Best Nursing Schools in South Carolina

South Carolina's best nursing schoolsIf you want a great career in the healthcare industry, you might want to consider becoming a nurse. You could work in hospitals, doctor’s offices, clinics, and other facilities throughout the state, including big cities like Columbia and Charleston. No matter what your circumstances may be, you could get an education to help you enter this career. Check out the information below to learn more about nursing schools in South Carolina.

How to Become a Nurse in South Carolina

In order to become a nurse in South Carolina, you need to get a college education. This will help you learn the terminology, technology, laws and skills surrounding the nursing industry. Start by looking for a school that is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) or the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission (NLNAC). Think about what kind of nurse you want to be and find a degree program that fits your career goals. Then all you have to do is complete your degree as normal.

Common degree programs for nurses in South Carolina include:

  • Diploma of Nursing (DN): 1 year
  • Associate’s Degree in Nursing (ADN): 2 years
  • Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN): 4 years
  • Master of Science in Nursing (MSN): 6 years
  • Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP): 8+ years

After you have earned your degree, you will need to pursue a nursing license. You might also want to get certifications that relate to your job to make your resume look the best it possibly can. This will greatly improve your chances of getting a job in the future. To learn more, contact the South Carolina Board of Nursing.

Tuition for South Carolina Nursing Schools

Tuition rates in South Carolina change from one school to the next. Community colleges tend to have the lowest tuition rates, but most of them only offer diplomas and associate’s degrees. If you want to get a degree higher than that, you will need to find a school that offers the type of degree you need. The chart below shows average tuition rates in South Carolina, courtesy of the College Board.

  • Public Two Year College: $4,938 per year
  • Public Four Year University: $12,192 per year
  • Private Four Year University: $22,827 per year

Job Prospects for South Carolina Nurses

Nurses are in high demand in South Carolina, and there is a lot of job growth in store for this profession. If you start your education now, chances are you will have a lot of jobs to choose from when you graduate. Here are some salary statistics for nursing jobs in South Carolina, based on data from the BLS:

  • Nursing Assistant: $24,100 per year
  • Licensed Practical Nurse: $39,410 per year
  • Registered Nurse: $61,110 per year
  • Nurse Practitioner: $91,440 per year

Figure out if nursing is really the career for you, and then find a school that will help you get there.


Nursing Schools in South Carolina

Lander University

What sets Lander aside from other Universities of higher education is the emphasis it places on emerging fields of study such as exercise science, finance, and teaching while continuing the traditional degrees of education in an effort to better prepared graduates to meet the demands in the workforce. Benefits Lander provides are small class sizes which allow for personal attention and mentors from successful, skilled, knowledgeable faculty and staff. Here are Lander students learn the science and art of nursing, as nursing is more than just a profession, it is a calling. From our state of the art facilities and patient manikins students will be adequately prepared to lead out in the nursing profession in the health care system.

  • Location: Greenwood, SC
  • Student Enrollment: 3,060
  • Type of School: Public
  • College Accredited: Yes
  • Offers Online Programs: No
  • Lander University Nursing Programs: BS/BSN, RN-to-BSN
  • Tuition: $10,418

University of South Carolina-Upstate

To better reach our students of diverse backgrounds, age, race and educational pursuits we offer as much on campus traditional learning as off-campus online education to meet the needs of our students. Our highly experienced faculty are committed to excellence in teaching, advising and in providing experiential learning opportunities that empower students to become competent professionals who give high quality nursing care to diverse populations. Currently our graduates practice in 36 states and across three continents.

  • Location: Spartanburg
  • Student Enrollment:
  • Type of School: Public
  • College Accredited: Yes
  • Offers Online Programs: Yes
  • University of South Carolina-Upstate Nursing Programs: BSN, MSN
  • Tuition: $10,518

University of South Carolina-Columbia

There are different tracks for students aspiring to receive a nursing degree. For those who have already completed the necessary requirements for RN adn are currently employed there are flexible accelerated programs for them to receive a BSN. Similar accelerated programs or offered in graduate and post graduate programs as well. Core Values that we take seriously in the nursing program are leadership, professionalism, respect, integrity, excellence, innovation and caring. These values are evident throughout the program within each course and clinical.

