10 Graduate Nursing Scholarships for South Carolina RNs

• South Carolina RNs interested in (or actively working toward) a graduate nursing degree, you may already meet the qualifications to apply for scholarships. 
• South Carolina tuition for an advanced nursing degree can cost up to $13,000 per year at public institutions. 
• Check out these 10 scholarships for South Carolina nurses who want to expand their knowledge and career opportunities. 

Known for its popular universities, vibrant arts scene, and tasty barbecue, South Carolina is home to 5.3 million residents. The state has nearly 84,000 licensed registered nurses (RNs) – leaving one RN to care for approximately 63 South Carolinians. This clinician to patient ratio is even wider with advanced practice RNs (APRNs).  

Interestingly enough, nursing workforce data shows South Carolina APRNs are successfully reducing the primary care shortage in nonmetropolitan regions – areas that are typically in dire need of primary care practitioners in most states. South Carolina RNs who wish to join this APRN workforce must obtain at least a master’s degree. 

For tuition assistance, the workplace might be a great place to start, but many nursing organizations offer scholarships to RNs pursuing graduate degrees as well. This applies to RNs with an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) or Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) who want to go back for a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN), Doctorate Nurse Practitoner (DNP), Ph.D., or other nursing-related graduate degree.  

If you’re an RN pursuing an advanced degree, learn about APRN salary and job outlook in South Carolina, tuition costs, and scholarships. 

South Carolina APRN Salary and Job Outlook 

At around $117,000 per year, South Carolina NPs are paid lower than the average NP in the U.S. If salary is a factor for you, consider becoming a travel NP. As of October 2024, travel NPs could earn up to $144,000 per year. Nurse midwives are the lowest paid APRNs in South Carolina, making just shy of $96,000 per year (nearly $35,000 less than the national average pay for nurse midwives). 

South Carolina RNs pursuing the nurse anesthetist role have reason to smile, as these professionals make nearly $234,000 per year – that’s over $20,000 more per year than the average national pay for nurse anesthetists. 

Nationally, APRN salaries include $126,000 for NPs, $130,000 for nurse midwives, and $213,000 for nurse anesthetists. APRN jobs in the U.S. are expected to grow 40% by 2033, which is much faster than the average growth rate of most jobs. 

Keep in mind, not every graduate nursing degree is an APRN degree. APRNs serve in advanced clinical roles and diagnose patients. Nurse educators, administrators, informaticists, researchers, clinical nurse leaders, and public health nurses may also hold graduate nursing degrees, but are not considered APRNs. Scholarships are available to South Carolina RNs interested in these roles as well. 

South Carolina APRN Tuition Costs

Before returning to the classroom, South Carolina RNs should consider that the state’s public college tuition is higher than the national average. Its tuition for graduate nursing programs can cost up to $13,000 each year at public institutions. Should you choose to attend a public school out of state as a South Carolina resident, tuition costs can be even higher.  

These numbers do not reflect tuition costs at private institutions. Neither does it include costs for books, uniforms, and equipment for clinical training like stethoscopes, second-hand watches, and pen lights. 

While these numbers can be intimidating, scholarships can cover some, if not all, costs of returning to school, especially if you apply for multiple. Some scholarship sponsors may require you to be a member of a nursing organization before you can apply. Fortunately, some membership dues are as low as $80 per year, and you’ll have access to other membership benefits like free continuing education credits, job boards, retailer discounts, and more. 

10 Scholarships for South Carolina RNs 

The South Carolina Board of Nursing offers one of four APRN licenses to its RNs who hold a graduate degree: NP, nurse midwife, nurse anesthetist, and clinical nurse specialist. Graduate scholarships are available for all role options (some are state-based and others sponsored nationally). 

If you’re interested in attending graduate school (or are already enrolled) and want to save on tuition, explore these 10 scholarships for South Carolina RNs.  

Visit each sponsor’s website to confirm deadlines, eligibility, and monetary awards. Most scholarships are offered annually, so mark your calendars. 

