North Carolina Nursing Schools and Programs

Researching and then applying to accredited nursing schools in North Carolina can be a time-consuming task. For those just getting started in Nursing, we suggest that you focus on your near-term education goals and the North Carolina licensing requirements. The first question to ask yourself is: Do I want to begin my career in the state of North Carolina as a Nursing Assistant, Practical Nurse, or Registered Nurse? See our nursing education chart below for some insight into how long it takes to graduate from the most popular CNA, LPN, and RN nursing programs in North Carolina.

Chart of North Carolina nursing program lengths and average wages by type: Nursing Assistant (CNA), Practical Nurse (LPN), Registered Nurse (RN), and Nurse Practitioner (NP).

North Carolina Registered Nurse (RN) programs generally lead to an Associate Degree in Nursing (ASN), which typically lasts 2 years, or a Bachelor's Degree in Nursing (BSN), which lasts 4 years.

While earning an Associate Degree in Nursing (ASN) or Bachelor Degree in Nursing (BSN) is an important milestone for nurses, many North Carolina nursing school students gain meaningful work experience and earn an income upon completion of a shorter Certified Nursing Assistant or Licensed Practical Nursing program in the state of North Carolina.

Starting with a shorter CNA or LPN program can also strengthen your ASN or BSN application by showing commitment and clinical readiness. For those pursuing North Carolina RN licensure directly, associate degree programs are often more accessible than bachelor's programs. Earning your RN through an ASN, then advancing through an RN to BSN program or RN to MSN bridge, is a common and effective path in North Carolina.

Nursing Schools In North Carolina

Below is our list of accredited nursing schools in North Carolina. In general, these colleges, universities, and training centers offer campus-based CNA, LPN, ASN, BSN, MSN, DNP, and PhD programs approved by the North Carolina Board of Nursing. RN schools in NC will generally offer an ADN, ASN, or BSN nursing degree. Advanced Practice (APRN) and Nurse Practitioner (NP) programs can be found at larger schools that offer MSN and DNP degrees.

Click the name of any North Carolina nursing school below to view the cost to attend, SAT and ACT scores, college or university characteristics, student body profile, satellite map of the surrounding area, and to view any additional nursing program information we have available in our database. Use the wishlist buttons provided to save institutions to a private list of nursing schools near you.

Barton College

400 Atlantic Christian College, PO Box 5000, Wilson, NC 27893
800-345-4973

Barton College is a Private not-for-profit institution with a campus in Wilson, North Carolina. The institution is approved to offer nursing programs by the North Carolina Board of Nursing. The Wilson, North Carolina campus for Barton College is located in a Town setting. Total enrollment for all degrees including nursing programs is 1,265. In-state tuition and fees were $34,400 for the most recent reporting period. …

Nursing Programs: BSN

  • Tuition Cost $34,400
  • Room and Board $11,100
  • Acceptance Rate 95%
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Cabarrus College of Health Sciences

401 Medical Park Drive, Concord, NC 28025
704-403-1555

Cabarrus College of Health Sciences is a Private not-for-profit institution with a campus in Concord, North Carolina. The institution is approved to offer nursing programs by the North Carolina Board of Nursing. The Concord, North Carolina campus for Cabarrus College of Health Sciences is located in a City setting. Total enrollment for all degrees including nursing programs is 528. In-state tuition and fees were $15,560 for the most recent reporting period. …

Nursing Programs: ASN, RN-to-BSN

  • Tuition Cost $15,560
  • Acceptance Rate 45%
  • ACT Score 20-24
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Cape Fear Community College

411 North Front Street, Wilmington, NC 28401
910-362-7000

Cape Fear Community College is a Public institution with a campus in Wilmington, North Carolina. The institution is approved to offer nursing programs by the North Carolina Board of Nursing. The Wilmington, North Carolina campus for Cape Fear Community College is located in a City setting. Total enrollment for all degrees including nursing programs is 14,170. In-state tuition and fees were $2,748 for the most recent reporting period. …

