5 Best South Carolina BSN Degree Programs

5 Best BSN Degree Programs in South Carolina

I. Introduction: Importance of a BSN Degree in South Carolina

A Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree has become an essential requirement for practice as a professional nurse in South Carolina and throughout the United States. Data Model In October, which DSNs an emphasis on the healthcare industry is conditioned exclusively on observational studies, we are trained to emphasize that if you have a BSN undergraduate degree in nursing is increasing, and with about 98% of nurses with BSN percentage attention that has been to create innovative and evidence based techniques and strong motivation to develop the management of skills and nursing concepts and patient care manage.

Having a BSN equipped nurses with skills tailored to the multifaceted nature of contemporary healthcare, leading to better patient outcomes and increased safety. In addition, a BSN is often an essential first step for nurses aiming to excel in advanced practice roles like nurse practitioners, clinical nurse specialists, and nurse administrators.

South Carolina participates in the effective, quality solutions that involve nursing education systems and NCLEX (National Council Licensure Examination) pass rates that soar year over year. Across the nation in 2024, the state led the nation in registered nurse and practical nurse exam pass rates, far surpassing the national averages.

This ranking highlights the strong foundation of nursing education offered in the state. To explore and outline the top 5 BSN programs in South Carolina, this report will serve to inform future students, offering insights at a granular level to help guide their pursuits.

II. Top BSN Programs in South Carolina: Our Initial Sweep & Validation Process

Researching the Best BSN Programs in South Carolina To begin identifying the top BSN programs in South Carolina an extensive Google search was conducted using keywords such as “accredited BSN programs South Carolina” and “top nursing schools South Carolina.” This initial search resulted in a wide list of universities offering a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree.

Cross-referencing and validation were used to filter out top-tier programs from the initial list to ensure the best of the best made the list. That included analyzing rankings and program lists on quality nursing education-oriented websites, such as Nurse. org, Nursing School 411 or NursingEducation. org, and NurseJournal. org. These rankings are based on various methodologies and criteria, including NCLEX pass rates, tuition expenses, program quality, and reputation.

Taking a broader set of sources into account would lead to a more comprehensive and accurate picture of program standing within state. These different rankings and lists were then analyzed and some patterns emerged with prominent universities appearing regularly. Other great nursing programs in South Carolina may also be worthy of consideration; however, five institutions repeatedly surfaced as leaders in the process of my initial search as well as the validation process: the University of South Carolina (Columbia), Clemson University, Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC), Anderson University, and Charleston Southern University.

III. Top 5 BSN Programs: Detailed Profiles

A. University of South Carolina (Columbia)

As a University of South Carolina (USC) in Columbia healthcare institution, the College of Nursing is one of the most renowned within the state offering programs in nursing education and research. The College of Nursing has successfully educated competent nurses for practice and made important contributions to the science through the research it produces. An online program in registered nursing to bachelor of science in nursing is available for those looking to further their education. As a large, research-intensive institution, USC offers a plethora of resources and opportunities for interdisciplinary collaboration that can greatly enhance the nursing program experience.

The standard BSN curriculum at the University of South Carolina is designed as an eight-semester track that combines a meal of general education needs with professional nursing-specific courses. Coursework is planned to give students a sound foundation in the sciences and humanities as well as the theoretical knowledge and clinical skills necessary for safe nursing practice. Online RN-to-BSN (For Registered Nurses) This program for registered nurses promotes professional excellence, leadership development, informatics, and critical thinking. Students within our various pathways have specific outcomes, however, overall nursing students at USC are expected to articulate the ability to provide evidence-based and culturally sensitive care, utilize information and healthcare technologies effectively, demonstrate professional behavior when working with interprofessional teams, and meet the diverse roles expected of nurses as care providers, care coordinators, leaders, and lifelong learners. This multidimensional approach equips graduates to meet the varied needs of the nursing field.

Clinical training opportunities are diverse and the USC BSN students are exposed to numerous healthcare settings located in Columbia and nearby communities. These may involve acute care hospitals for working directly with people with complex medical issues, ambulatory clinics for experience with outpatient care, and community health sites to grasp population-based nursing. You are familiar with, Collebean College of Nursing has amazing alliances, like the Center for Nursing Leadership and the Center for Cancer Survivorship, where students can become engaged in front line research and advancement. About the Faculty in the College of Nursing Duration: 00:42 The faculty in the College of Nursing are dedicated to making sure that students have the resources and support they need to succeed in their education. A large subset of faculty are active in nursing research, bringing the latest evidenced based practice and innovative approaches directly to the classroom. The focus on research in the nursing education program is integrated in such a way that it enhances the academic scholarship of the program, ensuring that students are equipped to be informed and critical consumers of nursing research.