  • Location: Columbia, SC
  • Student Enrollment: 32,972
  • Type of School: Public
  • College Accredited: Yes
  • Offers Online Programs: No
  • University of South Carolina-Columbia Nursing Programs: RN-to-BSN, BS/BSN, MSN, Nurse Practitioner, DNP, PhD (Doctoral)
  • Tuition: $11,158

Clemson University

What makes an education at Clemson so valuable are the rigorous and challenging programs offered to promote critical thinking and in-depth research. Clemson is ranked first the state for value and return on investment and ranked 23rd in the nation among all public universities by U.S. News and World Report. The nursing program at Clemson has a strong emphasis on theory, research and role development, enabling the graduate to participate in the development of nursing knowledge and to contribute to the advancement of the nursing profession as a whole.

  • Location: Clemson
  • Student Enrollment: 22,698
  • Type of School: Public
  • College Accredited: Yes
  • Offers Online Programs:
  • Tuition: $ 13,882
  • Clemson University Nursing Programs: BSN, MSN, FNP

Francis Marion University

Francis Marion University’s School of Health Sciences is the University’s newest academic division and the home of the University’s fast-growing programs in healthcare education. As the demand for healthcare professionals increases nationally, Francis Marion is keeping pace by providing state of the art facilities and labs for excellent education. Graduates can be employed in various settings such as hospitals, clinics, nursing homes, schools, and doctor offices.

  • Location: Florence
  • Student Enrollment: 4,187
  • Type of School: Public
  • College Accredited: Yes
  • Offers Online Programs:
  • Tuition: $9,738
  • Francis Marion University Nursing Programs:Rn to BSN, BSN, MSN

Columbia College

Columbia College is a private Women’s College that is recognized as a best value institution by U.S. News & World Report. Columbia offers small classes and networks throughout the community to build personal experience in the health care field to promote competence and confidence in participants. Based in nursing theory students will gain a strong science academic background that they will build upon with care and compassion to improve patient outcomes throughout the life span.

  • Location:Columbia
  • Student Enrollment: 1,367
  • Type of School: Private
  • College Accredited: Yes
  • Offers Online Programs:
  • Tuition: $27,350
  • Columbia College Nursing Programs: RN to BSN, BSN

Charleston Southern University

As a private Baptist College recognized as one of the best Christian Colleges in the nation we believe in integrating faith into learning, leading, and serving. The school of nursing offers a few different tracks for obtaining a degree students can take the traditional route with academic education or an online approach. Every program is fully accredited and has a 95% pass rate on certification tests following graduation.

  • Location: Charleston
  • Student Enrollment: 3,100
  • Type of College: Private
  • College Accredited: Yes
  • Offers Online Programs: Yes
  • Tuition: $22,840
  • Charleston Southern University Nursing Programs: BSN, MSN

University of South Carolina, Beaufort

Found in the Carolina Sea Islands in a region rich in history, covered in natural beauty, with extraordinary opportunities for those who participate in golf, tennis and water sports of all kinds. The community thrives as a great resort destination, USC Beaufort offers students an exceptional place to learn and live in an environment focused on growth, preservation and opportunity. The nursing program has two tracks for students seeking a degree, a RN to BSN or a four year track that takes the student from pre-licensure through their BSN.

  • Location: Bluffton
  • Student Enrollment: 1,754
  • Type of College: Public
  • College Accredited: Yes
  • Offers Online Programs:
  • Tuition: $9,404
  • University of South Carolina, Beaufort Nursing Programs: RN to BSN, BSN

South Carolina State University

SCSU’s mission for the nursing program is to prepare graduates to be capable of performing independently making professional judgments in a safe, cost effective, compassionate manner. They will be enabled to promote care management and care integration in families, groups, and communities across various settings. Participants will learn how to respond quickly to an evolving healthcare industry and emerging needs of society and be an advocate of quality care of diverse and vulnerable peoples. We draw strength through a diverse student body that promotes increased health care throughout rural communities.

