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. Our rankings highlight top programs that fit your needs. We focus on quality, affordability, and flexibility. Each program is reviewed to help you make the right choice. Start your journey to advance your nursing career today. Check out our detailed rankings to find the best fit for you. 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 12-month program is structured to accommodate the busy schedules of working nurses, providing the flexibility needed to balance work and study. With a focus on leadership and advanced nursing practices, the curriculum is tailored to prepare graduates for the increasing demands of the healthcare sector. Students benefit from the university's esteemed faculty and extensive resources, ensuring a comprehensive educational experience. The program is a strategic response to South Carolina's nursing shortage, aiming to fill leadership roles with highly skilled professionals.
- 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 and efficiency, with a total cost of $9,486 and the possibility of completion in just 12 months. It requires 31 credit hours, focusing on enhancing nurses' skills in holistic care, community health, and evidence-based practice. Admission criteria include an associate degree or nursing diploma, a current RN license, and a minimum GPA of 2.5. The program is CCNE accredited, ensuring a high-quality education that opens multiple career pathways in healthcare.
- 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 International University
Columbia, SC - Private 4-year - ciu.edu
Bachelor's - RN to BSN
Online Learning - Visit Website
Columbia International University offers an RN to BSN online program tailored for registered nurses seeking to elevate their professional qualifications without pausing their careers. This program stands out for its flexibility, allowing students to transfer up to 81 credits and complete their studies entirely online. Emphasizing a Christian perspective, the curriculum is designed to enhance clinical skills, leadership abilities, and ethical decision-making in healthcare. Ideal for working RNs, it prepares graduates for advanced roles in nursing with a focus on systems leadership and compassionate care. Highlights include a 100% online format, significant credit transfer opportunities, and a strong foundation in leadership development.
- 100% Online Program
- Transfer up to 81 credits
- For working RNs
- Christian perspective nursing
- Leadership skill development
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 online RN to BSN program tailored for registered nurses aiming to elevate their careers. This program, requiring 30 credit hours, is perfect for those with an Associate's degree seeking flexibility. It focuses on enhancing leadership, critical thinking, and professional skills, alongside in-depth studies in community health, ethics, and transcultural nursing. Accredited by CCNE, it prepares nurses for leadership roles and further education in advanced practice nursing. A standout feature is its emphasis on professional development, ensuring graduates are well-equipped for the evolving healthcare landscape. Requires unencumbered RN license.
- 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
Newberry College
Newberry, SC - Private 4-year - newberry.edu
Bachelor's - RN-to-BSN completion track
Online Learning - Visit Website
Newberry College's online RN-to-BSN program is tailored for registered nurses seeking to elevate their careers without pausing their professional lives. This accelerated program, accredited by CCNE, allows completion in just 12 months through 7.5-week course terms, focusing on leadership, research, and evidence-based practice. At $405 per credit hour and requiring 32 semester credit hours, it's an affordable and efficient option. Applicants must hold an active RN license but benefit from no application fee, making it an accessible choice for advancing in the nursing field.
- 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
- Advance nursing career opportunities
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