RN Programs in North Carolina
Nursing schools are making educational advancement opportunities that are readily available for registered nurses within the state. Obtaining an associate degree in nursing or a bachelors degree in nursing is very advantageous to a working nurse. In fact, many hospitals and healthcare settings prefer hiring a nurse who has obtained a bachelors degree. More than have of the registered nurses in North Carolina have a bachelor’s degree or higher, which makes North Carolina the best-educated state in the nation. Now is a better time than ever for nurses to seek out higher education to meet the needs of the constantly evolving profession. Nurses are encouraged to request information from multiple schools to improve chances of getting accepted into one.
In our North Carolina RN program guide, find rankings for both ADN and BSN Degree programs, tuition costs, NCLEX passing rates, and more. Research key North Carolina RN Program information to help you compare program metrics and to apply to best RN program for your career in nursing.
In the State of North Carolina, nurses are helping to change the face of healthcare. To ensure that they have the best education and preparation for future health care challenges, registered nurses need to graduate from a state-approved associate's degree in nursing program or a BSN degree program.
Nurses who graduate from an RN program can obtain certification in over 100 nursing specialties, go on to earn an RN to BSN or RN to MSN degree.
BSN degree holders have options to earn an Advance Practice Register Nursing (APRN) degree and become a Nurse Practitioner (NP), or earn an advanced degree for a career in any number of nursing leadership roles such Nurse Educator or Clinical Nurse Specialist.
North Carolina RN Program Comparisons: ADN vs BSN
| Compare RN Programs | ADN | BSN |
|---|---|---|
| Number of Nursing Programs | 58 | 20 |
| Average NCLEX Passing Rate | 86.84% | 481.86% |
| NCLEX Passing Rate Range | 22.50% to 98.75% | 52.00% to 7,578.67% |
| Average Net Price | $8,347.28 | $13,929.65 |
| Average Net Price Range | $61.00 to $21,661.00 | $5,914.00 to $24,751.00 |
| Average Student Loan | $7,010.69 | $18,262.05 |
| Average Student Loan Range | $2,000.00 to $20,344.00 | $6,569.00 to $25,000.00 |
| See Additional Detail | ADN Rankings for North Carolina State | BSN Rankings for North Carolina State |
Best Ranked RN Programs in North Carolina
To help nursing students in their search for a top RN program, the education experts at RNCareers.org publish their annual findings of the best nursing schools for both North Carolina and the country. Schools ranked on our list have proven their ability to educate highly competent nurses.
To create our rankings, we evaluated 53 ADN degree programs and 19 BSN degree programs in North Carolina. We obtained each institution’s first-time NCLEX-RN passing rates, the number of students taking the test, the program nursing accreditation and more. We then compared the results against other nursing programs in North Carolina to provide our state rankings. View our methodology.
RANKED 1
Cape Fear Community College
- 411 North Front Street, Wilmington, NC - 28401-3910
- (910) 362-7000
Cape Fear Community College is located in Wilmington, North Carolina. CFCC offers a practical nursing program, an RN program and a nursing transition option, which is an LPN to RN option. They are proud to announce that their 2015 NCLEX-RN pass rate was 100%.
School Information
Location: Wilmington, NC- Type: Public
- Programs Offered As: Campus
NCLEX
Overall Score: 98.33%- State Rank: 1
- US Rank: 21
Nursing Degrees Offered
Programs: Registered Nursing- Award Levels: Associate Degree
- Program Accreditors: ACEN
RANKED 2
Robeson Community College
- 5160 Fayetteville Rd, Lumberton, NC - 28360
- (910) 272-3700
Robeson Community College is located in Lumberton, North Carolina. RCC offers an 2 ADN options – a general ADN option and a premajor nursing option. The premajor option allows the student to take university credits in preparation for a BSN degree after graduation from RCC, which will transfer to a variety of North Carolina universities.
School Information
Location: Lumberton, NC- Type: Public
- Programs Offered As: Campus
NCLEX
Overall Score: 98.33%- State Rank: 1
- US Rank: 21
Nursing Degrees Offered
Programs: Registered Nursing- Award Levels: Associate Degree
RANKED 3
Johnston Community College
- 245 College Road, Smithfield, NC - 27577-2350
- (919) 934-3051
School Information
Location: Smithfield, NC- Type: Public
- Programs Offered As: Campus
NCLEX
Overall Score: 97.70%- State Rank: 2
- US Rank: 33
Nursing Degrees Offered
Programs: Registered Nursing- Award Levels: Associate Degree
- Program Accreditors: ACEN
RANKED 4
College of the Albemarle
- 1208 N Road St, Elizabeth City, NC - 27906-2327
- (252) 335-0821
College of the Albemarle is located in Elizabeth City, North Carolina. They offer an LPN program an LPN to ADN program and an ADN program. They also offer a pre-BSN nursing pathway, which is for students who would like to obtain their general education credits but have not yet been admitted to a nursing program. They also have an RN to BSN Step Center, which helps students who have recently graduated with their ADN assistance in selecting an RN to BSN/RN to MSN program.
School Information
Location: Elizabeth City, NC- Type: Public
- Programs Offered As: Campus
NCLEX
Overall Score: 97.63%- State Rank: 3
- US Rank: 35
Nursing Degrees Offered
Programs: Registered Nursing- Award Levels: Associate Degree
- Program Accreditors: ACEN
RANKED 5
Mitchell Community College
- 500 W Broad Street, Statesville, NC - 28677-5293
- (704) 878-3200
Mitchell Community College is located in Statesville, North Carolina. They offer an associate’s degree RN. MCC has a collaboration with Lenoir-Rhyne University called the Regionally Increasing Baccalaureate Nurses (RIBN), which allows a seamless transition for students after graduation in competing their BSN degree.
School Information
Location: Statesville, NC- Type: Public
- Programs Offered As: Campus
NCLEX
Overall Score: 97.26%- State Rank: 4
- US Rank: 41
Nursing Degrees Offered
Programs: Registered Nursing- Award Levels: Associate Degree
- Program Accreditors: ACEN
RANKED 6
Wake Technical Community College
- 9101 Fayetteville Road, Raleigh, NC - 27603-5696
- (919) 866-5000
Wake Technical Community College is located in Raleigh, North Carolina. They offer an ADN degree and an advanced placement option for LPNs. The WTCC Department of Nursing is “proud of our reputation in the community for preparing excellent, well-qualified nurses.”
School Information
Location: Raleigh, NC- Type: Public
- Programs Offered As: Campus
NCLEX
Overall Score: 97.04%- State Rank: 5
- US Rank: 46
Nursing Degrees Offered
Programs: Registered Nursing- Award Levels: Associate Degree
- Program Accreditors: ACEN
RANKED 7
Brunswick Community College
- 50 College Rd, Bolivia, NC - 28422-9021
- (910) 755-7300
Brunswick Community College is located in Bolivia, North Carolina. BCC offers a practical nursing program and an ADN program. Their ADN program requires that its students complete a certified nursing aide (CNA) certification or have their LPN prior to enrollment in the program.
