Nursing Schools in Columbia, SC (2026)

5 accredited nursing programs found

5
Nursing Schools
1 / 4
Public / Private
$12,688
Avg Public Tuition
54.0%
Avg Grad Rate

Columbia, SC has 5 nursing schools in this directory, including 1 public and 4 private institutions. The strongest pages for school research combine program availability with price, outcomes, and local labor-market context, so this guide surfaces tuition, graduation rates, earnings, debt, and RN wage data in one place.

Average in-state tuition is $20,844, and the average graduation rate is 54.0%. Registered nurses in South Carolina earn a median annual salary of $71,400, with statewide employment of 42,770.

Registered Nurse Market in Columbia, SC

Based on statewide BLS data for South Carolina

+7% projected growth
10th Percentile
$52,460
Median
$71,400
90th Percentile
$98,050
Employment
42,770
Openings
193,100

Registered Nurse Salary in South Carolina

Bureau of Labor Statistics, May 2024

Median Salary
$71,400
Mean Salary
$73,860
Entry Level (10th %)
$52,460
Experienced (90th %)
$98,050
RNs Employed: 42,770
vs National Median: -24% (below $93,600)
Job Growth (2023-2033): +7%
Average Tuition
$20,844
+$5,625

$20,844 is higher than the South Carolina average of $15,219.

Graduation Rate
54.0%
+10.8%

54.0% is higher than the South Carolina average of 43.2%.

Median Earnings
$38,951
-$1,353

$38,951 is lower than the South Carolina median of $40,304.

Tuition Overview

Avg Public Tuition$12,688
Lowest Tuition$12,688
Highest Tuition$27,900

Student Outcomes

Avg Graduation Rate54.0%
Avg Earnings After Grad$41,105
Avg Student Debt$21,250

All Nursing Schools in Columbia, SC

Institution Location Type Tuition (In-State) Enrollment
University of South Carolina-Columbia Columbia, SC Public $12,688 28,113
Benedict College Columbia, SC Private $18,000 1,573
Columbia College Columbia, SC Private $21,450 1,245
Columbia International University Columbia, SC Private $27,900 690
Southeastern College-Columbia Columbia, SC For-Profit $24,184 248

Nursing Guides & Resources

Frequently Asked Questions

How many nursing schools are in Columbia, SC?
There are 5 nursing schools in Columbia, SC, including 1 public and 4 private institutions.
What is the average nursing school tuition in Columbia, SC?
Average in-state tuition across nursing schools in Columbia, SC is $20,844. Tuition ranges from $12,688 to $27,900 where data is available.
What is the average graduation rate for nursing schools in Columbia, SC?
The average graduation rate is 54.0%.
What is the average retention rate in Columbia, SC?
The average retention rate across nursing schools in Columbia, SC is 72.7%.
What do graduates from nursing schools in Columbia, SC earn?
The median schoolwide earnings figure among these institutions is $38,951 10 years after entry. This is institution-level outcomes data rather than nursing-only wage data.
What is the average student debt at nursing schools in Columbia, SC?
Average median debt among nursing schools in Columbia, SC is $21,250.
How much do registered nurses earn in South Carolina?
Registered nurses earn a median annual salary of $71,400, with the 10th percentile at $52,460 and the 90th percentile at $98,050.
What is the RN job outlook for South Carolina?
The RN occupation shows projected growth of 7% in this state, with 42,770 registered nurses employed in the latest BLS wage data.

Columbia Nursing Market Context

The nursing job market around Columbia, SC should be read through statewide BLS data because local wage coverage is not available for every city. In South Carolina, RN salaries range from $52,460 at the 10th percentile to $98,050 at the 90th percentile. Pair that wage range with tuition and debt data when estimating how quickly a nursing credential can repay its cost.