With an aging population and sweeping healthcare changes throughout the nation, the need for nurses hasn’t lessened over the past decade – in fact, it has increased. There is also a high need for nurses with advanced-level qualifications to reach beyond bedside care into the roles of nursing policy, teaching, and leadership. Additionally, there are specialty avenues of patient care like oncology, pediatrics, and gerontology. Many associate’s degree-prepared nurses are choosing to pursue one of the state’s many RN to BSN programs in order to continue working on their career while managing a full-time job.
2025 Best Online RN to BSN Programs in South Carolina
Looking for the best online RN to BSN programs in South Carolina? RegisteredNursing.org has you covered. We rank programs to help you find the right fit for your career goals. Our list considers key factors like flexibility, cost, and support services. Start your journey towards a BSN today with a program that suits your needs. Learn more about how we rank programs here.
University of South Carolina-Columbia
Columbia, SC - Public 4-Year - sc.edu
Bachelor's - RN to BSN
Online Learning - Visit Website
The University of South Carolina-Columbia offers an online RN to BSN program designed for registered nurses seeking to elevate their professional standing. This program stands out for its 12-month completion timeline, making it an ideal choice for those looking to quickly advance their careers. It emphasizes leadership development, preparing nurses to take on more significant roles in healthcare settings. The curriculum is tailored for working professionals, offering the flexibility needed to balance studies with personal and professional responsibilities. With access to the university's extensive resources, students are well-equipped to tackle the challenges of a dynamic healthcare environment. This program is a strategic response to the growing demand for highly skilled nurses in South Carolina.
- Online 12-month program
- Tailored for working RNs
- Leadership skill development
- University resources access
- Addresses nursing shortage
University of South Carolina Aiken
Aiken, SC - Public 4-Year - usca.edu
Bachelor's - RN to BSN
Online Learning - Visit Website
The University of South Carolina Aiken offers an online RN to BSN program tailored for registered nurses seeking to elevate their professional qualifications. This program stands out for its affordability, with a total cost of $9,486, and its accelerated format, enabling completion in just 12 months. Spanning 31 credit hours, the curriculum is designed to deepen nurses' understanding of holistic care, community health, and evidence-based practices, all within a flexible online framework. Accreditation by the CCNE ensures the program meets high educational standards. Prospective students must hold an associate degree or nursing diploma, a current RN license, and maintain a minimum 2.5 GPA for admission.
- Online program, 12-month completion
- Total tuition $9,486
- 31 total credit hours
- CCNE accredited program
- 2.5 GPA admission requirement
- Current RN license needed
- Multiple career path options
University of South Carolina-Upstate
Spartanburg, SC - Public 4-Year - uscupstate.edu
Bachelor's - RN to BSN
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
The University of South Carolina-Upstate offers an RN to BSN program that stands out for its flexibility and efficiency, catering to registered nurses aiming to elevate their careers. This hybrid program blends online coursework with in-person sessions, allowing students to graduate in as little as one year full-time or two years part-time. It's designed for the working professional, emphasizing practical skills for diverse healthcare environments and laying the groundwork for further education. Notably, the program extends in-state tuition rates to online students across the country, enhancing affordability. Accredited by CCNE and SACS, it ensures a reputable education with options for credit transfer and multiple start dates throughout the year.
- Complete BSN in one year
- Online and in-person options
- RN-MSN pathway available
- CCNE and SACS accredited
- In-state tuition for online students
- Full-time and part-time study
- 32 semester nursing hours
- Credit for previous nursing courses
- Multiple class start dates
Francis Marion University
Florence, SC - Public 4-Year - fmarion.edu
Bachelor's - RN to BSN
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
Francis Marion University offers an RN to BSN program tailored for licensed registered nurses aiming to elevate their professional standing. This hybrid program blends online coursework with practical learning experiences, catering to the schedules of working nurses. It emphasizes enhancing leadership abilities, critical thinking, and a broader understanding of healthcare systems. Participants will explore advanced topics in nursing research, community health, and evidence-based practice, preparing them for higher-level roles in the nursing field. The program is CCNE accredited, ensuring a quality education that meets national standards for nursing excellence.
- Hybrid learning format
- For licensed RN professionals
- CCNE accredited program
- Focuses on career advancement
- Professional nursing knowledge
Columbia College
Columbia, SC - Private 4-year - columbiasc.edu
Bachelor's - Nursing, RN to BSN, B.S.N.
Online Learning - Visit Website
Columbia College offers an accredited online RN to BSN program tailored for registered nurses aiming to elevate their careers. This program stands out for its focus on leadership, critical thinking, and professional growth, catering to those with an Associate's degree. It covers essential areas like community health, ethical nursing practices, and transcultural nursing, preparing graduates for leadership roles and further education. The curriculum, consisting of 30 credit hours and 10 upper-level nursing courses, is designed for flexibility, allowing working professionals to balance their studies with personal commitments. Highlights include CCNE accreditation and a requirement for an unencumbered RN license, ensuring a high-quality education that meets industry standards.
- Online RN to BSN degree
- 30 total credit hours
- Accredited by CCNE
- Requires unencumbered RN license
- Leadership skill development
- Professional nursing focus
- Advanced practice preparation
- 10 upper-level nursing courses
Fast & Affordable Program Options
One of the best ways you can increase your professional value and unlock higher paid nursing positions is to get your BSN. If you’ve already spent some time in the nursing field, getting your BSN has never been easier through a fast-tracked option called an RN to BSN program. These bridge programs are faster, cheaper, and more flexible than most traditional BSN programs.