School Information
Location: Bolivia, NC- Type: Public
- Programs Offered As: Campus
NCLEX
Overall Score: 96.85%- State Rank: 6
- US Rank: 50
Nursing Degrees Offered
Programs: Registered Nursing- Award Levels: Associate Degree
RANKED 8
Western Piedmont Community College
- 1001 Burkemont Ave, Morganton, NC - 28655-4511
- (828) 438-3500
Western Piedmont Community College is located in Morganton, North Carolina. WPCC offers an associate’s degree in nursing. They are proud to note that in 2008, they were one of seven North Carolina community colleges to be designated an “exceptional” community college.
School Information
Location: Morganton, NC- Type: Public
- Programs Offered As: Campus
NCLEX
Overall Score: 96.81%- State Rank: 7
- US Rank: 52
Nursing Degrees Offered
Programs: Registered Nursing- Award Levels: Associate Degree
- Program Accreditors: ACEN
RANKED 9
Gaston College
- 201 Hwy 321 S, Dallas, NC - 28034
- (704) 922-6200
Gaston College is located in Dallas, North Carolina. They offer a variety of nursing options – a practical nursing program, an ADN program, an LPN to ADN program and an RN to BSN program. The RN to BSN program is a pathway program that is designed in conjunction with various local universities, which makes the program more affordable to the student.
School Information
Location: Dallas, NC- Type: Public
- Programs Offered As: Campus
NCLEX
Overall Score: 96.74%- State Rank: 8
- US Rank: 54
Nursing Degrees Offered
Programs: Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing, Registered Nursing- Award Levels: Associate Degree
- Program Accreditors: ACEN
RANKED 10
Surry Community College
- 630 S. Main St., Dobson, NC - 27017-8432
- (336) 386-8121
Surry Community College is located in Dobson, North Carolina. They offer a practical nursing program, an ADN program, and a separate LPN to ADN program. The programs uses a points system to determine entrance in the program.
School Information
Location: Dobson, NC- Type: Public
- Programs Offered As: Campus
NCLEX
Overall Score: 95.59%- State Rank: 9
- US Rank: 81
Nursing Degrees Offered
Programs: Registered Nursing- Award Levels: Associate Degree
RANKED 11
Forsyth Technical Community College
- 2100 Silas Creek Pky, Winston-Salem, NC - 27103-5197
- (336) 723-0371
Forsyth Technical Community College is located in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. They offer a practical nursing an associate’s degree program. They also offer an LPN to RN transition option. Annually, they offer 144 students admission into their ADN programs. Students are accepted in the fall and spring semesters, with LPN to RN students gaining entrance during the fall semester only. The LPN to RN program has classes in a traditional pattern on-campus, with the clinical portion during the evenings and weekends.
School Information
Location: Winston-Salem, NC- Type: Public
- Programs Offered As: Campus
NCLEX
Overall Score: 95.52%- State Rank: 10
- US Rank: 84
Nursing Degrees Offered
Programs: Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing, Registered Nursing, Registered Nursing- Award Levels: Associate Degree
RANKED 12
Davidson County Community College
- 297 Davidson Community College Rd, Thomasville, NC - 27360-7385
- (336) 249-8186
School Information
Location: Thomasville, NC- Type: Public
- Programs Offered As: Campus
NCLEX
Overall Score: 95.33%- State Rank: 11
- US Rank: 90
Nursing Degrees Offered
Programs: Registered Nursing- Award Levels: Associate Degree
- Program Accreditors: ACEN
RANKED 13
James Sprunt Community College
- 133 James Sprunt Drive, Kenansville, NC - 28349
- (910) 296-2400
James Sprunt Community College is located in Kenansville, North Carolina. They offer both a practical nursing degree and an associate’s RN degree. Students are accepted into the ADN program based on a points system; students can earn more points based on having a prior bachelor’s degree or healthcare experience, such as working as an LPN, paramedic, nurses aide, or a surgical tech.
School Information
Location: Kenansville, NC- Type: Public
- Programs Offered As: Campus
NCLEX
Overall Score: 94.44%- State Rank: 12
- US Rank: 120
Nursing Degrees Offered
Programs: Registered Nursing- Award Levels: Associate Degree
RANKED 14
Carolinas College of Health Sciences
- 1200 Blythe Blvd, Charlotte, NC - 28203-2861
- (704) 355-5043
Carolinas College of Health Sciences is located within the Carolinas HealthCare System. Their college is devoted entirely to educating healthcare professionals. They offer an associate’s degree program and an LPN to ADN program. They like to brag that 80% of their graduates choose to take a position with Carolinas HealthCare System after graduating.
School Information
Location: Charlotte, NC- Type: Public
- Programs Offered As: Campus
NCLEX
Overall Score: 94.26%- State Rank: 13
- US Rank: 131
Nursing Degrees Offered
Programs: Registered Nursing- Award Levels: Associate Degree
- Program Accreditors: ACEN
RANKED 15
Caldwell Community College and Technical Institute
- 2855 Hickory Blvd., Hudson, NC - 28638
- (828) 726-2200
Caldwell Community College and Technical Institute has two campuses – Hudson and Boone, North Carolina. They offer an associate’s degree program. They also offer the Hickory RIBN Program, which is basically a collaborative program between CCC & TI and Lenoir-Rhyne University that allows a simultaneous transition for students to earn their BSN degree.
School Information
Location: Hudson, NC- Type: Public
- Programs Offered As: Campus
NCLEX
Overall Score: 93.67%- State Rank: 14
- US Rank: 151
Nursing Degrees Offered
Programs: Registered Nursing- Award Levels: Associate Degree
- Program Accreditors: ACEN
RANKED 16
Central Piedmont Community College
- 1201 Elizabeth Avenue, Charlotte, NC - 28204
- (704) 330-2722
School Information
Location: Charlotte, NC- Type: Public
- Programs Offered As: Campus
NCLEX
Overall Score: 93.48%- State Rank: 15
- US Rank: 159
Nursing Degrees Offered
Programs: Registered Nursing- Award Levels: Associate Degree
- Program Accreditors: ACEN
RANKED 17
Wayne Community College
- 3000 Wayne Memorial Dr, Goldsboro, NC - 27534-8002
- (919) 735-5151
School Information
Location: Goldsboro, NC- Type: Public
- Programs Offered As: Campus
NCLEX
Overall Score: 92.81%- State Rank: 16
- US Rank: 184
Nursing Degrees Offered
Programs: Registered Nursing- Award Levels: Associate Degree
- Program Accreditors: ACEN
RANKED 18
Sandhills Community College
- 3395 Airport Rd, Pinehurst, NC - 28374
- (910) 692-6185
Sandhills Community College is located in Pinehurst, North Carolina. They offer an ADN program. They have very specific requirements for their nursing program and everything must be completed according to their stages. In addition, they require that their students obtain their certified nurses aide (CNA) certification prior to enrollment in the program.
