Best Nursing Schools In North Carolina in 2024 (Online & On-Campus)

Need to find a BSN school in NC? You’re in luck. Nursing is a fantastic career for those that have the fortitude and determination to complete a nursing program. There is a world of benefits when it comes to being a nurse and one is that you get to help people every day while making a great living. Live on the east coast? Attending one of the best nursing schools in North Carolina will help you get started.

The employment outlook for nursing is better than ever and nurses in the United States can expect to make upwards of $50,000 annually when they become a registered nurse. Whether you’re looking for an RN to BSN school in NC or another nursing program, you’ll be sure to find an option below.

List of the 50  best nursing schools in North Carolina

1. Duke University, Durham, NC

Duke University is one of the most prestigious schools in the country and they offer a fantastic range of nursing programs to choose from. They offer a range of programs from ABSN, MSN, DNP, and Ph.D. for students that want to take their education even further.

• NCLEX-RN pass rate 97%
• Program Length depends on the program chosen
• Admission Requirements vary but all students must have their prerequisite classes completed
• Tuition is $19,950 per year
• Accreditation by the CCNE

2. University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC

The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill offers a range of programs including the BSN, the MSN, and the DNP program. Students are able to obtain their degree in a welcoming environment for the best degree possible.

• NCLEX-RN pass rate 96%
• Program Length varies depending on the program chosen
• Admission Requirements vary but students all must complete prerequisite courses before they can be admitted
• Tuition is $10,077 per year
• Accreditation by the CCNE

3. University of North Carolina- Wilmington, Wilmington, NC

The University of North Carolina- Wilmington offers a BSN, and RN to BSN as well as all the pre-licensure classes that you need.

• NCLEX-RN pass rate 96%
• Program Length varies dependent on the program chosen
• Admission Requirements vary but all students must complete prerequisite courses
• Tuition is $16,218 per year
• Accreditation by the CCNE

4. Gardner-Webb University, Boiling Springs, NC

Gardner-Webb University offers a few different nursing school options including BSN, ASN, LPN to ASN, and more. This school offers flexible class times and may even take transfer credits to help you get your degree faster.

• NCLEX-RN pass rate 95%
• Program Length varies dependent on program
• Admission Requirements vary but all students must complete their prerequisite courses
• Tuition is $23,624 per year
• Accreditation by the ACEN

5. Queen’s University of Charlotte, Charlotte, NC

Queen’s University of Charlotte offers a traditional BSN, an accelerated BSN and an RN to BSN program as well that is entirely online for the ease of the student. You can also obtain your MSN at this university.

• NCLEX-RN pass rate 95%
• Program Length depends on the program chosen
• Admission Requirements vary from program to program
• Tuition is $26,836 per year
• Accreditation by the CCNE

6. University of North Carolina-Greensboro, Greensboro, NC

The University of North Carolina-Greensboro offers a BSN, a BSN as a second degree, and a DNP program as well. They offer a range of different class types and options to help accommodate students.

• NCLEX-RN pass rate 91%
• Program Length varies depending on the program chosen
• Admission Requirements vary but all students must complete their prerequisite classes
• Tuition is $10,403 per year
• Accreditation CCNE

7. Appalachian State University, Boone, NC

Appalachian State University offers a few different options including the traditional BSN, the RN to BSN and more. This is a fantastic program that allows students to grow as students and nurses.

• NCLEX-RN pass rate 94%
• Program Length depends on program but the longest program is a four-year commitment
• Admission Requirements vary but all students must have their prerequisite courses completed to be considered.
• Tuition is $10,167 per year
• Accreditation by the CCNE

8. University of North Carolina at Charlotte, Charlotte, NC

The University of North Carolina at Charlotte, offers both graduate, undergraduate, and masters level programs from the BSN to the MSN and even upper-division nursing degrees.

