South Carolina program guide

Best Nursing Programs in South Carolina (2026)

188 accredited nursing programs are open to South Carolina students; the fastest listed takes 15 months. Compare programs accepting applications below.

Programs listed
188
Open to South Carolina students
Fastest listed
15 mo
Shortest completion time
Lowest tuition
$13,500
Total listed tuition

Programs accepting applications

All Nursing Programs in South Carolina

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South Carolina nursing program market snapshot

MyNursingSchools lists 188 accredited nursing programs across 39 schools in South Carolina. The fastest listed completion time is 15 months. Listed tuition ranges from $13,500 to $108,000. RNs in South Carolina earn $84,930/year on average (BLS).

Programs in directory188 total · 100 on this page
Schools39 accredited institutions
Degree mix (listed)0 LPN · 2 ADN · 10 BSN · 60 MSN · 28 DNP
Fastest listed programAccelerated BSN at ECPI University — 15 months
Tuition range (listed)$13,500 – $108,000
Delivery formats89 online · 9 hybrid · 2 on-campus
RN salary & outlook$84,930/yr (BLS) · 7.6% projected growth through 2032

Salary source: BLS OEWS, May 2024 · Program stats from MyNursingSchools directory

How to choose a nursing program in South Carolina

South Carolina is one of the larger nursing education markets we track (188 programs listed) — compare NCLEX pass rates and clinical partnerships, not just tuition. RN wages in South Carolina ($84,930/year, BLS) sit below the national average, so minimizing tuition and time-to-start (waitlists) matters more than brand-name private programs. RN employment in South Carolina is projected to grow 7.6% through 2032 (BLS). Choosing a nursing program in South Carolina means weighing completion time, total tuition, NCLEX outcomes, and how quickly you can start earning an RN salary in a local labor market. Among programs in our South Carolina directory, the fastest listed completion time is 15 months. We track 188 accredited nursing programs in South Carolina — including 12 entry-level RN pathways. South Carolina is a Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) state; multistate practice may be available once South Carolina is your primary residence — especially relevant if you live near Georgia, North Carolina.

Key takeaways

  • Screen South Carolina programs by recent NCLEX first-attempt pass rate before tuition — licensing failure costs more time than a longer program.
  • Verify ACEN or CCNE accreditation (or state board approval) before any deposit; unaccredited programs may block NCLEX eligibility in South Carolina.
  • South Carolina is an NLC compact state — declare primary residence correctly if you need multistate practice near a border.
  • South Carolina lists 12 entry-level RN programs; community college ADN plus employer-funded RN-to-BSN is often the lowest total-cost path.
  • Listed tuition in South Carolina spans $13,500 to $108,000 — public ADN programs anchor the low end; private accelerated programs cluster at the top.
  • 98 online or hybrid programs serve South Carolina students — flexible for working adults, but all nursing credentials still require on-site clinical hours.
Compact licensure
Yes — Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) participant.
CE at renewal
30 hours per 2 years cycle.
Average RN salary
$84,930 (BLS, May 2024) · how we source this
Lowest listed tuition
From $13,500 (MSN — Nursing Administration at National University).

Explore Nursing in South Carolina

Fastest ProgramsMost Affordable ProgramsOnline ProgramsPrograms for Working AdultsHow to Become a NurseNursing Shortage & OutlookLPN to RN ProgramsRN to BSN ProgramsAccelerated BSN ProgramsNurse Practitioner ProgramsMSN ProgramsDNP ProgramsCRNA ProgramsAdmission RequirementsNCLEX Pass RatesNursing License RequirementsRN Salary DataAcceptance RatesNursing ROI CalculatorResearch & ReportsOur Methodology

Programs by Degree Type

60

MSN Programs

28

DNP Programs

10

BSN Programs

2

ADN Programs

Nursing Schools in South Carolina

2 accredited institutions with a campus in South Carolina.

SchoolProgramsDegree TypesNCLEX Rate
Medical University of South Carolina – College of Nursing8
BSNDNPMSN
N/AView
University of South Carolina – College of Nursing4
BSNDNPMSN
N/AView

Online Nursing Programs Available to South Carolina Residents

37 accredited schools based outside South Carolina that enroll South Carolina residents online. Confirm clinical-placement arrangements and South Carolina Board of Nursing approval before enrolling in any pre-licensure RN program.

