Best RN to BSN Programs in North Carolina in 2024 (Online & On-Campus)

Are you looking for RN to BSN programs in NC? You’re in luck. Choosing a career in nursing can provide a fulfilling way to care for the people in your community. Nurses can work in hospitals, nursing homes, schools, and medical practices, as well as in a host of other career settings. The demand for nurses is reaching a new high, and medical facilities want to make sure they are getting the best possible candidates for the job. Nurses holding a bachelor’s degree can advance their careers and even find positions with higher pay rates. Pursuing the RN to BSN programs in North Carolina will make obtaining a bachelor’s degree easy.

Nurses in North Carolina have access to a wide variety of RN-to-BSN programs to choose from, including schools that offer online courses, in-person lectures, and a combination of both. With full-time study, a nurse who already holds an ADN can graduate with a BSN in as little as one year. Programs are also available to meet the demanding schedule of working nurses. These programs typically include night or weekend classes as well as online courses.

Why should RNs in North Carolina consider an RN-to-BSN program? The growth outlook for nursing jobs in the state is expected to grow by more than 100,000 positions by the year 2024. Medical facilities may be willing to pay more to get nurses with more education and experience, and that’s exactly what the RN-to-BSN programs are designed to offer. You’ll be sure to find an option from the following nursing programs in NC.

Career Outlook

• Just 58% of nurses in the state have a bachelor’s degree
• Nurses in North Carolina holding a bachelor’s degree make an average of $33.29 per hour, while those with an ADN earn an average of $22.43
• A nurse with a BSN can earn an average of $66,000 per year in North Carolina

The best RN to BSN programs in North Carolina in 2024

1. The University of North Carolina at Pembroke

The University of North Carolina at Pembroke ranks 5th in value for RN-to-BSN nursing programs in the southern United States. Students can earn a degree in as little as 12 months. Students can also opt for a self-paced option to accommodate busy work schedules. All but two courses are held online for added convenience.

• NCLEX-RN pass rate: 87%
• Admission requirements: Current, unrestricted North Carolina nursing license with multi-state practice privileges; minimum GPA of 2.5
• Program length: 12 months or self-paced option
• Tuition: $7,006
• Accreditation: CCNE

 

2. The University of North Carolina at Charlotte

The University of North Carolina Charlotte offers a fast track to obtaining a bachelor’s degree in nursing with its one-year online distance-learning program. Affordable tuition and the prestige of holding a degree from UNC-Charlotte make this school an attractive option for nurses.

• NCLEX-RN pass rate: 92%
• Admission requirements: Current, unencumbered RN licensure; minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5; additional consideration given to students already holding a 4-year degree, previous UNC students, and active, working nurses
• Program length: one year
• Tuition: $7,023
• Accreditation: CCNE

 

3. The University of North Carolina at Greensboro

The University of North Carolina at Greensboro offers a hybrid-learning program that combines in-person courses and online learning. The program is small, and students should be prepared to attend courses at another UNC campus if there are few applicants for the upcoming school year.

• NCLEX-RN pass rate: 91%
• Admission requirements: Current, active RN license; degree or diploma from an accredited school
• Program length: Three semesters plus a summer session
• Tuition: $7,137
• Accreditation: CCNE

 

4. North Carolina Central University

North Carolina Central University offers an online RN-to-BSN program that allows students to complete the program in 12 months. The school was founded in 1909, and it was the first liberal arts institution for African Americans.

• NCLEX-RN pass rate: 73%
• Admission requirements: Current RN license; ADN or diploma from an accredited school
• Program length: 12 months
• Tuition: $9,533
• Accreditation: ACEN

 

5. Western Carolina University

Western Carolina University offers an online RN-to-BSN program along with an online orientation for added convenience. The cost of the RN to BSN program for in-state students is approximately $3,500 (for all 4 semesters). Students also have the option to apply for the MSN early entry program to earn a master’s degree.