Costs at the University of South Carolina for 2024-2025 are estimated to be $12,688 for in-state students and $35,972 for out-of-state students, including tuition and tech fees. Noteworthy, all students in the online RN-to-BSN program pay the in-state tuition rate no matter their state of residency. The program is especially attractive and accessible to registered nurses nationwide looking to pursue further education with this policy. Students are eligible to apply for federal and state financial aid if they qualify based on financial need as determined by the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), and the College of Nursing offers several scholarship opportunities to support education for nursing majors.

Students must achieve and maintain a minimum USC institutional GPA of 3.000 to gain and remain in the traditional BSN program. In order to meet degree requirements, students must earn a minimum grade of C in each nursing course. The admission requirements for the RN-to-BSN program include a current, unrestricted, Registered Nurse (RN) license to practice in the United States and a minimum cumulative collegiate GPA of 3.0. First, it is worth noting that these requirements and more rigorous academic standards come as part of a program that has made great strides in boasting one of the “Best Nursing Schools” in the country, according to US News and World Report. Pass rates on the NCLEX-RN examination for graduates of the College’s nursing programs have been consistently excellent, with a 99% or 100% pass rate reported in recent years. Such success on the licensure exam is a direct reflection of the program’s efforts to provide safe and competent entry into professional practice for its graduates. Accreditation: The baccalaureate degree programs in nursing at the University of South Carolina are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). It is also approved by the State Board of Nursing for South Carolina.

It includes a variety of student support services and resources to help nursing students succeed academically and professionally. These resources include access for RN-to-BSN students to tutoring, academic coaching, the student success center, campus libraries and the career center among others. Students are assigned an academic advisor once accepted into the traditional BSN program to assist throughout their course of study. The fact that all these support services are available goes on to demonstrate that the university genuinely cares for its nursing students, creating an enabling environment complete with all that anyone may possibly need to excel in their ultimate careers as healthcare practitioners.

B. Clemson University

Clemson University, best known for its traditional strengths in academics and for its southern roots, offers a highly ranked, highly competitive School of Nursing with numerous undergraduate options for nursing students to choose from. Clemson University School of Nursing has been named a Center of Excellence in Nursing Education by the National League for Nursing, a prestigious designation that recognizes excellence in nursing education and a commitment to stimulating excellence in the profession. The School of Nursing offers multiple undergraduate options for future nurses, including a traditional Bachelor of Science in Nursing program, an RN-BSN bridge for registered nurses seeking a bachelor’s degree and an Accelerated BSN for students who already earned a bachelor’s degree in another field. The range of programs offers a suitable solution for students from varied educational backgrounds and career objectives.

Clemson University’s traditional BSN program is four years long and is direct-entry with an emphasis on equipping students with the skills necessary to excel in nursing practice. The first two years of coursework emphasizes liberal arts and includes foundational science classes such as biology, chemistry, psychology, sociology, and writing. During their third and fourth years, students are immersed in nursing courses and clinical experiences in which they develop the communication, computer literacy, leadership, and critical-thinking skills necessary for today’s complex health care environment. Clemson also offers an Accelerated Second Degree Nursing program, a full-time, 16-month program held in the Clemson University Nursing building on the Prisma Health-Upstate campus in Greenville that is geared to those who have already obtained a bachelor’s degree at an accredited college or university. This accelerated track offers a fast way to transition into nursing for those looking to change careers.

The nursing students at Clemson University gain much of their clinical experience in the various health care facilities that populate the region, including medical centers, regional hospitals and community health organizations in Clemson, Greenville, and Spartanburg. The School of Nursing includes a cutting-edge Clinical Learning and Research Center that has human patient simulators with high-tech abilities. These simulators create a safe environment in which students can practice basic bedside skills, assessment skills, and decision making in situations they would likely encounter in practice.Teachers all love Simulated patients (SP) and simulators because you feel, once they are used properly they can do so much more than simply serve passive role in the students learning experience. In these hospital-based clinical rotations, the ratio of students to faculty is also rather low at about eight students for every one faculty, allowing for more personalized direction and supervision for students at the hospital.