School Information
Location: Pinehurst, NC- Type: Public
- Programs Offered As: Campus
NCLEX
Overall Score: 92.56%- State Rank: 17
- US Rank: 197
Nursing Degrees Offered
Programs: Registered Nursing- Award Levels: Associate Degree
RANKED 19
Richmond Community College
- 1042 W Hamlet Ave, Hamlet, NC - 28345-1189
- (910) 410-1700
School Information
Location: Hamlet, NC- Type: Public
- Programs Offered As: Campus
NCLEX
Overall Score: 92.52%- State Rank: 18
- US Rank: 198
Nursing Degrees Offered
Programs: Registered Nursing- Award Levels: Associate Degree
RANKED 20
Stanly Community College
- 141 College Drive, Albemarle, NC - 28001
- (704) 982-0121
Stanly Community College is located in Albemarle, North Carolina. They offer Annie Ruth Kelley Associate Degree nursing program. They also offer a Nursing – Returning LPN program, which is a program that allows an LPN to earn their RN in two semesters.
School Information
Location: Albemarle, NC- Type: Public
- Programs Offered As: Campus
NCLEX
Overall Score: 92.00%- State Rank: 19
- US Rank: 217
Nursing Degrees Offered
Programs: Registered Nursing- Award Levels: Associate Degree
RANKED 21
Catawba Valley Community College
- 2550 Hwy 70 SE, Hickory, NC - 28602-0699
- (828) 327-7000
School Information
Location: Hickory, NC- Type: Public
- Programs Offered As: Campus
NCLEX
Overall Score: 91.85%- State Rank: 20
- US Rank: 223
Nursing Degrees Offered
Programs: Registered Nursing- Award Levels: Associate Degree
- Program Accreditors: ACEN
RANKED 22
Rockingham Community College
- Hwy 65w County Home Rd, Wentworth, NC - 27375-0038
- (336) 342-4261
School Information
Location: Wentworth, NC- Type: Public
- Programs Offered As: Campus
NCLEX
Overall Score: 91.30%- State Rank: 21
- US Rank: 247
Nursing Degrees Offered
Programs: Registered Nursing- Award Levels: Associate Degree
RANKED 23
South Piedmont Community College
- 680 Highway 74 West, Polkton, NC - 28135
- (704) 272-5300
School Information
Location: Polkton, NC- Type: Public
- Programs Offered As: Campus
NCLEX
Overall Score: 91.00%- State Rank: 22
- US Rank: 257
Nursing Degrees Offered
Programs: Registered Nursing- Award Levels: Associate Degree
RANKED 24
Coastal Carolina Community College
- 444 Western Blvd, Jacksonville, NC - 28546-6816
- (910) 455-1221
Coastal Carolina Community College is located in Jacksonville, North Carolina. CCCC offers a practical nursing program and an ADN program. They also offer an ADN transition option, which allows LPNs to have advanced placement into the second semester of the program.
School Information
Location: Jacksonville, NC- Type: Public
- Programs Offered As: Campus
NCLEX
Overall Score: 90.93%- State Rank: 23
- US Rank: 262
Nursing Degrees Offered
Programs: Registered Nursing- Award Levels: Associate Degree
RANKED 25
Carteret Community College
- 3505 Arendell St, Morehead City, NC - 28557-2989
- (252) 222-6000
Carteret Community College is located in Morehead City, North Carolina. CCC offers a practical nursing program and an RN program. They use a “points system” in deciding who gets in to their program and students with prior healthcare experience, such as LPNs, respiratory therapists, paramedics, and CNAs get extra points.
School Information
Location: Morehead City, NC- Type: Public
- Programs Offered As: Campus
NCLEX
Overall Score: 90.74%- State Rank: 24
- US Rank: 269
Nursing Degrees Offered
Programs: Registered Nursing- Award Levels: Associate Degree
- Program Accreditors: ACEN
RANKED 26
Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College
- 340 Victoria Rd, Asheville, NC - 28801-4897
- (828) 254-1921
School Information
Location: Asheville, NC- Type: Public
- Programs Offered As: Campus
NCLEX
Overall Score: 90.48%- State Rank: 25
- US Rank: 279
Nursing Degrees Offered
Programs: Registered Nursing- Award Levels: Associate Degree
RANKED 27
Fayetteville Technical Community College
- 2201 Hull Rd, Fayetteville, NC - 28303-0236
- (910) 678-8400
School Information
Location: Fayetteville, NC- Type: Public
- Programs Offered As: Campus
NCLEX
Overall Score: 90.22%- State Rank: 26
- US Rank: 288
Nursing Degrees Offered
Programs: Registered Nursing- Award Levels: Associate Degree
- Program Accreditors: ACEN
RANKED 28
Rowan-Cabarrus Community College
- 1333 Jake Alexander Blvd, Salisbury, NC - 28146-1595
- (704) 216-7222
Rowan-Cabarrus Community College is located in Salisbury, North Carolina. RCCC offers a practical nursing program and an ADN program. ADN program participants are required to earn their certified nursing assistant (CNA) certification prior to enrollment in the program.
School Information
Location: Salisbury, NC- Type: Public
- Programs Offered As: Campus
NCLEX
Overall Score: 89.44%- State Rank: 27
- US Rank: 311
Nursing Degrees Offered
Programs: Registered Nursing- Award Levels: Associate Degree
- Program Accreditors: ACEN
RANKED 29
Cabarrus College of Health Sciences
- 401 Medical Park Drive, Concord, NC - 28025-3959
- (704) 403-1555
Cabarrus College of Health Sciences is located within Carolinas Healthcare System. The school educates a variety of healthcare professionals, from nurses to pharmacy technicians to occupational therapists. The Louise Harkey School of Nursing offers an ADN program and a BSN program; the BSN program is specifically an RN to BSN program, allowing for a seamless transition to a bachelor’s degree for its ADN graduates.
School Information
Location: Concord, NC- Type: Private Not-For-Profit
- Programs Offered As: Campus, Online
NCLEX
Overall Score: 89.30%- State Rank: 28
- US Rank: 314
Nursing Degrees Offered
Programs: Registered Nursing- Award Levels: Associate Degree, Bachelor Degree
- Program Accreditors: ACEN, CCNE
RANKED 30
Lenoir Community College
- 231 Highway 58 South, Kinston, NC - 28502-0188
- (252) 527-6223
Lenoir Community College is located in Kinston, North Carolina. LCC offers a practical nursing program, an ADN program and they also offer an advanced placement option for LPNs. They offer a traditional program and also an evening program, making it easier for the working nurse to further their education.