• NCLEX-RN pass rate 92%
• Program Length depends on the program chosen but the shortest degree is a four year BSN
• Admission Requirements vary but students need to complete the entrance exam and prerequisite courses
• Tuition is $12,084 per year
• Accreditation by the CCNE

9. Western Carolina University, Cullowhee, NC

Western Carolina University offers a few different nursing degrees but the most popular is the BSN. This is a traditional degree but students may be able to transfer in credits.

• NCLEX-RN pass rate 98%
• Program Length the BSN is a four-year degree
• Admission Requirements are that students must complete the entrance exam and have prerequisite courses completed to be considered
• Tuition is $13,646 per year
• Accreditation by the CCNE

10. East Carolina University, Greenville, NC

East Carolina University offers a few different options including a BSN, an MSN, and other nursing certifications.

• NCLEX-RN pass rate 96%
• Program Length varies dependent on the program chosen.
• Admission Requirements vary but applicants must have their prerequisite courses completed
• Tuition is $12,817 per year
• Accreditation by the CCNE

11. Winston Salem State University, Winston-Salem, NC

Winston Salem State University offers an undergraduate nursing program, perfect for students from all walks of life and at all junctures in their college career.

• NCLEX-RN pass rate 91%
• Program Length is a four year BSN
• Admission Requirements are that students pass the entrance exam as well as have prerequisite courses and other requirements listed on their site.
• Tuition is $10,340 per year
• Accreditation by the CCNE

12. University of Mount Olive, Mount Olive, NC

The University of Mount Olive offers a masters in nursing as well as a traditional four year BSN.

• NCLEX-RN pass rate
• Program Length depends on the program chosen but they do offer both a four year and a master’s degree
• Admission Requirements vary by programs
• Tuition is $15,062 per year
• Accreditation by the SACS

13. Lenoir-Rhyne University, Hickory, NC

Lenoir-Rhyne University offers a BSN, MSN as well as a family nurse practitioner.

• NCLEX-RN pass rate 97%
• Program Length depends on the program chosen
• Admission Requirements vary from program to program
• Tuition is $18,291 per year
• Accreditation CCNE

14. Barton College, Wilson, NC

Barton College offers a nursing major for a four-year degree as well as a Master of Science of Nursing.

• NCLEX-RN pass rate 80%
• Program Length varies dependent on the program chosen
• Admission Requirements vary from program to program
• Tuition is $21,293 per year
• Accreditation CCNE

15. North Carolina Central University, Durham, NC

North Carolina Central University offers a traditional BSN as well as an accelerated BSN for those that already have some nursing credits or that are already working as a nurse.

• NCLEX-RN pass rate 72%
• Program Length depends on the program chosen
• Admission Requirements are that students must pass the entrance exam and must complete prerequisite courses
• Tuition is $10,835 per year
• Accreditation CCNE

16. Wingate University, Wingate, NC

Wingate University offers a BSN program that is perfect for those students that want a degree that is going to teach them all they need to be a fantastic nurse.

• NCLEX-RN pass rate 85%
• Program Length is four years
• Admission Requirements are that students pass entrance exams and take prerequisite courses
• Tuition is $17,307 per year
• Accreditation ACEN

17. North Carolina A&T State University, Greensboro, NC

North Carolina A&T State University offers a range of options including a traditional BSN and an accelerated BSN for those that may already have some nursing experience.

• NCLEX-RN pass rate
• Program Length depends on how much you have completed already
• Admission Requirements vary depending on the program chosen but all programs require you have your prerequisite courses completed
• Tuition is $9,548 per year
• Accreditation ACEN

18. Cabarrus College of Health Sciences, Concord, NC

The Cabarrus College of Health Sciences offers an associate degree as well as a BSN.

• NCLEX-RN pass rate 100%
• Program Length depends on what program you choose
• Admission Requirements vary for each program
• Tuition is $14,068 per year
• Accreditation by the ACEN

19. Wake Technical Community College, Raleigh, NC

Wake Technical Community College offers a two-year program for students that want a quick degree that is going to fit their needs and enable them to get a great job and perhaps further their education as well.

