Compare costs, NCLEX pass rates, and outcomes for every BSN option in the Greenville area.
As Prisma Health and Bon Secours St. Francis expand across the Upstate, which nursing program in Greenville actually puts you on a hospital’s hiring list? The metro’s demand for BSN-prepared nurses is rising faster than many regional schools can graduate them.
Within commuting distance, you’ll find traditional four-year BSN tracks, accelerated programs for career changers, and RN-to-BSN bridges. But costs, net price, and NCLEX performance vary widely, and choosing a weak program can stall a career.
In a market where major employers prefer a BSN, a school’s clinical partnerships and first-time NCLEX pass rate matter more than its name. Those metrics determine who gets hired, not just who graduates.
The following nursing programs near Greenville, SC are ranked by a composite of affordability, graduation rates, and program quality. Each listing highlights what sets the school apart, from faith-based missions to cutting-edge simulation centers. Compare BSN and ADN options to find the right fit for your nursing career.
| Rank | School | Location | Net price | Best for | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | Clemson University | Clemson, SC | $10,000 – $15,000/yr | Direct-admit BSN with research opportunities | |
Clemson University’s direct-admit Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program immerses students in nursing from the first semester, with an 8:1 student-faculty clinical ratio and high-tech simulation labs. Building on a strong science foundation, students complete clinical rotations at Upstate hospitals and community agencies. Graduates benefit from consistently high NCLEX pass rates and 95-100% graduate satisfaction. Honors programs and research projects allow motivated students to deepen their expertise.
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| #2 | Bob Jones University | Greenville, SC | ~$11,000/yr (est.) | Faith-focused BSN with fast-track option | |
Bob Jones University offers a CCNE-accredited BSN program that integrates professional nursing skills with a Christ-centered worldview. Students gain six semesters of clinical experience, including a senior capstone practicum and optional medical mission trips. The program boasts a 100% NCLEX pass rate and features a fast-track option to complete the degree in as few as 3 to 3.5 years. A Public Health Nursing concentration is also available for those interested in community-focused care.
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| #3 | Anderson University | Anderson, SC | $14,000/yr | Holistic nursing with cadaver lab access | |
Anderson University’s Christ-centered BSN program requires 123 credit hours and offers rolling admissions for flexibility. Students train in a state-of-the-art simulation center and a cadaver lab, gaining hands-on experience across South Carolina healthcare settings. The program prepares graduates for the NCLEX-RN and roles in hospitals, clinics, and community health. International students are supported with I-20 approval.
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| #4 | Spartanburg Community College | Spartanburg, SC | |||
Spartanburg Community College’s Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) is an ACEN-accredited program that emphasizes holistic care and clinical proficiency. The program reported a 98% NCLEX pass rate in 2024. Graduates are prepared for RN licensure and can seamlessly transfer to a BSN program through articulation agreements.
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| #5 | University of South Carolina-Upstate | Spartanburg, SC | ~$14,000/yr (est.) | ||
University of South Carolina Upstate’s BSN program is offered in a hybrid format, combining on-campus and online learning. With a 97% NCLEX pass rate and 126 credit hours, the curriculum includes hands-on training in a state-of-the-art Simulation Center and clinical placements at regional medical centers. The program is ranked #2 Top Public School and #1 Best Colleges for Veterans by U.S. News, and offers summer travel abroad opportunities and a dual degree in biology.
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| #6 | Greenville Technical College | Greenville, SC | |||
Greenville Technical College’s ADN program is one of the largest in South Carolina and offers five cohort start dates per year to accommodate student schedules. The ACEN-accredited program requires TEAS exam scores and emphasizes clinical proficiency through active learning methods. A BSN Bound transfer option provides a clear pathway to RN-to-BSN completion. Graduates consistently exceed national NCLEX benchmarks.
