South Carolina Nursing Schools and Programs
Selecting then applying to nursing schools in South Carolina can be a time consuming task. For those just getting started in Nursing, we suggest that you focus on your near term South Carolina education goals and licensing requirements. The first question to ask yourself is: Do I want to begin my career as a Nursing Assistant, Practical Nurse, or South Carolina Registered Nurse?

South Carolina Registered Nurse programs generally lead to an Associate Degree in Nursing or Bachelor Degree in Nursing which typically last 2 to 4 years.
Finding the best Nurse Practitioner school in South Carolina before you become a Registered Nurse, for example, may bog down the school selection and application process. Furthermore, many four year undergraduate colleges routinely accept transfer credits for prerequisites often called pre-nursing courses.
While earning an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN, ASN) or Bachelor Degree in Nursing (BDN, BSN) is an important milestone for nurses, many South Carolina nursing school students gain meaningful work experience and an income upon completion of a shorter Certified Nursing Assistant or Licensed Practical Nursing program in the state of South Carolina.
To help students search for the best nursing school in South Carolina, we have outlined some key questions to ask. Below on this page you will find the following:
- How do I become a nurse in South Carolina?
- Is South Carolina a nursing compact state?
- How long is nursing school in South Carolina?
- How much does nursing school in South Carolina cost?
- Is it hard to get into a South Carolina nursing school?
- List of nursing schools in South Carolina.
How do I become a nurse in South Carolina?
If you want to become a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) in the state of South Carolina, you will need to complete a Practical Nurse training program. Practical Nursing programs generally last 1 to 1.5 years. Upon completion of your South Carolina practical nursing program, you will have to pass the nationwide NCLEX-PN exam. After you pass the NCLEX-PN exam, you will apply for a Practical Nurse license from the South Carolina Board of Nursing.
If you want to become a Registered Nurse (RN) in the state of South Carolina, you will need to complete a Registered Nurse training program. Registered Nurse programs generally last 2 to 4 years. Upon completion of your South Carolina registered nursing program, you will have to pass the nationwide NCLEX-RN exam. After you pass the NCLEX-RN exam, you will apply for a Registered Nurse license from the South Carolina Board of Nursing.
Is South Carolina a nursing compact state?
Yes, South Carolina is part of the nursing license compact. South Carolina recently enacted the Enhanced Nursing Licensure Compact (eNLC) agreement which allows nurses to practice in all but a handful of states. This means that a South Carolina Licensed Practical Nurse or a South Carolina Registered Nurse can now apply for a multi-state nursing license.
How long is nursing school in South Carolina?
The amount of time you spend in a South Carolina nursing school will vary based upon the career path you choose. You can become a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) in as little as 6 to 12 weeks. Become a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) in 1 to 1.5 years, a South Carolina Registered Nurse (RN) in 2 to 4 years, or stay in nursing school longer to become a Nurse Practitioner in 6 to 8 years.
Above on this page we created a tabular image which summarizes how long nursing school is in South Carolina. That image includes the number of nurses employed in the state of South Carolina, along with the average wages earned at each education level.
Notice that in the state of South Carolina, far greater numbers are employed as a Registered Nurse (RN) compared to a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN). Notice also that a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) in South Carolina earns far more in wages compared to a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA).
Use the nursing program acronyms CNA, LPN, ASN, BSN, MSN, DNP, and PhD to help identify which South Carolina nursing schools offer the length of program you desire.
How much does nursing school in South Carolina cost?
Tuition for a nursing school in South Carolina will cost between $4,500 to $6,500 per year for state residents seeking a two year Associate degree, an ADN or ASN, for example. The larger public four year colleges and universities in South Carolina cost more between $10,000 to $12,000 per year for state residents seeking their Bachelor Degree in Nursing, a BDN or BSN.
To help reduce the cost of nursing school in South Carolina, a student can generally take their pre-nursing courses at a smaller two year college. Then, transfer those credits into the larger four year college or university of your choice. Each college has their own method of awarding transfer credits for pre-nursing coursework. You will need to plan ahead and question the receiving school before you start your first pre-nursing class.
Is it hard to get into a South Carolina nursing school?
We list the quoted acceptance rate provided by each South Carolina nursing school. A college acceptance rate is calculated by dividing the number of accepted students by the number of total applicants. Reviewing the list of nursing schools in South Carolina provided below, we can see the acceptance rates range from about 55% to 100% or Open. SAT and ACT scores are displayed on each individual nursing school page.
