Online RN to BSN Programs in South Carolina: Comparing Schools
Get to know the best online RN to BSN programs in South Carolina and the benefits they offer nurses. Let EduMed walk you through how they work, key FAQs, salary and career info, and which schools stand out across the state.
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How These Programs Work
South Carolina’s online RN to BSN programs offer a convenient and affordable way to uplevel your education, credentials, and resume with a four-year degree. With asynchronous coursework, you can study on your own schedule while still benefitting from regular deadlines, instructor check-ins, and local clinical requirements completed where you live. Below, we’ve highlighted three standout schools to help you start your search.
RN-to-BSN Online – Newberry College
Newberry College’s fully online RN-to-BSN program is ideal for working registered nurses who already have their associate degree. In this Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)-accredited program, students earn 33 semester hours of credit over accelerated, seven-and-a-half-week terms, making it possible to to graduate with a BSN in as few as 12 months. Newberry continuously enrolls students in the RN-to-BSN program, so RNs can enroll and start working toward their degree during any semester they choose.
Duration: 12 months
Mode: Fully online
Cost: $405/credit
Admissions Requirements:
- Active RN licensure
- Currently employed in a nursing role (part or full time)
- Graduate of an accredited ADN program
- Grade of “C” or above in all prerequisite courses
Curriculum:
- Bridging to Generalist Nursing Practice for RNs
- Nursing Leadership & Change for RNs
- Pathophysiological Bases of Nursing Practice for RNs
- Nursing Leadership & Change – RN Practicum
- Health Assessment Across the Lifespan for RNs
- Community Health Nursing for RNs
- Community Health Nursing – RN Practicum
- Nursing Research & EBP for RNs
- Human Heredity
- Professional Development for RNs
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Registered Nurse to Bachelor of Science in Nursing – Aiken University of South Carolina
With Aiken University’s Registered Nurse to Bachelor of Science in Nursing Program, students can earn a bachelor’s degree in as little as one year. This 31-credit program is accredited by CCNE, and students benefit from the same faculty who teach on-campus classes. With multiple start dates offered throughout the year, students can jump into getting their BSN whenever it’s the right time for them.
Duration: 12 months
Mode: Fully online
Cost: $306/credit
Admissions Requirements:
- Associate of Science Nursing (ASN) degree or Diploma in Nursing
- 2.5 minimum GPA on prior undergraduate coursework
- Current RN license valid in the state where students will do preceptor work
Curriculum:
- Professional Nursing
- Health Assessment
- Pathophysiology
- Ethical-Legal Issues in Nursing
- Nursing Care of the Client with Complex Health Needs
- Nursing Research
- Gerontological Nursing
- Community Health Nursing
- Leadership & Management
RN to BSN – Medical University of South Carolina
The Medical University of South Carolina’s RN to BSN program is offered 100% online in an asynchronous format and can be completed full- or part-time. The program is built on a cohort model, so students progress through the entire program with a group of peers. Unique clinical experiences are offered each semester, covering gerontology, community & public health, and leadership.
Duration: Three semesters
Mode: Fully online
Cost: $5,480-$6,104/semester (full time) | $481-$526/semester (part time)
Admissions Requirements:
- Associate degree in nursing from an accredited program
- RN licensure
- 60 semester hours of prerequisite coursework with a GPA of 2.5
Curriculum:
- Dynamics of Professional Practice & Interprofessional Nursing Care
- Information Management
- Healthy Aging & Health Promotion
- Research & Evidence-Based Practice
- Health Assessment for RN
- Pathophysiology
- Community & Population Focused Nursing
- Leadership and Management
- Health Systems & Policy
- Practicum-Clinical Management & Decision-Making
South Carolina RN to BSN Student FAQs
Enrolling in an online program, especially one in a hands-on field like healthcare, can be intimidating. You likely have questions about admissions, graduation, and everything in between, so we’ve compiled and answered some of the most common FAQs about earning an RN to BSN online in South Carolina below.
What should I look for in an RN to BSN degree program in South Carolina?
