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Wake Forest University vs University of North Carolina

MSN programs compared — side-by-side on NCLEX pass rates, tuition, admissions, and format.

Updated Reviewed by NurseWay Editorial Team

At a glance

Lower tuition
Wake Forest University
$39,350 vs $48,000
Faster to complete
Wake Forest University
24 months vs 48 months
Easier to get into
Wake Forest University
21.6% vs 14.0% acceptance

Side-by-side details

Best value in each row is highlighted.

Wake Forest University
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing.
University of North Carolina
Clinical Nurse Leader (MSN)
Program typeMSNMSN
Formatin personin person
LocationWinston-Salem, NCPembroke, NC
Length24 monthsBEST48 months
NCLEX pass rate97%
Acceptance rate21.6%BEST14.0%
Avg accepted GPA3.7
Min GPA
Entrance examTEAS
Total tuition$39,350BEST$48,000
In-state tuition$39,350
Out-of-state tuition$39,350
Clinical placementarranged
AccreditationSCORECARD_BASELINECCNE

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is cheaper, Wake Forest University or University of North Carolina?

Wake Forest University is the more affordable option at roughly $39,350, compared to $48,000. Factor in residency status, financial aid, and program length when deciding — total cost matters more than annual tuition.

Are Wake Forest University and University of North Carolina the same type of program?

Both are MSN programs, so they award the same credential. Compare them on NCLEX pass rate, tuition, length, and location to find the better fit.

How do I decide between Wake Forest University and University of North Carolina?

Start by ruling out programs you can't get into (compare your GPA against each school's admissions stats), then weight what matters most — NCLEX pass rate for quality, total tuition for cost, length for time-to-degree, and format (online, hybrid, in-person) for lifestyle. Use NurseWay's free intake to get a personalized fit score for both.

Want a personalized fit score?

Take the free 3-minute intake and we'll rank both programs against your GPA, location preferences, and budget.