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Best Nursing Schools in North Carolina (2026)

North Carolina has 224 nursing programs across 73 cities. 155 programs report NCLEX pass rates, averaging 94%. Below are the top-ranked programs based on NCLEX performance, tuition, and program type.

Search all North Carolina programsAll states
Updated Reviewed by NurseWay Editorial Team
224
Total programs
6
Program types
94%
Avg NCLEX rate
155
With NCLEX data

Top BSN Programs in North Carolina by NCLEX Pass Rate

Ranked by most recent NCLEX-RN first-time pass rate. Data sourced from state boards of nursing.

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University of North Carolina — BSN Program
BSN•Chapel Hill, NC•$48,000
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Top ADN, ABSN, MSN & DNP Programs in North Carolina by NCLEX Pass Rate

Non-BSN programs ranked by most recent NCLEX-RN first-time pass rate.

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Nursing Programs in North Carolina by Type

ADN
59 programs
Avg NCLEX: 95%
View ADN in North Carolina→All states
BSN
34 programs
Avg NCLEX: 93%
View BSN in North Carolina→All states
ABSN
8 programs
Avg NCLEX: 96%
View ABSN in North Carolina→All states
RN to BSN
19 programs
Avg NCLEX: 86%
View RN to BSN in North Carolina→All states
MSN
20 programs
Avg NCLEX: 91%
View MSN in North Carolina→All states
DNP
31 programs
Avg NCLEX: 96%
View DNP in North Carolina→All states

Nursing Programs in North Carolina by City

Drill into city-level rankings. Showing cities with at least 3 programs.

Charlotte (16)Durham (13)Winston-Salem (11)Greensboro (10)Chapel Hill (8)Fayetteville (8)Cullowhee (7)Greenville (7)Wilmington (7)Boiling Springs (5)Hickory (5)Wilson (5)Boone (4)Pembroke (4)Salisbury (4)Concord (3)Dallas (3)Mount Olive (3)Raleigh (3)Rocky Mount (3)

Most Affordable Nursing Schools in North Carolina

Sorted by lowest available tuition figure (total program or annual in-state).

Vance-Granville Community College
Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants. • CERT
$1,956 in / $6,564 out
Vance-Granville Community College
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. • ADN
$1,956 in / $6,564 out
McDowell Technical Community College
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. • ADN
$1,958 in / $6,566 out
McDowell Technical Community College
Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants. • CERT
$1,958 in / $6,566 out
Rockingham Community College
Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants. • CERT
$1,966 in / $6,574 out
Rockingham Community College
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. • ADN
$1,966 in / $6,574 out
Pitt Community College
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. • ADN
$1,972 in / $6,580 out
Davidson-Davie Community College
Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants. • CERT
$1,978 in / $6,586 out
Davidson-Davie Community College
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. • ADN
$1,978 in / $6,586 out
Durham Technical Community College
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. • ADN
$1,986 in / $6,594 out

Frequently Asked Questions

How many nursing schools are in North Carolina?

There are 224 nursing programs in North Carolina, spanning 59 ADN, 34 BSN, 8 ABSN, 19 RN to BSN, 20 MSN, 31 DNP programs.

What is the average NCLEX pass rate in North Carolina?

Based on 155 programs with reported data, the average NCLEX-RN first-time pass rate in North Carolina is 94%. The highest rate is 100% at Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College.

What is the cheapest nursing school in North Carolina?

The most affordable option is Vance-Granville Community College (CERT) at $1,956 in / $6,564 out.

Compare North Carolina with Nearby States

Considering programs across state lines? Browse nursing schools in neighboring states.

Nursing schools in DelawareNursing schools in FloridaNursing schools in GeorgiaNursing schools in MarylandNursing schools in South CarolinaNursing schools in VirginiaNursing schools in West VirginiaNursing schools in California

Helpful Guides for North Carolina Applicants

Background reading on admissions, program length, and costs.

Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) GuideOnline ADN ProgramsBest Online BSN ProgramsEasiest Nursing Schools to Get IntoTop Online RN-to-BSN ProgramsCheap and Fast Online RN-to-BSN Programs
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