nursingadmissionscareersNorth Carolina

Best Nursing Schools in North Carolina: Programs, Tuition & How to Apply

GradeToGrad Editorial Team

February 9, 2026

Explore 20 accredited nursing programs across North Carolina—from affordable community colleges to prestigious universities. Compare tuition, acceptance rates, and graduate earnings to find your ideal nursing school.

Overview of Nursing Education in North Carolina

North Carolina offers 20 accredited nursing programs—7 community colleges and 13 universities—giving prospective nurses multiple pathways to licensure. Whether you're seeking an affordable Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) or a competitive Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), NC schools provide accessible, quality education with strong employment prospects.

The state's nursing programs range from highly selective institutions like Duke University (6.8% acceptance rate) to open-admission community colleges. In-state tuition at public universities averages $6,500–$8,000 annually, while community college programs cost $2,000–$2,800 per year. Nursing graduates in North Carolina earn competitive salaries, with bachelor's degree holders averaging $58,000–$68,000 annually and advanced degree holders earning $100,000+.

Top University Nursing Programs in North Carolina

Most Selective: UNC Chapel Hill & Duke University

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (Chapel Hill)

Tuition: $8,989/year (in-state)
Acceptance Rate: 18.7%
Graduation Rate: 91.7%
Nursing Graduate Earnings: $102,075/year (First Professional Degree)
Enrollment: 20,556

UNC Chapel Hill is North Carolina's most prestigious nursing program. With an 18.7% acceptance rate and 91.7% graduation rate, this program attracts top students and delivers exceptional outcomes. Graduates earn $102,075 annually on average.

Duke University (Durham)

Tuition: $65,805/year
Acceptance Rate: 6.8%
Graduation Rate: 96.2%
Nursing Graduate Earnings: $124,154/year (Graduate Certificate)
Enrollment: 6,417

Duke's nursing program is the most selective in the state and nation. With a 6.8% acceptance rate and 96.2% graduation rate, Duke attracts exceptional students. However, the $65,805 annual tuition is significantly higher than public universities. Graduates earn $124,154 annually, reflecting the program's elite status and graduate-level focus.

Highly Accessible Public Universities with Strong Outcomes

East Carolina University (Greenville)

Tuition: $7,361/year (in-state)
Acceptance Rate: 90.1%
Graduation Rate: 63.6%
Nursing Graduate Earnings: $106,444/year (Doctoral Degree)
Enrollment: 19,857

ECU offers an accessible path to nursing with a 90.1% acceptance rate and affordable tuition. The program emphasizes doctoral-level preparation, with graduates earning $106,444 annually—among the highest in the state.

Appalachian State University (Boone)

Tuition: $7,541/year (in-state)
Acceptance Rate: 88.6%
Graduation Rate: 74.1%
Nursing Graduate Earnings: $58,316/year (Bachelor's Degree)
Enrollment: 19,304

AppState combines affordability with strong graduation rates (74.1%). Located in the Blue Ridge Mountains, it's ideal for students seeking a smaller-town university experience while maintaining access to healthcare education.

University of North Carolina at Charlotte (Charlotte)

Tuition: $7,214/year (in-state)
Acceptance Rate: 80.2%
Graduation Rate: 68.8%
Nursing Graduate Earnings: $120,396/year (Master's Degree)
Enrollment: 23,567

UNC Charlotte offers the lowest tuition among major universities ($7,214) with a reasonable 80.2% acceptance rate. Graduates with master's degrees earn $120,396 annually, reflecting strong advanced degree programs.

University of North Carolina at Greensboro (Greensboro)

Tuition: $7,593/year (in-state)
Acceptance Rate: 89.8%
Graduation Rate: 57.9%
Nursing Graduate Earnings: $149,239/year (Doctoral Degree)
Enrollment: 13,848

UNCG's doctoral nursing program produces graduates earning $149,239 annually—the highest in the state. The program emphasizes advanced practice and research.

University of North Carolina Wilmington (Wilmington)

Tuition: $7,317/year (in-state)
Acceptance Rate: 74.0%
Graduation Rate: 72.5%
Nursing Graduate Earnings: $103,988/year (Master's Degree)
Enrollment: 14,176

UNCW combines coastal location appeal with strong master's programs. The 72.5% graduation rate is solid, and master's graduates earn $103,988 annually.