Nursing Programs: LPN, ASN, LPN-to-RN

  • Tuition Cost $2,748
  • Acceptance Rate Open
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Carolinas College of Health Sciences

1200 Blythe Boulevard, PO Box 32861, Charlotte, NC 28232
704-355-5043

Carolinas College of Health Sciences is a Public institution with a campus in Charlotte, North Carolina. The institution is approved to offer nursing programs by the North Carolina Board of Nursing. The Charlotte, North Carolina campus for Carolinas College of Health Sciences is located in a City setting. Total enrollment for all degrees including nursing programs is 409. In-state tuition and fees were $16,179 for the most recent reporting period. …

Nursing Programs: ASN

  • Tuition Cost $16,179
  • Acceptance Rate 71%
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Carolinas HealthCare System

701 B Forest Point Circle, Charlotte, NC 28273

Carolinas HealthCare System is a institution with a campus in Charlotte, North Carolina. The institution is approved to offer nursing programs by the North Carolina Board of Nursing. …

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Catawba Valley Community College

2550 Highway 70 SE, Hickory, NC 28602
828-327-7000

Catawba Valley Community College is a Public institution with a campus in Hickory, North Carolina. The institution is approved to offer nursing programs by the North Carolina Board of Nursing. The Hickory, North Carolina campus for Catawba Valley Community College is located in a City setting. Total enrollment for all degrees including nursing programs is 4,172. In-state tuition and fees were $2,367 for the most recent reporting period. …

Nursing Programs: ASN

  • Tuition Cost $2,367
  • Acceptance Rate Open
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College of the Albemarle

PO Box 2327, 1208 North Road Street, Elizabeth City, NC 27906
252-335-0821

College of the Albemarle is a Public institution with a campus in Elizabeth City, North Carolina. The institution is approved to offer nursing programs by the North Carolina Board of Nursing. The Elizabeth City, North Carolina campus for College of the Albemarle is located in a Town setting. Total enrollment for all degrees including nursing programs is 2,314. In-state tuition and fees were $2,260 for the most recent reporting period. …

Nursing Programs: LPN, ASN, LPN-to-RN

  • Tuition Cost $2,260
  • Acceptance Rate Open
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Davidson County Community College

PO Box 1287, Lexington, NC 27293
336-249-8186

Davidson County Community College is a Public institution with a campus in Lexington, North Carolina. The institution is approved to offer nursing programs by the North Carolina Board of Nursing. The Lexington, North Carolina campus for Davidson County Community College is located in a Rural setting. Total enrollment for all degrees including nursing programs is 3,921. In-state tuition and fees were $1,978 for the most recent reporting period. …

Nursing Programs: LPN, ASN, LPN-to-RN

  • Tuition Cost $1,978
  • Acceptance Rate Open
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Duke University

307 Trent Drive, Durham, NC 27710
919-684-2813

Duke University is a Private not-for-profit institution with a campus in Durham, North Carolina. The institution is approved to offer nursing programs by the North Carolina Board of Nursing. The Durham, North Carolina campus for Duke University is located in a City setting. Total enrollment for all degrees including nursing programs is 18,023. In-state tuition and fees were $62,688 for the most recent reporting period. …

Nursing Programs: BSN, Accelerated BSN, MSN, Certified Nurse Midwife, Nurse Practitioner

  • Tuition Cost $62,688
  • Room and Board $16,651
  • Acceptance Rate 6%
  • ACT Score 34-35
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Durham Regional Hospital

2828 Croasdaile Dr Suite 200, Durham, NC 27705
919-536-7200

Durham Regional Hospital is a institution with a campus in Durham, North Carolina. The institution is approved to offer nursing programs by the North Carolina Board of Nursing. …

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East Carolina University

Health Sciences Bldg Room 4205, Greenville, NC 27858
252-328-6131

East Carolina University is a Public institution with a campus in Greenville, North Carolina. The institution is approved to offer nursing programs by the North Carolina Board of Nursing. The Greenville, North Carolina campus for East Carolina University is located in a City setting. Total enrollment for all degrees including nursing programs is 27,151. In-state tuition and fees were $7,325 for the most recent reporting period. …