School Information
Location: Kinston, NC- Type: Public
- Programs Offered As: Campus
NCLEX
Overall Score: 89.07%- State Rank: 29
- US Rank: 325
Nursing Degrees Offered
Programs: Registered Nursing- Award Levels: Associate Degree
RANKED 31
Vance-Granville Community College
- 200 Community College Road, Henderson, NC - 27537
- (252) 492-2061
School Information
Location: Henderson, NC- Type: Public
- Programs Offered As: Campus
NCLEX
Overall Score: 89.00%- State Rank: 30
- US Rank: 326
Nursing Degrees Offered
Programs: Registered Nursing- Award Levels: Associate Degree
RANKED 32
Bladen Community College
- 7418 NC Hwy 41 West, Dublin, NC - 28332
- (910) 879-5500
School Information
Location: Dublin, NC- Type: Public
- Programs Offered As: Campus
NCLEX
Overall Score: 88.89%- State Rank: 31
- US Rank: 330
Nursing Degrees Offered
Programs: Registered Nursing- Award Levels: Associate Degree
RANKED 33
Pitt Community College
- 1986 Pitt Tech Road, Winterville, NC - 28590
- (252) 493-7200
School Information
Location: Winterville, NC- Type: Public
- Programs Offered As: Campus
NCLEX
Overall Score: 88.67%- State Rank: 32
- US Rank: 339
Nursing Degrees Offered
Programs: Registered Nursing- Award Levels: Associate Degree
- Program Accreditors: ACEN
RANKED 34
Wilson Community College
- 902 Herring Ave, Wilson, NC - 27893-3310
- (252) 291-1195
School Information
Location: Wilson, NC- Type: Public
- Programs Offered As: Campus
NCLEX
Overall Score: 86.22%- State Rank: 33
- US Rank: 439
Nursing Degrees Offered
Programs: Registered Nursing- Award Levels: Associate Degree
RANKED 35
Halifax Community College
- 100 College Drive, Weldon, NC - 27890
- (252) 536-2551
School Information
Location: Weldon, NC- Type: Public
- Programs Offered As: Campus
NCLEX
Overall Score: 86.07%- State Rank: 34
- US Rank: 447
Nursing Degrees Offered
Programs: Registered Nursing- Award Levels: Associate Degree
RANKED 36
Sampson Community College
- Highway 24 West, Clinton, NC - 28329-0318
- (910) 592-8081
Sampson Community College is located in Clinton, North Carolina. SCC offers several options for its nursing students; they offer a traditional ADN program. They also offer an advanced placement option for LPNs into their ADN program. Unique to their program is the LPN to RN program that is offered online.
School Information
Location: Clinton, NC- Type: Public
- Programs Offered As: Campus
NCLEX
Overall Score: 86.00%- State Rank: 35
- US Rank: 450
Nursing Degrees Offered
Programs: Registered Nursing- Award Levels: Associate Degree
- Program Accreditors: ACEN
RANKED 37
Craven Community College
- 800 College Ct, New Bern, NC - 28562-4900
- (252) 638-7200
Craven Community College is located in New Bern, North Carolina. Their nursing department offers an LPN program, an ADN program and a transition option, which allows LPNs to enter the ADN program with advanced standing. CCC is a military friendly institution, meaning that their programs are designed to be flexible for those with a military career and their dependents.
School Information
Location: New Bern, NC- Type: Public
- Programs Offered As: Campus
NCLEX
Overall Score: 84.26%- State Rank: 36
- US Rank: 505
Nursing Degrees Offered
Programs: Registered Nursing- Award Levels: Associate Degree
RANKED 38
Randolph Community College
- 629 Industrial Pk Ave, Asheboro, NC - 27205
- (336) 633-0200
Randolph Community College is located in Asheboro, North Carolina. They offer a ADN program. They also offer an RN to BSN Outreach Option, which is offered in conjunction with Winston-Salem University. This allows students to be a student of Winston-Salem University, but take their classes (at least a portion of them) at Randolph Community College
School Information
Location: Asheboro, NC- Type: Public
- Programs Offered As: Campus
NCLEX
Overall Score: 83.96%- State Rank: 37
- US Rank: 511
Nursing Degrees Offered
Programs: Registered Nursing- Award Levels: Associate Degree
RANKED 39
Alamance Community College
- 1247 Jimmie Kerr Road, Graham, NC - 27253-8000
- (336) 578-2002
School Information
Location: Graham, NC- Type: Public
- Programs Offered As: Campus
NCLEX
Overall Score: 83.44%- State Rank: 38
- US Rank: 525
Nursing Degrees Offered
Programs: Registered Nursing- Award Levels: Associate Degree
RANKED 40
Mayland Community College
- 200 Mayland Drive, Spruce Pine, NC - 28777
- (828) 766-1273
School Information
Location: Spruce Pine, NC- Type: Public
- Programs Offered As: Campus
NCLEX
Overall Score: 83.22%- State Rank: 39
- US Rank: 536
Nursing Degrees Offered
Programs: Registered Nursing- Award Levels: Associate Degree
RANKED 41
Gardner-Webb University
- Main St, Boiling Springs, NC - 28017-0997
- (704) 406-2361
Gardner-Webb University is located in Boiling Springs, North Carolina. The Hunt School of Nursing has had an ADN program since 1965 and has expanded to include a traditional BSN program, an RN to BSN program, an MSN program, which includes either education, FNP, or administration, and a DNP program.
School Information
Location: Boiling Springs, NC- Type: Private Not-For-Profit
- Programs Offered As: Campus, Hybrid, Online
NCLEX
Overall Score: 83.11%- State Rank: 40
- US Rank: 537
Nursing Degrees Offered
Programs: Family Nurse Practitioner, Registered Nursing- Award Levels: Associate Degree, Bachelor Degree, Master Degree, Post Master's NP Certificate
- Program Accreditors: ACEN, CCNE
RANKED 42
Blue Ridge Community College
- 180 West Campus Drive, Flat Rock, NC - 28731-4728
- (828) 694-1700
School Information
Location: Flat Rock, NC- Type: Public
- Programs Offered As: Campus
NCLEX
Overall Score: 82.63%- State Rank: 41
- US Rank: 550
Nursing Degrees Offered
Programs: Registered Nursing- Award Levels: Associate Degree
RANKED 43
Nash Community College
- 522 N. Old Carriage Road, Rocky Mount, NC - 27804
- (252) 443-4011
School Information
Location: Rocky Mount, NC- Type: Public
- Programs Offered As: Campus
NCLEX
Overall Score: 82.37%- State Rank: 42
- US Rank: 553
Nursing Degrees Offered
Programs: Registered Nursing- Award Levels: Associate Degree
RANKED 44
Wilkes Community College
- 1328 South Collegiate Dr, Wilkesboro, NC - 28697
- (336) 838-6100
Wilkes Community College is located in Wilkesboro, North Carolina. They offer an ADN program. Unique to their program is that students must complete their certified nursing assistant (CNA) certification prior to enrollment in the program. They also offer a dual enrollment option with Lenoir-Rhyne University, through the Hickory Collaborative RIBN, which allows students to simultaneously earn their ADN and BSN degrees.
School Information
Location: Wilkesboro, NC- Type: Public
- Programs Offered As: Campus
NCLEX
Overall Score: 81.78%- State Rank: 43
- US Rank: 568
Nursing Degrees Offered
Programs: Registered Nursing- Award Levels: Associate Degree
RANKED 45
Edgecombe Community College
- 2009 W Wilson St, Tarboro, NC - 27886
- (252) 823-5166
Edgecombe Community College is located in Tarboro, North Carolina. They offer a practical nursing program, an ADN program and an advanced placement option for LPNs. ECC serves over 13,000 students on its 2 campuses; they received a national award in 2013 for preparing their students to be successful in the workplace.