When searching for an RN to BSN program, accreditation is one of the most important things to look for. Otherwise, you may struggle to receive financial aid and find work after graduation. You should also research schools’ NCLEX pass rates, which are considered a reflection of its ability to adequately prepare graduates for nursing jobs.
Other important considerations are tuition, the program’s delivery format (fully remote, traditional, or hybrid), and the number of clinical hours required, as well as any specific factors that matter to or interest you.
How long is an RN to BSN program in South Carolina?
Generally speaking, it takes between 12 to 24 months to complete a South Carolina RN to BSN program online. But how long it takes to complete an RN to BSN program online in SC will vary based on how many required courses you’ve already taken and whether you’re attending school full or part-time. For example, if you’ve already earned an associate degree and completed prerequisite general education courses, then you could graduate in as little as a year.
How much do RN to BSN programs in South Carolina cost?
On average, RN to BSN programs cost anywhere from $4,500 to $6,500 per semester (Upstate University of South Carolina, for instance, charges $5,604 per semester for full-time RN to BSN students). However, the exact cost will depend on your choices. An online RN to BSN degree in South Carolina may be more expensive if you are attending a private institution versus a public institution, or if you are enrolled in a traditional program versus an online or hybrid program.
Is there financial aid available to South Carolina RN to BSN students?
Yes. If you are attending an online RN to BSN program in South Carolina, you have several financial aid options. The type and amount of aid available to you depends on several qualifying factors, including your academic history, need, financial and family status, military service, and previous awards.
The first step is to fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Then you can research and apply for grants, scholarships, student loans, and even work-study programs to help offset the cost of your education.
What requirements must I meet to apply for admission to RN to BSN programs in South Carolina?
Most RN to BSN programs in South Carolina require applicants to have an associate degree or diploma in nursing an RN license, but each program comes with a unique set of requirements. For example, some programs require prerequisite coursework in basic subjects like math and English.
Your school will also request previous education records via transcript. Typically, RN to BSN programs in South Carolina want to see a minimum GPA of 2.5-3.0 GPA in all collegiate courses.
South Carolina RN to BSN Career Info
While you don't need a BSN to start your nursing career, earning one opens the door to more roles and long-term growth. With a BSN, you can qualify for positions such as an insurance specialist, health coach, health educator, medical writer, pharmaceutical sales representative, medical researcher, and more. It also puts you in a position to pursue advanced degrees like a nurse practitioner or DNP.
A BSN also strengthens your skills as a nurse. Studies consistently show that BSN-prepared nurses bring better communication, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills to the job, which in turn can lead to better outcomes for your patients. Most employers know this, too, and prefer to hire candidates with a BSN.
Plus, earning a BSN significantly increases your earning potential. Ziprecruiter reports the average ADN salary as $74,535, while BSNs make $82,606 per year, giving you higher earning potential at every stage of your career.
Best Online RN to BSN Programs in South Carolina
When considering RN-to-BSN programs in South Carolina, you’ll find a wealth of options. Below, you’ll find our rankings of the best online RN to BSN bridge programs in South Carolina. Our metrics depend on data from the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) and consider online course availability, tuition, aid awarded, and more.
Columbia International University
Columbia, SCProgram Details
- SACSCOC Accreditation
- $13,242 Avg. Aid Amount
- 76% Graduation Rate
- Private School Type
- 13/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Why We Selected Columbia International University
- The RN to BSN Bridge program at Columbia International University allows transfer of up to 81 credits with an active, unencumbered RN license, significantly accelerating degree completion.
- The program is 100% online and cohort-based, enabling working nurses to progress through the curriculum in supportive groups, balancing education with professional life.
- Experienced faculty focus on leadership, continuous care improvement, and Christ-like caring, guiding students toward advanced nursing roles with specialized knowledge and professional growth.