Nursing Programs: BSN, RN-to-BSN, MSN, RN-to-MSN, Accelerated MSN, DNP, DNAP, PhD, Certified Nurse Midwife

  • Tuition Cost $7,325
  • Room and Board $10,816
  • Acceptance Rate 92%
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Fayetteville State University

1200 Murchison Road, Fayetteville, NC 28301
910-672-1111

Fayetteville State University is a Public institution with a campus in Fayetteville, North Carolina. The institution is approved to offer nursing programs by the North Carolina Board of Nursing. The Fayetteville, North Carolina campus for Fayetteville State University is located in a City setting. Total enrollment for all degrees including nursing programs is 6,787. In-state tuition and fees were $3,906 for the most recent reporting period. …

Nursing Programs: BSN, RN-to-BSN

  • Tuition Cost $3,906
  • Room and Board $9,440
  • Acceptance Rate 81%
  • ACT Score 14-19
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Fayetteville Technical Community College

PO Box 35236, Fayetteville, NC 28303
910-678-8400

Fayetteville Technical Community College is a Public institution with a campus in Fayetteville, North Carolina. The institution is approved to offer nursing programs by the North Carolina Board of Nursing. The Fayetteville, North Carolina campus for Fayetteville Technical Community College is located in a City setting. Total enrollment for all degrees including nursing programs is 10,233. In-state tuition and fees were $2,564 for the most recent reporting period. …

Nursing Programs: ASN, LPN-to-RN

  • Tuition Cost $2,564
  • Acceptance Rate Open
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Gardner Webb University

PO Box 997, Boiling Springs, NC 28017
704-406-2361

Gardner Webb University is a Private not-for-profit institution with a campus in Boiling Springs, North Carolina. The institution is approved to offer nursing programs by the North Carolina Board of Nursing. The Boiling Springs, North Carolina campus for Gardner Webb University is located in a Town setting. Total enrollment for all degrees including nursing programs is 3,144. In-state tuition and fees were $32,200 for the most recent reporting period. …

Nursing Programs: ASN, BSN, RN-to-BSN, MSN, RN-to-MSN, Post-MSN, DNP, PhD

  • Tuition Cost $32,200
  • Room and Board $10,770
  • Acceptance Rate 75%
  • ACT Score 20-25
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Lees-McRae College

191 Main Street, Banner Elk, NC 28604
828-898-5241

Lees-McRae College is a Private not-for-profit institution with a campus in Banner Elk, North Carolina. The institution is approved to offer nursing programs by the North Carolina Board of Nursing. The Banner Elk, North Carolina campus for Lees-McRae College is located in a Rural setting. Total enrollment for all degrees including nursing programs is 855. In-state tuition and fees were $28,840 for the most recent reporting period. …

Nursing Programs: RN-to-BSN

  • Tuition Cost $28,840
  • Room and Board $12,200
  • Acceptance Rate 61%
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Lenoir-Rhyne University

625 7th Avenue NE, Hickory, NC 28601
828-328-1741

Lenoir-Rhyne University is a Private not-for-profit institution with a campus in Hickory, North Carolina. The institution is approved to offer nursing programs by the North Carolina Board of Nursing. The Hickory, North Carolina campus for Lenoir-Rhyne University is located in a City setting. Total enrollment for all degrees including nursing programs is 2,354. In-state tuition and fees were $43,000 for the most recent reporting period. …

Nursing Programs: ASN

  • Tuition Cost $43,000
  • Room and Board $12,900
  • Acceptance Rate 83%
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Mitchell Community College

500 W Broad Street, Statesville, NC 28677
704-878-3200

Mitchell Community College is a Public institution with a campus in Statesville, North Carolina. The institution is approved to offer nursing programs by the North Carolina Board of Nursing. The Statesville, North Carolina campus for Mitchell Community College is located in a Suburb setting. Total enrollment for all degrees including nursing programs is 3,456. In-state tuition and fees were $2,651 for the most recent reporting period. …

