Most Affordable Nursing Programs in North Carolina (2026)

176 of 183 accredited nursing programs in North Carolina list total tuition in our 2026 directory — lowest listed cost $8,100 . Average RN wages in North Carolina run $86,270 (8.1% RN job growth projected), so community-college ADN and public-university BSN paths often pay back within a few years.

Key takeaways for North Carolina tuition

  • Listed tuition ranges from $8,100 to $140,000 total.
  • Compare tuition against the school's board-reported NCLEX pass rate — the cheapest program is not always the best value.

Partner programs in North Carolina.

Directory totals below remain the source. These listings are sponsored.

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Compare tuition and financial aid for North Carolina nursing programs

All North Carolina nursing programs with published tuition, sorted low to high
ProgramDeliveryTuition (total)Duration (months)
American Public University SystemRN-BSNOnline$8,10015
Texas A&M UniversityRN-BSNOnline$9,00015
Florida State UniversityRN-BSNOnline$9,00012
University of Alabama at BirminghamRN-BSNOnline$9,60012
University of South FloridaRN-BSNOnline$9,60015
American Public University SystemMSNOnline$9,72024
Ohio State UniversityRN-BSNOnline$9,90012
University of North Carolina at Chapel HillRN-BSNOnline$10,20012
Capella UniversityRN-BSNOnline$10,40018
University of Tennessee at KnoxvilleRN-BSNOnline$10,50015
Arizona State UniversityRN-BSNOnline$10,57015
University of CincinnatiRN-BSNOnline$10,80012
University of Maryland — BaltimoreRN-BSNOnline$11,40015
University of Michigan — FlintRN-BSNOnline$11,52012
Aspen UniversityRN-BSNOnline$11,70016
University of Texas at ArlingtonRN-BSNOnline$11,94012
Keiser UniversityRN-BSNOnline$12,00015
Michigan State UniversityRN-BSNOnline$12,00015
University of FloridaRN-BSNOnline$12,48015
Indiana State UniversityRN-BSNOnline$12,60012
Excelsior UniversityRN-BSNOnline$12,90018
Penn State World CampusRN-BSNOnline$13,20018
National UniversityMSNOnline$13,50024
National UniversityMSNOnline$13,50024
Purdue University GlobalRN-BSNOnline$13,50018
National UniversityRN-BSNOnline$13,50018
Joyce University of Nursing and Health SciencesRN-BSNOnline$14,40018
Excelsior UniversityADNOnline$14,56024
Liberty UniversityRN-BSNOnline$14,82018
Jacksonville UniversityRN-BSNOnline$15,00015
Herzing UniversityRN-BSNOnline$15,00018
Southern New Hampshire UniversityRN-BSNOnline$15,12015
Maryville UniversityRN-BSNOnline$15,90018
Rasmussen UniversityRN-BSNOnline$16,00018
Gonzaga UniversityRN-BSNOnline$16,20018
University of PhoenixRN-BSNOnline$16,20024
Western Governors UniversityRN-BSNOnline$16,80018
University of CincinnatiMSNOnline$16,92024
University of CincinnatiMSNOnline$16,92024
University of South FloridaMSNOnline$17,28024
National UniversityMSNOnline$18,00030
