21,656 |
| Charleston Southern University | Private | $32,520 | $32,520 | $21,666 |
| Coker University | Private | $33,416 | $33,416 | $20,286 |
| Anderson University | Private | $34,970 | $34,970 | $23,544 |
When comparing nursing education tracks, BSN programs in South Carolina consistently outpace associate-degree pathways on the NCLEX-RN first-time pass rate, making a bachelor’s degree a strong choice for those seeking exam-day confidence and long-term career flexibility. The numbers bear this out: in 2024, the state’s BSN programs collectively achieved a 96.67% first-time pass rate, while all RN programs (BSN, ADN, and diploma) averaged 94.7%.
South Carolina’s nursing graduates continue to outperform national benchmarks. The state’s overall 2024 first-time NCLEX-RN pass rate reached 94.7%, up from 94.52% in 2023, and well above the 86.7% national average for U.S.-educated first-time test-takers in 2025. This two-year upward trend speaks to strong curriculum alignment with the NCSBN’s test plan and effective clinical partnerships across South Carolina healthcare facilities.
A handful of South Carolina schools posted a flawless 100% first-time pass rate in 2024. University of South Carolina Beaufort achieved this mark for the second consecutive year, with all 2023 testers also passing on the first attempt, a signal of sustained program quality. Columbia International University and Francis Marion University each hit 100% in 2024 as well, placing them among the safest bets for students who want to minimize exam-related stress.
First-time NCLEX–RN pass rates are a key indicator of how well a nursing school prepares students for licensure. A program with consistent scores above 90% year after year, like USCB, suggests not only rigorous academics but also robust test-preparation resources. Most South Carolina BSN programs deliver results above the state and national averages, but a few smaller or more selective programs can experience dip years, prospective students should always check the most recent two to three years of data from the South Carolina Board of Nursing before committing to a school. A program whose rates fall below the state average for multiple years may be struggling with curriculum or clinical placement gaps, which can directly affect your readiness to sit for the exam.
The nursing school decision balances upfront investment against long-term financial return. In South Carolina, the range of outcomes varies significantly by institution and degree level, making ROI a critical factor for prospective students.
Program-level earnings data for BSN completers are not yet available through the College Scorecard, so the following figures reflect institution-wide median earnings 10 years after entry. These include all graduates, not only nursing majors, and should be interpreted as a broad indicator of an institution's earning potential.
Based on institution-wide median earnings and debt, five South Carolina schools stand out for their ROI ratios. Spartanburg Community College leads with a ratio of 5.71, driven by its low debt ($6,500) and respectable earnings ($37,100). York Technical College follows at 5.32, with similar debt ($7,000) and earnings ($37,300). Among four-year institutions, Citadel (3.42), Clemson (3.33), and Central Carolina Technical College (3.27) offer strong value, with their higher debt offset by above-average salaries.
These ratios underscore an important truth: lower debt often yields better near-term ROI even when earnings are modest. For students who can launch their careers with minimal loans, the financial payoff comes faster.
The gap in student debt between high- and low-cost programs shapes each graduate's financial path. To illustrate, consider the extremes:
That's a difference of $159 per month, money that could go toward housing, continuing education, or savings. While higher debt often accompanies a bachelor's degree with greater long-term earning potential, graduates should weigh the immediate cash flow impact carefully. Many of the state's BSN programs deliver strong eventual salaries, but the monthly loan obligation can affect lifestyle and career choices in the first decade after graduation.
Choosing a nursing program in South Carolina means aligning your nursing career goals with a realistic view of both immediate costs and future earnings. The schools with the best ROI figures show that smart financial planning doesn't require sacrificing quality education.
Program-level earnings shortly after graduation are not yet published for South Carolina BSN programs. The most complete picture comes from median earnings 10 years out, shown here as a ratio of earnings to debt.
What will I earn as an RN in South Carolina, and where are the best-paying jobs? The median annual wage for registered nurses in the state is $79,900, according to 2024 Bureau of Labor Statistics data. While this sits slightly below the national median of $81,220 (reported in 2022), South Carolina's lower cost of living often makes the paycheck competitive. The top quarter of RNs in the state earn over $94,480, and the highest 10 percent clear six figures at $102,040 or more.
The largest markets drive both hiring volume and salary differences. In the Greenville-Anderson-Greer metro area, the median annual wage for RNs is $79,807, with nearly 9,740 nurses employed across the region. Charleston and Columbia also host major hospital systems and offer wages that can vary based on facility type, specialty, and shift differentials. Checking per-market numbers on sites like topnursing.org can help you pinpoint which cities align with your financial goals.
South Carolina's nursing workforce is expanding at double the national rate. State projections show a 10 percent job growth for RNs from 2022 to 2032, compared to a national growth rate of 5 percent from 2024 to 2034. That translates to roughly 2,990 RN job openings each year in South Carolina, driven by an aging population, nurse retirements, and expanded healthcare access. These workforce pressures create a strong hiring environment for new graduates.
While an associate degree in nursing (ADN) qualifies you for licensure, large employers, especially the magnet-status hospitals concentrated in Charleston, Columbia, and Greenville, increasingly prefer or require a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN). A BSN can open doors to higher-paying specialty roles, leadership tracks, and community health positions. In a competitive hiring landscape, the degree you choose directly influences your job prospects and earning trajectory across South Carolina.