Program Details
- SACSCOC Accreditation
- $13,242 Avg. Aid Amount
- 76% Graduation Rate
- Private School Type
- 13/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Program Details
- SACSCOC Accreditation
- $2,982 Avg. Aid Amount
- 78% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 18/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Why We Selected University of South Carolina
- The RN to BSN Bridge program at the University of South Carolina offers over $1 million in student scholarships to support educational goals.
- Students can choose between two curriculum tracks with flexible timelines, allowing them to tailor their program to fit their busy schedules.
- The program is recognized as part of a school with two National League for Nursing Designated Centers of Excellence, ensuring academic excellence and quality education.
Program Details
- SACSCOC Accreditation
- $2,982 Avg. Aid Amount
- 78% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 18/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Program Details
- SACSCOC Accreditation
- $14,016 Avg. Aid Amount
- 31% Graduation Rate
- Private School Type
- 11/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Why We Selected Limestone University
- Limestone University's RN to BSN program offers an intensive clinical capstone experience where students apply nursing skills under qualified preceptor supervision, ensuring practical readiness for diverse healthcare environments.
- The program is fully online with flexible access, tailored for working registered nurses, requiring reliable technology and remote proctoring to support a convenient, rigorous learning experience.
- It is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE), ensuring high educational standards and recognition crucial for career advancement in professional nursing roles.
Program Details
- SACSCOC Accreditation
- $14,016 Avg. Aid Amount
- 31% Graduation Rate
- Private School Type
- 11/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Program Details
- SACSCOC Accreditation
- $18,965 Avg. Aid Amount
- 62% Graduation Rate
- Private School Type
- 15/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Why We Selected Anderson University
- The Anderson University RN to BSN FLEX program allows students to complete up to 4 courses in a 7-week term, accelerating degree completion to as few as 9 months.
- Students who complete 2 FLEX courses within 5 weeks are eligible to add up to 2 additional courses for free, providing a unique tuition-saving opportunity.
- The program is designed specifically for working nurses and delivered fully online, enabling students to advance their careers without attending on-campus classes.
Program Details
- SACSCOC Accreditation
- $18,965 Avg. Aid Amount
- 62% Graduation Rate
- Private School Type
- 15/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Program Details
- SACSCOC Accreditation
- $15,222 Avg. Aid Amount
- 52% Graduation Rate
- Private School Type
- 14/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Why We Selected Newberry College
- Newberry College’s RN-to-BSN program offers a tuition-free one-credit Online Orientation course, saving students $395 upon enrollment in the program.
- Members of the inaugural RN-to-BSN class who live or work in Newberry County receive eligibility for the Newberry Community Scholarship and a voucher for the college bookstore, providing distinct local financial benefits.
- The program provides complete flexibility with 100% online courses in accelerated 7.5-week terms, allowing students to finish as fast as 12 months while scaling course loads based on their life demands.
Program Details
- SACSCOC Accreditation
- $15,222 Avg. Aid Amount
- 52% Graduation Rate
- Private School Type
- 14/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Charleston Southern University
Charleston, SCProgram Details
- SACSCOC Accreditation
- $15,772 Avg. Aid Amount
- 49% Graduation Rate
- Private School Type
- 13/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Why We Selected Charleston Southern University
- The RN to BSN Bridge program offers significantly reduced tuition rates and scholarship opportunities, making it financially accessible to working nurses.
- Students benefit from a flexible, fully online, asynchronous format that allows them to complete the program at their own pace, including admissions in fall, spring, and summer semesters.
- Graduates are eligible to earn a California Public Health Nurse certificate, expanding career options into community health settings and enhancing professional credentials.
Program Details
- SACSCOC Accreditation
- $15,772 Avg. Aid Amount
- 49% Graduation Rate
- Private School Type
- 13/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Program Details
- SACSCOC Accreditation
- $10,892 Avg. Aid Amount
- 64% Graduation Rate
- Private School Type
- 13/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Why We Selected Bob Jones University
- The BJU RN to BSN Bridge program offers specialized clinical immersion and leadership management courses that teach evidence-based practice to improve patient outcomes and healthcare facility performance.