If you are having trouble getting accepted into a South Carolina nursing school due to a below average GPA, SAT, or ACT score, here are two strategies which might help: 1) take your pre-nursing courses at your local community college then reapply later as a transfer student with an above average GPA, and, 2) get your Nursing Assistant or Practical Nurse license to help you gain experience and stand out from other college applicants.
List Of Nursing Schools In South Carolina
Below is our complete list of accredited nursing schools in South Carolina. In general, these schools offer campus based CNA, LPN, ASN, BSN, MSN, DNP, PhD, and more nursing programs approved by the South Carolina Board Of Nursing.
Click the name of any South Carolina nursing school below to view the cost to attend, SAT and ACT scores, college or university characteristics, student body profile, satellite map of the surrounding area, and to view any additional nursing program information we have available in our database.
Aiken Technical College
2276 Jefferson Davis Highway,
Graniteville,
SC
29829
803-593-9231
Aiken Technical College is a Public institution with a campus in Graniteville, South Carolina. The institution is approved to offer nursing programs by the South Carolina Board of Nursing. The Graniteville, South Carolina campus for Aiken Technical College is located in a Rural setting. Total enrollment for all degrees including nursing programs is 2,121. In-state tuition and fees were $5,306 for the most recent reporting period. …
- Tuition Cost $5,306
- Acceptance Rate Open
Central Carolina Technical College
506 North Guignard Drive,
Sumter,
SC
29150
803-778-1961
Central Carolina Technical College is a Public institution with a campus in Sumter, South Carolina. The institution is approved to offer nursing programs by the South Carolina Board of Nursing. The Sumter, South Carolina campus for Central Carolina Technical College is located in a City setting. Total enrollment for all degrees including nursing programs is 3,314. In-state tuition and fees were $6,594 for the most recent reporting period. …
Nursing Programs: LPN, ASN, LPN-to-RN
- Tuition Cost $6,594
- Acceptance Rate Open
Charleston Southern University
9200 University Boulevard, PO Box 118087,
Charleston,
SC
29423
843-863-7000
Charleston Southern University is a Private not-for-profit institution with a campus in Charleston, South Carolina. The institution is approved to offer nursing programs by the South Carolina Board of Nursing. The Charleston, South Carolina campus for Charleston Southern University is located in a City setting. Total enrollment for all degrees including nursing programs is 3,418. In-state tuition and fees were $29,990 for the most recent reporting period. …
Nursing Programs: BSN, RN-to-BSN, MSN, Nurse Educator
- Tuition Cost $29,990
- Room and Board $11,250
- Acceptance Rate 87%
- ACT Score 18-23
Florence - Darlington Technical College
2715 Lucas Street, PO Box 100548,
Florence,
SC
29501
843-661-8324
Florence - Darlington Technical College is a Public institution with a campus in Florence, South Carolina. The institution is approved to offer nursing programs by the South Carolina Board of Nursing. The Florence, South Carolina campus for Florence - Darlington Technical College is located in a Suburb setting. Total enrollment for all degrees including nursing programs is 2,940. In-state tuition and fees were $4,900 for the most recent reporting period. …
Nursing Programs: LPN, ASN, LPN-to-RN
- Tuition Cost $4,900
- Acceptance Rate Open
Francis Marion University
4822 East Palmetto Street,
Florence,
SC
29506
843-661-1362
Francis Marion University is a Public institution with a campus in Florence, South Carolina. The institution is approved to offer nursing programs by the South Carolina Board of Nursing. The Florence, South Carolina campus for Francis Marion University is located in a Suburb setting. Total enrollment for all degrees including nursing programs is 4,045. In-state tuition and fees were $11,160 for the most recent reporting period. …
Nursing Programs: BSN, RN-to-BSN, MSN, Nurse Educator, Nurse Practitioner
- Tuition Cost $11,160
- Room and Board $8,230
- Acceptance Rate 83%
- ACT Score 15-22
Greenville Technical College
PO Box 5616,
Greenville,
SC
29606
864-250-8111
Greenville Technical College is a Public institution with a campus in Greenville, South Carolina. The institution is approved to offer nursing programs by the South Carolina Board of Nursing. The Greenville, South Carolina campus for Greenville Technical College is located in a City setting. Total enrollment for all degrees including nursing programs is 11,380. In-state tuition and fees were $5,882 for the most recent reporting period. …
