The Top Nursing Schools in North Carolina of 2024 & 2025

The Top Nursing Schools in North Carolina of 2024 & 2025

North Carolina offers a total of 48 associate in nursing and 24 bachelor’s in nursing degree programs that have received full-state approval. Notably, the state boasts some of the highest average National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) pass rates in the country. Being a Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) state, North Carolina allows nurses to obtain a multistate license. To understand the requirements for becoming a nurse in North Carolina, it’s essential to explore top nursing schools, degree programs, licensing criteria, salary expectations, and anticipated job growth in the state.

Benefits of Attending Nursing School in North Carolina

Attending nursing school in North Carolina is advantageous for working professionals due to several features. To identify the best nursing program for individual needs, it’s crucial to delve into information about obtaining a registered nurse (RN) license and typical salary projections.

The Top New Hampshire Nursing Schools and Programs

Top Nursing Schools in North Carolina

Selecting the right nursing program in North Carolina involves aligning it with one’s background and career goals. While an associate degree in nursing (ADN) program offers a quicker route, a bachelor of science in nursing (BSN) degree holds greater value, especially for those aspiring to become nurse practitioners (NPs) or nurse managers in the future.

Method for Ranking Nursing Schools

The ranking of nursing schools in North Carolina follows a data-driven methodology, focusing on factors that matter most to students. Metrics include academic quality, affordability, reputation, and program offerings. Utilizing publicly available provisional datasets from the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) ensures that the information is current.

#1 University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

Chapel Hill, NC
4 years
Online + Campus

The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill houses the top-ranked School of Nursing, offering various nursing education programs at the undergraduate and graduate levels. The Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program includes on-campus options such as a traditional four-year program and an accelerated second-degree program for those with non-nursing bachelor’s degrees. The School also provides graduate degrees in online or hybrid formats, including Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) and doctoral bridge programs.

Program Details:
– Degree: Bachelor of Science in Nursing
– Campus: Chapel Hill, North Carolina
– Type: Public
– Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
– Tuition: $12,314 per year for North Carolina residents; $59,921 per year for out-of-state students
– Admission Requirements: High school diploma, official transcripts, science prerequisites, minimum 2.8 GPA, essay
– Minimum Time Commitment: Four years
– On-Campus Requirements: Yes
– NCLEX-RN Pass Rate (2021/2022): 90.4% first-time pass rate
– Median Earnings Two Years After Graduation: $59,534 for bachelor’s graduates, according to College Scorecard
– Average Undergrad Tuition: In-state $7,019, Out-of-state $34,198
– Average Graduate Tuition: In-state $10,552, Out-of-state $28,278
– Retention Rate: 95%
– Admission Rate: 25%
– Students Enrolled: 30,092
– Institution Type: Public
– Percent Online Enrollment: 91%
– Accreditation: Yes, Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

#2 Wake Forest University

Winston-Salem, NC
4 years
Online + Campus

The Wake Forest University School of Medicine offers two doctoral programs in nursing. The online Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) is a part-time, two-year program designed for working professionals, preparing MSN-trained registered nurses for leadership, business, and education roles. The nurse anesthesia program, a rarity in schools of medicine, comprises one year of online coursework and two years of on-site training.

Programs:
– Doctor of Nursing Practice
– Nurse Anesthesia Program
– Campus: Winston-Salem, North Carolina
– Type: Private
– Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges; Council on Accreditation of Nurse Anesthesia Education Programs
– Tuition: $25,146 per year
– Admission Requirements (DNP): MSN degree, official transcripts, minimum 3.0 GPA, valid RN license, curriculum vitae, two letters of recommendation
– Minimum Time Commitment: Two years
– On-Campus Requirements: No
– Average Undergrad Tuition: In-state $56,722, Out-of-state $56,722
– Average Graduate Tuition: In-state $38,650, Out-of-state $38,650
– Retention Rate: 95%
– Admission Rate: 32%
– Students Enrolled: 8,789
– Institution Type: Private
– Percent Online Enrollment: 86%
– Accreditation: Yes, Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

#3 Duke University

Durham, NC
4 years
Online + Campus

Duke University’s School of Nursing, established in 1924, stands as a leader in nursing education. The Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) program is offered online and includes several nurse practitioner specialties, along with options for nursing informatics, nursing education, and healthcare leadership. The program necessitates on-campus intensives at least once each semester. Duke’s School of Nursing also oversees a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP), Ph.D. in nursing, and an accelerated BSN for graduates with non-nursing degrees.