Budget-Friendly Public Universities

Western Carolina University (Cullowhee)

Tuition: $4,532/year (in-state)
Acceptance Rate: 86.7%
Graduation Rate: 59.8%
Nursing Graduate Earnings: $103,661/year (Master's Degree)

Western Carolina offers the lowest tuition among four-year universities at $4,532/year. Master's graduates earn $103,661 annually.

North Carolina A & T State University (Greensboro)

Tuition: $6,748/year (in-state)
Acceptance Rate: 46.2%
Graduation Rate: 55.9%
Nursing Graduate Earnings: $60,168/year (Bachelor's Degree)

A&T provides affordable nursing education with moderate selectivity (46.2% acceptance).

Fayetteville State University (Fayetteville)

Tuition: $3,969/year (in-state)
Acceptance Rate: 79.9%
Graduation Rate: 39.3%
Nursing Graduate Earnings: $67,668/year (Bachelor's Degree)

Fayetteville State offers the lowest tuition among traditional four-year universities at $3,969/year, though graduation rates are lower at 39.3%.

UNC Pembroke (Pembroke)

Tuition: $3,571/year (in-state)
Acceptance Rate: 92.4%
Graduation Rate: 44.9%
Nursing Graduate Earnings: $59,927/year (Bachelor's Degree)

UNC Pembroke has the lowest tuition of any four-year program at $3,571/year with open admission (92.4% acceptance).

North Carolina Central University (Durham)

Tuition: $6,542/year (in-state)
Acceptance Rate: 90.5%
Graduation Rate: 45.1%
Nursing Graduate Earnings: $68,978/year (Bachelor's Degree)

NCCU provides affordable education with very open admission (90.5% acceptance).

Private Universities

Wake Forest University (Winston-Salem)

Tuition: $64,758/year
Acceptance Rate: 21.6%
Graduation Rate: 90.3%
Nursing Graduate Earnings: $155,438/year (Master's Degree)

Wake Forest is highly selective (21.6% acceptance) with exceptional outcomes. Master's graduates earn $155,438 annually—the second-highest in the state—but tuition is substantial at $64,758/year.

Community College Nursing Programs: The Affordable ADN Path

Community colleges offer an excellent pathway to nursing licensure at a fraction of university costs. All seven NC community college programs cost $2,000–$2,800 per year and lead to Associate Degrees in Nursing (ADN). Graduates are eligible for the NCLEX-RN exam and can work as registered nurses while pursuing bachelor's degrees later.

Most Affordable Programs:

Pitt Community College (Winterville)

Tuition: $1,972/year (in-state)
Nursing Graduate Earnings: $57,532/year (Associate's Degree)
Enrollment: 5,175

Pitt offers the lowest tuition of any NC nursing program at $1,972/year.

Forsyth Technical Community College (Winston-Salem)

Tuition: $2,256/year (in-state)
Nursing Graduate Earnings: $56,388/year (Associate's Degree)
Enrollment: 6,939

Guilford Technical Community College (Jamestown)

Tuition: $2,319/year (in-state)
Nursing Graduate Earnings: $56,258/year (Associate's Degree)
Enrollment: 8,179

Wake Technical Community College (Raleigh)

Tuition: $2,336/year (in-state)
Nursing Graduate Earnings: $58,789/year (Associate's Degree)
Enrollment: 18,605

Wake Tech is the largest community college program with 18,605 students and offers strong graduate earnings at $58,789/year.

Other Community College Options:

Fayetteville Technical Community College (Fayetteville): $2,628/year; $61,080/year graduate earnings
Cape Fear Community College (Wilmington): $2,748/year; $58,284/year graduate earnings
Central Piedmont Community College (Charlotte): $2,792/year; $58,846/year graduate earnings

How to Choose the Right Nursing Program

Consider Your Goals

Want to practice nursing quickly and affordably? Community colleges offer ADN programs in 2 years for $2,000–$2,800/year. You'll be eligible for licensure and can earn while pursuing a BSN through RN-to-BSN programs.