  • Location: Orangeburg, SC
  • Student Enrollment: 4,540
  • Type of School: Public
  • College Accredited: Yes
  • Offers Online Programs: No
  • South Carolina State University Nursing Programs: LPN to BSN, BS/BSN, RN-to-BSN
  • Tuition: $10,007

Anderson University

The foundation of an Anderson University education is a commitment to the liberal arts to prepare students with a breadth and depth of understanding and knowledge needed to be successful not only professionally but throughout life. If you feel that a profession is nursing is a calling for you, you will be in good hands at AU as the faculty and staff are called to serve you and mentor students to achieve success in their degree and profession beyond. Students have access to caring faculty to the cutting-edge labs, at AU there’s a sincere desire to blend academic rigor with Christian service. It is a freedom to stay connected to your faith while pursuing your education and career, without shortchanging either one.

  • Location: Anderson
  • Student Enrollment: 2,512
  • Type of School:
  • College Accredited:
  • Offers Online Programs:
  • Anderson University Nursing Programs:RN to BSN, BSN
  • Tuition: $23,750

Newberry College

Newberry College welcomes everyone and has a rich history of small classes with personal attention, and academic excellence in a close-knit community. Nurses are the largest group of health care professionals in the health care industry. Nurses that have obtained a BSN are able to be employed in both traditional and non-traditional settings as a nurse. Some of the settings they are frequently employed in are hospitals, clinics, nursing homes, home health care, hospice, schools, and in the community.

  • Location: Newberry
  • Student Enrollment:
  • Type of School:
  • College Accredited:Yes
  • Offers Online Programs:
  • Newberry College Nursing Programs: RN to BSN, BSN
  • Tuition: $23,800

University of South Carolina – Aiken

University of South Carolina – Aiken has been recognized as the #1 Regional College in the south for 19 consecutive years. Nursing majors can choose to work in different areas of nursing based on work setting, type of treatment, specific health conditions, organ or body systems, well-defined populations, as well as advanced practices like nurse anesthetist or nurse practitioner. What type of work setting you choose will make a difference for what education path you take.

  • Location: Aiken
  • Student Enrollment: 3,254
  • Type of School: Public
  • College Accredited: Yes
  • Offers Online Programs:
  • Offer University of South Carolina – Aiken Nursing Programs: BS/BSN, RN-to-BSN
  • Tuition: 9,602
  • www.usca.edu/

Medical University of South Carolina

The Medical University of South Carolina opened as a small private college to train physicians in 1824. As a leading University in excellence in nursing we provide numerous tracks for students to continue their education with blended online and traditional academic courses. Participants will have in-depth clinicals that allow for practice and a working knowledge of nursing theory. Some programs are accelerated to hasten graduation so students can enter the professional field sooner without sacrificing quality.

  • Location: Charleston
  • Student Enrollment: 2,515
  • Type of School: Public
  • College Accredited: Yes
  • Offers Online Programs: Yes
  • Medical University of South Carolina Nursing Programs: Accelerated BSN, MSN, Nurse Educator, Nurse Practitioner, PhD (Doctoral), Post-Doctoral Programs, DNP (Doctor of Nursing Practice)
  • Tuition: $23,824
  • https://www.musc.edu/

Greenville Technical College – Health Sciences/Nursing Division, Department of Nursing

Greenville Technical College is one of the largest programs in the state of South Carolina that is known for its emphasis on clinical proficiency. Participants are able to engage in clinicals in a variety of health care settings allowing them to experience a variety of settings in which they might be employed upon graduation. This builds confidence in the nursing side of the health care industry as they learn skills necessary for success. The passing rate of the licensure exams exceed that of the national average and the program is fully accredited.

  • Location: Greenville
  • Student Enrollment: 13,900
  • Type of School: Public
  • College Accredited: Yes
  • Offers Online Programs: No
  • Greenville Technical College Nursing Programs: Associate, LPN-to-RN, LPN
  • http://www.gvltec.edu/

University of South Carolina at Lancaster

If you like helping people and enjoy science a career in the health care industry would be a good fit for you. USCL has a couple different options to get you started int eh fasts growing industry with the highest demand for professionals. Students can begin with USCL with an Associate use their partnership with USC to continue with the BSN program.

