Best Online Nursing Programs in Aiken, SC (2026)
Aiken, South Carolina has a population of about 32,334. The city’s median household income is $69,837 (Census ACS 2023, 5-year). About 45.1% of adults 25+ hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. There are 5 accredited nursing programs within 100 miles of Aiken, with tuition ranging from $17,924 to $26,400 per year. In the Augusta-Richmond County, GA-SC metro area, the top-earning nursing-related role is Nurse Anesthetist at a median $217,500 annually (BLS OEWS, May 2024).
Closest Nursing Schools to Aiken
The five accredited institutions below are the closest options indexed in our directory that offer nursing programs. Distances are calculated from Aiken city center.
| School | City | Distance | Tuition | Online |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aiken Technical College | Graniteville, SC | 6.7 mi | Contact school for pricing | – |
| Augusta University | Augusta, GA | 15.6 mi | Contact school for pricing | – |
| Helms College | Augusta, GA | 19.1 mi | $17,924 - $26,400 | – |
| Augusta Technical College | Augusta, GA | 20.2 mi | Contact school for pricing | – |
| Denmark Technical College | Denmark, SC | 36.6 mi | Contact school for pricing | – |
Source: IPEDS / College Scorecard (2023 cohort). Browse all South Carolina schools on the South Carolina nursing page.
Nursing Wages Near Aiken
Aiken is part of the Augusta-Richmond County, GA-SC metro area (BLS area code 12260). Where MSA-level wages are published, the table below shows MSA medians; otherwise it falls back to South Carolina statewide.
| Occupation | Median Wage | Source | COL-Adjusted (US=100) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Registered Nurse | $84,130 | Augusta-Richmond County, GA-SC | $91,545 |
| Licensed Practical Nurse | $59,160 | Augusta-Richmond County, GA-SC | $64,374 |
| Nurse Anesthetist | $217,500 | Augusta-Richmond County, GA-SC | $236,670 |
| Nurse Midwife | $118,100 | SC statewide | $128,509 |
| Nurse Practitioner | $110,410 | Augusta-Richmond County, GA-SC | $120,141 |
| Nursing Assistant | $34,660 | Augusta-Richmond County, GA-SC | $37,715 |
Source: BLS, May 2024 Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics publishes wage data at the metro (MSA) and state level – not by individual city.
Aiken at a Glance
| Metric | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 32,334 | Census ACS 2023 5-yr (B01003) |
| Median household income | $69,837 | Census ACS 2023 5-yr (B19013) |
| Adults 25+ with bachelor’s+ | 45.1% | Census ACS 2023 5-yr (B15003) |
| Regional Price Parity (US=100) | 91.9 (below U.S. average) | BEA RPP 2024 |
| Nursing-related employment in Aiken County | 1,716 workers, 74 establishments | BLS QCEW 2024 annual |
Other Aiken-Area Cities With Nursing Programs
- North Augusta, SC – 13.1 mi away (22,932 pop)
- Augusta, GA – 22.9 mi away (389,215 pop)
- Lexington, SC – 43.0 mi away (20,988 pop)
- Orangeburg, SC – 49.6 mi away (31,666 pop)
- Greenwood, SC – 52.0 mi away (42,279 pop)
Frequently Asked Questions
How many accredited nursing programs are near Aiken, SC?
Our directory lists 5 nursing programs within 100 miles of Aiken. The closest is Aiken Technical College in Graniteville, SC (6.7 miles), and the farthest in our top picks is Denmark Technical College (36.6 miles). 0 of these programs are offered fully online.
What are the highest-paying nursing roles near Aiken?
Based on BLS OEWS May 2024 wage data, the top-paying nursing-related roles near Aiken are: Nurse Anesthetist ($217,500), Nurse Midwife ($118,100), Nurse Practitioner ($110,410). These reflect MSA-level medians where published, with South Carolina statewide fallback for occupations not reported at the metro level.
Should I look at programs in North Augusta instead of Aiken?
North Augusta, SC is 13.1 miles from Aiken and has its own set of local nursing programs – see the city’s page. For online programs, distance matters less; for hybrid or in-person formats, comparing both can help.
Is Aiken an affordable place to study nursing?
Aiken’s median household income of $69,837 (Census ACS 2023) is one input. Online programs let students stay in Aiken while attending lower-cost out-of-state schools, and South Carolina public universities often offer reduced in-state online tuition.
How do I verify a program is accredited?
Confirm institutional accreditation via the U.S. Department of Education database (U.S. Dept. of Education database), and check for any program-specific accreditation listed by the school.
Related Resources
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