Online Nursing Schools in South Carolina: Choosing a Program
The demand for nurses remains high in South Carolina, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. This means opportunity for current and aspiring CNAs, LPNs, RNs, and NPs. Before diving into a new career, however, it’s important to think about training. Which degree do you need, and which schools and programs can get you there? And of those programs, which meets your needs as a student, professional, and person? Use EduMed’s guide to explore online nursing program options in South Carolina, review licensing requirements in the state, and see what the job market might look like for you after graduation.
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Profiling South Carolina’s Online Nursing Schools
Maybe you’re a high school senior and considering becoming an RN. Perhaps you’ve been licensed for a few years but want a higher salary by getting your BSN degree. Or you’re a nurse who’s ready to make the jump to advanced practitioner or teaching roles. Whatever the case, South Carolina has accredited hybrid and online nursing programs to meet your educational needs.
While some advanced nursing programs are available entirely online, most are hybrid or partially online programs. That’s because a big part of your nursing education must occur in person, especially when it’s time for clinical rotations.
This guide closely examines some of the best nursing schools in South Carolina. We also offer essential information on RN licensure requirements, nursing degree paths, earning potential, and how to find the best SC nursing school for your needs.
Undergraduate Nursing in South Carolina
Whether you’re just beginning your nursing studies or have previous schooling and work experience, South Carolina nursing schools offer undergraduate degree programs to meet your career goals. Here’s an overview of some of the most common undergraduate nursing degree options in South Carolina, along with examples of schools offering them.
Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)
If you’re beginning your nursing career, becoming a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) will teach you how to provide basic patient care, take vital signs, and work effectively in healthcare settings. You’ll learn the basics in the classroom before heading into clinical training to gain hands-on experience.
Example: Midlands Technical College
- Cost: $200-$600/credit (residency dependent)
- Length: One year
- Mode: Partially online
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Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN)
A Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) program could be the right choice for you if you’re looking for more responsibilities than a CNA. LPN programs provide training in handling additional medical and nursing tasks such as administering medication, blood draws and injections, assisting with minor procedures, and updating health records.
Example: Midlands Technical College
- Cost: $200-$600/credit (residency dependent)
- Length: One year
- Mode: Partially online
Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN)
If you want to gain the education, experience, and qualifications to become a registered nurse as quickly as possible, the ADN is for you. This two-year ADN program gives you basic nursing and critical-thinking skills while preparing you for the NCLEX-RN. ADNs work in doctors’ offices, home healthcare roles, nursing homes, and outpatient facilities.
Example: Midlands Technical College
- Cost: $200-$600/credit (residency dependent)
- Length: Two and a half years
- Mode: Partially online
Accelerated BSN (ABSN)
Accelerated BSN programs are for people with bachelor’s degrees in outside fields who want to switch to nursing. With their applicable transfer credits, they can earn the BSN without repeating many general education classes. Expect to spend 12-24 months in a BSN program.
Example: Charleston Southern University
- Cost: $650/credit
- Length: 18 months
- Mode: Partially online
South Carolina Graduate Nursing Programs
When you’re ready to advance your career and earn more money, graduate and postgraduate nursing degree programs — master’s, doctoral, and post-master’s certificates — are the ticket. These programs are ideal for nurses who want to specialize in particular practice areas, become nurse educators, or work as nurse practitioners.
Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)
Standard MSN tracks are for students who already have BSNs and RN licensure. These programs develop skills and prepare students for advanced nursing careers. For example, if you want to work in a specialized nursing area like midwifery, administration, or anesthesia, these programs are for you.
Example: Charleston Southern University
- Cost: $625/credit
- Length: 16-19 months
- Mode: Fully online
DNP and PhD Doctoral Programs
A DNP prepares you for nursing leadership roles and positions as you put the latest nursing research into practice in healthcare facilities. A PhD is a degree that prepares you for roles in research institutions and at colleges and universities. DNP and PhD programs take 3-5 years.