Program Details:
– Degree: Master of Science in Nursing
– Campus: Durham, North Carolina
– Type: Private
– Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
– Tuition: $2,075 per credit
– Admission Requirements (MSN): BSN, official transcripts, minimum 3.0 GPA, valid RN license, three letters of recommendation, curriculum vitae, personal statement
– Minimum Time Commitment: Two years
– On-Campus Requirements: Yes
– NCLEX-RN Pass Rate (2021/2022): 87.8% first-time pass rate
– Median Earnings Two Years After Graduation: $97,071 for master’s graduates, according to College Scorecard
– Average Undergrad Tuition: In-state $55,880, Out-of-state $55,880
– Average Graduate Tuition: In-state $57,900, Out-of-state $57,900
– Retention Rate: 97%
– Admission Rate: 8%
– Students Enrolled: 16,172
– Institution Type: Private
– Percent Online Enrollment: 42%
– Accreditation: Yes, Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

#4 Appalachian State University

Boone, NC
4 years
Online + Campus

Appalachian State University oversees a comprehensive four-year pre-licensure program and an online RN-to-BSN program. The curriculum is designed to equip students for nursing practice across various specialties, including pediatrics, women’s health, adult health, community health, and mental health. The Department of Nursing at Appalachian also provides an MSN program that prepares registered nurses for leadership roles in education.

The university features a state-of-the-art nursing skills lab, offering students simulation learning experiences that mirror real-life clinical and patient care conditions.

Program: Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Campus: Boone, North Carolina
Type: Public
Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
Tuition: $2,121 per semester for North Carolina residents; $10,619 per semester for out-of-state students
Admission Requirements: High school diploma or associate degree in nursing; current RN license; minimum 2.5 GPA
Minimum Time Commitment: Four years
On-Campus Requirements: Yes
NCLEX-RN Pass Rate (2021/2022): 97.2% first-time pass rate
Median Earnings Two Years After Graduation: $56,415 for bachelor’s graduates, according to College Scorecard
Average Undergrad Tuition
– In-state: $4,242
– Out-of-state: $19,049
Average Graduate Tuition
– In-state: $4,839
– Out-of-state: $18,271
Retention Rate: 86%
Admission Rate: 80%
Students Enrolled: 20,023
Institution Type: Public
Percent Online Enrollment: 95%
Accreditation: Yes Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

#5 Western Carolina University

Cullowhee, NC
4 years
Online + Campus

Over the past century, Western Carolina University (WCU) has evolved from a small rural college to a major regional university with an enrollment of over 12,000 students.

WCU’s School of Nursing presents a fully online Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) tailored for advanced practice nurses, community health nurses, and nursing administrators. Other graduate nursing education options include DNP family nurse practitioner and nurse anesthesia programs, a nurse educator MSN, and a nursing leadership MSN. At the undergraduate level, students can pursue a traditional BSN, an RN-to-BSN, and an accelerated BSN.

Program: Doctor of Nursing Practice
Campus: Cullowhee, North Carolina
Type: Public
Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
Tuition: $6,289 per semester for North Carolina residents; $11,648 per semester for out-of-state residents
Admission Requirements: MSN; minimum 3.0 GPA; valid RN license; evidence of APRN national certification and state licensure; essay; three letters of recommendation; curriculum vitae; documentation of 500 clinical hours in an approved national certification
Minimum Time Commitment: Four semesters
On-Campus Requirements: No
NCLEX-RN Pass Rate (2021/2022): 97.9% first-time pass rate
Median Earnings Two Years After Graduation: $103,913 for master’s graduates, according to College Scorecard
Average Undergrad Tuition
– In-state: $1,000
– Out-of-state: $5,000
Average Graduate Tuition
– In-state: $4,435
– Out-of-state: $14,842
Retention Rate: 81%
Admission Rate: 48%
Students Enrolled: 12,243
Institution Type: Public
Percent Online Enrollment: 81%
Accreditation: Yes Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

How to Choose a Nursing Program in North Carolina

When deciding on a nursing school in North Carolina, it’s essential to take into account various factors, including tuition costs, financial aid availability, NCLEX-RN pass rates (indicative of program quality), and the acceptance rate. Additionally, consider application requirements, logistical aspects of attendance, and the potential for clinical placements in your home community.

Nursing program accreditation is crucial to ensure that your investment of time and money is legitimate. This guide focuses on accredited programs to assist you in making informed choices.

Why Become a Nurse in North Carolina

North Carolina, known for its scenic beauty and subtropical climate, offers a more relaxed lifestyle and a lower cost of living compared to technology hubs like Silicon Valley or the Boston area. The state is home to over 100,000 Registered Nurses (RNs) and Nurse Practitioners (NPs). Being a Nurse Licensure Compact state, graduating from a nursing school in North Carolina enables you to apply for a multistate license covering 37 participating states.

