Best Nursing Programs in North Carolina (2026)

Compare 177 accredited nursing programs across 40 schools in North Carolina. Find the right fit by degree type, cost, duration, and delivery format.

177

Programs

40

Schools

$73,950

Avg RN Salary

12 mo

Fastest Program

Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2023

Explore Nursing in North Carolina

Fastest Programs Most Affordable Programs Online Programs Programs for Working Adults How to Become a Nurse Nursing Shortage & Outlook LPN to RN Programs RN to BSN Programs Accelerated BSN Programs Nurse Practitioner Programs MSN Programs DNP Programs CRNA Programs Admission Requirements NCLEX Pass Rates Nursing License Requirements RN Salary Data

Programs by Degree Type

61

MSN Programs

25

DNP Programs

12

BSN Programs

2

ADN Programs

Nursing Education in North Carolina

North Carolina offers 177 accredited nursing programs across 40 institutions, covering degree levels from LPN certificates through doctoral programs. Registered nurses in North Carolina earn an average of $73,950 per year, with 8.1% job growth projected through 2032. 94 programs offer online or hybrid delivery, making it possible to earn your degree while working.

North Carolina participates in the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC), allowing RNs licensed in the state to practice across all compact member states without additional licensure. All nursing graduates must pass the NCLEX exam to obtain licensure.

Tuition for nursing programs in North Carolina starts at $13,500, with community college ADN programs generally offering the lowest cost pathway to an RN license. With an average RN salary of $73,950, even the most expensive programs typically deliver a strong return on investment within 2–4 years of graduation.

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Nursing Schools in North Carolina

40 accredited institutions offering nursing programs.

School	Programs	Degree Types	NCLEX Rate
Duke University	4	BSNDNPMSN	95.0%	View
Arizona College of Nursing	1	BSN	88.3%	View
ECPI University	2	BSNADN	79.2%	View
Vanderbilt University	4	BSNDNPMSN	97.0%	View
Excelsior University	2	ADNBSN	N/A	View
Western Governors University	2	BSNMSN	91.8%	View
National University	4	BSNMSN	N/A	View
Aspen University	1	BSN	N/A	View
Joyce University of Nursing and Health Sciences	2	BSNMSN	91.2%	View
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill	4	BSNDNPMSN	98.0%	View
American Public University System	1	BSN	N/A	View
Southern New Hampshire University	1	BSN	N/A	View
Liberty University	3	DNPMSN	N/A	View
Drexel University	4	DNPMSN	N/A	View
Walden University	3	DNPMSN	N/A	View
Johns Hopkins University	2	DNPMSN	N/A	View
University of Texas at Arlington	4	DNPMSN	N/A	View
Grand Canyon University	4	DNPMSN	N/A	View
Regis College	3	DNPMSN	N/A	View
Penn State World Campus	2	DNPMSN	N/A	View

All Nursing Programs in North Carolina

Sorted by school name. Filter by degree type, cost, and duration using the links above.

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Format

Degree

Tuition (USD)

Showing 30 of 30 programs

1

BSNOn Campus

Duke University

Accelerated BSN

$78,000 total16 mo program95% NCLEX pass rate93% grad rate

2

BSNOn Campus

Arizona College of Nursing

Accelerated BSN

$56,000 total28 mo program88% NCLEX pass rate78% grad rate

3

BSNOn Campus

ECPI University

Accelerated BSN

$52,000 total15 mo program67% grad rate

4

BSNOn Campus

Vanderbilt University

Accelerated BSN

$55,000 total12 mo program97% NCLEX pass rate91% grad rate

Sponsored · Disclosure

5

ADNOn Campus

ECPI University

$38,000 total20 mo program79% NCLEX pass rate67% grad rate

6

ADNOnline

Excelsior University

ADN (Associate Degree in Nursing)

$14,560 total24 mo program58% grad rate

7

BSNOnline

Western Governors University

Bachelor of Science in Nursing (Pre-Licensure)

$35,700 total36 mo program92% NCLEX pass rate55% grad rate

8

BSNOnline

National University

BSN — Pre-Licensure

$45,000 total36 mo program62% grad rate

9

BSNOnline

Aspen University

BSN — Pre-Licensure

$28,800 total36 mo program60% grad rate

10

BSNOnline

Joyce University of Nursing and Health Sciences

BSN (Pre-Licensure Online)

$52,000 total36 mo program91% NCLEX pass rate82% grad rate

11

BSNOn Campus

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

BSN (Traditional)

$60,000 total48 mo program98% NCLEX pass rate85% grad rate

12

BSNOnline

Excelsior University

$30,000 total36 mo program58% grad rate

13

BSNOnline

American Public University System

$27,000 total36 mo program58% grad rate

14

BSNOnline

Southern New Hampshire University

$50,400 total48 mo program70% grad rate

15

DNPOnline + Campus

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

$41,400 total36 mo program85% grad rate

16

DNPOnline

Liberty University

$28,620 total36 mo program72% grad rate

17

DNPOnline + Campus

Duke University

$95,000 total36 mo program93% grad rate

18

DNPOnline

Drexel University

$45,000 total36 mo program75% grad rate

19

DNPOnline + Campus

Vanderbilt University

$71,000 total36 mo program91% grad rate

20

DNPOnline

Walden University

$51,000 total48 mo program65% grad rate

21

DNPOnline

Johns Hopkins University

$88,000 total36 mo program92% grad rate

22

DNPOnline

University of Texas at Arlington

$36,120 total36 mo program76% grad rate

23

DNPOnline

Grand Canyon University

$30,000 total36 mo program68% grad rate

24

DNPOnline

$60,000 total36 mo program82% grad rate

25

DNPOnline

Penn State World Campus

$36,960 total36 mo program72% grad rate

26

DNPOnline

Maryville University

$36,000 total36 mo program74% grad rate

27

DNPOnline

Michigan State University

$39,600 total36 mo program79% grad rate

28

DNPOnline

George Washington University

$78,000 total36 mo program82% grad rate

29

DNPOnline

Sacred Heart University

$65,000 total36 mo program78% grad rate

30

DNPOnline

Gonzaga University

$38,880 total36 mo program82% grad rate

Showing 30 of 177 programs. View all programs in North Carolina

Start Your Nursing Career in North Carolina

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How many nursing programs are available in North Carolina?

There are 177 accredited nursing programs available in North Carolina, spanning LPN, ADN, BSN, MSN, and DNP degree levels. Programs are offered in online, on-campus, and hybrid formats to accommodate different learning preferences and schedules.

How much does nursing school cost in North Carolina?

Nursing program tuition in North Carolina starts as low as $13,500. Costs vary widely by degree level and institution type. Community college ADN programs are typically the most affordable, while private BSN programs may cost $30,000–$70,000. Financial aid, scholarships, and employer tuition reimbursement can significantly reduce out-of-pocket costs.

How long does nursing school take in North Carolina?

The fastest nursing programs in North Carolina can be completed in as little as 12 months. 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 with a prior bachelor's degree can be completed in 12–18 months.

What is the average nurse salary in North Carolina?

Registered nurses in North Carolina earn an average of $73,950 per year ($36/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 94 online and hybrid nursing programs available to North Carolina residents. Online programs deliver lectures and coursework digitally, but all nursing programs require in-person clinical hours at approved healthcare facilities. Many programs 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.

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