Best Nursing Programs in South Carolina (2026)

Compare 167 accredited nursing programs across 38 schools in South Carolina. Find the right fit by degree type, cost, duration, and delivery format.

167

Programs

38

Schools

$70,650

Avg RN Salary

15 mo

Fastest Program

Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2023

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 Data

Programs by Degree Type

65

MSN Programs

24

DNP Programs

9

BSN Programs

2

ADN Programs

Nursing Education in South Carolina

South Carolina offers 167 accredited nursing programs across 38 institutions, covering degree levels from LPN certificates through doctoral programs. Registered nurses in South Carolina earn an average of $70,650 per year, with 7.6% job growth projected through 2032. 97 programs offer online or hybrid delivery, making it possible to earn your degree while working.

South Carolina participates in the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC), allowing RNs licensed in the state to practice across all compact member states without additional licensure. All nursing graduates must pass the NCLEX exam to obtain licensure. Continuing education requirements include 30 hours per renewal cycle (2 years).

Tuition for nursing programs in South Carolina starts at $13,500, with community college ADN programs generally offering the lowest cost pathway to an RN license. With an average RN salary of $70,650, even the most expensive programs typically deliver a strong return on investment within 2–4 years of graduation.

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Nursing Schools in South Carolina

38 accredited institutions offering nursing programs.

SchoolProgramsDegree TypesNCLEX Rate
Duke University4
BSNDNPMSN
95.0%View
ECPI University2
BSNADN
79.2%View
Excelsior University2
ADNBSN
N/AView
Western Governors University3
BSNMSN
91.8%View
Aspen University2
BSNMSN
N/AView
National University4
BSNMSN
N/AView
Joyce University of Nursing and Health Sciences2
BSNMSN
91.2%View
American Public University System1
BSN
N/AView
Southern New Hampshire University1
BSN
N/AView
Simmons University3
DNPMSN
N/AView
University of Phoenix3
DNPMSN
N/AView
Maryville University3
DNPMSN
N/AView
University of Cincinnati4
DNPMSN
N/AView
Florida State University4
DNPMSN
N/AView
Arizona State University3
DNPMSN
N/AView
Regis College3
DNPMSN
N/AView
Capella University2
DNPMSN
N/AView
Walden University3
DNPMSN
N/AView
George Washington University3
DNPMSN
N/AView
University of Texas at Arlington4
DNPMSN
N/AView

All Nursing Programs in South Carolina

Sorted by school name. Filter by degree type, cost, and duration using the links above.

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Format
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Tuition (USD)
Showing 30 of 30 programs
Duke University logo
BSNOn Campus

Duke University

Accelerated BSN

$78,000 total16 mo program95% NCLEX pass rate93% grad rate
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BSNOn Campus

ECPI University

Accelerated BSN

$52,000 total15 mo program67% grad rate
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ADNOn Campus

ECPI University

ADN

$38,000 total20 mo program79% NCLEX pass rate67% grad rate
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Excelsior University logo
ADNOnline

Excelsior University

ADN (Associate Degree in Nursing)

$14,560 total24 mo program58% grad rate
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Western Governors University logo
BSNOnline

Western Governors University

Bachelor of Science in Nursing (Pre-Licensure)

$35,700 total36 mo program92% NCLEX pass rate55% grad rate
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Aspen University logo
BSNOnline

Aspen University

BSN — Pre-Licensure

$28,800 total36 mo program60% grad rate
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National University logo
BSNOnline

National University

BSN — Pre-Licensure

$45,000 total36 mo program62% grad rate
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Joyce University of Nursing and Health Sciences logo
BSNOnline

Joyce University of Nursing and Health Sciences

BSN (Pre-Licensure Online)

$52,000 total36 mo program91% NCLEX pass rate82% grad rate
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American Public University System logo
BSNOnline

American Public University System

BSN Completion

$27,000 total36 mo program58% grad rate
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Excelsior University logo
BSNOnline

Excelsior University

BSN Completion

$30,000 total36 mo program58% grad rate
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Southern New Hampshire University logo
BSNOnline