Salary and Job Outlook for Nurses in North Carolina

While RN and NP salaries in North Carolina are below national averages with an index of 96.4, the lower cost of living in the state balances the equation. RNs earn an average annual salary of $68,950 in North Carolina, compared to the national average of $80,010. The average NP salary is $108,370 versus the national average of $114,510.

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects a 28.2% growth in NP jobs between 2018 and 2028, with a 12.1% growth for RN jobs. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services anticipates a surplus of 16,500 nurses between 2014 and 2030, although these figures do not account for nurses leaving healthcare during and after the COVID-19 pandemic.

Charlotte, housing Atrium Health, one of the largest health systems in the Southeastern U.S., and the Research Triangle in the Piedmont area, comprising Raleigh, Durham, and Chapel Hill, contribute to the state’s vibrant healthcare landscape.

Highest-Paying Cities for Nurses in North Carolina

Top Paying Metropolitan Areas	Average Salary for RNs
Fayetteville	$75,530
Winston-Salem	$70,640
Charlotte — Concord — Gastonia	$70,420
Raleigh	$70,110
Greenville	$68,390

Source: BLS

Steps to Becoming a Nurse in North Carolina

Each state, including North Carolina, has its own RN requirements. Common requirements include completing a nursing degree, passing the relevant national examination (NCLEX), and undergoing a background check.

For those who attended nursing school in North Carolina, the process involves applying for licensure by examination.

RN Requirements

To become an RN in North Carolina, you need to earn an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) or a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), pass the NCLEX, and undergo a criminal background check. The application process includes sending an official transcript to the state board of nursing, paying a $75 application fee and a $200 examination fee, and submitting fingerprints for a background check.

License renewal every two years requires meeting continuing competence requirements, such as 30 hours of continuing education for nurses or 15 hours of continuing education and completion of a research project as a principal investigator.

APRN Requirements

To become an Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN), you must obtain a graduate degree (Master of Science in Nursing or Doctor of Nursing Practice), pass the relevant board certification examination, and hold a valid North Carolina or another Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) state RN license.

NPs in the state must work under the supervision of a physician, renew their approval to practice annually, and maintain board certification.

The Best Nurse Practitioner Programs in North Carolina

#1 Duke University

Durham, NC
4 years
Online + Campus

Duke University’s Master of Science in Nursing program accepts students who have completed a bachelor’s degree in nursing. This master’s program provides a deeper understanding of nursing, offering graduates increased job opportunities and higher pay. Located in Durham, North Carolina, the public school offers a comprehensive college experience with 92 different master’s programs, including the top-ranked Master of Science in Nursing. The faculty prioritizes student success through rigorous academics and mentorship opportunities.

Approximately 8% of applicants receive acceptance, with variations across graduate programs. Elective credits often supplement the advanced concepts learned in the program. The school supports learners with resources such as tutoring and financial aid to help them successfully complete the program.

Average Undergrad Tuition
– In-state: $55,880
– Out-of-state: $55,880
Average Graduate Tuition
– In-state: $57,900
– Out-of-state: $57,900

Frequently Asked Questions About Nursing in North Carolina

1. How long does it take to become an RN in North Carolina?

It typically takes 2-4 years to complete an RN program in North Carolina, depending on the degree. For full-time students, earning an ADN typically takes two years, while a BSN takes four. Part-time study extends this timeline.

2. How much money do nurses make in North Carolina?

According to the BLS, RNs earn an annual median salary of $68,950, while NPs earn $108,370. However, the salary for both RNs and NPs in North Carolina can vary depending on location, education, and previous experience.

3. How much does nursing school cost in North Carolina?

The cost of nursing school in North Carolina varies depending on the program and institution. ADN programs can cost $6,000-$40,000, while BSN programs range from $40,000-$200,000. More advanced degrees vary in tuition cost based on the previous degree earned:

• BSN-to-MSN: $20,000-$180,000
• BSN-to-DNP: $25,000-$250,000
• MSN-to-DNP: $17,000-$170,000

4. Is North Carolina a good state for nurses?

According to WalletHub, North Carolina ranks 34th among states for nurses and 24th for opportunity and competition. Despite lower nursing salaries compared to the national average, the state’s lower cost of living and participation in the NLC make it an attractive option for nurses.

5. Does North Carolina have a nursing shortage?

Mercer, a workforce strategy, and analytics firm predict that North Carolina will experience one of the five worst states for nursing shortages from 2021-2026. They estimate a national demand increase of 5%, resulting in a shortage of 13,000 nurses in North Carolina.