Example: The University of South Carolina
- Cost: $572/credit (resident) | $1240/credit (non-resident)
- Length: 18 months to two years
- Mode: Partially online
Post-Master’s Certificate Programs
Post-graduate certificates further hone your skills in a particular area of the nursing field after you’ve already earned a master’s degree. Specializations include nursing leadership, mental health nurse practitioner, acute care nurse practitioner, or family nurse practitioner. Expect to spend 1-2 years completing a post-graduate nursing certificate.
Example: Charleston Southern University
- Cost: $625/credit
- Length: One year
- Mode: Fully online
Bridge Programs in SC
Nursing bridge programs provide a faster education pathway for nurses already working in healthcare to expand their scope of practice and gain a higher-level degree. While other students may need a traditional degree path, working nurses can take advantage of their previous education and experience to get their next degree quickly.
RN to BSN
If you became an RN by getting your associate degree before passing the NCLEX-RN, an RN to BSN program will expand your nursing skills and critical-thinking abilities. Usually, these programs take just one to two years to complete. After graduation, you’ll compete for nursing positions with higher pay and greater responsibility.
Example: Aiken University
- Cost: $306/credit
- Length: One to two years
- Mode: Fully online
RN to MSN
If you have RN licensure and an ADN or BSN, you can apply to most RN to MSN programs and complete BSN and MSN coursework simultaneously. These programs also develop skills for specialized careers, including family nurse practitioner or adult gerontology nurse practitioner. Expect to spend 2-3 years finishing an MSN.
Example: South University
- Cost: $660/credit
- Length: One to three years
- Mode: Fully online
BSN to DNP
You can apply directly to a Doctor of Nursing Program if you have RN licensure and a BSN. A DNP is the highest degree a nurse can earn and will train you to work as a nurse practitioner, nurse midwife, or nurse anesthetist with the highest skill level and impact on patient outcomes.
Example: Medical University of South Carolina
- Cost: $835/credit
- Length: Three to five years
- Mode: Fully online
Advancing as a Licensed RN in South Carolina
While getting your nursing degree is a necessary step in your career, it’s not the only thing you’ll need to accomplish. Nursing students in South Carolina must follow the licensure guidelines established by the South Carolina Board of Nursing. Here’s a step-by-step guide to the state’s RN licensure process.
1 – Earn an Accredited Nursing Degree
Your first step is to complete a South Carolina-approved RN program that readies you for the NCLEX-RN. While South Carolina’s colleges and universities are regionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges and Universities (SACSCOC), check your school for nursing program accreditation provided by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) or the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN). You’ll complete your state-approved program before taking the licensure exam.
2 – Pass the NCLEX-RN Exam
The NCLEX-RN tests your knowledge in foundational areas and skills such as safety and infection control, psychosocial integrity, health promotion and maintenance, and reduction of risk potential. All South Carolina licensure applicants must register with NCLEX on the candidate section of its site, and the exam fee is $200. After completing the online registration steps, you’ll receive an Authorization to Test email letting you know you can schedule the exam.
3 – Apply for State Licensure
Each state has distinctive state RN licensing requirements. In South Carolina, you’ll need to submit a state application for licensure by examination before submitting your exam application. You’ll need a signed and dated 2×2″ photograph, a copy of your birth certificate or valid passport, and a copy of your social security card or permanent resident card. South Carolina also requires a certificate of endorsement sent directly from your nursing school and a $90 application fee.
4 – Maintain and Renew Licensure
Once you obtain your nursing license, you must stay up-to-date with license maintenance and renewal requirements. All nursing licenses in South Carolina expire on April 30 of even years. The State Board of Nursing sends renewal notices via mail or email, but you don’t have to wait for a notice to get started. You must choose from one of four renewal options, including completing 30 contact hours from a board-recognized continuing education provider. Renewals are $75.
5 – Pursue Specialty Certifications (Optional)
South Carolina is lined up to potentially have one of the most significant nursing shortages in the nation in the coming years, and getting additional certifications can help you meet high demand, step into leadership roles, and make more money. First, you must choose a nursing specialty and complete an online nursing post-master’s certification program. After completing the program, you’ll also need to take and pass any additional certification exams related to your new scope of practice.