  • Location: Lancaster
  • Student Enrollment: 1,580
  • Type of School: Public
  • College Accredited: Yes
  • Offers Online Programs: No
  • University of South Carolina at Lancaster Nursing Programs: Associate, RN, RN to BSN. BSN
  • Tuition: $6,686
  • www.usclancaster.sc.edu

Bob Jones University

At BJU students get the unique experience of living and attending higher education with a community of believers united in Christ. We promote creativity, challenging academics and building faith as a disciple of Jesus Christ. Each course taken is infused with a worldwide biblical knowledge to offer the best academic experience. Through a dedicated faculty, hands-on clinical experiences, and a Biblical view participants are prepared to be caring, compassionate, intellectual, faith building professionals in the ever growing health care industry.

  • Location: Greenville
  • Student Enrollment: 5,000
  • Type of School: Private
  • College Accredited: No
  • Offers Online Programs: No
  • Bob Jones University Nursing Programs: BS/BSN
  • Tuition: $14,220
  • www.bju.edu/

Carealliance Health Services, Roper School of Practical Nursing

If you are looking to to get a jump start on your career in health care Roper School of Practical Nursing is a great place to start. If you enjoy helping others, you are good with science and have what it takes to keep up with the evolving and demanding profession of a nurse we can help get you started. You can receive a LPN to begin as an entry level nurse and able to work in a variety of settings from hospitals to home hospice.

  • Location: Charleston, SC
  • Student Enrollment:
  • Type of School: Private
  • College Accredited: Yes
  • Offers Online Programs: No
  • Roper School of Practical Nursing Programs: LPN
  • www.ropersaintfrancis.com

Midlands Technical College

Midlands Technical College is an affordable two year college helping get students a ground work for a rewarding career. Currently offering two tracks for a career as a nurse in the health care industry, an Associate and LPN. Graduates can either enter the professional field as an entry level nurse or transfer to continue their education and receive a BSN.

  • Location: Columbia
  • Student Enrollment: 9,700
  • Type of School: Public
  • College Accredited: Yes
  • Offers Online Programs: No
  • Midlands Technical College Nursing Programs: Associate, LPN
  • Tuition: $
  • http://www.midlandstech.edu/

Orangeburg-Calhoun Technical College

At O-tech you will be prepared through academic courses as well as participate in state of the art labs that will give you experience. Graduates will leave with confidence and competence to work in the field of health care. If you are wanting to just start your career pursuits at O-tech and continue your education you can transfer to USC-Upstate to finish with a BSN or finish online through USC-Upstate. The possibilities are limitless.

  • Location: Orangeburg
  • Student Enrollment: 2,500
  • Type of School: Public
  • College Accredited: Yes
  • Offers Online Programs: No
  • Orangeburg-Calhoun Technical College Nursing Programs: Associate, LPN
  • Tuition: $3,925
  • www.octech.edu/

Piedmont Technical College

At Piedmont we strive to strengthen communities, provide opportunities, and promote economic growth. Students of our two year college have the right to succeed and achieve their goals. Our nursing program offers either an Associate or LPN to get students started in a health care career that is rewarding and has a great deal of growth and opportunity. Students will be prepared for necessary licensure exams needed to work in the nursing field.

  • Location: Greenwood
  • Student Enrollment: 4,100
  • Type of School: Public
  • College Accredited: Yes
  • Offers Online Programs: No
  • Piedmont Technical College Nursing Programs: Associate, LPN
  • Tuition: $3,908
  • www.ptc.edu

Tri-County Technical College

Students at Tri-County Technical College can count on teachers knowing their names with small class sizes and personalized education. Students who come here feel encouraged and prepared to enter the workforce as a contributing team member of the health care community.

  • Location: Pendleton
  • Student Enrollment: 2,700
  • Type of School: Public
  • College Accredited: Yes
  • Offers Online Programs: No
  • Tri-County Technical College Nursing Programs: Associate, LPN
  • Tuition: $3,852
  • http://www.tctc.edu/

Central Carolina Technical College

The nursing program at Central Carolina Technical College prepares graduates to function as competent nurses who are caring and sensitive to diversity, use critical thinking and technology to provide care in structured settings for individuals and their families. Throughout the course, the student has planned clinical and laboratory experiences to complement classroom learning and to enhance skills in the application of nursing principles and associated technology.

