South Carolina’s Top-Rated Nursing Schools and Programs of 2024
The nursing profession is growing at a rate faster than most professions, with a predicted growth rate of 6% for registered nurses (RNs) nationwide between 2021-2031. In South Carolina, the RN growth rate is predicted to be 11% between 2020-2030, projecting 3,070 annual job openings.
South Carolina is one of the top ten lowest-taxed states, offering lower real estate taxes, sales, and personal income taxes. In addition, groceries, entertainment, housewares, and restaurants generally cost less than in other states. This means your dollar will stretch further in South Carolina.
South Carolina offers a pleasant climate with mild winters and warm summers, making it an ideal destination for those who enjoy outdoor activities with a relaxed lifestyle. It is renowned for its beautiful natural landscapes with its breathtaking beaches, picturesque mountains, and charming coastal towns. The state’s diverse geography allows for ample opportunities for recreational activities such as hiking, fishing, biking, and water sports.
South Carolina’s rich history and culture is showcased through its plantations, forts, and museums, allowing residents to immerse themselves in the region’s past. The state had more battles and clashes fought in it than any other state during the American Revolution, and it became the eighth state to ratify the Constitution.
South Carolina prioritizes healthcare accessibility and affordability. It has implemented programs and initiatives to improve healthcare coverage and reduce barriers to access, including the expansion of Medicaid. Additionally, South Carolina invests in preventative care and health education programs to promote wellness and disease prevention. It offers many healthcare facilities with state-of-the-art technology that are staffed by highly skilled healthcare professionals, ensuring patients receive the best care.
Additionally, South Carolina ranked fifth in the nation for 2022 in nursing license exam pass rates. This makes South Carolina the perfect place to pursue your nursing education and start your career as a nurse.
The Best Nursing Schools in South Carolina
Learn more about the best nursing schools in South Carolina to help determine which college may be best for you.
Our site has ranked the best nursing schools in South Carolina based on the NCLEX-RN pass rates posted on the South Carolina State Board of Nursing website. The schools are categorized into Associate Degree in Nursing programs (ADN) and Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) programs.
ADN Nursing Programs:
#1 ADN Nursing Program
Aiken Technical College
Aiken Technical College is a public community college in Graniteville, South Carolina. They offer an Associate of Applied Science with a major in nursing and a licensed practical nurse (LPN) to ADN transition program. Their programs prepare students for entry-level nursing positions and provide continuing education for nurses who want to advance their qualifications. Their program emphasizes the importance of critical thinking, communication, and ethical decision-making in healthcare. Graduates of the nursing program are well-prepared to enter the workforce and make a positive impact in the healthcare field.
Average Tuition
In-State: $5,306
Out-of-State: $6,880
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| Average In-State Tuition |
$5,306 |
| Average Out-of-State Tuition |
$6,880 |
| NCLEX-RN Pass Rate 2022 |
98% |
| Program Completion Rate 2021 |
73.8% |
| Job Placement 2022 |
100% |
| Students Enrolled |
1,873 |
| Institution Type |
Public Community College |
| Percent Online Enrollment |
93% |
| Accreditation |
Yes-by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) |
#2 ADN Nursing Program
Greenville Technical College
Greenville Technical College is a public community college in Greenville, South Carolina, offering one of the state’s largest Associate in Applied Science in Nursing degree programs. Their program is known for its emphasis on clinical proficiency in various healthcare settings, providing nurses with the skills needed to perform their jobs. The nursing department commits to providing excellence in education that facilitates the development of competent, caring, and professional nurses. The nursing program combines general education and core courses that prepare graduates for licensure and entry as healthcare team members.
Average Tuition
In-State: $5,186
Out-of-State: $9,410
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| Average In-State Tuition |
$5,186 |
| Average Out-of-State Tuition |
$9,410 |
| NCLEX-RN Pass Rate 2022 |
95.17% |
| Program Completion Rate 2020-2021 |
87.28% |
| Job Placement 2021-2022 |
99% |
| Students Enrolled |
11,380 |
| Institution Type |
Public Community College |
| Percent Online Enrollment |
Not given |
| Accreditation |
Yes-by the ACEN |
#3 ADN Nursing Program
ECPI University
ECPI University is a private, regionally accredited university that offers accelerated degree programs in technology and healthcare in Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Florida, and Texas. They have campuses in Greenville, Columbia, and Charleston, South Carolina, and their campus in Greenville, South Carolina, achieved an 88.89% NCLEX-RN pass rate for their ADN program. Their ADN program explores legal, ethical, and regulatory frameworks that can be applied to real-life scenarios, preparing graduates for entry-level RN positions in a variety of healthcare settings.