• NCLEX-RN pass rate 97%
• Program Length is a two-year program
• Admission Requirements are that students must have their prerequisite courses completed
• Tuition is $8,771 per year
• Accreditation CCNE

20. Central Piedmont Community College, Charlotte, NC

Central Piedmont Community College offers an ADN program for students.

• NCLEX-RN pass rate 95%
• Program Length is two years
• Admission Requirements students are required to take prerequisite classes
• Tuition is $7,461 per year
• Accreditation by the ACEN

21. Guilford Technical Community College, Jamestown, NC

Guilford Technical Community College offers an associate nursing degree that takes two years to complete and that is fully certified.

• NCLEX-RN pass rate 88%
• Program Length two years
• Admission Requirements students are required to take prerequisite classes
• Tuition is $10,483 per year
• Accreditation ACEN

22. University of North Carolina at Pembroke, Pembroke, NC

The University of North Carolina at Pembroke offers a BSN program that is pre-licensure, an RN to BSN program and more.

• NCLEX-RN pass rate 87%
• Program Length the BSN is four years and the RN to BSN is two years
• Admission Requirements vary but all students must complete their prerequisite courses
• Tuition is $10,566 per year
• Accreditation by the CCNE

23. Fayetteville Technical Community College, Fayetteville, NC

Fayetteville Technical Community College has an associate nursing degree program that allows students the chance to either start fresh or to bring in their current nursing classes. This is an ADN program.

• NCLEX-RN pass rate 95%
• Program Length depends on how many credits you have prior to the program
• Admission Requirements students must complete their prerequisite courses
• Tuition is $3,157 per year
• Accreditation ACEN

24. Fayetteville State University, Fayetteville, NC

Fayetteville State University offers a few different options including an RN to BSN program as well as nursing pre-licensure courses.

• NCLEX-RN pass rate 100%
• Program Length depends on the program chosen and any classes you have already completed
• Admission Requirements vary and should be reviewed on the site before applying
• Tuition is $5,787 per year
• Accreditation CCNE

25. Cape Fear Community College, Wilmington, NC

Cape Fear Community College offers an associate nursing degree as well as a practical nursing certificate. This program is competitive and does have very strict admission requirements.

• NCLEX-RN pass rate 99%
• Program Length depends on how many hours you have prior to admission
• Admission Requirements are subject to change from year to year and should be checked before applying
• Tuition is $8,778 per year
• Accreditation ACEN

26. Pitt Community College, Winterville, NC

Pitt Community College offers a competitive nursing degree that is a two-year degree. They do not have a bridge program and do not allow re-entry to the program after the student has left. If you are going to take this program, it is advised that you have no other commitments.

• NCLEX-RN pass rate 90%
• Program Length depends on what program you choose to enroll in
• Admission Requirements are that students must have their prerequisite courses completed before applying
• Tuition is $5,660 per year
• Accreditation ACEN

27. Forsyth Technical Community College, Winston-Salem, NC

Forsyth Technical Community College offers a program that’s a two-year associate degree that challenges students to do more and attain higher goals.

• NCLEX-RN pass rate 95%
• Program Length depends on how many credits you have prior to application
• Admission Requirements vary
• Tuition is $5,402 per year
• Accreditation ACEN

28. Central Carolina Community College, Sanford, NC

Central Carolina Community College offers both an associate nursing degree as well as a pre-nursing degree that allows students to transition into the program without having to reapply.

• NCLEX-RN pass rate 71%
• Program Length depends on the program but there is a two year option for students
• Admission Requirements vary but students must complete their prerequisite courses before they can apply
• Tuition is $7,535 per year
• Accreditation ACEN

29. Methodist University, Fayetteville, NC

The program offered by Methodist University is the BSN pre-licensure program.

