Nursing Schools in North Carolina: Campus & Online Programs (2026)

Compare 14 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.

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.

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 average for first-time test-takers sits around 87–89% (NCSBN, 2023). 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 $86,000 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.

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