Best Colleges for Nursing in South Carolina 2026
Discover the best Nursing programs in South Carolina for 2026. Compare top-ranked schools by acceptance rate, tuition, financial aid, and outcomes.
Best Colleges for Nursing in South Carolina 2026
With an aging population and expanding healthcare needs, nursing remains one of the most in-demand professions in South Carolina. These programs combine rigorous clinical training with classroom instruction to prepare graduates for immediate employment.
We analyzed 33 colleges and universities in South Carolina offering Nursing programs, evaluating them on national ranking, acceptance rate, tuition costs, student-to-faculty ratio, and graduation outcomes. Here are the top 10 programs for 2026.
Quick Comparison: Top Nursing Programs in South Carolina
| School | Acceptance Rate | In-State Tuition | Student:Faculty | National Rank |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Citadel Military College of South Carolina | 22.7% | $12,570 | 12:1 | Unranked |
| Clemson University | 38.3% | $15,554 | 16:1 | Unranked |
| Anderson University | 54.7% | $34,970 | 15:1 | Unranked |
| University of South Carolina | 60.2% | $12,688 | 17:1 | Unranked |
| Claflin University | 64.9% | $18,282 | 14:1 | Unranked |
| University of South Carolina - Upstate | 67.3% | $11,588 | 16:1 | Unranked |
| University of South Carolina Beaufort (USCB) | 72.5% | $10,730 | 16:1 | Unranked |
| Coastal Carolina University (CCU) | 75.3% | $11,640 | 16:1 | Unranked |
| University of South Carolina-Aiken | 78.5% | $10,760 | 14:1 | Unranked |
| Lander University | 81.3% | $11,700 | 16:1 | Unranked |
Detailed School Profiles
1. Citadel Military College of South Carolina
Location: Charleston, South Carolina • Setting: Urban
- Acceptance Rate: 22.7%
- In-State Tuition: $12,570 | Out-of-State: $38,508
- Enrollment: 2,705 students | Student-Faculty Ratio: 12:1
- Graduation Rate: 75% | Median Earnings (6yr): $44,600
- Average Financial Aid: $11,930
View full Citadel Military College of South Carolina profile →
2. Clemson University
Location: Clemson, South Carolina • Setting: Suburb
- Acceptance Rate: 38.3%
- In-State Tuition: $15,554 | Out-of-State: $40,866
- Enrollment: 23,300 students | Student-Faculty Ratio: 16:1
- Graduation Rate: 87% | Median Earnings (6yr): $43,600
- Average Financial Aid: $10,698
View full Clemson University profile →
3. Anderson University
Location: Anderson, South Carolina • Setting: Urban
- Acceptance Rate: 54.7%
- In-State Tuition: $34,970 | Out-of-State: $34,970
- Enrollment: 3,183 students | Student-Faculty Ratio: 15:1
- Graduation Rate: 66% | Median Earnings (6yr): $29,900
- Average Financial Aid: $19,940
View full Anderson University profile →
4. University of South Carolina
Location: Columbia, South Carolina • Setting: Urban
- Acceptance Rate: 60.2%
- In-State Tuition: $12,688 | Out-of-State: $35,972
- Enrollment: 29,820 students | Student-Faculty Ratio: 17:1
- Graduation Rate: 79% | Median Earnings (6yr): $38,000
- Average Financial Aid: $6,642
View full University of South Carolina profile →
5. Claflin University
Location: Orangeburg, South Carolina • Setting: Urban
- Acceptance Rate: 64.9%
- In-State Tuition: $18,282 | Out-of-State: $18,282
- Enrollment: 1,706 students | Student-Faculty Ratio: 14:1
- Graduation Rate: 52% | Median Earnings (6yr): $25,300
- Average Financial Aid: $13,321
View full Claflin University profile →
6. University of South Carolina - Upstate
Location: Spartanburg, South Carolina • Setting: Suburb
- Acceptance Rate: 67.3%
- In-State Tuition: $11,588 | Out-of-State: $23,090
- Enrollment: 4,038 students | Student-Faculty Ratio: 16:1
- Graduation Rate: 43% | Median Earnings (6yr): $33,200
- Average Financial Aid: $7,805
View full University of South Carolina - Upstate profile →
7. University of South Carolina Beaufort (USCB)
Location: Bluffton, South Carolina • Setting: Urban
- Acceptance Rate: 72.5%
- In-State Tuition: $10,730 | Out-of-State: $21,776
- Enrollment: 2,052 students | Student-Faculty Ratio: 16:1
- Graduation Rate: 34% | Median Earnings (6yr): $30,900
- Average Financial Aid: $6,695
View full University of South Carolina Beaufort (USCB) profile →
8. Coastal Carolina University (CCU)
Location: Conway, South Carolina • Setting: Urban
- Acceptance Rate: 75.3%
- In-State Tuition: $11,640 | Out-of-State: $29,628
- Enrollment: 10,377 students | Student-Faculty Ratio: 16:1
- Graduation Rate: 48% | Median Earnings (6yr): $30,900
- Average Financial Aid: $8,942
View full Coastal Carolina University (CCU) profile →
9. University of South Carolina-Aiken
Location: Aiken, South Carolina • Setting: Suburb
- Acceptance Rate: 78.5%
- In-State Tuition: $10,760 | Out-of-State: $21,218
- Enrollment: 2,962 students | Student-Faculty Ratio: 14:1
- Graduation Rate: 40% | Median Earnings (6yr): $31,000
- Average Financial Aid: $6,748
View full University of South Carolina-Aiken profile →
10. Lander University
Location: Greenwood, South Carolina • Setting: Urban
- Acceptance Rate: 81.3%
- In-State Tuition: $11,700 | Out-of-State: $21,300
- Enrollment: 3,397 students | Student-Faculty Ratio: 16:1
- Graduation Rate: 50% | Median Earnings (6yr): $29,100
- Average Financial Aid: $9,514
View full Lander University profile →
How to Choose the Right Nursing Program in South Carolina
Selecting the best Nursing program depends on your career goals, budget, and learning preferences. Here are key factors to evaluate:
- Accreditation: Verify the program holds relevant professional accreditation, which affects both educational quality and career eligibility.
- Career Outcomes: Look at job placement rates, median starting salaries, and employer partnerships. Programs with strong internship pipelines give graduates a significant advantage.
- Faculty Expertise: Schools with lower student-to-faculty ratios and active researchers typically offer more mentorship opportunities and cutting-edge coursework.
- Financial Fit: Compare net price after financial aid, not just sticker price. In-state public universities often deliver excellent value for South Carolina residents.
- Campus Resources: Consider research labs, industry connections, career services, and student organizations related to Nursing.
Explore More
Looking for more college comparisons? Check out our College Comparison Tool to evaluate schools side by side, or use our Admissions Calculator to estimate your chances at top Nursing programs.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best colleges for Nursing in South Carolina?
Based on national rankings, acceptance rates, and program quality, the top Nursing programs in South Carolina include Citadel Military College of South Carolina, Clemson University, and Anderson University.
How much does a Nursing degree cost in South Carolina?
In-state tuition for Nursing programs in South Carolina averages around $15,048 per year. Out-of-state students typically pay significantly more. Financial aid can substantially reduce the net cost.
What can I do with a Nursing degree from a South Carolina school?
Graduates from South Carolina's Nursing programs pursue careers across multiple sectors. The state's economic landscape and industry connections provide graduates with strong networking opportunities and career pathways.
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★ Key Takeaways
Source: The College Monk — Based on data from 3,837 U.S. universities. Last updated July 2026.
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