Nursing Programs: LPN, ASN
- Tuition Cost $5,882
- Acceptance Rate Open
Horry - Georgetown Technical College
2050 Highway, 501 East, PO Box 261966,
Conway,
SC
29526
843-347-3186
Horry - Georgetown Technical College is a Public institution with a campus in Conway, South Carolina. The institution is approved to offer nursing programs by the South Carolina Board of Nursing. The Conway, South Carolina campus for Horry - Georgetown Technical College is located in a City setting. Total enrollment for all degrees including nursing programs is 8,137. In-state tuition and fees were $5,356 for the most recent reporting period. …
Nursing Programs: LPN, ASN
- Tuition Cost $5,356
- Acceptance Rate Open
Lander University
320 Stanley Avenue,
Greenwood,
SC
29649
864-388-8000
Lander University is a Public institution with a campus in Greenwood, South Carolina. The institution is approved to offer nursing programs by the South Carolina Board of Nursing. The Greenwood, South Carolina campus for Lander University is located in a Town setting. Total enrollment for all degrees including nursing programs is 4,167. In-state tuition and fees were $11,700 for the most recent reporting period. …
Nursing Programs: BSN, RN-to-BSN
- Tuition Cost $11,700
- Room and Board $10,700
- Acceptance Rate 67%
- ACT Score 17-24
Marion County Technical Education Center
PO Box 890, Marion, SC 29571
Marion County Technical Education Center is a institution with a campus in Marion, South Carolina. The institution is approved to offer nursing programs by the South Carolina Board of Nursing. …
Medical University of South Carolina
171 Ashley Avenue ,
Charleston,
SC
29425
843-792-2300
Medical University of South Carolina is a Public institution with a campus in Charleston, South Carolina. The institution is approved to offer nursing programs by the South Carolina Board of Nursing. The Charleston, South Carolina campus for Medical University of South Carolina is located in a City setting. Total enrollment for all degrees including nursing programs is 3,175. …
Nursing Programs: Accelerated BSN, MSN, DNP, PhD
Midlands Technical College
PO Box 2408,
Columbia,
SC
29202
803-738-8324
Midlands Technical College is a Public institution with a campus in Columbia, South Carolina. The institution is approved to offer nursing programs by the South Carolina Board of Nursing. The Columbia, South Carolina campus for Midlands Technical College is located in a Suburb setting. Total enrollment for all degrees including nursing programs is 9,091. In-state tuition and fees were $5,916 for the most recent reporting period. …
Nursing Programs: LPN, ASN
- Tuition Cost $5,916
- Acceptance Rate Open
Orangeburg - Calhoun Technical College
3250 St Matthews Road,
Orangeburg,
SC
29115
803-536-0311
Orangeburg - Calhoun Technical College is a Public institution with a campus in Orangeburg, South Carolina. The institution is approved to offer nursing programs by the South Carolina Board of Nursing. The Orangeburg, South Carolina campus for Orangeburg - Calhoun Technical College is located in a Rural setting. Total enrollment for all degrees including nursing programs is 2,012. In-state tuition and fees were $5,954 for the most recent reporting period. …
Nursing Programs: LPN, ASN
- Tuition Cost $5,954
- Acceptance Rate Open
Piedmont Technical College
Emerald Road, PO Box 1467,
Greenwood,
SC
29648
864-941-8324
Piedmont Technical College is a Public institution with a campus in Greenwood, South Carolina. The institution is approved to offer nursing programs by the South Carolina Board of Nursing. The Greenwood, South Carolina campus for Piedmont Technical College is located in a Town setting. Total enrollment for all degrees including nursing programs is 5,315. In-state tuition and fees were $5,315 for the most recent reporting period. …
Nursing Programs: LPN, ASN
- Tuition Cost $5,315
- Acceptance Rate Open
South Carolina State University
300 College Street NE,
Orangeburg,
SC
29117
803-536-7000
South Carolina State University is a Public institution with a campus in Orangeburg, South Carolina. The institution is approved to offer nursing programs by the South Carolina Board of Nursing. The Orangeburg, South Carolina campus for South Carolina State University is located in a Town setting. Total enrollment for all degrees including nursing programs is 2,649. In-state tuition and fees were $11,060 for the most recent reporting period. …
Nursing Programs: BSN, RN-to-BSN
- Tuition Cost $11,060
- Room and Board $9,000
- Acceptance Rate 84%
Technical College of the Lowcountry
PO Box 1288,
Beaufort,
SC