• NCLEX-RN pass rate: 98%
• Admission requirements: Completion of an AAS in nursing; current RN licensure
• Program length: Two years of part-time study
• RN to BSN Tuition: $3,500 (in-state for 4 semesters)
• Accreditation: CCNE

 

6. University of North Carolina Wilmington

University of North Carolina Wilmington offers an online RN-to-BSN program for current working nurses. Low tuition costs and a fast track to degree completion make this program a desirable option for working nurses.

• NCLEX-RN pass rate: 97%
• Admission requirements: Current RN licensure; ADN or diploma from an accredited school
• Program length: 12 months
• Tuition: $9,732
• Accreditation: CCNE

 

7. Cabarrus College of Health Sciences

Carrabus College of Health Sciences offers a full-time RN-to-BSN program that takes two years to complete. Nurses who wish to enroll on a part-time basis can schedule courses around their work schedules. The final semester of the program includes a service-learning project that takes place within the community.

• NCLEX-RN pass rate: 91%
• Admission requirements: associate degree or diploma in nursing; minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5; current, unencumbered, active license to practice as an RN in North Carolina
• Program length: 4 consecutive semesters (including Summer)
• Tuition: $11,948
• Accreditation: ACEN (ADN Program), CCNE (RN to BSN Program)

 

8. Fayetteville State University

Fayetteville State University offers an online RN-to-BSN program, providing scheduling flexibility for working nurses while also providing the educational experience nurses need to advance their careers.

• NCLEX-RN pass rate: 94%
• Admission requirements: Current, unencumbered RN licensure; diploma or degree in an accredited nursing program; overall cumulative GPA of 2.8 or higher
• Program length: 2.5 semesters
• Tuition: $3,224 plus fees
• Accreditation: CCNE; AACN

 

9. North Carolina A&T State University

North Carolina A&T State University offers flexible course options for RN-to-BSN students. Online and in-person classes provide convenient scheduling for working nurses, and the 12-month program length makes it easy to complete the degree program quickly.

• NCLEX-RN pass rate: 86%
• Admission requirements: Current RN licensure; diploma or ADN from an accredited school
• Program length: 12 months
• Tuition: $17,303
• Accreditation: ACEN

 

10. Appalachian State University

Appalachian State University offers a 100-percent online program that provides flexibility for working nurses. The unique clinicals combine projects and research to give nurses hands-on experience.

• NCLEX-RN pass rate: 94%
• Admission requirements: Nursing degree or diploma from an accredited program; current, unrestricted and unencumbered RN license; minimum 2.5cumulative GPA
• Program length: One year
• Tuition: $17,918
• Accreditation: CCNE

 

11. Winston-Salem State University

Winston-Salem State University is ranked as one of the top 10 nursing schools in the East and is ranked number four in North Carolina for return on investment. The online distance-learning program is ideal for working nurses, and the choice of full-time or part-time study lets students choose the track that’s right for them.

• NCLEX-RN pass rate: 91%
• Admission requirements: Active, unrestricted NC RN license; transfer core diploma from a North Carolina community college or an ADN from an accredited school; minimum 2.0 GPA
• Program length: Three full-time semesters or 5 part-time semesters
• Tuition: $19,203
• Accreditation: CCNE

 

12. East Carolina University

East Carolina State University features a curriculum based on feedback from prospective students, and online courses make it easy for nurses to continue their education while still maintaining their daily work schedules. Clinicals provide students hands-on learning opportunities for a well-rounded educational experience.

• NCLEX-RN pass rate: 97%
• Admission requirements: associate degree or diploma in nursing from an accredited school; current unrestricted North Carolina RN license; minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5
• Program length: Four semesters
• Tuition: $21,162
• Accreditation: CCNE

 

13. Lees-McRae College

Lees-McRae College incorporates all required non-nursing courses into its RN-to-BSN program. Courses run 8 weeks each and are offered online for greater flexibility in scheduling. The program is designed to give nurses the tools they need for career advancement and to continue their education with a master’s degree if so desired.