School Information
Location: Tarboro, NC- Type: Public
- Programs Offered As: Campus
NCLEX
Overall Score: 79.41%- State Rank: 44
- US Rank: 600
Nursing Degrees Offered
Programs: Registered Nursing- Award Levels: Associate Degree
- Program Accreditors: ACEN
RANKED 46
Guilford Technical Community College
- 601 High Point Rd., Jamestown, NC - 27282
- (336) 334-4822
School Information
Location: Jamestown, NC- Type: Public
- Programs Offered As: Campus
NCLEX
Overall Score: 79.41%- State Rank: 44
- US Rank: 600
Nursing Degrees Offered
Programs: Registered Nursing- Award Levels: Associate Degree
RANKED 47
Southwestern Community College
- 447 College Dr, Sylva, NC - 28779
- (828) 339-4000
School Information
Location: Sylva, NC- Type: Public
- Programs Offered As: Campus
NCLEX
Overall Score: 79.07%- State Rank: 45
- US Rank: 609
Nursing Degrees Offered
Programs: Registered Nursing- Award Levels: Associate Degree
RANKED 48
Piedmont Community College
- 1715 College Dr, Roxboro, NC - 27573
- (336) 599-1181
School Information
Location: Roxboro, NC- Type: Public
- Programs Offered As: Campus
NCLEX
Overall Score: 79.04%- State Rank: 46
- US Rank: 610
Nursing Degrees Offered
Programs: Registered Nursing- Award Levels: Associate Degree
RANKED 49
Roanoke-Chowan Community College
- 109 Community College Rd, Ahoskie, NC - 27910-9522
- (252) 862-1200
School Information
Location: Ahoskie, NC- Type: Public
- Programs Offered As: Campus
NCLEX
Overall Score: 77.22%- State Rank: 47
- US Rank: 637
Nursing Degrees Offered
Programs: Registered Nursing- Award Levels: Associate Degree
RANKED 50
Southeastern Community College
- 4564 Chadbourn Hwy, Whiteville, NC - 28472-5422
- (910) 642-7141
School Information
Location: Whiteville, NC- Type: Public
- Programs Offered As: Campus
NCLEX
Overall Score: 75.52%- State Rank: 48
- US Rank: 653
Nursing Degrees Offered
Programs: Registered Nursing- Award Levels: Associate Degree
RANKED 51
Durham Technical Community College
- 1637 Lawson Street, Durham, NC - 27703-5023
- (919) 536-7200
School Information
Location: Durham, NC- Type: Public
- Programs Offered As: Campus
NCLEX
Overall Score: 71.70%- State Rank: 49
- US Rank: 686
Nursing Degrees Offered
Programs: Registered Nursing- Award Levels: Associate Degree
- Program Accreditors: ACEN
RANKED 52
Beaufort County Community College
- 5337 Highway 264 East, Washington, NC - 27889
- (252) 946-6194
Beaufort County Community College is located in Washington, North Carolina. They offer an associate’s degree program. They also offer an advanced placement option for LPNs. Students who enter the program under the advanced placement option must have been employed as an LPN within the past 12 months. They also offer an ADN to PN option; this is available for students who are not successful with their studies in the ADN program.
School Information
Location: Washington, NC- Type: Public
- Programs Offered As: Campus
NCLEX
Overall Score: 71.56%- State Rank: 50
- US Rank: 688
Nursing Degrees Offered
Programs: Registered Nursing- Award Levels: Associate Degree
RANKED 53
Central Carolina Community College
- 1105 Kelly Dr, Sanford, NC - 27330-9840
- (919) 775-5401
Central Carolina Community College (CCCC) has multiple locations in various counties in North Carolina – Chatham County, Harnett County and Lee County. The Louise L. Tuller School of Nursing offers a practical nursing program and an RN program. CCCC also has an articulation agreement with the University of North Carolina, which allows students an affordable way to earn their BSN after graduation.
School Information
Location: Sanford, NC- Type: Public
- Programs Offered As: Campus
NCLEX
Overall Score: 67.78%- State Rank: 52
- US Rank: 703
Nursing Degrees Offered
Programs: Registered Nursing- Award Levels: Associate Degree
NOT RANKED
Tri-County Community College
- 21 Campus Circle, Murphy, NC - 28906
- (828) 837-6810
School Information
Location: Murphy, NC- Type: Public
- Programs Offered As: Campus
Nursing Degrees Offered
Programs: Registered Nursing- Award Levels: Associate Degree
NOT RANKED
McDowell Technical Community College
- 54 College Drive, Marion, NC - 28752-8728
- (828) 652-6021
School Information
Location: Marion, NC- Type: Public
- Programs Offered As: Campus
Nursing Degrees Offered
Programs: Registered Nursing- Award Levels: Associate Degree
NOT RANKED
Haywood Community College
- 185 Freedlander Drive, Clyde, NC - 28721-9901
- (828) 627-2821
School Information
Location: Clyde, NC- Type: Public
- Programs Offered As: Campus
Nursing Degrees Offered
Programs: Registered Nursing- Award Levels: Associate Degree
NOT RANKED
Isothermal Community College
- 286 ICC Loop Road, Spindale, NC - 28160-0804
- (828) 286-3636
School Information
Location: Spindale, NC- Type: Public
- Programs Offered As: Campus
Nursing Degrees Offered
Programs: Registered Nursing- Award Levels: Associate Degree
NOT RANKED
Cleveland Community College
- 137 S Post Rd, Shelby, NC - 28152-6224
- (704) 669-4136
School Information
Location: Shelby, NC- Type: Public
- Programs Offered As: Campus
Nursing Degrees Offered
Programs: Registered Nursing- Award Levels: Associate Degree
ADN Programs In North Carolina
It is not uncommon for LPN or ADN programs in the state of North Carolina to require its applicants to obtain their certified nurses aide (CNA) certification prior to enrollment in their degree program. North Carolina also has a program called Regionally Increasing Baccalaureate Nurses (RIBN); this program seeks to increase the education of nurses in North Carolina. Through this program, collaborations have been made between community colleges and universities that enable nurses to easily continue their education - "RIBN brings a unique value through educational partnerships between community or private colleges and state or private funded universities that will increase the proportion of BSN prepared nurses in our workforce in an economically-feasible and community-focused manner." You'll note that many of the community colleges listed below have this option for their students.
NCLEX Passing Rates for North Carolina ADN Programs
Cape Fear Community College has the highest NCLEX-RN rate in North Carolina of 98.75%. Attending this stellar school will cost you about $9,615.00 a year.
- ADN Programs Offered in North Carolina: 58
- Average NCLEX-RN Passing Rate: 86.84%
- NCLEX Passing Rate Range: 22.50% to 98.75%
How Much Do ADN Programs Cost in North Carolina?
We compiled the net-price costs for RN Programs in North Carolina so that you can find RN programs to meet your budget expectations.
When comparing ADN vs BSN programs, the average net-price per year for an Associate Degree in Nursing program is considerably less than for a Bachelor Degree in Nursing.