Western Governors UniversityMSNOnline$18,00024
University of Tennessee at KnoxvilleMSNOnline$18,00024
Indiana State UniversityMSNOnline$18,00024
Florida State UniversityMSNOnline$18,00024
Western Governors UniversityMSNOnline$18,00024
Aspen UniversityMSNOnline$18,00024
Florida State UniversityMSNOnline$18,00024
Indiana State UniversityMSNOnline$18,00024
Western Governors UniversityMSNOnline$18,00024
Aspen UniversityMSNOnline$18,00024
Arizona State UniversityMSNOnline$18,48018
Arizona State UniversityMSNOnline$18,48018
Grand Canyon UniversityRN-BSNOnline$18,90012
Maryville UniversityMSNOnline$19,08024
Gonzaga UniversityMSNOnline$19,44024
Capella UniversityRN-BSNOnline$19,80024
Liberty UniversityMSNOnline$19,98024
Liberty UniversityMSNOnline$19,98024
Chamberlain UniversityRN-BSNOnline$20,4609
University of Michigan — FlintMSNOnline$20,73624
University of Michigan — FlintMSNOnline$20,73624
University of Michigan — FlintMSNOnline$20,73624
Drexel UniversityRN-BSNOnline$20,85018
Herzing UniversityMSNOnline$21,00024
Herzing UniversityMSNOnline$21,00024
Sacred Heart UniversityRN-BSNOnline$21,00018
University of North Carolina at Chapel HillMSNHybrid$21,60024
Michigan State UniversityMSNOnline$21,60024
Excelsior UniversityMSNOnline$21,60024
West Coast UniversityRN-BSNOnline$22,00018
Grand Canyon UniversityMSNOnline$22,05024
Grand Canyon UniversityMSNOnline$22,05024
Grand Canyon UniversityMSNOnline$22,05024
Seton Hall UniversityRN-BSNOnline$22,50018
Regis CollegeRN-BSNOnline$22,50018
George Washington UniversityRN-BSNOnline$22,50018
University of CincinnatiMSNHybrid$22,56036
Indiana State UniversityMSNHybrid$23,00036
Purdue University GlobalMSNOnline$23,62530
Purdue University GlobalMSNOnline$23,62530
Purdue University GlobalMSNOnline$23,62530
University of Texas at ArlingtonMSNOnline$24,12024
University of Texas at ArlingtonMSNOnline$24,12024
University of Texas at ArlingtonMSNOnline$24,12024
Gonzaga UniversityMSNOnline$24,30030
Drexel UniversityMSNOnline$25,02024
Drexel UniversityMSNOnline$25,02024
Maryville UniversityMSNOnline$25,44030
University of Maryland — BaltimoreMSNOnline$25,92024
Liberty UniversityMSNOnline$26,64036
American Public University SystemBSNOnline$27,00036
Michigan State UniversityMSNOnline$27,00030
Capella UniversityMSNOnline$27,00030
Capella UniversityMSNOnline$27,00030
University of North Carolina at Chapel HillMSNHybrid$27,60030
Walden UniversityRN-BSNOnline$27,71024
Penn State World CampusMSNOnline$27,72024
Penn State World CampusMSNOnline$27,72024
Liberty UniversityDNPOnline$28,62036
Aspen UniversityBSNOnline$28,80036
Excelsior UniversityBSNOnline$30,00036
Grand Canyon UniversityDNPOnline$30,00036
Grand Canyon UniversityMSNOnline$30,62536
Chamberlain UniversityMSNOnline$30,78024
Chamberlain UniversityMSNOnline$30,78024
Chamberlain UniversityMSNOnline$30,78024
University of Michigan — FlintDNPOnline$31,10436