South Carolina RN Salary & Career Info
The registered nursing profession in South Carolina is projected to grow by 9.90% in the coming years, making it an opportune time to enroll in a degree program—whether you're entering the profession or pursuing an advanced degree to enhance your skills. This growth translates to 2,990 additional jobs being added to the field annually. Nationally, the profession is expected to grow by 5.60%, resulting in 193,100 new jobs. You might also be curious about potential earnings as a registered nurse after graduation. In South Carolina, salaries range from $60,780 to $98,980, with an average salary of $78,380. Salaries can vary depending on your location. In Columbia, RNs earn between $61,290 and $97,990, with an average salary of $78,470. In Sumter, the salary range is $61,500 to $97,220, with an average of $78,230. Refer to the tables below for more detailed data.
| Area ↕ | 10th Percentile ↕ | Median ↕ | 90th Percentile ↕ |
|---|---|---|---|
| South Carolina | $60,780 | $78,380 | $98,980 |
| Charleston-North Charleston, SC | $65,730 | $80,440 | $100,800 |
| Columbia, SC | $61,290 | $78,470 | $97,990 |
| Florence, SC | $60,110 | $78,020 | $160,050 |
| Greenville-Anderson-Mauldin, SC | $59,280 | $76,500 | $96,610 |
| Hilton Head Island-Bluffton-Beaufort, SC | $57,120 | $76,490 | $85,700 |
| Myrtle Beach-Conway-North Myrtle Beach, SC-NC | $58,110 | $79,770 | $91,190 |
| Spartanburg, SC | $65,150 | $76,470 | $94,160 |
| Sumter, SC | $61,500 | $78,230 | $97,220 |
Source: Registered Nurses, Occupational Employment and Wages, May 2023, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Data based on national numbers, not school-specific information.
| Area ↕ | Curr. Jobs ↕ | Proj. Jobs ↕ | New Jobs ↕ | Growth % ↕ | Avg. Ann. Openings ↕ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| United States | 3,172,500 | 3,349,900 | 177,400 | 5.60% | 193,100 |
| South Carolina | 45,140 | 49,610 | 4,470 | 9.90% | 2,990 |
Source: Projections Central
Data based on national numbers, not school-specific information.
Ranking Top Online Nursing Programs in South Carolina
With so many degree options and schools offering online nursing degrees in South Carolina, it can be hard to know which is right for you. To help you decide, we’ve created rankings of the best online nursing degrees in South Carolina. We evaluated each school based on the number of online programs available, the percentage of students enrolled in online classes, tuition costs, and how much financial aid they awarded each student.
University of South Carolina-Columbia
Columbia, South Carolina
Why We Selected University of South Carolina-Columbia:
- The program offers flexible online learning, enhancing accessibility for working professionals.
- Faculty are specially trained to create interactive and collaborative online environments.
- Clinical courses include immersion learning experiences, providing hands-on practice.
Program Details
- AccreditationSACSCOC
- Average In-State Tuition$12,288
- Average Institutional Aid$3,235
- % of Students in ≥1 Online Course60%
- % of Students Receiving an Award77%
- Student/Faculty Ratio18/1
University of South Carolina-Upstate
Spartanburg, South Carolina
Why We Selected University of South Carolina-Upstate:
- Online students receive in-state tuition regardless of residence.
- The program offers an RN-MSN option for advanced career paths.
- Collaborative partnerships with over 100 healthcare organizations enhance clinical experiences.
Program Details
- AccreditationSACSCOC
- Average In-State Tuition$11,208
- Average Institutional Aid$5,267
- % of Students in ≥1 Online Course84%
- % of Students Receiving an Award48%
- Student/Faculty Ratio15/1
Clemson University
Clemson, South Carolina
Why We Selected Clemson University:
- The program offers an accelerated track with potential graduate course enrollment.
- Students receive 31 semester hours of credit upon completing a key foundational course with a B grade.
- The curriculum includes specialized courses in healthcare genetics and leadership management.
Program Details
- AccreditationSACSCOC
- Average In-State Tuition$14,118
- Average Institutional Aid$6,620
- % of Students in ≥1 Online Course49%
- % of Students Receiving an Award84%
- Student/Faculty Ratio16/1
Coastal Carolina University
Conway, South Carolina
Why We Selected Coastal Carolina University:
- The program offers a well-rounded curriculum with a strong focus on evidence-based practice.
