North Carolina program guide
Best Nursing Programs in North Carolina (2026)
182 accredited nursing programs are open to North Carolina students; the fastest listed takes 15 months. Compare programs accepting applications below.
- Programs listed
- 182
- Open to North Carolina students
- Fastest listed
- 15 mo
- Shortest completion time
- Lowest tuition
- $13,500
- Total listed tuition
Programs accepting applications
All Nursing Programs in North Carolina
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Showing 100 of 182 programs from our directory for North Carolina.
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North Carolina nursing program market snapshot
MyNursingSchools lists 182 accredited nursing programs across 40 schools in North Carolina. The fastest listed completion time is 15 months. Listed tuition ranges from $13,500 to $108,000. RNs in North Carolina earn $86,270/year on average (BLS).
| Programs in directory | 182 total · 100 on this page |
|---|---|
| Schools | 40 accredited institutions |
| Degree mix (listed) | 0 LPN · 2 ADN · 11 BSN · 62 MSN · 25 DNP |
| Fastest listed program | Accelerated BSN at ECPI University — 15 months |
| Tuition range (listed) | $13,500 – $108,000 |
| Delivery formats | 82 online · 13 hybrid · 5 on-campus |
| RN salary & outlook | $86,270/yr (BLS) · 8.1% projected growth through 2032 |
Salary source: BLS OEWS, May 2024 · Program stats from MyNursingSchools directory
How to choose a nursing program in North Carolina
North Carolina's community college system is genuinely strong, and most working nurses in the state started at a CC ADN before bridging to BSN online while employed. The Research Triangle and Charlotte metros concentrate the BSN-preferred hospital jobs; rural North Carolina remains ADN-friendly. NLC participation makes a North Carolina license usable in Virginia, Tennessee, and South Carolina — meaningful for nurses living near a border.
Key takeaways
- North Carolina Community College System ADN programs are the highest-value entry route; verify board approval and recent NCLEX-RN pass rate before committing.
- North Carolina is a Nurse Licensure Compact state — particularly useful near the Virginia, Tennessee, or South Carolina borders.
- Atrium, Duke, UNC Health, and Novant publicly track BSN ratios for Magnet — BSN completion is a measured performance metric.
- RN-to-BSN online completion while employed at a Triangle or Charlotte system is the dominant career path.
- For accelerated BSNs, Duke ABSN and UNC ABSN are widely respected but extremely competitive; private alternatives are viable.
- Compact licensure
- Yes — Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) participant.
- Average RN salary
- $86,270 (BLS, May 2024) · how we source this
- Lowest listed tuition
- From $13,500 (MSN — Nursing Administration at National University).
Explore Nursing in North Carolina
Programs by Degree Type
62
MSN Programs
25
DNP Programs
11
BSN Programs
2
ADN Programs
Nursing Schools in North Carolina
2 accredited institutions with a campus in North Carolina.
| School | Programs | Degree Types | NCLEX Rate | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Duke University | 4 | BSNDNPMSN | N/A | View |
| University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill | 4 | BSNDNPMSN | N/A | View |
Online Nursing Programs Available to North Carolina Residents
38 accredited schools based outside North Carolina that enroll North Carolina residents online. Confirm clinical-placement arrangements and North Carolina Board of Nursing approval before enrolling in any pre-licensure RN program.
| School | Programs | Degree Types | NCLEX Rate | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ECPI University | 2 | BSNADN | N/A | View |
| Arizona College of Nursing | 1 | BSN | N/A | View |
| Excelsior University | 2 | ADNBSN | N/A | View |
| Western Governors University | 3 | BSNMSN | N/A | View |
| National University | 4 | BSNMSN | N/A | View |
| Aspen University | 1 | BSN | N/A | View |
| Joyce University of Nursing and Health Sciences | 2 | BSNMSN | N/A | View |
| Southern New Hampshire University | 1 | BSN | N/A | View |
| American Public University System | 3 | BSNMSN | N/A | View |
| University of Phoenix | 2 | DNPMSN | N/A | View |
| Simmons University | 2 | DNPMSN | N/A | View |
| Regis College | 3 | DNPMSN | N/A | View |
| University of Texas at Arlington | 5 | DNPMSN | N/A | View |
| George Washington University | 3 | DNPMSN | N/A | View |
| Johns Hopkins University | 2 | DNPMSN | N/A | View |
| University of Cincinnati | 4 | DNPMSN | N/A | View |
| Gonzaga University | 3 | DNPMSN | N/A | View |
| Grand Canyon University | 4 | DNPMSN | N/A | View |
| Drexel University | 3 | DNPMSN | N/A | View |
| Chamberlain University | 4 | DNPMSN | N/A | View |
How many nursing programs are available in North Carolina?
There are 182 accredited nursing programs available in North Carolina across 40 schools — including 0 LPN, 2 ADN, 11 BSN, 62 MSN, and 25 DNP pathways. Programs are offered online, on-campus, and hybrid.
How much does nursing school cost in North Carolina?
Nursing program tuition in North Carolina starts as low as $13,500 and reaches $108,000 among programs in our directory. Community college ADN programs are typically the most affordable; private BSN programs cost more. Financial aid, scholarships, and employer tuition reimbursement can reduce out-of-pocket costs.
How long does nursing school take in North Carolina?
The fastest nursing programs listed in North Carolina can be completed in 15 months (Accelerated BSN at ECPI University). LPN certificates typically take 9–12 months, ADN programs 18–24 months, and traditional BSN programs 36–48 months. Accelerated BSN programs for career changers can finish in 12–18 months.
What is the average nurse salary in North Carolina?
Registered nurses in North Carolina earn an average of $86,270 per year ($41/hour) according to Bureau of Labor Statistics data. RN employment in North Carolina is projected to grow 8.1% through 2032.
Can I complete nursing school online in North Carolina?
Yes. There are 95 online and hybrid nursing programs (82 fully online, 13 hybrid) available to North Carolina residents in our directory. Online programs deliver lectures digitally, but all nursing programs require in-person clinical hours. Many arrange clinical placements within North Carolina.
What are the nursing license requirements in North Carolina?
To practice nursing in North Carolina, you must pass the NCLEX exam and apply to the North Carolina Board of Nursing. North Carolina is a Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) state, which means your license allows you to practice in other compact states. License renewal is every 2 years.
Is there a nursing shortage in North Carolina?
Yes. Like most states, North Carolina is experiencing a nursing shortage that is projected to worsen through 2030. The 8.1% job growth projected through 2032 reflects strong demand for qualified nurses, particularly in rural areas and specialized care units. This means excellent job security and competitive compensation for nursing graduates.
What GPA do I need for nursing school in North Carolina?
GPA requirements for nursing programs in North Carolina vary by school and degree level. Most BSN programs require a minimum GPA of 2.5–3.0 for admission, while competitive programs may require 3.2 or higher. ADN and LPN programs at community colleges often have lower GPA thresholds. Some programs consider your overall GPA while others focus on prerequisite science courses.
Nursing Programs in Nearby States
Compare nursing programs in North Carolina
- Most affordable programs in North Carolina
- Online nursing programs in North CarolinaPrograms delivered primarily online for students who can't relocate.
- No-waitlist nursing schools in North CarolinaPrograms reporting open seats rather than a waitlist queue.
- Accelerated BSN programs in North CarolinaSecond-degree tracks for applicants who already hold a bachelor's.
- Fastest programs in North Carolina
- ADN programs in North CarolinaAssociate-degree and community-college routes to RN licensure.
- BSN programs in North CarolinaFour-year pre-licensure bachelor's degrees for first-time RNs.