  • Location: Sumter
  • Student Enrollment: 3,200
  • Type of School: Public
  • College Accredited: Yes
  • Offers Online Programs: No
  • Central Carolina Technical College Nursing Programs: Associate, LPN-to-RN, LPN
  • Tuition: $4,345
  • www.cctech.edu/

Florence-Darlington Technical College

Whatever your situation is Florence-Darlington Technical College has an educational option that will work for you. We offer traditional day time courses, evening courses, online courses and weekend courses to fit your schedule. We want everyone to be able to receive higher education and complete their programs to improve their future and surrounding communities. Those seeking opportunities in the health care industry can earn as Associate or LPN to work as certified and qualified nurses.

  • Location: Florence
  • Student Enrollment: 5,600
  • Type of School: Public
  • College Accredited: Yes
  • Offers Online Programs: Yes
  • Florence-Darlington Technical College Nursing Programs: Associate, LPN
  • Tuition: $3,934
  • https://www.fdtc.edu/

Horry-Georgetown Technical College

As a premier two year college Horry-Georgetown Technical College that is very cost effective so students don’t graduate being bogged down with debt. The nursing program prepares students for the challenges of the health care industry. Graduates can be employed in various settings ranging from hospitals to clinics to home health care to schools. Horry-Georgetown Technical College offers two different tracks for students to enter the field of nursing, wither the Associate degree or LPN path.

  • Location: Conway
  • Student Enrollment: 6,969
  • Type of School: Public
  • College Accredited: Yes
  • Offers Online Programs: No
  • Horry-Georgetown Technical College Nursing Programs: Associate, LPN
  • Tuition: $3,854
  • www.hgtc.edu/

York Technical College

York Technical College is a two year college that offers a great foundation for those seeking a degree in nursing. Nursing is estimated to expand and need 20% more health care professionals by the year 2020. You can be part of that wave of professionals entering a fast paced evolving industry that has great potential for growth and stability.

  • Location: Rock Hill
  • Student Enrollment: 8,858
  • Type of School: Public
  • College Accredited: Yes
  • Offers Online Programs: No
  • York Technical College Nursing Programs: Associate, LPN
  • Tuition: $4,241
  • www.yorktech.edu/

Spartanburg Technical College – Health Sciences Technology Division

The field of health care is an exciting place to work if you like helping people, being challenged, keeping up with technology, work well as a them member, and you are ready to lead out in the evolving world of health. Students can participate in one of two tracks to enter the world of health care either with an Associate or LPN.

  • Location: Spartanburg
  • Student Enrollment: 8,595
  • Type of School: Public
  • College Accredited: Yes
  • Offers Online Programs: No
  • Spartanburg Technical College Nursing Programs: Associate, LPN
  • https://www.sccsc.edu/…

Technical College of the Low Country

Technical College of the Low Country offers a beautiful campus and rich traditions that enrich the lives of our students. With various degrees offered options are many, but degrees in nursing will help students start with a stable growing career. Now offering two options for careers in nursing, either an Associate degree or a LPN will prepare students for licensure exams and experiences as a nurse.

  • Location: Beaufort
  • Student Enrollment:
  • Type of School: Public
  • College Accredited: Yes
  • Offers Online Programs: No
  • Technical College of the Low Country Nursing Programs: Associate, LPN
  • Tuition: $4,060
  • www.tcl.edu/

Trident Technical College

TTC is the smart decision for an a affordable college to open doors for your career. The health care industry is in high demand of professional, knowledgable, certified individuals prepared to work in the community in a variety of settings. If you like helping people and enjoy the sciences nursing would be a good academic path for you. TTC offers two paths for participants to become qualified for a nursing career, either an Associate or LPN.

  • Location: Charleston
  • Student Enrollment: 10,200
  • Type of School: Public
  • College Accredited: Yes
  • Offers Online Programs: No
  • Trident Technical College Nursing Programs: Associate, LPN
  • Tuition: $3,942