SchoolProgramsDegree TypesNCLEX Rate
ECPI University2
BSNADN
N/AView
Excelsior University2
ADNBSN
N/AView
Western Governors University2
BSNMSN
N/AView
National University3
BSNMSN
N/AView
Aspen University1
BSN
N/AView
Joyce University of Nursing and Health Sciences2
BSNMSN
N/AView
American Public University System3
BSNMSN
N/AView
Southern New Hampshire University1
BSN
N/AView
Michigan State University2
DNPMSN
N/AView
University of Michigan — Flint3
DNPMSN
N/AView
Penn State World Campus2
DNPMSN
N/AView
Arizona State University2
DNPMSN
N/AView
Drexel University3
DNPMSN
N/AView
Grand Canyon University4
DNPMSN
N/AView
Chamberlain University4
DNPMSN
N/AView
Regis College3
DNPMSN
N/AView
Capella University2
DNPMSN
N/AView
Duke University3
DNPMSN
N/AView
University of Phoenix2
DNPMSN
N/AView
Walden University3
DNPMSN
N/AView

How many nursing programs are available in South Carolina?

There are 188 accredited nursing programs available in South Carolina across 39 schools — including 0 LPN, 2 ADN, 10 BSN, 60 MSN, and 28 DNP pathways. Programs are offered online, on-campus, and hybrid.

How much does nursing school cost in South Carolina?

Nursing program tuition in South Carolina starts as low as $13,500 and reaches $108,000 among programs in our directory. Community college ADN programs are typically the most affordable; private BSN programs cost more. Financial aid, scholarships, and employer tuition reimbursement can reduce out-of-pocket costs.

How long does nursing school take in South Carolina?

The fastest nursing programs listed in South Carolina can be completed in 15 months (Accelerated BSN at ECPI University). LPN certificates typically take 9–12 months, ADN programs 18–24 months, and traditional BSN programs 36–48 months. Accelerated BSN programs for career changers can finish in 12–18 months.

What is the average nurse salary in South Carolina?

Registered nurses in South Carolina earn an average of $84,930 per year ($41/hour) according to Bureau of Labor Statistics data. RN employment in South Carolina is projected to grow 7.6% through 2032.

Can I complete nursing school online in South Carolina?

Yes. There are 98 online and hybrid nursing programs (89 fully online, 9 hybrid) available to South Carolina residents in our directory. Online programs deliver lectures digitally, but all nursing programs require in-person clinical hours. Many arrange clinical placements within South Carolina.

What are the nursing license requirements in South Carolina?

To practice nursing in South Carolina, you must pass the NCLEX exam and apply to the South Carolina Board of Nursing. South Carolina is a Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) state, which means your license allows you to practice in other compact states. License renewal is every 2 years with 30 continuing education hours required.

Is there a nursing shortage in South Carolina?

Yes. Like most states, South Carolina is experiencing a nursing shortage that is projected to worsen through 2030. The 7.6% job growth projected through 2032 reflects strong demand for qualified nurses, particularly in rural areas and specialized care units. This means excellent job security and competitive compensation for nursing graduates.

What GPA do I need for nursing school in South Carolina?

GPA requirements for nursing programs in South Carolina vary by school and degree level. Most BSN programs require a minimum GPA of 2.5–3.0 for admission, while competitive programs may require 3.2 or higher. ADN and LPN programs at community colleges often have lower GPA thresholds. Some programs consider your overall GPA while others focus on prerequisite science courses.

Nursing Programs in Nearby States

GeorgiaNorth Carolina

Compare nursing programs in South Carolina

South Carolina nursing reference

NCLEX pass ratesRN salary data$84,930 average (BLS).Nursing schoolsScholarshipsLicense requirementsAdmission requirementsHow to become a nurseNursing shortage & outlookFor working adultsLPN to RNRN to BSNFNP programsPMHNP programsNurse midwife programsMSN programsDNP programsCRNA programs

Nearby States

GeorgiaNorth Carolina

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