8 Cheapest RN to BSN Programs Online in South Carolina 2026

<h3 id="section---1.UniversityOfSouthCarolinaAiken">1. University of South Carolina Aiken</h3><p>The University of South Carolina Aiken offers a fully online RN to BSN program that fits well into the busy lives of working nurses. The courses cover topics like holistic care, community health, and evidence-based practice, helping students build on their existing clinical experience. Thanks to the flexible format, many can finish the program in as little as 12 months. </p><ul><li><b>Estimated tuition cost:</b> $9,486 total </li><li><b>Financial aid:</b> USC Aiken provides various financial aid options, including scholarships and grants, to eligible students. </li><li><b>Accreditation:</b> Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) and Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) </li></ul><h3 id="section---2.UniversityOfSouthCarolinaUpstate">2. University of South Carolina Upstate</h3><p>The University of South Carolina (USC) Upstate offers an RN to BSN program that can be completed entirely online in as few as 12 months. The curriculum includes courses in nursing leadership, community health, and advanced health assessment, all structured to expand a registered nurse's ability to provide patient-centered care. Students can enroll full-time or part-time and complete clinical experiences locally, allowing students to apply concepts in real-world settings close to home. </p><ul><li><b>Estimated tuition cost:</b> $5,199 per semester </li><li><b>Financial aid:</b> USC Upstate offers financial assistance through scholarships, grants, and federal aid programs. </li><li><b>Accreditation:</b> SACSCOC and CCNE </li></ul><h3 id="section---3.FrancisMarionUniversity">3. Francis Marion University</h3><p>Francis Marion University (FMU) offers a hybrid RN to BSN program that allows students to complete much of their coursework online, with occasional in-person components scheduled at the Florence campus. FMU is known for its affordable tuition and small class sizes, which support individualized instruction. Multiple start dates throughout the year make it easier for working nurses to begin when it suits them best. </p><ul><li><b>Estimated tuition cost:</b> $6,262 per semester </li><li><b>Financial aid:</b> FMU provides financial aid options, including scholarships and federal aid, to qualifying students. </li><li><b>Accreditation:</b> SACSCOC and CCNE </li></ul><h3 id="section---4.NewberryCollege">4. Newberry College</h3><p>Newberry College is a private institution with a strong focus on personalized learning and student support. It provides a fully online RN to BSN program that is structured in seven-week courses with multiple start dates throughout the year. Newberry also has a transfer-friendly admissions process, making it easier for RNs to apply previously earned credits toward their bachelor's degree. </p><ul><li><b>Estimated tuition cost:</b> $405 per credit </li><li><b>Financial aid: </b>Newberry College offers financial aid packages, including scholarships and grants, to eligible students. </li><li><b>Accreditation:</b> SACSCOC and CCNE </li></ul><h3 id="section---5.UniversityOfSouthCarolina">5. University of South Carolina</h3><p>The University of South Carolina (USC) offers its RN to BSN program through the flagship Columbia campus and delivers it entirely online to support the schedules of working nurses. As a public research university and a leader in healthcare education in the state, USC provides students with access to a wide network of resources and professional connections. </p><p>The RN to BSN program can be completed in 12 to 18 months, depending on transfer credits and course load. Students are admitted in fall, spring, or summer, and benefit from USC's academic advising, library services, and career development tools—all accessible remotely. </p><ul><li><b>Estimated tuition cost:</b> $15,635 total </li><li><b>Financial aid:</b> USC offers a range of financial aid options, including scholarships, grants, and federal aid programs. </li><li><b>Accreditation:</b> SACSCOC and CCNE </li></ul><h3 id="section---6.MedicalUniversityOfSouthCarolina">6. Medical University of South Carolina</h3><p>Based in Charleston, the Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC) offers a fully online RN to BSN program. MUSC is the state's only public, comprehensive academic health system and is known for its commitment to healthcare education and research. The RN to BSN program spans three semesters and is structured to fit