29901
800-768-8252
Technical College of the Lowcountry is a Public institution with a campus in Beaufort, South Carolina. The institution is approved to offer nursing programs by the South Carolina Board of Nursing. The Beaufort, South Carolina campus for Technical College of the Lowcountry is located in a Town setting. Total enrollment for all degrees including nursing programs is 2,196. In-state tuition and fees were $6,076 for the most recent reporting period. …
Nursing Programs: LPN, ASN
- Tuition Cost $6,076
- Acceptance Rate Open
Tri-County Technical College
PO Box 587, Route 76,
Pendleton,
SC
29670
864-646-1500
Tri-County Technical College is a Public institution with a campus in Pendleton, South Carolina. The institution is approved to offer nursing programs by the South Carolina Board of Nursing. The Pendleton, South Carolina campus for Tri-County Technical College is located in a Suburb setting. Total enrollment for all degrees including nursing programs is 5,629. In-state tuition and fees were $5,936 for the most recent reporting period. …
Nursing Programs: LPN, ASN
- Tuition Cost $5,936
- Acceptance Rate Open
Trident Technical College
7000 Rivers Avenue, PO Box 118067,
Charleston,
SC
29423
843-574-6111
Trident Technical College is a Public institution with a campus in Charleston, South Carolina. The institution is approved to offer nursing programs by the South Carolina Board of Nursing. The Charleston, South Carolina campus for Trident Technical College is located in a City setting. Total enrollment for all degrees including nursing programs is 11,789. In-state tuition and fees were $5,059 for the most recent reporting period. …
Nursing Programs: LPN, ASN
- Tuition Cost $5,059
- Acceptance Rate Open
University of South Carolina Upstate
800 University Way,
Spartanburg,
SC
29303
864-503-5000
University of South Carolina Upstate is a Public institution with a campus in Spartanburg, South Carolina. The institution is approved to offer nursing programs by the South Carolina Board of Nursing. The Spartanburg, South Carolina campus for University of South Carolina Upstate is located in a Suburb setting. Total enrollment for all degrees including nursing programs is 4,913. In-state tuition and fees were $11,583 for the most recent reporting period. …
Nursing Programs: BSN, RN-to-BSN, DNP, PhD
- Tuition Cost $11,583
- Room and Board $9,520
- Acceptance Rate 79%
- ACT Score 20-25
University of South Carolina, Aiken
471 University Parkway,
Aiken,
SC
29801
803-648-6851
University of South Carolina, Aiken is a Public institution with a campus in Aiken, South Carolina. The institution is approved to offer nursing programs by the South Carolina Board of Nursing. The Aiken, South Carolina campus for University of South Carolina, Aiken is located in a Suburb setting. Total enrollment for all degrees including nursing programs is 3,840. In-state tuition and fees were $10,760 for the most recent reporting period. …
Nursing Programs: BSN, RN-to-BSN
- Tuition Cost $10,760
- Room and Board $8,376
- Acceptance Rate 76%
- ACT Score 18-24
York Technical College
452 South Anderson Road,
Rock Hill,
SC
29730
803-327-8000
York Technical College is a Public institution with a campus in Rock Hill, South Carolina. The institution is approved to offer nursing programs by the South Carolina Board of Nursing. The Rock Hill, South Carolina campus for York Technical College is located in a City setting. Total enrollment for all degrees including nursing programs is 4,521. In-state tuition and fees were $5,882 for the most recent reporting period. …
Nursing Programs: LPN, ASN, LPN-to-RN
- Tuition Cost $5,882
- Acceptance Rate Open
The nursing program acronyms CNA, LPN, ASN, BSN, MSN, DNP, PhD, etcetera used in our list of South Carolina nursing schools may differ from the actual title published by the college or university.
Nursing schools in South Carolina and other states, for example, may follow their own traditional degree naming convention, or, attempt to follow a newer naming convention trending nationwide.
Last updated: August 1, 2024
References:
- South Carolina Nursing License Requirements. State of South Carolina, Board of Nursing. Retrieved August 1, 2024.
- South Carolina State Occupational Employment and Wage Estimates. U.S. Bureau Of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment Statistics. Retrieved August 1, 2024.
- Tuition And Characteristics Of South Carolina Colleges. U.S. Department of Education, National Center for Education Statistics. Retrieved August 1, 2024.
- South Carolina Nurse Licensure Compact Status. NCSBN, National Council of State Boards of Nursing. Retrieved August 1, 2024.