Drexel UniversityMSNOnline$31,27530
Keiser UniversityMSNOnline$32,00030
Capella UniversityRN-MSNOnline$32,40036
University of CincinnatiDNPHybrid$33,84036
University of PhoenixMSNOnline$34,56024
University of PhoenixMSNOnline$34,56024
University of PhoenixMSNOnline$34,56024
Regis CollegeMSNOnline$35,10024
Western Governors UniversityBSNOnline$35,70036
Maryville UniversityDNPOnline$36,00036
Purdue University GlobalDNPOnline$36,00036
Joyce University of Nursing and Health SciencesMSNOnline$36,00036
Sacred Heart UniversityMSNOnline$36,00024
University of Texas at ArlingtonDNPOnline$36,12036
Penn State World CampusDNPOnline$36,96036
ECPI UniversityADNOn Campus$38,00020
Gonzaga UniversityDNPOnline$38,88036
Michigan State UniversityDNPOnline$39,60036
Chamberlain UniversityMSNOnline$40,02036
Walden UniversityMSNOnline$40,48830
Walden UniversityMSNOnline$40,48830
University of North Carolina at Chapel HillDNPHybrid$41,40036
Arizona State UniversityDNPHybrid$42,00036
West Coast UniversityMSNOnline$42,00036
Seton Hall UniversityMSNOnline$42,00024
National UniversityBSNOnline$45,00036
Chamberlain UniversityDNPOnline$45,00036
Drexel UniversityDNPOnline$45,00036
Sacred Heart UniversityMSNOnline$46,00030
University of PhoenixMSNOnline$46,08036
Capella UniversityDNPOnline$46,80042
Regis CollegeMSNOnline$46,80030
Walden UniversityMSNOnline$48,15036
Southern New Hampshire UniversityBSNOnline$50,40048
Simmons UniversityMSNOnline$50,40024
Walden UniversityDNPOnline$51,00048
University of PhoenixDNPOnline$51,84036
ECPI UniversityBSNOn Campus$52,00015
Joyce University of Nursing and Health SciencesBSNOnline$52,00036
George Washington UniversityMSNOnline$52,20024
George Washington UniversityMSNOnline$52,20024
Vanderbilt UniversityMSNHybrid$54,00030
Johns Hopkins UniversityMSNOnline$54,00024
Vanderbilt UniversityMSNHybrid$54,00030
Vanderbilt UniversityBSNOn Campus$55,00012
Arizona College of NursingBSNOn Campus$56,00028
Johns Hopkins UniversityMSNOnline$58,00024
University of North Carolina at Chapel HillBSNOn Campus$60,00048
Regis CollegeDNPOnline$60,00036
Vanderbilt UniversityMSNHybrid$63,00036
Sacred Heart UniversityDNPOnline$65,00036
Simmons UniversityMSNOnline$67,20036
Vanderbilt UniversityDNPHybrid$71,00036
Duke UniversityMSNHybrid$72,00030
Duke UniversityMSNHybrid$72,00030
University of PennsylvaniaMSNOnline$72,00024
Walden UniversityPhDOnline$72,00060
George Washington UniversityMSNOnline$72,50036
Simmons UniversityDNPOnline$75,00036
Duke UniversityBSNOn Campus$78,00016
George Washington UniversityDNPOnline$78,00036
University of North Carolina at Chapel HillPhDOn Campus$80,00060
University of PennsylvaniaMSNOnline$86,00024
Johns Hopkins UniversityDNPOnline$88,00036
Duke UniversityDNPHybrid$95,00036
University of PennsylvaniaDNPOnline$108,00036
Vanderbilt UniversityPhDOn Campus$120,00060
Duke UniversityPhDOn Campus$140,00060