the needs of working nurses, with start dates available in both the fall and spring. </p><ul><li><b>Estimated tuition cost:</b> $16,440 total </li><li><b>Financial aid:</b> MUSC provides financial aid options, including scholarships and federal aid, to qualifying students. </li><li><b>Accreditation:</b> CCNE </li></ul><h3 id="section---7.SouthUniversity">7. South University</h3><p>South University, which has a campus in Columbia, offers an RN to BSN program through its online division. The university has campuses in multiple states, but its online programs are centrally administered and fully accessible to distance learners. </p><p>Students benefit from frequent start dates, small class sizes, and personalized academic support from faculty and advisors. South University is also known for providing a user-friendly online platform and flexible scheduling that fits the demands of healthcare professionals. </p><ul><li><b>Estimated tuition cost:</b> $255 per quarter credit </li><li><b>Financial aid:</b> South University offers financial aid packages, including scholarships and federal aid, to eligible students. </li><li><b>Accreditation:</b> SACSCOC and CCNE </li></ul><h3 id="section---8.CharlestonSouthernUniversity">8. Charleston Southern University</h3><p>Located in North Charleston, Charleston Southern University is a private Christian institution that offers a fully online RN to BSN program. This flexible degree option is structured to support working nurses, with multiple start dates each year and manageable course pacing. The university's small class sizes and faith-based learning environment provide a supportive setting for adult students returning to school. </p><ul><li><b>Estimated tuition cost:</b> $650 per credit </li><li><b>Financial aid:</b> Charleston Southern University provides financial aid options, including scholarships and federal aid, to qualifying students. </li><li><b>Accreditation:</b> SACSCOC and Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) </li></ul><h2 id="section---OtherAffordableOnlineRNToBSNPrograms">Other Affordable Online RN to BSN Programs</h2><p>In addition to South Carolina institutions, there are other affordable online RN to BSN programs available that offer flexibility and quality education. </p><h3 id="section---HerzingUniversity">Herzing University</h3><p>Herzing University's RN to BSN program is offered online, which serves students nationwide. Although Herzing does not operate a physical campus in South Carolina, the online nursing program is available to residents in the state and meets national accreditation standards. </p><p>The university is based in Wisconsin and has been recognized for serving adult learners and working professionals with flexible, career-focused degree paths. Students in the RN to BSN track can transfer up to 90 credits and benefit from multiple start dates throughout the year. </p><ul><li><b>Estimated tuition cost:</b> $450 per credit </li><li><b>Financial aid:</b> Herzing University offers financial aid packages, including scholarships and federal aid, to eligible students. </li><li><b>Accreditation:</b> Higher Learning Commission (HLC) and CCNE </li></ul><h3 id="section---SouthCollege">South College</h3><p>South College, based in Knoxville, TN, offers a fully online RN to BSN program. It is known for serving adult learners and providing flexible academic calendars, including multiple start dates each year. The online RN to BSN program supports working professionals who want a streamlined path to completing their degree while managing job and family commitments. </p><ul><li><b>Estimated tuition cost:</b> $4,170 per quarter </li><li><b>Financial aid:</b> South College provides financial aid options, including scholarships and federal aid, to qualifying students. </li><li><b>Accreditation:</b> ACEN </li></ul><h2 id="section---HowWeRankSchools">How We Rank Schools</h2><p>Our selection of RN to BSN programs is based on a combination of practical and academic factors that matter most to working nurses. We look for programs that provide strong educational value while remaining accessible and affordable. Below are the key criteria we use to evaluate and compare each program: </p><ul><li><b>Accreditation:</b> We include only programs that are recognized by reputable accrediting bodies such as SACSCOC, CCNE, ACEN, or HLC. </li><li><b>Affordability:</b> We consider tuition costs to ensure that students have access to budget-friendly options. </li><li><b>Program reputation:</b> We evaluate each program based on the quality of education, faculty