Seeking a bachelor's degree and broader career options? Four-year universities provide BSN programs that prepare you for leadership roles, advanced practice, and graduate school. Public universities cost $3,500–$8,000/year in-state tuition.

Interested in advanced practice (nurse practitioner, clinical specialist)? Look for universities with strong master's and doctoral programs like UNCG ($149,239 graduate earnings), Wake Forest ($155,438), or UNC Charlotte ($120,396).

Evaluate Admission Competitiveness

Highly Selective (< 25% acceptance): UNC Chapel Hill (18.7%), Duke (6.8%), Wake Forest (21.6%)—require strong GPA, test scores, and healthcare experience
Moderately Selective (45–75% acceptance): UNC Charlotte (80.2%), UNC Wilmington (74.0%), NC A&T (46.2%)
Open Admission (> 85% acceptance): East Carolina (90.1%), Appalachian State (88.6%), UNC Pembroke (92.4%)—easier entry but verify NCLEX pass rates

Examine Graduation Rates

Graduation rates indicate program quality and student support:

Excellent (> 85%): Duke (96.2%), Wake Forest (90.3%), UNC Chapel Hill (91.7%)
Strong (70–85%): Appalachian State (74.1%), UNC Wilmington (72.5%)
Moderate (55–70%): UNC Charlotte (68.8%), East Carolina (63.6%), Western Carolina (59.8%)
Lower (< 55%): UNC Greensboro (57.9%), NC Central (45.1%), UNC Pembroke (44.9%)

Lower graduation rates may reflect less student support or more working students; verify graduation outcomes before enrolling.

Factor in Location

North Carolina spans diverse regions. Consider:

Urban centers: Charlotte, Raleigh, Durham, Greensboro, Winston-Salem
Coastal: Wilmington
Mountain region: Boone, Cullowhee
Rural: Pembroke, Greenville

Location affects clinical placement opportunities, cost of living, and networking.

Nursing Job Market in North Carolina

North Carolina has a strong nursing job market. The state's healthcare sector is growing, with major employers including Duke Health, UNC Health, Atrium Health, and Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center.

Salary Ranges by Credential:

Associate's Degree (ADN): $56,000–$61,000/year
Bachelor's Degree (BSN): $58,000–$68,000/year
Master's Degree: $103,000–$155,000/year
Doctoral Degree: $106,000–$149,000/year

The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects nursing employment growth of 6% nationally through 2032, faster than average. North Carolina's aging population and healthcare expansion support strong local demand.

Financial Aid for Nursing Students in North Carolina

Federal Aid

FAFSA: Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid at fafsa.gov to access grants, loans, and work-study
Pell Grants: Need-based grants up to $7,395/year (2024–25) for eligible students
Federal Student Loans: Unsubsidized loans available to all students; subsidized loans for demonstrated need

State Aid

North Carolina Education Lottery Scholarship: Provides grants to NC residents attending public universities (amounts vary)
UNC Need-Based Grant: Available to UNC system students with financial need

Nursing-Specific Scholarships

National League for Nursing (NLN) Scholarships: Various awards for nursing students
American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) Scholarships: Support BSN and graduate students
State Board of Nursing Scholarships: Check with NC Board of Nursing for state-specific programs
Hospital and Health System Scholarships: Duke Health, UNC Health, and Atrium Health offer tuition assistance programs in exchange for post-graduation employment commitments

Employer Tuition Assistance

Many healthcare employers offer tuition reimbursement for employees pursuing nursing degrees. Consider working as a nursing assistant or in healthcare while studying to access these benefits.

Next Steps: Find Your Nursing School

Ready to compare North Carolina nursing programs side-by-side? Visit GradeToGrad's nursing school search to filter by:

Tuition and financial aid
Acceptance rates and graduation rates
Program type (ADN vs. BSN vs. graduate)
Location
Graduate earnings

You can also request information directly from schools, schedule campus visits, and connect with current nursing students to learn about their experiences.

North Carolina's diverse nursing programs ensure there's an option for every student—whether you're seeking affordability, prestige, or a specific career pathway. Start your search today and take the first step toward a rewarding nursing career.