- Coastal Carolina University's nursing program boasts high NCLEX-RN pass rates, ensuring strong job readiness.
- The program is accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN), ensuring quality standards.
Program Details
- AccreditationSACSCOC
- Average In-State Tuition$11,460
- Average Institutional Aid$7,201
- % of Students in ≥1 Online Course64%
- % of Students Receiving an Award47%
- Student/Faculty Ratio17/1
University of South Carolina Aiken
Aiken, South Carolina
Why We Selected University of South Carolina Aiken:
- The program offers real-world training through a state-of-the-art Simulation Center.
- The curriculum includes specialized courses in gerontology and community health nursing.
- Employer partnerships provide students with valuable clinical placement opportunities.
Program Details
- AccreditationSACSCOC
- Average In-State Tuition$10,398
- Average Institutional Aid$3,310
- % of Students in ≥1 Online Course65%
- % of Students Receiving an Award38%
- Student/Faculty Ratio16/1
Lander University
Greenwood, South Carolina
Why We Selected Lander University:
- The RN-BSN program offers an asynchronous online format for flexible learning.
- The program provides articulation agreements with some SC Technical Colleges for streamlined transfer credits.
- Lander University's nursing program is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education.
Program Details
- AccreditationSACSCOC
- Average In-State Tuition$10,700
- Average Institutional Aid$4,826
- % of Students in ≥1 Online Course48%
- % of Students Receiving an Award44%
- Student/Faculty Ratio16/1
Claflin University
Orangeburg, South Carolina
Why We Selected Claflin University:
- The RN to BSN program at Claflin University offers a deferred payment plan to help manage tuition costs.
- Claflin University's RN to BSN program is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education, ensuring quality education.
- The program provides an opportunity for registered nurses to enhance their career prospects with a bachelor's degree in nursing.
Program Details
- AccreditationSACSCOC
- Average In-State Tuition$16,476
- Average Institutional Aid$5,565
- % of Students in ≥1 Online Course12%
- % of Students Receiving an Award50%
- Student/Faculty Ratio13/1
Newberry College
Newberry, South Carolina
Why We Selected Newberry College:
- Newberry's RN-to-BSN program offers a fully online format, ideal for working nurses.
- The program provides opportunities for tuition assistance through the South Carolina Tuition Grant.
- Newberry's RN-to-BSN program is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).
Program Details
- AccreditationSACSCOC
- Average In-State Tuition$25,650
- Average Institutional Aid$16,450
- % of Students in ≥1 Online Course3%
- % of Students Receiving an Award53%
- Student/Faculty Ratio13/1
Base Methodology for EduMed’s “Best Online College Rankings” for the ‘24-’25 school year.
One: Create a list of eligible schools & programs
To be eligible for ranking, schools were required to meet the following criteria based on data pulled from The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS), which was self-reported by the schools themselves.
- Institutional accreditation from an organization recognized by the U.S. Department of Education
- At least one online component in a program within the ranking-subject area.
- The existence of academic counseling on campus and/or online.
- The existence of career placement services on campus and/or online.
Two: Assign weightings to eligible schools & programs
After creating the list of eligible schools, EduMed data scientists assigned weights and ranked schools based on a mix of metrics, which were all self-reported by the school themselves to the U.S. Department of Education and IPEDS.
The metrics are listed below in order of most- to least-heavily weighted.
- Online Programs – Number of online programs, either partially- or fully-online, in the relevant subject area. Because exact numbers change often and can be difficult to verify, we use a range-based scoring system to represent this category with laptop icons.
- % in Online Ed. – Percent of total students taking at least one distance education class.
- Tuition – Average in-state tuition for undergraduate students studying full-time, as self-reported by the school.
- % Receiving Award – Percent of full-time, first-time students receiving an award in 6 years.
- Avg. Inst. Aid – Average amount of institutional grant aid awarded to full-time, first-time undergraduates.
- Student/Faculty Ratio – The number of students per faculty member.
About Our Data
EduMed’s rankings use the latest official data available from The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS). Most recent data pull: July 2024