The School of Nurs… Faculty members are engaged in innovative research, scholarship, and service projects that advance nursing knowledge and practice. We have a comprehensive and proficient group of faculty available in diverse areas of nursing at the School of Nursing. Contact information for many of the faculty members, both title and email address, is also easily available. This elite faculty is devoted to preparing students to be transformational people in healthcare.

Clemson University’s estimated total cost of attendance per year for full-time undergraduates is about $7,560 for in-state students and $20,216 for out-of-state students for the 2024-2025 academic year. Clemson’s online RN-BSN programs charge $550 per credit hour regardless of whether you are in-state or out-of-state. Though Clemson University offers nursing scholarships, it does not target nursing students specifically. Clemson University Office of Student Financial Aid keeps an updated list of external nursing scholarships students may wish to research. In addition, students qualify for institutional scholarships from the university and federal and State of South Carolina grants and loans through financial need determined by the FAFSA.

New incoming freshmen, who meet the general admission requirements of the university, are directly admitted to the traditional BSN program at Clemson University. Transfer admission to the nursing program is competitive, so potential nursing students typically must have at least a minimum GPA and complete a certain number of transferable course hours. For more specifics, check out the admission requirements from the Nursing department website or contact them for more detailed instructions. SAT: The average SAT score for admitted students is about 1310; the average ACT score is about 30, although Clemson is test-optional. The admissions process favors residents of South Carolina. To remain in the nursing program, students must achieve a grade of C or better in all nursing courses and in the required science pre-requisite courses, and meet the minimum nursing GPA.

NCLEX-RN pass rates for Clemson University nursing program graduates are consistently above the state and national averages. Velez (2016) explains that for at least eleven successive years, prelicensure students have earned passing rates of 90% to 96%. This impressive showing on the licensure exam is indicative of the program’s success in preparing students for successful practice in the nursing profession. Clemson University’s baccalaureate, master’s, and Doctor of Nursing Practice programs are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). Clemson University as a whole is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).

From mental health resources to tutoring centers, the services are designed to help students thrive at the university. Funded by the Office of Advocacy and Success, the CARE Network connects students with resources to help them successfully navigate any potential barriers. Student Health Services provides full medical care and Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) provides mental health support. Also, we welcome International Services support for guidance with international students.

C. Medical University of South Carolina (MUSH)

Located in Charleston, the Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC) is one of the country’s leading medical schools, and the school’s College of Nursing has a strong tradition as the nation’s second-oldest nursing school. MUSC also has online RN-to-BSN degree completion as well as an intensive, on-campus Accelerated BSN degree program. With its role as the state’s only comprehensive academic health system, MUSC offers an unparalleled learning environment for future nurses, marked by interprofessional collaboration and access to advanced healthcare facilities.

The MUSC Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABSN) program is a challenging four-consecutive semester program (including Summer semester) that is delivered entirely on campus in a combination of classroom, clinical, and laboratory modalities. This program prepares students in important knowledge, skills, and values for professional nursing practice in a changing healthcare environment. For those registered nurses ready to advance their education, the Medical University of South Carolina provides an entirely online, asynchronous RN-to-BSN program tailored to meet the needs of working adults. This program covers three semesters of full time study with each including clinical/practicum experiences related to gerontology, community/public health, and leadership/quality improvement.

The majority of clinical rotations will occur in facilities located in, or very near to, the MUSC campus, ensuring ABSN students at MUSC receive unique clinical experience throughout a broad range of health care environments in the greater Charleston area. MUSC is home to a 700-bed medical center, a nationally recognized children’s hospital, the Hollings Cancer Center (NCI-designated), a Level I trauma center and the Institute of Psychiatry, and outreach facilities statewide. With this integrated healthcare system, nursing students gain unmatched access to hands-on learning in diverse and complex clinical settings.

MUSC RN-to-BSN PROGRAM The RN-to-BSN program provided at MUSC is directed by responsible associate members of academia who get specialized knowledge about schooling in nursing and the distinct terminology and processes of adult learners. The College of Nursing’s faculty members are leading researchers in a range of nursing fields for the future, from symptom science and mental health disparities, to patient safety and technology-enhanced interventions. Aptly, most faculty members within the engineering faculty possess higher degrees and certifications applicable to their specialties, and thus have previous experience and practice to act as a basis for their teaching and academic career.

