Nursing Schools in South Carolina: Campus & Online Programs (2026)
Compare 9 campus-based nursing schools in South Carolina — plus accredited online programs open to South Carolina residents. NCLEX pass rates, acceptance rates, and accreditation in one place.
South Carolina has 9 campus-based nursing schools plus 47 accredited online programs open to residents (2026). Registered nurses in South Carolina earn about $84,930/year (BLS). Verify each program's ACEN or CCNE accreditation before enrolling.
Key takeaways — nursing schools in South Carolina
- South Carolina has 9 campus-based nursing schools and 47 accredited online programs available to residents.
- Registered nurses in South Carolina earn an average of $84,930 per year (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics).
- Verify each program's ACEN or CCNE accreditation before enrolling — it is the baseline for federal financial aid, NCLEX eligibility, and graduate nursing study.
- Online pre-licensure programs must hold South Carolina Board of Nursing approval and arrange in-state clinical placements — verify both before enrolling.
Campus-Based Nursing Schools in South Carolina
Accredited nursing schools with a campus in South Carolina. Outcome data is added as state boards publish it.
| School | NCLEX Pass Rate | Acceptance Rate | Accreditation | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Arizona College of Nursing – Greenville | N/A | — | Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES) — institutional, all campuses. BSN program accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE), reaccredited June 2022 for the maximum 10-year term. | View School |
| ECPI University – North Charleston | N/A | — | SACSCOC (institutional); CCNE (baccalaureate and master's degree programs in nursing at ECPI University); South Carolina Board of Nursing — ADN approved, BSN initial approval at North Charleston. Associate program NOT ACEN-accredited at this campus. | View School |
| Medical University of South Carolina – College of Nursing | N/A | — | CCNE | View School |
| Midlands Technical College | N/A | — | ACEN | View School |
| Spartanburg Community College | N/A | — | ACEN | View School |
| Trident Technical College | N/A | — | ACEN | View School |
| University of South Carolina – College of Nursing | N/A | — | CCNE | View School |
| University of South Carolina Aiken | N/A | — | Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC). Nursing programs approved by the South Carolina State Board of Nursing; RN-to-BSN accredited by CCNE. | View School |
| York Technical College | N/A | — | ACEN | View School |
Online Nursing Programs Available to South Carolina Residents
These accredited schools are based outside South Carolina but enroll South Carolina residents online. Confirm clinical-placement and South Carolina Board of Nursing approval before enrolling in any pre-licensure RN program.
How We Evaluate Nursing Schools in South Carolina
We separate schools with a physical campus in South Carolina from accredited online programs that enroll South Carolina residents, because the two answer different questions — one is about studying locally, the other about studying from South Carolina. Within each group we weight NCLEX first-time pass rate most heavily; it is the strongest available predictor of how well a program prepares graduates for licensure.
Accreditation is non-negotiable: we only include schools accredited by ACEN or CCNE, or regionally accredited programs with state board approval. We also consider acceptance rate (program selectivity), program variety across degree levels (LPN through doctoral), and value relative to regional salary expectations. Where a school has not yet reported outcome data, we show it without inventing a number.
What to Look for in a South Carolina Nursing School
The most important factor is NCLEX pass rate. The national first-time NCLEX-RN pass rate for U.S.-educated candidates was 86.7% in 2025 (NCSBN), down from 91.2% in 2024. Programs consistently above 90% have demonstrated they effectively prepare students for licensure. Ask schools for their three-year average pass rate — a single good year can be an anomaly.
Accreditation matters for several reasons beyond quality assurance. CCNE- or ACEN-accredited programs make you eligible for federal financial aid, qualify you for military service, and meet the requirements for most graduate nursing programs if you plan to advance your career later.
Consider clinical placement. Hospitals in South Carolina often have affiliation agreements with specific nursing schools, giving graduates an inside track to jobs. If you are considering an online program based outside South Carolina, confirm that it arranges clinical placements within South Carolina and is approved by the South Carolina Board of Nursing for pre-licensure study.
Nursing Career Outlook in South Carolina
Registered nurses in South Carolina earn an average of $84,930 annually. The BLS projects nursing employment to grow 6% nationally through 2032 — faster than the average for all occupations — driven by an aging population and expanded access to healthcare. South Carolina is expected to see strong demand in hospitals, outpatient care centers, and home health settings.
BSN-prepared nurses command higher salaries and have access to broader roles. The American Association of Colleges of Nursing reports that 80% of nursing positions now prefer or require a BSN. If you currently hold an ADN, many schools serving South Carolinaoffer flexible RN-to-BSN completion programs you can complete while working.
Request Info From Nursing Programs in South Carolina
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Advertiser DisclosureBelow are programs currently accepting applications from South Carolina residents. Each will send tuition details, start dates, and admission requirements directly — useful for comparing schools and formats beyond the tables above.