The lowest cost ADN program in North Carolina is offered by Cleveland Community College at about $61.00 and has an average NCLEX-RN passing rate of N/A%. The highest cost ADN program is offered by Gardner-Webb University and it will cost about $21,661.00 and has an average NCLEX-RN passing rate of 83.00%.
- Average Net-Price for ADN Programs inNorth Carolina: $8,347.28
- Net-Price Range for North Carolina ADN Programs: $61.00 to $21,661.00
Median Student Borrowing for ADN Programs
- Average Student Borrowing for North Carolina Schools: $7,010.69
- Student borrowing range for ADN programs in North Carolina: $2,000.00 to $20,344.00
RANKED 1
Gardner-Webb University
- Main St, Boiling Springs, NC - 28017-0997
- (704) 406-2361
Gardner-Webb University is located in Boiling Springs, North Carolina. The Hunt School of Nursing has had an ADN program since 1965 and has expanded to include a traditional BSN program, an RN to BSN program, an MSN program, which includes either education, FNP, or administration, and a DNP program.
School Information
Location: Boiling Springs, NC- Type: Private Not-For-Profit
- Programs Offered As: Campus, Hybrid, Online
NCLEX
Overall Score: 98.52%- State Rank: 1
- US Rank: 10
Nursing Degrees Offered
Programs: Family Nurse Practitioner, Registered Nursing- Award Levels: Associate Degree, Bachelor Degree, Master Degree, Post Master's NP Certificate
- Program Accreditors: ACEN, CCNE
RANKED 2
Western Carolina University
- Highway 107, Cullowhee, NC - 28723-9646
- (828) 227-7100
Western Carolina University is located in Cullowhee, North Carolina. Their nursing department offers a pre-licensure BSN program, an accelerated BSN program (allowing a student with a prior bachelor’s degree to obtain a BSN degree) and an RN to BSN program, which is an online program. Their programs are also offered at Biltmore Park Towne Square in Asheville, North Carolina; this location offers only a selection of majors, nursing being one of the few.
School Information
Location: Cullowhee, NC- Type: Public
- Programs Offered As: Campus, Hybrid, Online
NCLEX
Overall Score: 97.67%- State Rank: 2
- US Rank: 20
Nursing Degrees Offered
Programs: Family Nurse Practitioner, Registered Nursing- Award Levels: APRN Certificate, Bachelor Degree, Master Degree, MSN to DNP, Post Master's NP Certificate
- Program Accreditors: ACEN, CCNE
RANKED 3
Duke University
- 103 Allen Bldg, Durham, NC - 27708
- (919) 684-8111
Duke University is located in Durham, North Carolina. The Duke University School of Nursing (DUSON) is unique in that their only BSN program is an accelerated BSN (ABSN) – it is designed for adult learners with a prior bachelors degree. DUSON’s primary focus is on educating nurses to advanced degrees; in fact, aside from the ABSN degree students, they graduated their last BSN students in 1983.
School Information
Location: Durham, NC- Type: Private Not-For-Profit
- Programs Offered As: Campus, Hybrid
NCLEX
Overall Score: 97.48%- State Rank: 3
- US Rank: 26
Nursing Degrees Offered
Programs: Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner, Adult Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner, Family Nurse Practitioner, Neonatal Nurse Practitioner, Pediatric Acute Care Nurse Practitioner, Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner, Registered Nursing, Women's Health Nurse Practitioner- Award Levels: Bachelor Degree, Master Degree, MSN to DNP, Post Master's NP Certificate
- Program Accreditors: ACEN, CCNE
RANKED 4
East Carolina University
- East 5th Street, Greenville, NC - 27858-4353
- (252) 328-6131
East Carolina University is located in Greenville, North Carolina. They offer several BSN degree options – a traditional BSN degree, an accelerated BSN degree (for second degree students), an an RN to BSN degree. East Carolina University has been in existence since 1908, when it broke ground as a teachers training institution.
School Information
Location: Greenville, NC- Type: Public
- Programs Offered As: Campus, Hybrid, Online
NCLEX
Overall Score: 96.48%- State Rank: 4
- US Rank: 51
Nursing Degrees Offered
Programs: Adult Acute Care Nurse Practitioner, Adult Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner, Adult Nurse Practitioner, Family Nurse Practitioner, Neonatal Nurse Practitioner, Registered Nursing, Women's Health Nurse Practitioner- Award Levels: APRN Certificate, Bachelor Degree, BSN to DNP, Master Degree, MSN to DNP, Post Master's NP Certificate
- Program Accreditors: ACEN, CCNE
RANKED 5
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
- 103 South Bldg Cb 9100, Chapel Hill, NC - 27599
- (919) 962-2211
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill is located in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. UNC offers a bachelor’s degree. Unique to their program is the RN to MSN option that they offer, in addition to various other graduate and doctoral options. UNC’s BSN program originated in 1950, and was the first baccalaureate nursing program in North Carolina. They were also the first to offer an MSN program in North Carolina, in 1955.
School Information
Location: Chapel Hill, NC- Type: Public
- Programs Offered As: Campus, Hybrid, Online
NCLEX
Overall Score: 96.00%- State Rank: 5
- US Rank: 62
Nursing Degrees Offered
Programs: Adult Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner, Family Nurse Practitioner, Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner, Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, Registered Nursing- Award Levels: APRN Certificate, Bachelor Degree, BSN to DNP, Master Degree, MSN to DNP, Post Master's NP Certificate
- Program Accreditors: ACEN, CCNE
RANKED 6
Appalachian State University
- Dougherty Administration Building, Boone, NC - 28608
- (828) 262-2000
School Information
Location: Boone, NC- Type: Public
- Programs Offered As: Campus, Online
NCLEX
Overall Score: 95.44%- State Rank: 6
- US Rank: 72
Nursing Degrees Offered
Programs: Registered Nursing- Award Levels: Bachelor Degree
- Program Accreditors: CCNE
RANKED 7
Lenoir-Rhyne University
- 625 7th Avenue NE, Hickory, NC - 28601
- (828) 328-1741
School Information
Location: Hickory, NC- Type: Private Not-For-Profit
- Programs Offered As: Campus
NCLEX
Overall Score: 94.63%- State Rank: 7
- US Rank: 102
Nursing Degrees Offered
Programs: Registered Nursing- Award Levels: Bachelor Degree, Master Degree
- Program Accreditors: CCNE
RANKED 8
University of North Carolina Wilmington
- 601 South College Road, Wilmington, NC - 28403-5963
- (910) 962-3000
University of North Carolina Wilmington is located in Wilmington, North Carolina. They offer a prelicensure BSN program and an RN to BSN program. The RN to BSN program is offered online. The RN to BSN program has six start-times throughout the year, making it a desirable option for the working nurse.