Fastest Online RN to BSN Degree Options
You won’t be able to graduate from a traditional BSN degree program any sooner than 4 years unless you do so through an RN to BSN program. Most RN to BSN programs work with you by considering your nursing experience and transfer credits to create a much shorter timeline to graduation with most students finishing in only two years or less. That being said, here are a few of the shortest RN to BSN degree programs in the state:
| School | Degree Name | Length |
| University of South Carolina Aiken | Online RN to BSN | 1 Year |
| Newbury College | Online RN to BSN | 1 Year |
Learn more about the Shortest RN to BSN Programs.
Do 6-month RN to BSN Programs Exist?
While most RN to BSN programs range between one and two years in length, there are some that can be completed in as little as six months — though these programs are rare, and aren’t found in South Carolina. Additionally, to be considered for an RN to BSN program this short, you must have at least an associate’s degree and a bulk of transferable credits.
Affordable Online RN to BSN Options
An RN to BSN program is one of the cheapest options in the world of nursing education but in South Carolina, this option is especially affordable. You may be able to further cut your costs if you establish yourself as a South Carolina resident and attend a school that provides lower-cost tuition for in-state residents. Below are a few modest options for RN to BSN programs in terms of cost. Keep in mind that you may encounter additional fees. Consider this, and additional costs such as textbooks and cost of living as you begin your search.
| School | Degree Name | Tuition Cost |
| University of South Carolina Beaufort | Online RN to BSN | $10,730 per year (Resident) $21,776 per year (Non-Resident) |
| Francis Marion University | Online RN to BSN | $11,160 per year (Resident) $21,544 per year (Non-Resident) |
Learn more about Affordable RN to BSN Degrees.
Admissions Requirements for Accredited RN to BSN Programs
Offering a bridge to a fully accredited Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree via online or on-campus studies, accredited RN to BSN admissions criteria sounds like a shoo-in for every applicant, but the reality is that the programs are highly rigorous. Criteria vary from school to school but there are definitely similarities between different universities’ admissions programs. Some of the more common elements include:
- Attach all paperwork to a completed (online or paper) application form
- Minimum GPA of 2.0
- Submit an ADN degree in good standing from a college or university that falls within the regional accreditation ‘district’ of South Carolina
- Provide evidence of ‘clear’ background check
- Submit a current record of immunizations
- Provide a copy of RN license
Classes & Courses: What is the Curriculum Like?
Clemson University was a pioneer in 1889 and continues to be so today, with its online RN to BSN program track for nurses. Located at the foot of the Blue Ridge Mountains, nursing students can make use of the school’s on-campus courses, or choose to pursue their degree fully online. Expect to find courses like the following in order to round out the baccalaureate experience.
- Pathophysiology for Healthcare Professionals
- Healthcare Genetics
- Health Assessment for RNs, and
- Leadership and Management in Nursing
2025 List of RN to BSN Programs in South Carolina
Learn about the best RN to BSN programs in the State of South Carolina by reading our listing below.
Find RN to BSN Programs By City:
Aiken, SC
University of South Carolina Aiken
- Bachelor's - RN to BSN
Online Learning - Website
- Online program, 12-month completion
- Total tuition $9,486
- 31 total credit hours
- CCNE accredited program
- 2.5 GPA admission requirement
- Current RN license needed
- Multiple career path options
Columbia, SC
Columbia College
- Bachelor's - Nursing, RN to BSN, B.S.N.
Online Learning - Website
- Online RN to BSN degree
- 30 total credit hours
- Accredited by CCNE
- Requires unencumbered RN license
- Leadership skill development
- Professional nursing focus
- Advanced practice preparation
- 10 upper-level nursing courses
Columbia International University
- Bachelor's - RN to BSN
Online Learning - Website
- 100% Online Program
- Transfer up to 81 credits
- For working RNs
- Christian perspective nursing
- Leadership skill development
University of South Carolina-Columbia
- Bachelor's - RN to BSN
Online Learning - Website
- Online 12-month program
- Tailored for working RNs
- Leadership skill development
- University resources access
- Addresses nursing shortage
Florence, SC
Francis Marion University
- Bachelor's - RN to BSN
Online & Campus Based - Website
- Hybrid learning format
- For licensed RN professionals
- CCNE accredited program
- Focuses on career advancement
- Professional nursing knowledge
Gaffney, SC
Limestone University
- Bachelor's - Registered Nurse to Bachelor of Science in Nursing (RN-BSN)
Online Learning - Website
- 100% Online Nursing Degree
- Accredited by CCNE
- 46 Credit Hour Program
- $389 Per Credit Hour
- Asynchronous Course Format
- Builds Advanced Nursing Skills
- 30 Credit Hours RN Transfer
- Flexible Eight-Week Terms
Hartsville, SC
Coker University
- Bachelor's - RN-BSN Completion Program
Online Learning - Website
- Online program flexibility.
- GPA requirement: 3.0.
- Active nursing license needed.
- Associate degree in nursing required.
- Focus on professional development.
- Prepares for broad scope of practice.
- Enhances understanding of healthcare issues.
- Ideal for career advancement.
Newberry, SC
Newberry College
- Bachelor's - RN-to-BSN completion track
Online Learning - Website
- Fully online RN-to-BSN track
- Complete in 12 months
- $405 per credit hour
- No application fee
- CCNE accredited program
- 7.5-week course terms
- 32 semester credit hours
- Active RN license required
Spartanburg, SC
University of South Carolina-Upstate
- Bachelor's - RN to BSN
Online & Campus Based - Website
- Complete BSN in one year
- Online and in-person options
- RN-MSN pathway available
- CCNE and SACS accredited
- In-state tuition for online students
- Full-time and part-time study
- 32 semester nursing hours
- Credit for previous nursing courses