Nursing Schools in North Carolina: Campus & Online Programs (2026)
Compare 15 campus-based nursing schools in North Carolina — plus accredited online programs open to North Carolina residents. NCLEX pass rates, acceptance rates, and accreditation in one place.
North Carolina has 15 campus-based nursing schools plus 47 accredited online programs open to residents (2026). Registered nurses in North Carolina earn about $86,270/year (BLS). Verify each program's ACEN or CCNE accreditation before enrolling.
Key takeaways — nursing schools in North Carolina
- North Carolina has 15 campus-based nursing schools and 47 accredited online programs available to residents.
- Registered nurses in North Carolina earn an average of $86,270 per year (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics).
- Verify each program's ACEN or CCNE accreditation before enrolling — it is the baseline for federal financial aid, NCLEX eligibility, and graduate nursing study.
- Online pre-licensure programs must hold North Carolina Board of Nursing approval and arrange in-state clinical placements — verify both before enrolling.
Campus-Based Nursing Schools in North Carolina
Accredited nursing schools with a campus in North Carolina. Outcome data is added as state boards publish it.
| School | NCLEX Pass Rate | Acceptance Rate | Accreditation | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Craven Community College | N/A | — | ACEN | View School |
| Duke University | N/A | — | CCNE | View School |
| East Carolina University – College of Nursing | N/A | — | CCNE | View School |
| ECPI University – Raleigh | N/A | — | Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC); licensed by the Board of Governors of the University of North Carolina and the NC State Board of Community Colleges | View School |
| Edgecombe Community College | N/A | — | ACEN | View School |
| Gaston College | N/A | — | ACEN | View School |
| Robeson Community College | N/A | 100% | NLN CNEA | View School |
| Sandhills Community College | N/A | — | ACEN | View School |
| Stanly Community College | N/A | — | ACEN | View School |
| Surry Community College | N/A | — | ACEN | View School |
| University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill | N/A | — | CCNE | View School |
| University of North Carolina Wilmington | N/A | — | CCNE | View School |
| Vance-Granville Community College | N/A | — | ACEN | View School |
| Wake Technical Community College | N/A | — | ACEN | View School |
| Wilson Community College | N/A | 100% | ACEN | View School |
Online Nursing Programs Available to North Carolina Residents
These accredited schools are based outside North Carolina but enroll North Carolina residents online. Confirm clinical-placement and North Carolina Board of Nursing approval before enrolling in any pre-licensure RN program.
How We Evaluate Nursing Schools in North Carolina
We separate schools with a physical campus in North Carolina from accredited online programs that enroll North Carolina residents, because the two answer different questions — one is about studying locally, the other about studying from North Carolina. Within each group we weight NCLEX first-time pass rate most heavily; it is the strongest available predictor of how well a program prepares graduates for licensure.
Accreditation is non-negotiable: we only include schools accredited by ACEN or CCNE, or regionally accredited programs with state board approval. We also consider acceptance rate (program selectivity), program variety across degree levels (LPN through doctoral), and value relative to regional salary expectations. Where a school has not yet reported outcome data, we show it without inventing a number.
What to Look for in a North Carolina Nursing School
The most important factor is NCLEX pass rate. The national first-time NCLEX-RN pass rate for U.S.-educated candidates was 86.7% in 2025 (NCSBN), down from 91.2% in 2024. Programs consistently above 90% have demonstrated they effectively prepare students for licensure. Ask schools for their three-year average pass rate — a single good year can be an anomaly.
Accreditation matters for several reasons beyond quality assurance. CCNE- or ACEN-accredited programs make you eligible for federal financial aid, qualify you for military service, and meet the requirements for most graduate nursing programs if you plan to advance your career later.
Consider clinical placement. Hospitals in North Carolina often have affiliation agreements with specific nursing schools, giving graduates an inside track to jobs. If you are considering an online program based outside North Carolina, confirm that it arranges clinical placements within North Carolina and is approved by the North Carolina Board of Nursing for pre-licensure study.
Nursing Career Outlook in North Carolina
Registered nurses in North Carolina earn an average of $86,270 annually. The BLS projects nursing employment to grow 6% nationally through 2032 — faster than the average for all occupations — driven by an aging population and expanded access to healthcare. North Carolina is expected to see strong demand in hospitals, outpatient care centers, and home health settings.
BSN-prepared nurses command higher salaries and have access to broader roles. The American Association of Colleges of Nursing reports that 80% of nursing positions now prefer or require a BSN. If you currently hold an ADN, many schools serving North Carolinaoffer flexible RN-to-BSN completion programs you can complete while working.
Request Info From Nursing Programs in North Carolina
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Advertiser DisclosureBelow are programs currently accepting applications from North Carolina residents. Each will send tuition details, start dates, and admission requirements directly — useful for comparing schools and formats beyond the tables above.