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.
2027 Best Online RN to BSN Programs in South Carolina
University of South Carolina Aiken
Aiken, SC - Public 4-Year - usca.edu
RN to BSN - RN to BSN
Online Learning - Visit Website
The University of South Carolina Aiken offers an online RN to BSN program designed for working registered nurses seeking career advancement. This CCNE-accredited, 100% online curriculum covers professional nursing, health assessment, pathophysiology, ethical-legal issues, complex health needs, nursing research, gerontological nursing, community health, and leadership/management. Students complete 31 credit hours (9 courses) in as little as 12 months, with multiple start dates and affordable tuition of $306 per credit ($9,486 total). The program includes a 40-hour clinical capstone project with preceptor hours and aligns with the 2021 AACN Essentials, emphasizing population health and patient safety. No ACT or SAT entrance exam is required for admission; a minimum 2.5 GPA and prerequisite courses are needed. Graduates are prepared for roles in case management, clinical supervision, public health, and quality improvement.
- Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education accredited
- $9,486 total program tuition
- $306 per credit
- 12-Month program
- 31 total credit hours
- 9 total courses
- Apply by 2026-06-08
- 2.5 GPA minimum
- 40 clinical hours
- Prerequisite courses required
University of South Carolina
Columbia, SC - Public 4-Year - sc.edu
RN to BSN - RN to BSN
Online Learning - Visit Website
The University of South Carolina-Columbia offers an online RN to BSN program designed specifically for working registered nurses. This accelerated pathway can be completed in as little as 12 months, with new cohorts starting each fall. The curriculum builds on existing nursing expertise, emphasizing leadership, management, and clinical reasoning to prepare graduates for advanced roles in hospital, community health, and leadership settings. Students benefit from access to university resources and expert faculty, gaining a well-rounded education that addresses South Carolina's growing nursing shortage. The program is military-friendly and tailored to practicing RNs, allowing them to advance careers without sacrificing work commitments. Admission to this bachelor's-level program does not require the ACT or SAT. Fall 2024 enrollment is open.
- 12-Month program
- Starts fall
- Accommodates working RNs' schedules
- Develop leadership and managerial skills
- Access to university resources
- Taught by top-notch faculty
- Tailored for practicing RNs
- Fall 2024 enrollment open
University of South Carolina-Upstate
Spartanburg, SC - Public 4-Year - uscupstate.edu
RN to BSN - RN to BSN
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
University of South Carolina-Upstate offers a hybrid RN to BSN program for RNs with an associate degree or diploma. The 32-credit nursing curriculum blends online coursework with one in-person day per week at the Greenville campus. Full-time students can finish in one year; part-time study is available. Features include five start dates per year, credit for prior nursing courses, and in-state tuition for all online students. The RN-MSN pathway allows seamless progression. Courses cover leadership, community health, and evidence-based practice. No ACT or SAT scores are required. Graduates can work in hospitals, clinics, and community agencies or pursue master's-level study. Faculty bring clinical experience to the online classroom.
- 1-Year program
- Complete in within one calendar year
- 126 total credit hours
- Full-time and part-time options
- 5 start dates per year
- RN-MSN option available
- In-state tuition for online students
- Credit for associate nursing courses
- Faculty with clinical experience
- Online or on-campus attendance
Anderson University
Anderson, SC - Private 4-year - andersonuniversity.edu
RN to BSN - Bachelor of Science in Nursing (RN to BSN), Nursing - Fast Track
Online Learning - Visit Website
Anderson University offers a fully online RN to BSN Fast Track program designed for working nurses. The 28-credit-hour curriculum can be completed in as little as nine months, with up to four courses per seven-week term. Coursework builds on existing clinical knowledge, focusing on leadership, management, and professional skills for nursing management and healthcare administration roles. A senior capstone demonstrates mastery. Small nursing cohorts and faculty active in local healthcare keep learning practical. No ACT or SAT entrance exam is required. Graduates are prepared for leadership positions and further graduate study in nursing. Financial aid and scholarships are available.
- 9-Month program
- In as little as nine months
- 28 total credit hours
- Starts fall/spring/summer
- Capstone required
- Financial aid available
- Scholarships available
- Designed for the working nurse
- Nursing management positions
- Path to nursing graduate programs
Francis Marion University
Florence, SC - Public 4-Year - fmarion.edu
RN to BSN - RN to BSN
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
Francis Marion University's RN to BSN program provides a hybrid online pathway for registered nurses to earn a bachelor's degree while working. The curriculum emphasizes leadership, community health, and evidence-based practice, expanding upon existing nursing knowledge. Accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE), the program is part of the School of Health Sciences and holds the NLN Center of Excellence designation for faculty expertise. This military-friendly program offers flexible scheduling for working nurses. No ACT or SAT requirement is mentioned in the program details; applicants should verify current admission policies. Graduates are prepared for diverse healthcare settings and lifelong learning.
- CCNE accredited
- NLN Center of Excellence
- School of Health Sciences department
- For nurses furthering education
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.
See Related Articles
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
2026 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:
Browse Our List of Programs
Aiken, SC
University of South Carolina Aiken
- RN to BSN - RN to BSN
Online Learning - Website
- Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education accredited
- $9,486 total program tuition
- $306 per credit
- 12-Month program
- 31 total credit hours
- 9 total courses
- Apply by 2026-06-08
- 2.5 GPA minimum
Anderson, SC
Anderson University
- RN to BSN - Bachelor of Science in Nursing (RN to BSN), Nursing - Fast Track
Online Learning - Website
- 9-Month program
- In as little as nine months
- 28 total credit hours
- Starts fall/spring/summer
- Capstone required
- Financial aid available
- Scholarships available
- Designed for the working nurse
Columbia, SC
Columbia International University
- RN to BSN - RN to BSN
Online Learning - Website
- CCNE accredited
- Faith-based nursing education
- Transfer-friendly program
- Graduate program interview guarantees
University of South Carolina
- RN to BSN - RN to BSN
Online Learning - Website
- 12-Month program
- Starts fall
- Accommodates working RNs' schedules
- Develop leadership and managerial skills
- Access to university resources
- Taught by top-notch faculty
- Tailored for practicing RNs
- Fall 2024 enrollment open
Florence, SC
Francis Marion University
- RN to BSN - RN to BSN
Online & Campus Based - Website
- CCNE accredited
- NLN Center of Excellence
- School of Health Sciences department
- For nurses furthering education
Hartsville, SC
Coker University
- RN to BSN - RN-BSN Completion Program
Online Learning - Website
- National League for Nursing Commission for Nursing Education Accreditation accredited
- 4-Semester program
- 30 total credit hours
- 9 total courses
- Part-time available
- 3.0 GPA minimum
- Designed for working nurses
- 9 courses over four semesters
Newberry, SC
Newberry College
- RN to BSN - RN-to-BSN completion track
Online Learning - Website
- $405 per credit
- 12-Month program
- 33 total credit hours
- Prerequisite courses required
- $0 application fee
- Financial aid available
- Designed for working nurses
- Active RN license required
Spartanburg, SC
University of South Carolina-Upstate
- RN to BSN - RN to BSN
Online & Campus Based - Website
- 1-Year program
- Complete in within one calendar year
- 126 total credit hours
- Full-time and part-time options
- 5 start dates per year
- RN-MSN option available
- In-state tuition for online students
- Credit for associate nursing courses