Clemson University vs University of South Carolina-Columbia
MSN programs compared — side-by-side on NCLEX pass rates, tuition, admissions, and format.
At a glance
Side-by-side details
Best value in each row is highlighted.
| Clemson University Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | University of South Carolina-Columbia Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | |
|---|---|---|
| Program type | MSN | MSN |
| Format | in person | in person |
| Location | Clemson, SC | Columbia, SC |
| Length | 24 months | 24 months |
| NCLEX pass rate | — | 100% |
| Acceptance rate | 38.0% | 61.5%BEST |
| Avg accepted GPA | — | — |
| Min GPA | — | — |
| Entrance exam | — | — |
| Total tuition | $12,646 in / $24,798 outBEST | $13,774 in / $30,160 out |
| In-state tuition | $12,646BEST | $13,774 |
| Out-of-state tuition | $24,798BEST | $30,160 |
| Clinical placement | — | — |
| Accreditation | CCNE | CCNE |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, Clemson University or University of South Carolina-Columbia?
Clemson University is the more affordable option at roughly $12,646, compared to $13,774. 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-Columbia the same type of program?
Both are MSN 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-Columbia?
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.