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Sticker tuition can be misleading, because most nursing students receive grants and scholarships that lower the actual amount they pay. The net price listed below is the institution-wide average cost after all federal, state, and institutional aid is applied, providing a more realistic picture of out-of-pocket expense. All ten schools are public institutions, and while costs are generally modest, median debt still ranges widely.
| School | Degree | In-State Tuition | Out-of-State Tuition | Net Price (After Aid) | Median Graduate Debt |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Trident Technical College | Associate | $5,050 | $8,620 | $1,406 | $13,029 |
| Florence-Darlington Technical College | Associate | $4,900 | $6,772 | $2,004 | $12,250 |
| Spartanburg Community College | Associate | $6,223 | $10,135 | $2,405 | $6,500 |
| Horry-Georgetown Technical College | Associate | $6,778 | $10,978 | $4,159 | $14,250 |
| Midlands Technical College | Associate | $6,300 | $14,700 | $4,647 | $12,000 |
| Aiken Technical College | Associate | $6,172 | $7,924 | $4,807 | $12,250 |
| Central Carolina Technical College | Associate | $6,594 | $9,016 | $5,571 | $9,977 |
| York Technical College | Associate | $8,396 | $13,340 | $5,931 | $7,000 |
| Piedmont Technical College | Associate | $5,675 | $6,923 | $11,366 | $15,000 |
| Francis Marion University | Bachelor's | $11,170 | $21,544 | $11,386 | $27,000 |
First-time NCLEX-RN pass rates are a critical indicator of a nursing program's quality. They reflect how well a school prepares students for the licensure exam, and consistent performance above state and national averages signals strong instruction and student support.
While detailed program-level data for every Greenville-area BSN program isn't compiled here, the South Carolina Board of Nursing's annual reports provide the most authoritative numbers. Based on available figures:
A pass rate above 80% is generally considered solid, but many top-tier programs consistently exceed 90%. Anderson University's 98.57% in 2024 is exceptional. For other programs like Bob Jones University, Arizona College of Nursing-Greenville, Clemson University, USC Upstate, and North Greenville University, first-time NCLEX data can be found in the South Carolina Board of Nursing's annual reports. Contact these schools directly or consult the board's website to see how their graduates have performed in recent years.
When evaluating any nursing school, compare its NCLEX results against the South Carolina average. A program that routinely outperforms the state average (94.7% in 2024) is likely delivering a strong curriculum. National averages can shift year to year (91.2% in 2024, 87.5% in 2025), so context matters. Look for consistency over multiple years rather than focusing on a single data point. Even a small dip in a program's pass rate can signal curricular changes or shifts in student readiness, so it's wise to track multiple years.
Nursing students in Greenville have multiple paths to a BSN. Compare the traditional four-year program, accelerated tracks for career changers, and online RN-to-BSN options for working nurses.
The nursing job market in Greenville continues to expand alongside the region’s healthcare footprint, creating steady demand for new BSN graduates. According to the most recent Bureau of Labor Statistics data for the Greenville-Anderson-Mauldin metropolitan area, registered nurses earned a median annual wage of $79,580 in 2024. Wages ranged from $66,020 at the 10th percentile to $98,290 at the 90th percentile, reflecting the broad earning potential across experience levels and roles.1
While program-level earnings for individual nursing schools are not yet published through the College Scorecard, the area’s total RN employment of 9,330 positions (as of 2023)2 signals a deep labor pool. Major health systems like Prisma Health and Bon Secours anchor the local market, offering diverse clinical settings for new graduates. This employer concentration supports consistent hiring and professional growth opportunities for BSN-prepared nurses in the Upstate.
To practice as a registered nurse in Greenville, SC, you must complete a five-step process: finish prerequisite courses, earn admission to an approved nursing program, log required clinical hours, pass the NCLEX-RN, and obtain a license from the South Carolina Board of Nursing. This section outlines each requirement, from typical prerequisites like anatomy and microbiology to the state's background check and licensure fees.
Choosing the right nursing program means clarifying key details like salary expectations, NCLEX performance, and program flexibility. Below you will find concise answers to the most frequently asked questions about nursing schools in Greenville, SC.