Average Tuition
In-State: $9,900
Out-of-State: $9,900
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| Average In-State Tuition |
$9,900 |
| Average Out-of-State Tuition |
$9,900 |
| NCLEX-RN Pass Rate 2022 |
88.89% |
| Program Completion Rate 2020-2021 |
Not given |
| Job Placement 2021-2022 |
Not given |
| Students Enrolled |
10,000 |
| Institution Type |
Private University |
| Percent Online Enrollment |
Not given |
| Accreditation |
Yes-by the ACEN |
BSN Programs:
#1 BSN Program
South University
South University is a private university in Columbia, South Carolina. They offer a BSN program that is designed to prepare future nurses to pursue the profession. It offers an educational foundation to teach important skills that future nurses can utilize throughout their careers. The BSN program offers a well-rounded curriculum that combines theoretical knowledge and hands-on clinical experiences, ensuring that students develop the necessary skills and competencies to excel as nurses.
Average Tuition
In-State: $23,843
Out-of-State: $23,843
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| Average In-State Tuition |
$23,843 |
| Average Out-of-State Tuition |
$23,843 |
| NCLEX-RN Pass Rate 2022 |
100% |
| Admission Rate |
100% |
| Retention Rate |
86% |
| Students Enrolled |
625 |
| Institution Type |
Public College |
| Percent Online Enrollment |
Not given |
| Accreditation |
Yes-by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) |
#2 BSN Program
Medical University of South Carolina
The Medical University of South Carolina offers a BSN program in Charleston, South Carolina. It is the state’s only comprehensive academic health system, with a unique mission to preserve and optimize human life in South Carolina through education, research, and patient care. They offer a 16-month Accelerated BSN (ABSN) and an RN-to-BSN program. Their ABSN program is an on-campus program combining classroom, clinical, and lab components. The ABSN program focuses on the knowledge, skills, and values deemed essential for professional nursing practice in today’s healthcare system.
Average Tuition
In-State: $25,958-First Year, $8,561-Second Year
Out-of-State: $46,070-First Year, $15,265-Second Year
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| Average In-State Tuition |
$25,958-First Year, $8,561-Second Year |
| Average Out-of-State Tuition |
$46,070-First Year, $15,265-Second Year |
| NCLEX-RN Pass Rate 2022 |
98.97% |
| Admission Rate |
Not given |
| Retention Rate |
65.91% |
| Students Enrolled |
3,240 |
| Institution Type |
Comprehensive Academic Health System |
| Percent Online Enrollment |
Not given |
| Accreditation |
Yes-by the CCNE |
#3 BSN Program
University of South Carolina
University of South Carolina is a public university in Columbia, South Carolina. They offer a BSN program that was created to develop competent, caring leaders committed to building healthier communities and advancing the nursing profession through teaching, research, and service. Students are given hands-on learning opportunities in their state-of-the-art simulation labs and clinical rotations at various healthcare settings, allowing them to apply their knowledge to real-world scenarios.
Average Tuition
In-State: $12,688
Out-of-State: $34,934
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| Average In-State Tuition |
$12,688 |
| Average Out-of-State Tuition |
$34,934 |
| NCLEX-RN Pass Rate 2022 |
98.25% |
| Admission Rate |
61.6% |
| Retention Rate |
90% |
| Students Enrolled |
36,300 |
| Institution Type |
Public University |
| Percent Online Enrollment |
Not given |
| Accreditation |
Yes-by the CCNE |
How to Choose a Nursing Program in South Carolina
When choosing a nursing program in South Carolina, you will want to look at the NCLEX-RN pass rates, admission and retention rates, and job placement rates. Programs with a high NCLEX-RN pass rate provide their students with the tools and support to succeed and prepare them well to be RNs. You may also want to consider the cost of the program and scholarship opportunities, as a BSN program usually takes longer to complete. However, most ADN programs require you to meet your general education requirements before entering the program, so make sure you know what is required before entering the program.
Accreditation is important when choosing a nursing program. Some schools may transfer credits earned while receiving your RN, and some employers may only hire nurses who have completed their degrees through an accredited program.
Why Become a Nurse in South Carolina
South Carolina was ranked fifth in the nation for the state’s NCLEX-RN pass rates in 2022. The NCLEX-RN pass rate was 87.13%, compared to the national pass rate of 79.91%. This indicates that South Carolina has strong instructional excellence and a strong dedication to the profession of future nurses.
The America’s Health Rankings 2022 Annual Report showed that South Carolina has a low Black/white residential segregation and a high prevalence of colorectal cancer screening. It also boasts low levels of air pollution and a 51% increase in human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination among adolescents ages 13-17.