Source: MyNursingSchools program directory totals as of 2026-08-21. Programs without published tuition are omitted. Net price after aid may differ — confirm with each school.

💡 Value check: At an average RN salary of $86,270/year in North Carolina, a program that gets you licensed and working typically pays for itself within 2 months — even when it isn’t the cheapest option on the list.

Getting the Best Value from Nursing School in North Carolina

Affordable is not the same as cheapest. The best-value program in North Carolina is the one with the lowest cost per outcome — weigh tuition against the NCLEX first-time pass rate and job placement, not sticker price alone. A public in-state BSN or a community-college ADN with a strong pass rate often beats a rock-bottom program that graduates fewer of its students.

Net price is what matters, so stack aid against the sticker. Pell Grants, North Carolina state nursing scholarships, and hospital tuition reimbursement (RN-to-BSN is frequently employer-funded) move the real cost far more than a small difference in listed tuition. File the FAFSA before you enroll to see your true out-of-pocket number.

Measure payback, not price. At North Carolina’s average RN wage a well-chosen program typically pays for itself within a few years — so a mid-priced degree that gets you licensed and hired quickly can be the better financial decision than the cheapest option on the page.

Career Outlook for North Carolina Nurses

Affordability is only half the equation — demand and earning ceiling determine how quickly a program pays for itself.

Job Growth (2022–2032)
8.1%

Above the 6% national average — strong hiring conditions for new graduates.

Avg Hourly Rate
$41.48

Per hour (BLS). Overtime and travel nursing contracts pay a significant premium above this base.

NP Practice Authority
restricted

North Carolina requires career-long supervision for NPs. Graduates pursuing advanced practice should factor this into their career planning.

Job growth and hourly rate: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2024. NP practice authority: AANP 2024.

Already licensed? Next credentials for North Carolina nurses

Pass rates and sticker price are for the first license. Working RNs in North Carolina often stack an online RN-to-BSN, then an NP specialty. Online RN-to-BSN options serving North Carolina include Walden University at $27,710 listed total tuition in our directory. North Carolina is a restricted-practice state: state law requires nurse practitioners to practice under career-long supervision, delegation, or team management by another health provider for at least one element of practice, the most limited of the three AANP practice-environment tiers.

compare North Carolina nursing tuitionNorth Carolina NCLEX pass ratesNursing scholarships in North CarolinaFastest Programs in North CarolinaAccelerated BSN in North CarolinaBest Schools in North CarolinaAll programs in North CarolinaOnline Programs in North CarolinaPrograms for working adults in North CarolinaRN-to-BSN in North CarolinaFNP programs in North CarolinaNursing Salary in North Carolina
How much does nursing school cost in North Carolina?
Across 176 North Carolina nursing programs with listed total tuition, the lowest listed total is $8,100 as of 2026-08-21. RN-to-BSN bridge options are often among the lower totals; traditional BSN and graduate pathways cost more. Confirm net price with each school after aid. Source: MyNursingSchools program directory as of 2026-08-21. Last verified 2026-08-21.
What are the cheapest nursing schools in North Carolina with financial aid?
The lowest listed total tuition among North Carolina programs in our directory is $8,100. Accredited programs can qualify for federal aid through FAFSA. Ask each school for a net-price estimate rather than relying on a generic aid flag. Source: U.S. Department of Education, Federal Student Aid (FAFSA); MyNursingSchools program directory as of 2026-08-21. Last verified 2026-08-21.
Are affordable nursing programs in North Carolina as good as expensive ones?
Price is not a quality ranking. Compare first-time NCLEX-RN pass rates — NCSBN reported 86.7% nationally in 2025 (91.2% in 2024). ACEN or CCNE accreditation is the floor for federal aid and licensure eligibility, regardless of sticker price. Source: NCSBN, 2025 NCLEX Examination Statistics (first-time, U.S.-educated candidates). Last verified 2026-08-26.
How strong is the nursing job market in North Carolina?
Registered nurses in North Carolina earn an average of $86,270 per year (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2024). National median RN pay is $93,600 (May 2024). Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2024. Last verified 2026-07-12.
What are the prerequisite requirements for nursing programs in North Carolina?
Prerequisite and admissions thresholds for North Carolina nursing programs vary by school. Among 75 programs with a published minimum GPA, cutoffs range from 2.00 to 3.60. Confirm current requirements with each program; fields without verified data are omitted here. Source: MyNursingSchools program directory admissions records as of 2026-08-21. Last verified 2026-08-21.

Compare nursing programs in North Carolina

North Carolina nursing reference

NCLEX pass ratesRN salary data$86,270 average (BLS).Nursing schoolsScholarshipsLicense requirementsAdmission requirementsHow to become a nurseNursing shortage & outlookFor working adultsLPN to RNRN to BSNFNP programsPMHNP programsNurse midwife programsMSN programsDNP programsCRNA programs

Nearby States

GeorgiaSouth CarolinaTennesseeVirginia

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