- The program targets licensed RNs seeking job security and advancement, addressing market demands where a BSN is increasingly required to retain employment and pursue graduate nursing education.
- BJU integrates a distinctive BJU Core curriculum including Bible and liberal arts courses along with extensive clinical practice, fostering not only nursing skills but also ethical decision-making, critical thinking, and Christlike character development.
Program Details
- SACSCOC Accreditation
- $10,892 Avg. Aid Amount
- 64% Graduation Rate
- Private School Type
- 13/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Program Details
- SACSCOC Accreditation
- $6,477 Avg. Aid Amount
- 53% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 17/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Why We Selected Lander University
- Lander University’s RN to BSN program can be completed entirely online and in as little as two semesters, allowing working nurses a highly flexible and accelerated path to completion.
- Students benefit from affordable education with minimal cost and no need for government loans, making the program financially accessible for registered nurses.
- The program supports clinical placements at healthcare settings convenient to the student’s location, enhancing real-world experience without disrupting work schedules.
Program Details
- SACSCOC Accreditation
- $6,477 Avg. Aid Amount
- 53% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 17/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Program Details
- SACSCOC Accreditation
- $20,164 Avg. Aid Amount
- 36% Graduation Rate
- Private School Type
- 12/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Why We Selected Coker University
- The RN to BSN Bridge program at Coker University offers a seamless pathway to a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) through an accelerated RN-MSN Bridge option, allowing completion of five courses over two to three semesters before starting graduate studies.
- The program emphasizes small class sizes with a "Round Table" teaching approach, fostering close faculty-student interaction and personalized learning experiences.
- Students benefit from strong regional partnerships and flexible learning formats, including fully online options designed specifically for working registered nurses.
Program Details
- SACSCOC Accreditation
- $20,164 Avg. Aid Amount
- 36% Graduation Rate
- Private School Type
- 12/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Program Details
- SACSCOC Accreditation
- $7,127 Avg. Aid Amount
- 85% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 16/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Why We Selected Clemson University
- Clemson’s RN to BSN program offers a unique online format with a required one-day on-campus orientation, blending flexibility with direct university engagement.
- The program provides specialized coursework in healthcare genetics, allowing students to gain advanced knowledge in emerging nursing fields.
- Clemson’s strong clinical partnerships with Prisma Health, AnMed Health, and Cannon Memorial Hospital ensure high-quality practical experiences and community connections.
Program Details
- SACSCOC Accreditation
- $7,127 Avg. Aid Amount
- 85% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 16/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Base Methodology for EduMed’s “Best Online Undergraduate Bridge Program Rankings” for the ‘25-’26 school year.
One: Create a list of eligible schools & programs
To be eligible for ranking, schools were required to meet the following criteria based on data pulled from The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS), which was self-reported by the schools themselves:
- Institutional accreditation from an organization recognized by the U.S. Department of Education
- At least one online component in a program within the ranking-subject area.
- The existence of academic and career counseling on campus and/or online.
Two: Assign weightings to eligible schools & programs
After creating the list of eligible schools, EduMed data scientists assigned weights and ranked schools based on a mix of metrics, which were all self-reported by the school themselves to the U.S. Department of Education and IPEDS.
The metrics are listed below in order of most- to least-heavily weighted*.
- Online Programs – Number of online programs, either partially- or fully-online, in the relevant subject area.
- Tuition – Average in-state tuition for undergraduate students studying full-time.
- Avg. Aid Amount – Average amount of institutional grant aid awarded to full-time, first-time undergraduates.
- Students w/ Aid – Percent of full-time, first-time students undergraduates awarded institutional aid.
- Online Enrollment – Percent of undergraduate students taking at least one distance education class.
- Student/Faculty Ratio – The number of students per faculty member.
- Graduation Rate – Percent of full-time, first-time receiving an award in 6 years.
*Metrics #1-2 and #3-5 were equally weighted.
About Our Data
EduMed’s rankings use the latest official data available from The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS). Most recent data pull: July 2025
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