Best Nursing Programs in South Carolina (2026)
MyNursingSchools lists 188 accredited nursing programs across 38 schools in South Carolina. The fastest listed completion time is 15 months. Listed tuition ranges from $13,500 to $108,000. Programs with published NCLEX data average 90.5% first-time pass rate. RNs in South Carolina earn $70,650/year on average (BLS).
188
Programs
38
Schools
15 mo
Fastest Listed
$13,500
Lowest Tuition
90.5%
Avg NCLEX (6)
97
Online / Hybrid
$71K
Avg RN Salary
Salary source: BLS OEWS, May 2023 · Program stats from MyNursingSchools directory
South Carolina nursing programs at a glance
- 188 accredited nursing programs across 38 schools in South Carolina (0 LPN, 2 ADN, 11 BSN).
- Fastest listed program: 15 months (Accelerated BSN at ECPI University).
- Lowest listed tuition: $13,500 (MSN — Nursing Administration at National University).
- Highest published NCLEX pass rate in our listing: 95% (Duke University).
- 97 online or hybrid programs serve South Carolina students (3 on-campus).
- Average RN salary in South Carolina: $70,650 (BLS) · 7.6% projected job growth through 2032.
South Carolina nursing program market snapshot
| Programs in directory | 188 total · 100 on this page |
|---|---|
| Schools | 38 accredited institutions |
| Degree mix (listed) | 0 LPN · 2 ADN · 11 BSN · 59 MSN · 28 DNP |
| Fastest listed program | Accelerated BSN at ECPI University — 15 months |
| Tuition range (listed) | $13,500 – $108,000 |
| NCLEX pass rates | 90.5% average across 6 programs with published data · high: 95% (Duke University) |
| Delivery formats | 88 online · 9 hybrid · 3 on-campus |
| RN salary & outlook | $70,650/yr (BLS) · 7.6% projected growth through 2032 |
ADN Programs in South Carolina
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Showing 100 of 188 programs from our directory for South Carolina.
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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 ($70,650/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 13 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 13 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.
- 97 online or hybrid programs serve South Carolina students — flexible for working adults, but all nursing credentials still require on-site clinical hours.
Sponsored · Disclosure
- Compact licensure
- Yes — Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) participant.
- CE at renewal
- 30 hours per 2 years cycle.
- Average RN salary
- $70,650 (BLS, May 2023) · how we source this
- Lowest listed tuition
- From $13,500 (MSN — Nursing Administration at National University).
Explore Nursing in South Carolina
Programs by Degree Type
59
MSN Programs
28
DNP Programs
11
BSN Programs
2
ADN Programs
Nursing Schools in South Carolina
38 accredited institutions offering nursing programs.
| School | Programs | Degree Types | NCLEX Rate | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ECPI University | 2 | BSNADN | 79.2% | View |
| Duke University | 4 | BSNDNPMSN | 95.0% | View |
| Medical University of South Carolina – College of Nursing | 8 | BSNDNPMSN | 94.0% | View |
| Excelsior University | 2 | ADNBSN | N/A | View |
| University of South Carolina – College of Nursing | 4 | BSNDNPMSN | 92.0% | View |
| Western Governors University | 2 | BSNMSN | 91.8% | View |
| National University | 3 | BSNMSN | N/A | View |
| Aspen University | 1 | BSN | N/A | View |
| Joyce University of Nursing and Health Sciences | 2 | BSNMSN | 91.2% | View |
| American Public University System | 3 | BSNMSN | N/A | View |
| Southern New Hampshire University | 1 | BSN | N/A | View |
| Regis College | 3 | DNPMSN | N/A | View |
| Gonzaga University | 3 | DNPMSN | N/A | View |
| University of Pennsylvania | 3 | DNPMSN | N/A | View |
| Sacred Heart University | 2 | DNPMSN | N/A | View |
| Florida State University | 3 | DNPMSN | N/A | View |
| Drexel University | 3 | DNPMSN | N/A | View |
| Johns Hopkins University | 2 | DNPMSN | N/A | View |
| University of Michigan — Flint | 3 | DNPMSN | N/A | View |
| Chamberlain University | 4 | DNPMSN | N/A | View |
How many nursing programs are available in South Carolina?
There are 188 accredited nursing programs available in South Carolina across 38 schools — including 0 LPN, 2 ADN, 11 BSN, 59 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 $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 (88 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.
Which nursing program has the highest NCLEX pass rate in South Carolina?
Among programs with published NCLEX data in our directory, Duke University leads at 95% first-time pass rate (Accelerated BSN). Average across 6 programs with data: 90.5%. Pass rates vary by cohort — always confirm the school's three-year average before enrolling.
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.
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