Best Online RN to BSN Programs in South Carolina

Last Updated On Mar 11, 2025

RegisteredNursing.org Staff

5 Min Read

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's RN to BSN online program empowers registered nurses to advance their careers and meet critical healthcare workforce needs. Designed for working professionals, this flexible 12-month program enables nurses to seamlessly balance education with professional commitments. Graduates gain advanced skills to step into leadership roles, addressing the projected nursing shortage in South Carolina. The program leverages top-tier faculty expertise and comprehensive university resources to prepare nurses for evolving healthcare challenges.

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's online RN to BSN program provides experienced nurses a flexible pathway to advance their careers. Designed for working professionals, this program allows registered nurses to complete their bachelor's degree in as few as 12 months. With a total tuition of $9,486 and 31 credit hours, students gain comprehensive nursing knowledge aligned with the latest healthcare standards. The curriculum emphasizes holistic patient care, community health, and evidence-based practices, preparing nurses for diverse healthcare roles. Admission requires an associate degree or nursing diploma, current RN license, and a minimum 2.5 GPA.

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 RN to BSN program at USC Upstate provides registered nurses an accelerated pathway to earn their bachelor's degree, designed for working professionals seeking career advancement. Students can complete the program in just one calendar year full-time or two years part-time, with flexible online and in-person learning options. The curriculum prepares nurses for diverse healthcare settings and provides a strong foundation for potential graduate studies. In-state tuition is offered for online students nationwide, making the program accessible and affordable. The program is accredited by CCNE and SACS, ensuring high-quality educational standards.

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's RN to BSN program provides licensed registered nurses a flexible pathway to advance their education and career potential. Designed for working professionals, this hybrid program allows nurses to build on their existing clinical experience while earning a comprehensive bachelor's degree. The program focuses on expanding critical thinking, leadership skills, and professional nursing knowledge. Graduates gain deeper insights into healthcare systems, research application, and community health strategies. Ideal for nurses seeking career growth, enhanced clinical competencies, and potential opportunities in specialized nursing roles.

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's RN to BSN program provides registered nurses with a pathway to advance their nursing career through comprehensive online education. Designed for working professionals with an Associate's degree, the program emphasizes leadership skills, critical thinking, and professional development. Students gain advanced knowledge in community health, ethical practices, research, and transcultural nursing. The curriculum prepares nurses for leadership roles, advanced practice degrees, and enhanced healthcare opportunities. With experienced nursing faculty and an accredited program, students can expect a robust educational experience that expands their professional capabilities.

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.

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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.