For MUSC’s Accelerated BSN program, the total cost for in-state residents is estimated to be around $34,069 for four semesters of tuition and fees. Tuition costs for the ABSN program out of state is much higher. The estimated total cost for the RN-to-BSN program is about $19,700 for in-state students and $21,572 for out-of-state students after one year of full-time study. Students considering applying are encouraged to explore the scholarship opportunities offered through the MUSC College of Nursing and to reach out to the Office of Financial Aid Services for additional information regarding financial assistance available.

Applicants to the Accelerated BSN program at MUSC must have completed sixty semester hours of prerequisite coursework prior to application (the preferred cumulative GPA is 3.0 or higher; see specific admission guidelines on the MUSC web site for additional details). Grades are the most important factor in admission decisions, with the cumulative GPA being the single most important piece of information. All prerequisite courses must be completed with a minimum grade of C. A current and unrestricted Registered Nurse (RN) license is an admission requirement for RN-to-BSN programs. Grads from one of MUSC’s nursing programs consistently have outstanding NCLEX-RN pass rates. The Accelerated BSN program, for instance, boasted a 100% first-time pass rate in 2024 and 96% in 2023. The BSN and DNP programs in the MUSC College of Nursing are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) which safeguards the quality and integrity of collegiate nursing programs.

As you know, MUSC is committed to the overall academic and personal well-being of its students, offering a wide range of campus resources and student support services. These are the Center for Academic Excellence, which provides resources for learning and critical thinking; the Office of Enrollment Management; the Harper Student Center; and the Office of Financial Aid Services. Medical needs are addressed through Student Health Services, and assistance with student housing is provided on campus. These services are meant to provide support and help create a positive and supportive environment for MUSC nursing students.

D. Anderson University

The faith-based institution Anderson University caters to the spiritual aspect while still focusing on top-tier training, with its School of Nursing combining practical experience with lessons on morality through the network of local partnerships; graduates are some of the highest-rated health care providers in terms of compassion as well as skills. University of Washington offers three pathways towards a Bachelor of Science in Nursing with a traditional four-year BSN program, a 15-month Accelerated BSN program, and an RN to BSN program. Fostering individual attention, Anderson University prides itself on a low ratio of nursing students-to-faculty.

The pre-licensure BSN program at Anderson University is an 8-semester (4-year) program that prepares students for careers as registered nurses in a variety of practice settings (e.g., pediatrics, surgery, adult health and geriatrics). The program offers a solid foundation in liberal arts and nursing sciences, with graduates prepared to pass the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN). The Accelerated BSN program at Anderson University is designed for those who already have a bachelor’s degree in an unrelated field or 59 previously earned college credit hours. In as few as 15 months, students in this five-semester, full-time program can earn their BSN and propel themselves into the nursing profession. Both the traditional and accelerated BSN programs focus on holistic care, which encompasses the physical, emotional, and spiritual needs of patients.

Anderson University offers its nursing students clinical training opportunities in both long-term care settings, such as the AnMed Health Medical Center and Hospice of the Upstate, as well as other healthcare services across the greater Anderson area. One key feature of the School of Nursing at Carlow is the state-of-the-art simulation center and a lab with cadavers specifically reserved for nursing students. This cadaver lab is unique, and gives students the rare experience of human dissection for detailed anatomical study. Students also receive hands-on clinical training across the upstate of South Carolina.

Anderson University’s School of Nursing has a dedicated and supportive faculty that includes many who practice within local health care institutions. This ensures that what constellate students receive is current, practical information, which is being delivered by professionals with vast sums of experience. The faculty sees their teaching as a ministry and are committed to individualized attention and mentoring to help students grow academically and spiritually. Information for contacting faculty members in the College of Health Professions and, of course, nursing, is readily available.

Tuition: Approximately $36,000 for the 20-month Accelerated BSN program. Tuition for the traditional undergraduate program is charged on a per credit hour basis. Anderson University uses a rolling admission process for its undergraduate programs; applicants are encouraged to apply by Dec. 1 for best scholarship consideration. Nursing students have a variety of financial aid options to consider, including scholarships as well as grants.