School Information
Location: Wilmington, NC- Type: Public
- Programs Offered As: Campus, Hybrid, Online
NCLEX
Overall Score: 94.63%- State Rank: 7
- US Rank: 102
Nursing Degrees Offered
Programs: Family Nurse Practitioner, Registered Nursing- Award Levels: Bachelor Degree, Master Degree, Post Master's NP Certificate
- Program Accreditors: ACEN, CCNE
RANKED 9
University of North Carolina at Greensboro
- 1400 Spring Garden St, Greensboro, NC - 27402-6170
- (336) 334-5000
University of North Carolina at Greensboro is located in Greensboro, North Carolina. They have a traditional BSN option, BSN for second-degree students and an RN to BSN option. Their nursing program “is recognized by the National League for Nursing as a Center for Excellence in Nursing Education—one of just three in North Carolina.”
School Information
Location: Greensboro, NC- Type: Public
- Programs Offered As: Campus, Hybrid
NCLEX
Overall Score: 92.56%- State Rank: 8
- US Rank: 178
Nursing Degrees Offered
Programs: Adult Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner, Registered Nursing- Award Levels: Bachelor Degree, BSN to DNP, Master Degree, MSN to DNP, Post Master's NP Certificate
- Program Accreditors: ACEN, CCNE
RANKED 10
University of North Carolina at Charlotte
- 9201 University City Blvd, Charlotte, NC - 28223-0001
- (704) 687-2000
School Information
Location: Charlotte, NC- Type: Public
- Programs Offered As: Campus, Hybrid, Online
NCLEX
Overall Score: 90.96%- State Rank: 9
- US Rank: 230
Nursing Degrees Offered
Programs: Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner, Family Nurse Practitioner, Registered Nursing- Award Levels: Bachelor Degree, Master Degree, MSN to DNP, Post Master's NP Certificate
- Program Accreditors: ACEN, CCNE
RANKED 11
Fayetteville State University
- 1200 Murchison Rd, Fayetteville, NC - 28301-4298
- (910) 672-1111
Fayetteville State University is located in Fayetteville, North Carolina. Fayetteville State University offers a BSN program and an RN to BSN program. The RN to BSN program has two options – a full-time option that is 2.5 semesters and a part-time option that is 5 semesters. The traditional program requires students to attend on a full-time basis.
School Information
Location: Fayetteville, NC- Type: Public
- Programs Offered As: Campus, Online
NCLEX
Overall Score: 90.48%- State Rank: 10
- US Rank: 247
Nursing Degrees Offered
Programs: Registered Nursing- Award Levels: Bachelor Degree
- Program Accreditors: CCNE
RANKED 12
Queens University of Charlotte
- 1900 Selwyn Ave, Charlotte, NC - 28274-0001
- (704) 337-2200
School Information
Location: Charlotte, NC- Type: Private Not-For-Profit
- Programs Offered As: Campus
NCLEX
Overall Score: 90.19%- State Rank: 11
- US Rank: 252
Nursing Degrees Offered
Programs: Registered Nursing- Award Levels: Bachelor Degree, Master Degree
- Program Accreditors: CCNE
RANKED 13
University of North Carolina at Pembroke
- One University Drive, Pembroke, NC - 28372-1510
- (910) 521-6000
University of North Carolina at Pembroke is located in Pembroke, North Carolina. UNC Pembroke was founded in 1887 as the Croatan Normal School and educated American Indian teachers. Today, 62% of the student population is a minority. They offer a BSN program and an RN to BSN program; they also partner with local community colleges in the RIBN program.
School Information
Location: Pembroke, NC- Type: Public
- Programs Offered As: Campus
NCLEX
Overall Score: 86.63%- State Rank: 12
- US Rank: 342
Nursing Degrees Offered
Programs: Registered Nursing- Award Levels: Bachelor Degree, Master Degree
- Program Accreditors: CCNE
RANKED 14
Winston-Salem State University
- 601 Martin Luther King Jr Dr, Winston-Salem, NC - 27110-0001
- (336) 750-2000
School Information
Location: Winston-Salem, NC- Type: Public
- Programs Offered As: Campus, Online
NCLEX
Overall Score: 85.56%- State Rank: 13
- US Rank: 366
Nursing Degrees Offered
Programs: Family Nurse Practitioner, Registered Nursing- Award Levels: APRN Certificate, Bachelor Degree, BSN to DNP, Master Degree, MSN to DNP, Post Master's NP Certificate
- Program Accreditors: ACEN, CCNE
RANKED 15
Barton College
- 200 ACC Drive NE, Wilson, NC - 27893-7000
- (252) 399-6300
School Information
Location: Wilson, NC- Type: Private Not-For-Profit
- Programs Offered As: Campus
NCLEX
Overall Score: 80.33%- State Rank: 14
- US Rank: 446
Nursing Degrees Offered
Programs: Registered Nursing- Award Levels: Bachelor Degree, Master Degree
- Program Accreditors: CCNE
RANKED 16
Pfeiffer University
- 48380 US Hwy 52N, Misenheimer, NC - 28109
- (704) 463-1360
School Information
Location: Misenheimer, NC- Type: Private Not-For-Profit
- Programs Offered As: Campus, Online
NCLEX
Overall Score: 77.52%- State Rank: 15
- US Rank: 462
Nursing Degrees Offered
Programs: Registered Nursing- Award Levels: Bachelor Degree
- Program Accreditors: CCNE
RANKED 17
North Carolina A & T State University
- 1601 E Market St, Greensboro, NC - 27411
- (336) 334-7500
School Information
Location: Greensboro, NC- Type: Public
- Programs Offered As: Campus
NCLEX
Overall Score: 75.44%- State Rank: 16
- US Rank: 473
Nursing Degrees Offered
Programs: Registered Nursing- Award Levels: Bachelor Degree
RANKED 18
North Carolina Central University
- 1801 Fayetteville Street, Durham, NC - 27707
- (919) 530-6100
School Information
Location: Durham, NC- Type: Public
- Programs Offered As: Campus, Online
NCLEX
Overall Score: 71.85%- State Rank: 17
- US Rank: 486
Nursing Degrees Offered
Programs: Registered Nursing- Award Levels: Bachelor Degree
NOT RANKED
Lees-McRae College
- 191 Main Street, Banner Elk, NC - 28604
- (828) 898-5241
School Information
Location: Banner Elk, NC- Type: Private Not-For-Profit
- Programs Offered As: Campus, Online
- State Rank: N/A
- US Rank: N/A
Nursing Degrees Offered
Programs: Registered Nursing- Award Levels: Bachelor Degree
- Program Accreditors: CCNE
NOT RANKED
Cabarrus College of Health Sciences
- 401 Medical Park Drive, Concord, NC - 28025-3959
- (704) 403-1555
Cabarrus College of Health Sciences is located within Carolinas Healthcare System. The school educates a variety of healthcare professionals, from nurses to pharmacy technicians to occupational therapists. The Louise Harkey School of Nursing offers an ADN program and a BSN program; the BSN program is specifically an RN to BSN program, allowing for a seamless transition to a bachelor’s degree for its ADN graduates.