Southern New Hampshire University

BSN Completion

$50,400 total48 mo program70% grad rate
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Simmons University logo
DNPOnline

Simmons University

DNP

$75,000 total36 mo program83% grad rate
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University of Phoenix logo
DNPOnline

University of Phoenix

DNP

$51,840 total36 mo program55% grad rate
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Duke University logo
DNPOnline + Campus

Duke University

DNP

$95,000 total36 mo program93% grad rate
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Maryville University logo
DNPOnline

Maryville University

DNP

$36,000 total36 mo program74% grad rate
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University of Cincinnati logo
DNPOnline + Campus

University of Cincinnati

DNP

$33,840 total36 mo program80% grad rate
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Florida State University logo
DNPOnline + Campus

Florida State University

DNP

$36,000 total36 mo program83% grad rate
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Arizona State University logo
DNPOnline + Campus

Arizona State University

DNP

$42,000 total36 mo program65% grad rate
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Regis College logo
DNPOnline

Regis College

DNP

$60,000 total36 mo program82% grad rate
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Capella University logo
DNPOnline

Capella University

DNP

$46,800 total42 mo program58% grad rate
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Walden University logo
DNPOnline

Walden University

DNP

$51,000 total48 mo program65% grad rate
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DNPOnline

George Washington University

DNP

$78,000 total36 mo program82% grad rate
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University of Texas at Arlington logo
DNPOnline

University of Texas at Arlington

DNP

$36,120 total36 mo program76% grad rate
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Gonzaga University logo
DNPOnline

Gonzaga University

DNP

$38,880 total36 mo program82% grad rate
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University of Pennsylvania logo
DNPOnline

University of Pennsylvania

DNP

$108,000 total36 mo program93% grad rate
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Liberty University logo
DNPOnline

Liberty University

DNP

$28,620 total36 mo program72% grad rate
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Johns Hopkins University logo
DNPOnline

Johns Hopkins University

DNP

$88,000 total36 mo program92% grad rate
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Chamberlain University logo
DNPOnline

Chamberlain University

DNP

$45,000 total36 mo program62% grad rate
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Grand Canyon University logo
DNPOnline

Grand Canyon University

DNP

$30,000 total36 mo program68% grad rate
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Sacred Heart University logo
DNPOnline

Sacred Heart University

DNP

$65,000 total36 mo program78% grad rate
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Showing 30 of 167 programs. View all programs in South Carolina

Start Your Nursing Career in South Carolina

Get matched with accredited programs that fit your budget and schedule.

How many nursing programs are available in South Carolina?
There are 167 accredited nursing programs available in South Carolina, spanning LPN, ADN, BSN, MSN, and DNP degree levels. Programs are offered in online, on-campus, and hybrid formats to accommodate different learning preferences and schedules.
How much does nursing school cost in South Carolina?
Nursing program tuition in South Carolina starts as low as $13,500. Costs vary widely by degree level and institution type. Community college ADN programs are typically the most affordable, while private BSN programs may cost $30,000–$70,000. Financial aid, scholarships, and employer tuition reimbursement can significantly reduce out-of-pocket costs.
How long does nursing school take in South Carolina?
The fastest nursing programs in South Carolina can be completed in as little as 15 months. 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 with a prior bachelor's degree can be completed in 12–18 months.
What is the average nurse salary in South Carolina?
Registered nurses in South Carolina earn an average of $70,650 per year ($34/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 97 online and hybrid nursing programs available to South Carolina residents. Online programs deliver lectures and coursework digitally, but all nursing programs require in-person clinical hours at approved healthcare facilities. Many programs 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
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Explore Nursing in South Carolina

Fastest ProgramsMost AffordableOnline ProgramsFor Working AdultsHow to Become a NurseNursing Shortage & OutlookLPN to RN ProgramsRN to BSN ProgramsAccelerated BSNNurse Practitioner ProgramsFNP ProgramsPMHNP ProgramsNurse Midwife ProgramsMSN ProgramsDNP ProgramsCRNA ProgramsNCLEX Pass RatesAdmission RequirementsLicense RequirementsRN Salary Data

Nearby States

GeorgiaNorth Carolina

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