To be admitted into Anderson University’s traditional BSN program, students must succeed in certain academic progress criteria, which entails a cumulative minimum GPA of 3.0 in liberal arts and science courses by the end of the fourth semester. A grade less than C is unacceptable in all previous science courses. Admission into the Accelerated BSN program requires students to have a bachelor’s degree with at least a 3.0 GPR over the last 59 credit hours of coursework, as well as a score of 60 on the TEAS (Test of Essential Academic Skills) exam. Nursing Program at Anderson UniversityCCLI License: CN 3.0 Daniela Contreras Anderson University’s Nursing Program Pass NCLEX-RNExam NCLEX-RN Exam is the exam taken by nurses that permit US Nurses to practice safely and effectively. Nurses seeking entry-level jobs healthcare begins the process of licensure with this exam. The NCLEX is a continuum exam in which successful testing awards a US Nurse a Registered Nurse designation. Anderson University’s Nursing Program pass rates on the NCLEX-RN exam have been impressive, with five-year cohorts reporting consistently 100% pass rates. The Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) accredits the baccalaureate degree program in nursing; the program has full approval by the South Carolina Board of Nursing.

Educational Support at Anderson University Academic advising, career counseling, and mentorship programs are some of the common support mechanisms provided to students. It includes the Kissinger Academic Center for Excellence (KACE) to offer academic resources and help, and Student Accessibility Services (SAS) to ensure that students with disabilities receive appropriate accommodations. The Student Nurses Association works to further network, leadership, and community involvement for nursing students.

E Charleston Southern University

The school is known for its undergraduate nursing program that incorporates Christian principles into nursing practice for professional practice in a variety of settings. CSU has two different BSN programs: a traditional four-year program and an accelerated 18-month program. Charleston Southern University baccalaureate nursing program is Fully Approved by the South Carolina Board of Nursing.

Charleston Southern University — forwards a four-year, traditional Bachelor of Science in Nursing program in which the first year addresses general education and foundational sciences amateur, three years of nursing courses and clinical experiences. Because beginning with our use of human patient simulators in on-campus labs, students are getting experiential learning that includes real-world clinical experiences across a range of hospitals and community agencies in South Carolina’s Lowcountry region in this program.

Charleston Southern also has a 18-month accelerated BSN track for those already holding at least 58-60 college credit hours or a degree in a non-nursing field. The program is a hybrid program, with asynchronous classes online and required on-campus days (labs) that offer weekday evening sessions. Accelerated BSN students’ clinical rotations are in Charleston area hospitals Fridays through Sundays.

Charleston Southern University students in the traditional BSN program will perform clinical rotations at local hospitals and community agencies in the Lowcountry. The accelerated BSN program offers clinical rotations in hospitals throughout the Charleston area. Both programs are able to use the university’s simulation labs which use human patient simulators so students can practice and hone their clinical skills in a safe environment.

The faculty of Charleston Southern University’s College of Nursing is a team of professionals dedicated to educating dedicated Christian nurses for practice. Our experienced nurse and educator faculty are experts in each nursing specialty. Phone numbers and e-mail addresses of faculty members at the College of Nursing

Charleston Southern University has traditional and accelerated BSN undergraduate tuition set at a flat rate of $16,715 per year if enrolled full-time (12-18 credit hours), regardless of credit hours taken up to this maximum. Traditional program: $515 per credit hour (for fewer than 12 credit hours or more than 18 credit hours). Tuition for the accelerated BSN program is $650 per credit hour. BSN Students are also charged $1,000 per semester nursing program fee. Eligible students may qualify for financial aid in the form of scholarships and grants.

Entrance into the traditional and accelerated BSN programs at Charleston Southern University are selective and competitive. For the accelerated program, applicants must either have completed the prerequisite college credit hours or received a B grade or better in the sciences or hold a bachelor’s degree with the required coursework completed by the time classes begin in August. The state gives a highest rank to the traditional BSN program for the NCLEX pass rates, suggesting that its graduates are well prepared for licensure. For example, Charleston Southern University has an 82.09% NCLEX pass rate according to one source. Charleston Southern University’s baccalaureate nursing program is accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN).

Apply directly at [Charleston Southern University]! Charleston Southern University assists nursing students through a variety of student support initiatives. It also has a Student Nurses Association — a pre-professional group for pre-enrolled and currently enrolled nursing students. A pre-nursing advisor can help guide interested students through the process. Additionally, the university’s admissions office is a valuable resource for prospective students inquiring about the nursing programs and application procedures.