The US Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that RNs in South Carolina earn an average annual salary of $74,330. While this is just below the national average, South Carolina is one of the top ten lowest-taxed states in the nation, which means your dollar will stretch further.
Salary and Job Outlook for Nurses in South Carolina
According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics he average mean wage for an RN in South Carolina is $74,330, and it employs 44,030 nurses. South Carolina also employs 2,450 advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) who make an average wage of $100,680.
The projected nationwide employment growth rate for registered nurses between 2021 and 2031 is 6%, with an anticipated 203,200 yearly job openings. Many of these job openings are expected due to workers retiring or transferring to different occupations.
| Top Paying Cities in South Carolina for RNs |
| Charleston-North Charleston, SC |
$76,880 |
| Spartanburg, SC |
$75,840 |
| Greenville-Anderson-Mauldin, SC |
$74,530 |
Citation: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, at https://data.bls.gov/oes/#/home (visited February 25, 2022).
Steps to Becoming a Nurse in South Carolina
To become an RN and advanced practice registered nurse (APRN), candidates must complete a program approved by the South Carolina State Board of Nursing Upon completing an approved nursing program, candidates must pass the NCLEX-RN exam.
After gaining experience as an RN, some nurses return to school to obtain their APRN. After you have completed an APRN program, you will need to take the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) exam or the American Association of Nurse Practitioners (AANP) exam.
Maintaining your nursing license requires meeting specific requirements. To become a nurse in South Carolina, you must complete the following requirements:
RN Requirements
These are the steps to take to become an RN in South Carolina:
- Enroll in an Associate Degree in Nursing Program (ADN) OR a Bachelor of Science in Nursing Program (BSN).
- An ADN program usually takes two years, while a BSN program usually takes four years to complete. Courses can be taken in person or online. However, both programs may offer a part-time track that will take longer.
- After completing your chosen nursing program, you will be eligible to take the NCLEX-RN exam. In addition, you must submit your transcripts, proof of graduation, proof of primary residence, and complete a fingerprint and criminal background check to the state board of nursing to receive your license.
- Once you have been issued your first RN license in South Carolina, you must renew it every two years. Before renewal, you must complete one of the following:
- Complete 30 contact hours from a continuing education provider recognized by the board.
- Maintenance of certification or recertification by a national certifying body recognized by the board.
- Completion of an academic program of study in nursing or a related field recognized by the board.
- Verification of competencies is evidenced by employer certification on a board-approved form.
APRN Requirements
These are the steps to become an APRN in South Carolina:
- Candidates must hold an active RN license to practice in South Carolina.
- RNs must have earned their BSN before entering an APRN program.
- RNs must enter an accredited nursing program to earn their Master of Science in Nursing or Doctor of Nursing Practice.
- Once an APRN program has successfully been completed, you will be required to pass the certification exam and hold and maintain current certification as a nurse practitioner, clinical nurse specialist, or nurse anesthetist from one of the following national organizations:
- American Nurses Credentialing Center
- National Certification Corporation for the Obstetric
- Gynecologic
- Neonatal Nursing Specialties
- Pediatric Nursing Certification Board
- American Association of Nurse Anesthetists
- American Academy of Nurse Practitioners
- Oncology Nursing Certification Corporation
- American Association of Critical-Care Nurses
- South Carolina APRN licenses must be renewed every two years. Before renewal, you must complete 30 hours of continuing education to renew your RN license and 20 hours in pharmacotherapeutics, with two hours in prescribing controlled substances.
Frequently Asked Questions About Nursing in South Carolina
Is South Carolina a good place for nurses to work?
South Carolina is a great place for nurses to work. The state is known for being friendly and is home to many great healthcare facilities with state-of-the-art equipment. It also achieved the fifth-highest NCLEX-RN pass rate in the nation in 2022.
Is South Carolina a compact state for nursing?
South Carolina is a compact state for nursing. This means that if you hold a compact RN license for another state, you are able to practice nursing in South Carolina.
What are the requirements for RNs in South Carolina?
Once you have been issued your first RN license in South Carolina, you must renew it every two years. Before renewal, you must complete 30 hours of continuing education. Additional ways to meet renewal requirements instead of completing continuing education hours include maintenance of certification or recertification by a national certifying body recognized by the board, completion of an academic program of study in nursing or a related field recognized by the board of nursing, or verification of competencies evidenced by employer certification on a board-approved form.
How much does a South Carolina RN license cost?
It costs $200 to take your NCLEX-RN exam in South Carolina. The application fee for a South Carolina RN license without a temporary license is $90 and $100 with a temporary license. License by endorsement is $100 without a temporary license and $110 with a temporary license. It costs $75 to renew your South Carolina RN license.