• NCLEX-RN pass rate: 60%
• Admission requirements: Two years
• Program length: Current licensed RNs with an ADN or diploma from an accredited school.
• Tuition: $24,878
• Accreditation: CCNE

 

14. Barton College

Barton College offers seamless transfers for students with an ADN from a North Carolina community college. RN-to-BSN courses are separated into five blocks of coursework. The school is ranked as one of the best regional colleges in the area, making it a smart option for prospective students.

• NCLEX-RN pass rate: 80%
• Admission requirements: Current RN licensure; ADN or diploma from an accredited school; minimum GPA of 2.5
• Program length: 5 semesters
• Tuition: $26,670
• Accreditation: CCNE

 

15. Mars Hill University

Mars Hill University earned its CCNE accreditation in 2017, and its RN-to-BSN program is the only hybrid option in the western portion of North Carolina. In-person classes and lectures meet one night per week from 4:30 pm to 9:30 pm, making it easy for working nurses to accommodate their work schedules.

• NCLEX-RN pass rate: Not yet reported
• Admission requirements: Current RN licensure; ADN or diploma from an accredited school; minimum GPA of 2.5
• Program length:
• Tuition: $27,176
• Accreditation: CCNE

 

16. Pfeiffer University

Pfeiffer University offers a 100% online RN-to-BSN program designed specifically for working nurses. Credit for prior learning can be applied to the degree, and students can earn their degree in just one calendar year. This school is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges as well as the CCNE.

• NCLEX-RN pass rate: 90%
• Admission requirements: ADN or diploma from an accredited school; current, unrestricted RN licensure; minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0
• Program length: One calendar year
• Tuition: $28,000
• Accreditation: CCNE

 

17. Gardner-Webb University

Gardner-Webb University’s Hunt School of Nursing offers both an accelerated ABSN program and an RN-to-BSN option. This school’s nursing programs emphasize holistic healthcare with a focus on Christian values. Students who complete the RN-to-BSN program can go on to complete the RN-to-MSN program for an accelerated advanced degree. The school boasts an impressive 100% NCLEX-RN pass rate, giving nurses one more reason to feel good about attending classes at this institution.

• NCLEX-RN pass rate: 100%
• Admission requirements: Current RN licensure; diploma or ADN from an accredited school; minimum 2.5 GPA
• Program length: Two years
• Tuition: $29,420
• Accreditation: ACEN

 

18. Queens University of Charlotte

The Queens University of Charlotte launched its RN-to-BSN program for fall of 2018, providing students with a new course toward a bachelor’s degree. The program is open to nurses enrolled in the North Carolina community college system, but students with degrees from other schools are also welcome to apply. Students can graduate with a BSN in just 2.5 semesters, depending on transferable credits and selected course load.

• NCLEX-RN pass rate: 96%
• Admission requirements:  Current RN licensure; ADN or diploma from an accredited school
• Program length: 2.5 semesters
• Tuition: $32,560
• Accreditation: CCNE

 

19. Lenoir-Rhyne University

Lenoir-Rhyne University was the first faith-based college or university to have a fully accredited nursing program. It offers undergraduate and graduates degree options for nurses, and its online application system makes it easy for interested students to take the first step toward earning a degree. Lenoir-Rhyne University is consistently ranked among the best schools in the area for prospective nursing students.

• NCLEX-RN pass rate: 93%
• Admission requirements: Current, unrestricted RN license; overall GPA of 2.5; completion of at least 56 credits; interview with the school
• Program length: Three to four semesters
• Tuition: $33,730
• Accreditation: CCNE

 

Ranking Methodology

Schools are ranked by the cost of in-state tuition. All tuition totals are listed without fees unless otherwise noted. Out-of-state students can refer to the websites for each school to obtain further information about tuition, fees, and the cost of room and board. Totals listed here are only estimates, and they may be subject to change. There may be additional fees for distance learning courses, such as technology fees. Be sure to look into scholarship opportunities to help cover the cost of attending an RN-to-BSN program in the state of North Carolina. For more information on our ranking methodology, click here.

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