IV. Comparison of Top 5 BSN Programs: The Features

The table below compares the best BSN programs in South Carolina by examining key indicators.

  Note: Tuition figures are for the 2024-2025 school year and do not necessarily reflect all expenses. NCLEX pass rates are based on the latest publicly available data and may differ.

V. Ensuring You Choose the Best BSN Program: Discussion Points and Selection Factors

This is a major decision that can have a huge impact on the career path of a student. During the selection process, there are some key elements that NEED to be considered. The Accreditation status is crucial, the potential students must confirm that the specified program should be accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) or the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN). Accreditation means that a program has satisfied high quality and integrity standards.

The program’s effectiveness is demonstrated by NCLEX pass rates, which help gauge how well it prepares its graduates for licensure. A higher pass rate typically means a better program. They should match the student’s needs and learning style. Different aspects such as traditional four-year programs and accelerated options, and the choice of full-time or part-time study, should be taken into account. Hands on aspects of clinical affiliateships and clinical opportunities are key to a well rounded experience in different healthcare settings.

Clinical placements are a significant contributor to the student experience and can greatly facilitate the learning of both practical and soft skills. You should also look at the qualifications and experience of the nursing faculty. Students can learn from research-active faculty, faculty who only take long to their field to the end, extended ala student the moment the research program continues, if you will.

Tuition and the availability of financial aid are important considerations. Students should assess the affordability of the program and scout for scholarships and financial aid opportunities. The location and campus culture can shape a student’s overall experience too. Be sure to consider personal preferences for urban or rural settings and availability of support systems.

Additionally, student support services like academic advising can go a long way in helping students find their footing and succeed throughout their nursing programs. Prospective students should contact nursing school admissions offices to ask detailed questions that will help when weighing options among various programs.

Some of these questions may include specific admission requirements, program curriculum and course sequences, the clinical placement process and locations for placements, faculty to student ratios for both the classroom and clinical settings, scholarship and financial aid opportunities for nursing students, recent NCLEX pass rates for graduating classes, job placement rates for program graduates, and availability of mentorship or tutoring programs.

Lastly, it is also good to reflect on how your own career goals align with the unique strengths, and any specializations, of a nursing program. Also highly recommended steps in the decision-making process are visiting campuses, if that is possible, speaking with current students and alumni, and reviewing program Web sites in search of the latest information.

The decision on whether to pursue a traditional or accelerated BSN program largely depends on a student’s previous academic experience and study preferences. The traditional four-year path is for first-time college students entering college, and the accelerated option is often desired by students with previous college experience or by high school students who have a considerable amount of prior college credit and want to transition quickly into a nursing profession.

Bob Jones University

University of South Carolina-Beaufort

VI. Conclusion: Our Top Picks Overview and a Note to Future Students

But the University of South Carolina (Columbia) shines in its well-rounded offerings, top-notch research opportunities, and strong NCLEX pass rates, though the real differentiator is its online RN-to-BSN program, which is great for entry into specializations. The undergraduate program at Clemson University stands out for its nationally recognized Center of Excellence, diverse undergraduate pathways, and exceptional graduate employment rates.

The Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC) has an intensive accelerated BSN program and boasts an excellent NCLEX success rate, along with the advantage of being a top-tier academic health system. Offering faith-based learning with unique tools such as a cadaver lab, Anderson University generates consistently high NCLEX pass rates. And Charleston Southern University is in fact a real-life option that offers both traditional and accelerated programs while has a strong Christian undertone and good success on the NCLEX.

So the “best” BSN program for a student in South Carolina will vary, depending on their educational background, career goals, preferred style of learning and financial situation. The top 5 general programs found in this report each have unique strengths and opportunities.

Although an applicant may have a general sense of the types of professions or fields that interest them, prospective students are advised to investigate each program as it pertains to their preliminary interests, noting the specifics of the curriculum and clinical affiliations, faculty specialties, tuition, and admissions process.

Another way to gain valuable insights is to contact the admissions offices of programs of interest and ask questions about the program in detail and, if possible, to visit campus. Ultimately, with thoughtfulness and reflection on one’s unique priorities regarding the elements and specializations of these top BSN programs, prospective students will be able to determine which program is the right fit for them and one that can lead to a successful future in nursing!