An accelerated BSN (ABSN) is a fast-track nursing degree for students who already hold a bachelor's in another field. Instead of a traditional four-year path, these programs compress core nursing coursework and clinical rotations into about 12 to 18 months of full-time study. South Carolina universities offer several options, but each comes with its own admission rules, prerequisite lists, and cost structure, details that shift from year to year.
Schools such as the Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC), Clemson University, the University of South Carolina (USC), Anderson University, Charleston Southern University, and Lander University all feature ABSN tracks. Some run year-round cohorts, while others follow a traditional academic calendar. Formats range from entirely on-campus to hybrid models with online theory and in-person clinical placements. Because a program's length can vary from 12 to 18 months depending on how a school sequences classes, always check the currently published curriculum plan on the university's nursing program webpage.
No matter how streamlined a program seems, the first check is accreditation. The South Carolina Board of Nursing (llr.sc.gov/nurse) lists approved nursing schools. The South Carolina Nurses Association (scnurses.org) also maintains resources on education pathways. All accelerated programs require a prior bachelor's degree, but prerequisite science courses differ: some demand anatomy, physiology, microbiology, and chemistry all completed within the past five years with a minimum grade of B or better. Missing prerequisites can add a semester or more before you can apply, so map out a course plan early.
BLS occupational data provides regional salary and job outlook context, but it does not publish individual program costs or admission criteria. ABSN tuition in South Carolina can range widely; a public university may charge under $15,000 for residents while a private school could exceed $40,000. These figures change frequently, and additional fees for uniforms, labs, and background checks pile on. Contact each school's admissions office directly to confirm the most recent limits on GPA (often 3.0 minimum), the exact prerequisite course list, and upcoming start dates. Websites can lag behind committee decisions, so a phone call or email can save you from building an application around outdated information.
Embarking on a BSN in South Carolina involves a structured sequence of steps, from completing prerequisites to passing the NCLEX-RN. Here's the typical timeline for aspiring nurses.
Choosing the right BSN program in South Carolina means weighing far more than a school’s name recognition; it’s about finding the fit that offers the strongest combination of clinical access, a realistic admissions pathway, and a clear return on your investment.
Not all nursing programs admit students the same way. Clemson University, for example, offers a highly competitive direct-admit BSN with an admission rate of just 5%. If you are not accepted directly into Clemson’s nursing major, there is no later-entry alternative, so you must be confident in your application from day one. By contrast, the University of South Carolina Columbia uses a pre-nursing track followed by competitive upper-division admission, requiring a minimum 3.0 GPA (conditional admission is possible between 2.8 and 2.99).2 MUSC admits students into a competitive upper-division program and allows prerequisites to be in progress at the time of application, with a minimum prerequisite grade of C.1 Lander University asks for a minimum 2.75 GPA and 123 total credits, plus submission of ACT, SAT, or CLT scores. Many other programs, like Bob Jones University, require the TEAS or HESI entrance exam in addition to prerequisite courses such as anatomy, physiology, microbiology, and statistics, which are standard across most schools. Understanding these models helps you target programs that align with your academic profile and timeline.
Hands-on clinical experience is the backbone of nursing education, and South Carolina’s geography plays a big role in where you’ll train. Schools in the Upstate (Clemson, USC Upstate, Anderson) often partner with Prisma Health and AnMed, providing expansive networks in the Greenville, Spartanburg area. In the Midlands, USC Columbia leverages relationships with Prisma Health Midlands and regional clinics. Coastal programs like MUSC and those in the Lowcountry work closely with MUSC Health and Tidelands Health, offering exposure to a major academic medical center and community hospitals. If you have a preferred region or plan to work locally after graduation, prioritizing schools in that area can enhance your clinical connections and eventual job prospects.
Program format, cohort size, and direct costs all matter. Most SC BSN programs are campus-based, but USC Upstate offers a hybrid format3 that provides some flexibility. Cohort sizes can influence how much individual attention you receive; some schools, like The Citadel, accept only 24 cadets per year. Net price varies widely: Clemson’s effective cost is around $22,253, while Anderson University’s is $23,544, and Bob Jones University’s is a substantially lower $16,641. But remember that cost is only one piece of the puzzle.
The cheapest option isn’t always the best long-term investment. Weigh net price against first-time NCLEX pass rates, graduation rates, and graduate earnings. For instance, Clemson graduates see median earnings of $71,513, while USC Columbia graduates earn around $62,177, and Anderson University graduates see about $42,101. A lower-priced program that yields lower earnings or weak licensure preparation can cost you more in the long run. When comparing schools, create a shortlist based on admission requirements, clinical partnerships, total net cost, and documented graduate success, then choose the program that fits your budget and career goals without sacrificing quality.
By 2036, South Carolina is expected to have a shortage of 13,600 registered nurses, one of the largest gaps in the country. State leaders have responded with a $30 million investment to expand nursing education and recruitment (News From The States).
We answer the most common questions prospective nursing students ask about programs in South Carolina, from costs and admission requirements to NCLEX performance and program length.
Plenty of solid South Carolina nursing programs sit outside the top ten ranking above, and geography often matters as much as reputation once clinical placements and commuting enter the picture. This directory groups additional schools by region, from Upstate technical colleges to Charleston's academic medical center, so you can scan the options nearest you. Each entry lists the city, the program format, and the school's average net price.