Nursing Programs: ASN

  • Tuition Cost $2,651
  • Acceptance Rate Open
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North Carolina Agricultural & Technical State University

Noble Hall, 1601 East Market Street, Greensboro, NC 27411
336-334-7500

North Carolina Agricultural & Technical State University is a Public institution with a campus in Greensboro, North Carolina. The institution is approved to offer nursing programs by the North Carolina Board of Nursing. The Greensboro, North Carolina campus for North Carolina Agricultural & Technical State University is located in a City setting. Total enrollment for all degrees including nursing programs is 13,487. In-state tuition and fees were $6,733 for the most recent reporting period. …

Nursing Programs: BSN, RN-to-BSN, Accelerated BSN

  • Tuition Cost $6,733
  • Room and Board $9,179
  • Acceptance Rate 56%
  • ACT Score 17-23
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North Carolina Central University

1801 Fayetteville Street, Durham, NC 27707
919-530-6100

North Carolina Central University is a Public institution with a campus in Durham, North Carolina. The institution is approved to offer nursing programs by the North Carolina Board of Nursing. The Durham, North Carolina campus for North Carolina Central University is located in a City setting. Total enrollment for all degrees including nursing programs is 7,553. In-state tuition and fees were $6,599 for the most recent reporting period. …

Nursing Programs: BSN

  • Tuition Cost $6,599
  • Room and Board $11,864
  • Acceptance Rate 84%
  • ACT Score 15-23
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Queens University of Charlotte

1900 Selwyn Ave, Charlotte, NC 28274
704-337-2200

Queens University of Charlotte is a Private not-for-profit institution with a campus in Charlotte, North Carolina. The institution is approved to offer nursing programs by the North Carolina Board of Nursing. The Charlotte, North Carolina campus for Queens University of Charlotte is located in a City setting. Total enrollment for all degrees including nursing programs is 1,873. In-state tuition and fees were $40,830 for the most recent reporting period. …

Nursing Programs: ASN, BSN, RN-to-BSN, MSN, RN-to-MSN

  • Tuition Cost $40,830
  • Room and Board $14,026
  • Acceptance Rate 71%
  • ACT Score 22-29
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Randolph Community College

629 Industrial Park Drive, Asheboro, NC 27203
336-633-0200

Randolph Community College is a Public institution with a campus in Asheboro, North Carolina. The institution is approved to offer nursing programs by the North Carolina Board of Nursing. The Asheboro, North Carolina campus for Randolph Community College is located in a Town setting. Total enrollment for all degrees including nursing programs is 2,469. In-state tuition and fees were $2,416 for the most recent reporting period. …

Nursing Programs: ASN

  • Tuition Cost $2,416
  • Acceptance Rate Open
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Rowan-Cabarrus Community College

1333 Jake Alexander Blvd S, Salisbury, NC 28146
704-216-7222

Rowan-Cabarrus Community College is a Public institution with a campus in Salisbury, North Carolina. The institution is approved to offer nursing programs by the North Carolina Board of Nursing. The Salisbury, North Carolina campus for Rowan-Cabarrus Community College is located in a Suburb setting. Total enrollment for all degrees including nursing programs is 6,754. In-state tuition and fees were $2,024 for the most recent reporting period. …

Nursing Programs: ASN

  • Tuition Cost $2,024
  • Acceptance Rate Open
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University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

250 E Franklin Street, Chapel Hill, NC 27514
919-962-2211

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill is a Public institution with a campus in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. The institution is approved to offer nursing programs by the North Carolina Board of Nursing. The Chapel Hill, North Carolina campus for University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill is located in a City setting. Total enrollment for all degrees including nursing programs is 31,705. In-state tuition and fees were $8,989 for the most recent reporting period. …

Nursing Programs: BSN, RN-to-BSN, MSN, RN-to-MSN, DNP, PhD

  • Tuition Cost $8,989
  • Room and Board $12,254
  • Acceptance Rate 17%
  • ACT Score 30-34
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University of North Carolina at Charlotte