• NCLEX-RN pass rate 73%
• Program Length depends on the number of courses you enter the program with but it is typically a four-year program
• Admission Requirements vary but all students must complete their prerequisite courses
• Tuition is $30,543 per year
• Accreditation by the ACEN

30. Catawba Valley Community College, Hickory, NC

Catawba Valley Community College offers a two-year nursing degree.

• NCLEX-RN pass rate 95%
• Program Length is two years for the ADN
• Admission Requirements are that students have their prerequisite courses completed
• Tuition is $9,608
• Accreditation by the ACEN

31. Alamance Community College, Graham, NC

Alamance Community College offers a two-year Associate of Nursing degree that is quick and to the point.

• NCLEX-RN pass rate 84%
• Program Length is two years
• Admission Requirements are that students complete their prerequisite courses
• Tuition is $9,612 per year
• Accreditation ACEN

32. Gaston College, Dallas, NC

Gaston College offers a two year ADN program as well as an LPN program.

• NCLEX-RN pass rate 97%
• Program Length two years
• Admission Requirements all students must complete their prerequisite courses prior to admittance
• Tuition is $10,767 per year
• Accreditation by the ACEN

33. Wayne Community College, Goldsboro, NC

Wayne Community College offers a two-year nursing degree for an ADN certification.

• NCLEX-RN pass rate 95%
• Program Length two years
• Admission Requirements students must complete their prerequisite courses
• Tuition is $7,110
• Accreditation ACEN

34. Sandhills Community College, Pinehurst, NC

Sandhills Community College offers a two year RN program that allows students to get down to business and get their degree quickly and efficiently.

• NCLEX-RN pass rate 94%
• Program Length is two years
• Admission Requirements students must complete their prerequisite courses prior to admittance
• Tuition is $10,611 per year
• Accreditation CNEA

35. Wilkes Community College, Wilkesboro, NC

Wilkes Community College offers a two year RN program that allows students to quickly get their certification.

• NCLEX-RN pass rate 81%
• Program Length two years
• Admission Requirements students must complete prerequisite courses prior to admission
• Tuition is $5,801 per year
• Accreditation ACEN

36. Craven Community College, New Bern, NC

Craven Community College offers a two year ADN program for those students that want a quick degree that will get them into a nursing career path quickly.

• NCLEX-RN pass rate 93%
• Program Length two years
• Admission Requirements all students must complete their prerequisite course prior to admittance to the program
• Tuition is $8,028 per year
• Accreditation by the ACEN

37. Lenoir Community College, Kinston, NC

Lenoir Community College offers a two year ADN degree that is perfect for students that want to quickly and efficiently get their degree.

• NCLEX-RN pass rate 97%
• Program Length two years
• Admission Requirements are that students must have their prerequisite courses completed
• Tuition is $7,646 per year
• Accreditation ACEN

38. College of the Albermarle, Elizabeth City, NC

The College of the Albermarle offers an associate degree that takes two years to complete.

• NCLEX-RN pass rate 90%
• Program Length is two years long
• Admission Requirements are that students must complete their prerequisite courses prior to being admitted to the program
• Tuition is $6,836 per year
• Accreditation ACEN

39. Lees-McRae College, Banner Elk, NC

Lees-McRae College offers a BSN in nursing for those that want the foundation for a great RN degree and want to be able to pursue further education if necessary.

• NCLEX-RN pass rate 60%
• Program Length four years
• Admission Requirements students must take prerequisite courses and complete the entrance exam.
• Tuition is $24,251 per year
• Accreditation ACEN

40. Randolph Community College, Asheboro, NC

Randolph Community College offers an associate degree in nursing for those that want a fast and efficient degree. They also offer state of the art equipment for the best degree possible.

• NCLEX-RN pass rate 88%
• Program Length two years
• Admission Requirements students must complete their prerequisite courses prior to admittance to the program
• Tuition is $8,120
• Accreditation by the North Carolina Board of Nursing

41. Stanly Community College, Albemarle, NC

Stanly Community College is a two-year nursing degree that prepares students for a career in nursing or for furthering their education with another degree.