expertise, and overall student satisfaction. </li></ul><h2 id="section---HowToPayForYourNursingDegree">How To Pay for Your Nursing Degree</h2><p>Paying for an RN to BSN program can feel overwhelming, but South Carolina students have access to a variety of financial resources that can ease the burden. One of the most important steps is completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), which determines eligibility for federal grants, loans, and work-study programs. Many <a href="https://learn.org/articles/online_colleges_accept_fafsa_south_carolina.html">online schools that accept FAFSA</a> offer RN to BSN degrees that qualify for this type of aid, giving working nurses more flexibility to manage their finances. </p><p>In addition to federal aid, South Carolina offers need-based state scholarships and tuition assistance programs. Institutions may also award merit scholarships or nursing-specific grants to students based on academic performance or service commitments. Some employers, including hospitals and health systems, provide tuition reimbursement or prepaid education benefits to nurses continuing their education. </p><h2 id="section---FAQsAboutCheapOnlineRNToBSNPrograms">FAQs About Cheap Online RN to BSN Programs</h2><p>Choosing the right RN to BSN program often brings up questions about affordability, time commitments, and career value. Below are answers to some of the most frequently asked questions from nursing students considering online BSN programs. </p><h3 id="section---WhatIsTheMostAffordableRNToBSNProgram">What Is the Most Affordable RN to BSN Program?</h3><p>The most affordable RN to BSN programs typically come from public universities that offer in-state tuition or flat-rate online pricing. Schools like the University of Louisiana at Monroe offer online options that cost less than $250 per credit. Affordable programs may also accept transfer credits from previous nursing coursework, further reducing the total cost. </p><h3 id="section---WhatIsTheShortestRNToBSNProgram">What Is the Shortest RN to BSN Program?</h3><p>The <a href="https://learn.org/articles/shortest_rn_to_bsn_online.html">fastest RN to BSN program online</a> can be completed in under 12 months, especially for students with transfer credits and flexible schedules. Of the ones that we listed, USC Aiken is one of the quickest options. </p><h3 id="section---IsRNToBSNWorthIt">Is RN to BSN Worth It?</h3><p>Completing a BSN can lead to increased job opportunities, higher salaries, and a stronger foundation for leadership roles or graduate study. Many employers now prefer or require a BSN for advancement, and the <a href="https://www.aacnnursing.org/news-data/fact-sheets/impact-of-education-on-nursing-practice#:~:text=The%20authors%20found%20that%20%E2%80%9Chospitals%20with%20higher,fewer%20deaths%20for%20every%201%2C000%20discharged%20patients.&amp;text=Data%20show%20that%20healthcare%20facilities%20with%20higher,patient%20outcomes%20and%20significantly%20lower%20mortality%20rates.">AACN</a> claims that BSN-prepared nurses tend to have better patient outcomes. For working RNs, the investment often pays off both professionally and financially. </p><h3 id="section---HowDoIGetMyBSNPaidFor">How Do I Get My BSN Paid For?</h3><p>Many students fund their BSN through a mix of federal financial aid, employer tuition reimbursement, state grants, and scholarships. Some nurses receive full or partial tuition coverage from their hospitals or clinics, especially if they commit to continued service. Choosing online schools that accept FAFSA can make your education more affordable and open the door to multiple aid opportunities. </p><h3 id="section---WhatIsTheEasiestRNToBSNProgram">What Is the Easiest RN to BSN Program?</h3><p>Some RN to BSN programs are intentionally structured to accommodate busy working nurses by offering shorter courses, reduced clinical requirements, and flexible pacing. The <a href="https://learn.org/articles/easiest_rn_to_bsn_online.html">easiest RN to BSN programs online</a> typically feature asynchronous learning and streamlined paths that allow students to complete their degrees without overwhelming their schedules. </p><h2 id="section---FindOnlineNursingPrograms">Find Online Nursing Programs</h2><p>Online RN to BSN programs can make advancing your nursing career more achievable, especially when flexibility and affordability are top priorities. Explore featured programs on Learn.org to compare tuition, format, and admission requirements, and take the next step toward completing your BSN.</p>