Renatta S. Loquist Scholarship for Graduate Nursing Education 

• Sponsor: Palmetto Gold Nurse Recognition and Scholarship Program, South Carolina Nurses Foundation  
• Award: (amount unspecified) 
• Deadline: (unspecified) 
• Eligibility: For South Carolina residents pursuing a graduate nursing degree. 
• Details: http://www.scpalmettogold.org/scholarship-program.html  

Virginia C. Phillips Scholarship 

• Sponsor: South Carolina Nurses Foundation  
• Award: (amount unspecified) 
• Deadline: (unspecified) 
• Eligibility: For South Carolina residents pursuing a nursing degree with a career focus in community health nursing/public health nursing (includes graduate degrees). 
• Details: http://www.scnursesfoundation.org/awards–scholarships.html  

South Carolina Emergency Nurses Association Professional Development Scholarship 

• Sponsor: South Carolina Emergency Nurses Association (ENA) 
• Award: $500 (multiple) 
• Deadline: May and November 
• Eligibility: For ENA members enrolled in a college educational program.  
• Details: https://connect.ena.org/sc/scena-committees/new-page8591/new-page27    

South Carolina Emergency Nurses Association Emerging Professional Scholarship 

• Sponsor: South Carolina Emergency Nurses Association (ENA) 
• Award: $1,000 
• Deadline: June 
• Eligibility: For ENA members enrolled in a BSN or MSN program. Must be an emerging professional (RN for five years or less). educational program.  
• Details: https://connect.ena.org/sc/scena-committees/new-page8591/new-page27    

Kenneth Law Scholarship 

• Sponsor: Southern States Correctional Association (SSCA) 
• Award: up to $1,000 (multiple) 
• Deadline: April 
• Eligibility: For applicants accepted into an accredited bachelor’s or graduate degree program applicable to the field of criminal justice, rehabilitation, social services, or a related field (correctional nurses may consider applying). May be a full- or part-time student. Must be an SSCA member (or spouse of a SSCA member). The SSCA has 14 membership states, one of which is South Carolina. 
• Details: https://www.sscaweb.org/awards  

Nursing Economic$ Foundation Scholarships for Advanced Degree Nursing Student Scholarship 

• Sponsor: Nursing Economic$ Foundation  
• Award: $5,000 (multiple) 
• Deadline: May 
• Eligibility: For RNs enrolled in (or accepted into) a master’s or doctoral degree program with a career focus in nursing administration, management, leadership, or education. 
• Details: https://www.ajj.com/headlines/corporate-news/nursing-economic-foundation-accepting-scholarship-applications-until-may  

Advanced Nurse Leadership in Post-Acute Care Scholarship 

• Sponsor: American Association of Post-Acute Care Nursing (AAPACN) 
• Award: $5,000 
• Deadline: October 
• Eligibility: For RNs pursuing a higher degree. Must currently work in post-acute care and submit a recommendation letter from a director of nursing, facility administrator, or similar supervisor.  
• Details: https://www.aapacn.org/foundation/advancing-nurse-leadership-scholarship/  

National Health Services Corp Scholarship Program 

• Sponsor: Health Resources and Services Administration 
• Award: Varied amount (multiple awards) 
• Deadline: (unspecified) 
• Eligibility: For full-time NP and nurse midwife students enrolled in an accredited school. NP students must specialize in adult medicine, family medicine, geriatrics, primary care pediatrics, psychiatric mental health, or women’s health. All applicants must commit to working at least two years in rural, urban, and tribal communities (those with limited access to care) after graduation. 
• Details: https://nhsc.hrsa.gov/scholarships/eligibility-requirements  

American Association of Nurse Anesthesiology Foundation Resident Scholarship Program  

• Sponsor: American Association of Nurse Anesthesiology Foundation 
• Award: $1,000 – $9,000 (multiple awards) 
• Deadline: (unspecified) 
• Eligibility: For students enrolled in an accredited nurse anesthesia program. Most award recipients are selected based on merit and financial need. Some awards are exclusive to mothers, veterans, and residents of certain states. 
• Details: https://www.aana.com/resident-hub/education-grants-and-scholarships/foundation-scholarship/  

National Association of Clinical Nurse Specialists Scholarships 

• Sponsors: National Association of Clinical Nurse Specialists (NACNS) and the Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS) Institute 
• Award: up to $2,000 (multiple) 
• Deadline: June 
• Eligibility: For NACNS members enrolled in either a CNS graduate program or a critical care CNS graduate program. Applicants enrolled in a CNS program must have a passion for quality, safety, and clinical excellence. Applicants enrolled in a critical care CNS program must have a background in critical care, preferably holding critical care RN (CCRN) certification. Must submit two letters of recommendations. 
• Details: https://nacns.org/career-educationrecommendation/awards/  

The Bottom Line

For South Carolina RNs, advancing your career is an excellent move as the nursing industry has many areas of need. If finances are a determining factor for returning to school, consider applying for multiple scholarships. If lack of time is an issue, many nursing schools offer online, part-time programs, many of which are more affordable than traditional full-time programs. 

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