9201 University City Blvd, Charlotte, NC 28223
704-687-2000

University of North Carolina at Charlotte is a Public institution with a campus in Charlotte, North Carolina. The institution is approved to offer nursing programs by the North Carolina Board of Nursing. The Charlotte, North Carolina campus for University of North Carolina at Charlotte is located in a City setting. Total enrollment for all degrees including nursing programs is 29,551. In-state tuition and fees were $7,214 for the most recent reporting period. …

Nursing Programs: BSN, RN-to-BSN, MSN, RN-to-MSN, Nurse Anesthetist, Nurse Practitioner

  • Tuition Cost $7,214
  • Room and Board $12,896
  • Acceptance Rate 80%
  • ACT Score 20-27
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University of North Carolina at Greensboro

1400 Spring Garden Street, Greensboro, NC 27412
336-334-5000

University of North Carolina at Greensboro is a Public institution with a campus in Greensboro, North Carolina. The institution is approved to offer nursing programs by the North Carolina Board of Nursing. The Greensboro, North Carolina campus for University of North Carolina at Greensboro is located in a City setting. Total enrollment for all degrees including nursing programs is 17,978. In-state tuition and fees were $7,498 for the most recent reporting period. …

Nursing Programs: BSN, RN-to-BSN, Accelerated BSN, Nurse Anesthetist, Nurse Practitioner

  • Tuition Cost $7,498
  • Room and Board $9,924
  • Acceptance Rate 92%
  • ACT Score 22-27
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University of North Carolina at Pembroke

, Pembroke, NC 28372
910-521-6000

University of North Carolina at Pembroke is a Public institution with a campus in Pembroke, North Carolina. The institution is approved to offer nursing programs by the North Carolina Board of Nursing. The Pembroke, North Carolina campus for University of North Carolina at Pembroke is located in a Town setting. Total enrollment for all degrees including nursing programs is 7,666. In-state tuition and fees were $3,495 for the most recent reporting period. …

Nursing Programs: BSN, DNP, PhD

  • Tuition Cost $3,495
  • Room and Board $11,052
  • Acceptance Rate 90%
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University of North Carolina Wilmington

601 S College Road, Wilmington, NC 28403
910-962-3000

University of North Carolina Wilmington is a Public institution with a campus in Wilmington, North Carolina. The institution is approved to offer nursing programs by the North Carolina Board of Nursing. The Wilmington, North Carolina campus for University of North Carolina Wilmington is located in a City setting. Total enrollment for all degrees including nursing programs is 17,843. In-state tuition and fees were $7,238 for the most recent reporting period. …

Nursing Programs: BSN, RN-to-BSN, MSN, RN-to-MSN, Nurse Practitioner

  • Tuition Cost $7,238
  • Room and Board $12,120
  • Acceptance Rate 69%
  • ACT Score 24-29
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Wayne Community College

3000 Wayne Memorial Drive, Goldsboro, NC 27534
919-735-5151

Wayne Community College is a Public institution with a campus in Goldsboro, North Carolina. The institution is approved to offer nursing programs by the North Carolina Board of Nursing. The Goldsboro, North Carolina campus for Wayne Community College is located in a City setting. Total enrollment for all degrees including nursing programs is 2,732. In-state tuition and fees were $2,524 for the most recent reporting period. …

Nursing Programs: LPN, ASN

  • Tuition Cost $2,524
  • Acceptance Rate Open
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Western Carolina University

176 Central Dr, Cullowhee, NC 28723
828-227-7211

Western Carolina University is a Public institution with a campus in Cullowhee, North Carolina. The institution is approved to offer nursing programs by the North Carolina Board of Nursing. The Cullowhee, North Carolina campus for Western Carolina University is located in a Town setting. Total enrollment for all degrees including nursing programs is 11,635. In-state tuition and fees were $4,453 for the most recent reporting period. …

Nursing Programs: BSN

  • Tuition Cost $4,453
  • Room and Board $11,173
  • Acceptance Rate 85%
  • ACT Score 19-26
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Western Piedmont Community College

1001 Burkemont Avenue, Morganton, NC 28655
828-438-6000

Western Piedmont Community College is a Public institution with a campus in Morganton, North Carolina. The institution is approved to offer nursing programs by the North Carolina Board of Nursing. The Morganton, North Carolina campus for Western Piedmont Community College is located in a City setting. Total enrollment for all degrees including nursing programs is 1,749. In-state tuition and fees were $2,641 for the most recent reporting period. …

Nursing Programs: ASN

  • Tuition Cost $2,641
  • Acceptance Rate Open
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How do I become a nurse in North Carolina?