• NCLEX-RN pass rate 90%
• Program Length is two years
• Admission Requirements are that students must complete their prerequisite courses prior to acceptance to the program
• Tuition is $7,584
• Accreditation ACEN

42. Southwestern Community College—North Carolina, Sylva, NC

Southwestern Community College offers a two-year nursing degree that allows students to enter the workforce as an RN or to work toward a higher degree at another university.

• NCLEX-RN pass rate 88%
• Program Length two years
• Admission Requirements are that students must complete their prerequisite classes prior to entering the program
• Tuition is $6,566 per year
• Accreditation ACEN

43. Pfeiffer University, Misenheimer, NC

Pfeiffer University offers a BSN program that allows students to get their RN and to be prepared for the fast-paced world of nursing. The university also offers state of the art equipment for the best nursing education possible.

• NCLEX-RN pass rate 91%
• Program Length the BSN Is four years
• Admission Requirements students must complete prerequisite courses prior to being admitted to the program.
• Tuition is $19,543 per year
• Accreditation ACEN

44. James Sprunt Community College, Kenansville, NC

James Sprunt Community College allows students to get a degree in a short amount of time and have good credentials. They offer an associate and a practical nursing degree.

• NCLEX-RN pass rate 100%
• Program Length depends on the program chosen
• Admission Requirements vary depending on the program that you choose to enter
• Tuition is $5,557 per year
• Accreditation ACEN

45. Mayland Community College, Spruce Pine, NC

Mayland Community College offers a two year ADN degree for those that want a quick and efficient degree.

• NCLEX-RN pass rate 89%
• Program Length five semesters
• Admission Requirements students must complete prerequisite courses prior to admittance to the program
• Tuition is $7,597
• Accreditation ACEN

46. McDowell Technical Community College, Marion, NC

McDowell Technical Community College offers a nursing aide certificate, a practical nursing diploma, as well as an associate nursing degree for a wide range of programs so that you can find the one that fits your career goals.

• NCLEX-RN pass rate 94%
• Program Length depends on the program chosen
• Admission Requirements vary but all students must complete prerequisite courses to be admitted to the program.
• Tuition is $4,169
• Accreditation ACEN

47. Montgomery Community College, Troy, NC

Montgomery Community College offers a two-year degree for students that want a basic RN certification.

• NCLEX-RN pass rate 83%
• Program Length two years
• Admission Requirements students must complete prerequisite courses to be admitted to the program
• Tuition is $8,045 per year
• Accreditation ACEN

48. Roanoke-Chowan Community College, Ahoskie, NC

Roanoke-Chowan Community College offers a two-year program for those that want to get a great degree that is not going to take four years to get.

• NCLEX-RN pass rate 78%
• Program Length two years
• Admission Requirements are that students must take prerequisite courses prior to being admitted to the program
• Tuition is $2,507 per year
• Accreditation ACEN

49. Watts School of Nursing, Durham, NC

Watts School of Nursing offers a range of programs for prospective students upon acceptance to the college.

• NCLEX-RN pass rate
• Program Length depends on the program that you choose
• Admission Requirements depends on the program that you choose
• Tuition is dependent on the overall financial aid that you get
• Accreditation by the ABHES

50. Carolinas College of Health Sciences, Charlotte, NC

The Carolinas College of Health Sciences offers a wide range of options when it comes to the overall programs that you can choose. There is a wide range of programs that fit with the education and career aspirations of those applying.

• NCLEX-RN pass rate 95%
• Program Length depends on the program chosen
• Admission Requirements depends on the program chosen
• Tuition is $21,895
• Accreditation by the SACSCOC

If you represent one of the schools mentioned here and would like to change, amend, or add to the information provided, please feel free to contact us.

Schools were ranked based on their NCLEX pass rates, on ease of access for students, and on the overall quality of the program provided.

Nursing is a job that is fit only for those that have the passion to help and to make a change in the day to day lives of those that they work with.