School Information
Location: Concord, NC- Type: Private Not-For-Profit
- Programs Offered As: Campus, Online
- State Rank: N/A
- US Rank: N/A
Nursing Degrees Offered
Programs: Registered Nursing- Award Levels: Associate Degree, Bachelor Degree
- Program Accreditors: ACEN, CCNE
BSN Programs In North Carolina
BSN programs can be completed online through a web-enhanced program or in a traditional campus setting. Programs are designed with flexibility to meet the need of busy, working nurses. Programs can be completed in about a year of full-time study or part-time in about 3-5 semesters. There are also classes offered in the day and evening. Before students can enroll, they must have an active RN license, complete the Global courses, and pass special examinations.
NCLEX Passing Rates for North Carolina BSN Programs
Gardner-Webb University wins the highest NCLEX-RN passing rate for BSN programs offered in North Carolina with a score of 7,578.67%. Attending this influential program will cost you about $21,661.00 a year.
- BSN Programs Offered in North Carolina: 20
- Average NCLEX-RN Passing Rate: 481.86%
- NCLEX Passing Rate Range: 52.00% to 7,578.67%
How Much Do BSN Degree Programs Cost in North Carolina?
We compiled the net-price costs for BSN Programs in North Carolina to give you an idea of how much nursing school will cost.
The lowest cost BSN degree program in North Carolina is offered by Fayetteville State University and will cost you about $5,914.00 and has an average NCLEX-RN passing rate of 90.00%. The highest cost BSN degree program is offered by Queens University of Charlotte and will cost you about $24,751.00 and it has an average NCLEX-RN passing rate of 104.67%.
- Average Net-Price for BSN Programs in North Carolina: $13,929.65
- Net-Price Range for North Carolina BSN Programs: $5,914.00 to $24,751.00
Median Student Borrowing for BSN Programs
- Average Student Borrowing for North Carolina Schools: $18,262.05
- Student borrowing range for BSN programs in North Carolina: $6,569.00 to $25,000.00
Become an Advance Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) in North Carolina
RNs who wish to become advanced practice registered nurses will want to pursue any number of avenues to earn Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degree. Earning a Master of Science in Nursing consists of graduate-level coursework and clinical practice for those nurses who wish to direct patient roles such as a nurse practitioner. You can also pursue indirect patient roles such as teaching or leadership roles, or become involved in policy, state-wide health initiatives or community engagement. There are many clinical and non-clinical avenues that an RN with MSN can pursue.
Become a Nurse Practitioner (NP) in North Carolina
Learn how to become a Nurse Practitioner (NP) and research schools in North Carolina offering the following high paying nurse practitioner specialties:
- Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner
- Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
- Family Nurse Practitioner
- Neonatal Nurse Practitioner
- Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner
- Acute Care Pediatric Nurse Practitioner
- Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
- Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner
Learn about Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Degree.
North Carolina RN Licensing Requirements
North Carolina State Board of Nursing
4516 Lake Boone Trail
Raleigh, NC 27607
(919) 782-3211
Fees:
Initial licensing fee, RN: $75
License renewal (every two years), RN: $92
Continuing Education Requirements:
All nurses: 30 contact hours every renewal period
Before licensure can be obtained, a registered nurse must complete an approved nursing program in North Carolina or a professional nursing program that has been approved by the board in one of the other states. Coursework completed online will be accepted as long as the program is accredited.
RN Licensure by Exams
Candidates who are applying for licensure by examination will need to pass a background check and NCLEX exam. In-state candidates will be required to have prints done through Live Scan. The application for licensure will cost $75. After this step, the candidate will apply for the licensing exam through Pearson VUE and pay the $200 testing fee. When authorization to test has been received, the candidate can schedule the computer-adapted exam. Candidates will be fully licensed when the credential has been verified online.
RN Licensure by Endorsement
Nurses who obtained licensure in one of the other 50 states can obtain licensure in North Carolina by endorsement. The fee for license by endorsement is $150. Candidates will be allowed to work under a temporary license while paperwork is being processed. A notarized copy of the license and official verification will also be required.
RN License for Nurses Educated Abroad
Candidates who completed their education in a foreign country are required to have their education evaluated by either the Commission on Graduates of Foreign Nursing Schools or Josef Silny & Associates. International candidates will be required to take an English proficiency exam unless they completed their education in one of the following nations/ territories: Australia, Canada (with the exception of Quebec), Guam, Ireland, the Mariana Islands, New Zealand, Samoa, The United Kingdom, or the Virgin Islands. The accepted exams are the IELTS and the TOEFL. This requirement must be met before the candidate can be authorized to take the NCLEX. They must also submit a criminal background check and submit a social security number before licensure can be issued.
RN Salaries in North Carolina
There are approximately 86,150 registered nurses working in the state of North Carolina. It has been predicted that nursing is the fastest growing industry and will continue to grow through the year 2020. There is a great need for nurses who obtained a bachelor's degree. The mean annual salary for registered nurses in North Carolina is $59,290 and this tends to fluctuate with experience and education level. There are management and other executive positions available to a baccalaureate-prepared nurse who wishes to get away from bedside nursing.
North Carolina Registered Nursing Salaries
The Charlotte metropolitan area has the largest amount of registered nurses across the state. Registered nurses in the Durham metropolitan area make a higher hourly mean wage and annual median wage than nurses in any other party of North Carolina.
| Area name | Employment | Hourly mean wage | Annual median wage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Asheville, NC | 5,640 | $29.82 | $61,170 |
| Charlotte-Gastonia-Rock Hill, NC-SC | 18,110 | $28.49 | $58,370 |
| Durham-Chapel Hill, NC | 8,610 | $32.29 | $66,140 |
| Fayetteville, NC | 3,110 | $29.96 | $61,030 |
| Goldsboro, NC | 1,050 | $26.66 | $55,080 |
| Greensboro-High Point, NC | 6,050 | $29.50 | $60,410 |
| Greenville, NC | 3,070 | $30.35 | $62,490 |
| Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC | 2,800 | $26.86 | $55,050 |
| Jacksonville, NC | 710 | $27.05 | $54,870 |
| Raleigh-Cary, NC | 9,030 | $28.98 | $59,600 |
| Rocky Mount, NC | 1,250 | $27.32 | $55,740 |
| Wilmington, NC | 3,360 | $27.14 | $55,910 |
| Winston-Salem, NC | 8,110 | $29.33 | $60,290 |
| Northeastern North Carolina nonmetropolitan area | 3,460 | $26.93 | $55,520 |
| Other North Carolina nonmetropolitan area | 6,560 | $27.43 | $56,660 |
| Western Central North Carolina nonmetropolitan area | 5,030 | $28.03 | $56,950 |
| Western North Carolina nonmetropolitan area | 3,160 | $26.70 | $54,630 |
Source: http://www.dol.gov/, 2014 Data
Sources: The State Board of Nursing from Each State, U.S. Department of Education: College Scorecard, U.S. Department of Education – OPE, National Center for Education Statistics, Bureau of Labor Statistics
Popular Nursing Careers: Clinical Nurse Specialist | Clinical Nurse Leader | Family Nurse Practitioner | Nurse Informatics | Nurse Executive | Nurse Educator | Adult Gerontology Nursing Specialties: Nursing Specialties | Salary Guides: RN Salary | LPN Salary | CRNA Salary