If you want to become a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) in the state of North Carolina, you will need to complete a Practical Nurse training program. Practical Nursing programs generally last 1 to 1.5 years (see chart at the top of this page). Upon completion of your North Carolina practical nursing program, you will have to pass the nationwide NCLEX-PN exam. After you pass the NCLEX-PN exam, you will apply for a Practical Nurse license from the North Carolina Board of Nursing.

If you want to become a Registered Nurse (RN) in the state of North Carolina, you will need to complete a Registered Nurse training program. Registered Nurse programs generally last 2 to 4 years (see chart at the top of this page). Upon completion of your North Carolina registered nursing program, you will have to pass the nationwide NCLEX-RN exam. After you pass the NCLEX-RN exam, you will apply for a Registered Nurse license from the North Carolina Board of Nursing.

Is North Carolina a nursing compact state?

Yes, North Carolina is part of the nursing license compact. North Carolina recently enacted the Nursing Licensure Compact (NLC) agreement, which allows nurses to practice in all but a handful of states. This means that a North Carolina Licensed Practical Nurse or a North Carolina Registered Nurse can now apply for a multi-state nursing license.

How long is nursing school in North Carolina?

The amount of time you spend in a North Carolina nursing school will vary based on the career path you choose. You can become a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) in as little as 6 to 12 weeks. Become a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) in 1 to 1.5 years, a North Carolina Registered Nurse (RN) in 2 to 4 years, or stay in nursing school longer to become a Nurse Practitioner in 6 to 8 years.

Above on this page, we created a chart that summarizes how long nursing school is in North Carolina. That chart includes the number of nurses employed in the state of North Carolina, along with the average wages earned at each education level.

Notice that in the state of North Carolina, far greater numbers are employed as Registered Nurses (RN) compared to Licensed Practical Nurses (LPN). Notice also that a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) in North Carolina earns far more in wages compared to a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA).

Use the nursing program acronyms CNA, LPN, ASN, BSN, MSN, DNP, and PhD to help identify which North Carolina nursing schools offer the length of program you desire.

How much does nursing school in North Carolina cost?

Tuition for a nursing school in North Carolina will cost between $2,000 to $3,000 per year for state residents seeking a two-year Associate degree, an ADN, or ASN, for example. The larger public four-year colleges and universities in North Carolina cost more, between $5,000 to $9,000 per year for state residents seeking their Bachelor Degree in Nursing (BSN).

To help reduce the cost of nursing school in North Carolina, a student can generally take their pre-nursing courses at a smaller two-year college. Then, transfer those credits into the larger four-year college or university of your choice. Each college has its own method of awarding transfer credits for pre-nursing coursework. You will need to plan ahead and question the receiving school before you start your first pre-nursing class.

Is it hard to get into a North Carolina nursing school?

We list the quoted acceptance rate provided by each North Carolina nursing school. A college acceptance rate is calculated by dividing the number of accepted students by the number of total applicants. Reviewing the list of nursing schools in North Carolina provided above, we can see the acceptance rates range from about 6% to 100% or Open. SAT and ACT scores are displayed on each individual nursing school page.

If you are having trouble getting accepted into a North Carolina nursing school due to a below average GPA, SAT, or ACT score, here are two strategies which might help: 1) take your pre-nursing courses at your local community college then reapply later as a transfer student with an above average GPA, and, 2) get your Nursing Assistant or Practical Nurse license to help you gain experience and stand out from other college applicants.

Nursing Schools

Last updated: June 1, 2025

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