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Clemson University vs University of South Carolina-Upstate

RN to BSN programs compared — side-by-side on NCLEX pass rates, tuition, admissions, and format.

Updated Reviewed by NurseWay Editorial Team

At a glance

Lower tuition
University of South Carolina-Upstate
$11,583 vs $15,554
Easier to get into
University of South Carolina-Upstate
69.6% vs 38.0% acceptance

Side-by-side details

Best value in each row is highlighted.

Clemson University
RN to BSN
University of South Carolina-Upstate
RN to BSN
Program typeRN to BSNRN to BSN
Formatin personin person
LocationClemson, SCSpartanburg, SC
Length24 months24 months
NCLEX pass rate
Acceptance rate38.0%69.6%BEST
Avg accepted GPA
Min GPA
Entrance exam
Total tuition$15,554 in / $39,498 out$11,583 in / $22,545 outBEST
In-state tuition$15,554$11,583BEST
Out-of-state tuition$39,498$22,545BEST
Clinical placement
AccreditationCCNECCNE

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is cheaper, Clemson University or University of South Carolina-Upstate?

University of South Carolina-Upstate is the more affordable option at roughly $11,583, compared to $15,554. Factor in residency status, financial aid, and program length when deciding — total cost matters more than annual tuition.

Are Clemson University and University of South Carolina-Upstate the same type of program?

Both are RN to BSN programs, so they award the same credential. Compare them on NCLEX pass rate, tuition, length, and location to find the better fit.

How do I decide between Clemson University and University of South Carolina-Upstate?

Start by ruling out programs you can't get into (compare your GPA against each school's admissions stats), then weight what matters most — NCLEX pass rate for quality, total tuition for cost, length for time-to-degree, and format (online, hybrid, in-person) for lifestyle. Use NurseWay's free intake to get a personalized fit score for both.

Want a personalized fit score?

Take the free 3-minute intake and we'll rank both programs against your GPA, location preferences, and budget.