healthcare

Best Nursing Schools in North Carolina for 2025

🏥 Top Nursing Schools in North Carolina (2025)

1. University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

NCLEX Pass Rate: 96% (2024 graduates)
In-State Tuition: $7,019
Out-of-State Tuition: $35,580
Graduation Rate: 91%
Programs Offered: BSN, Accelerated BSN, BSN Military Pathway, MSN, DNP, PhD, Graduate CertificateNursing at UNC Nursing Careers Incredible Health

2. Western Carolina University

NCLEX Pass Rate: 100%
In-State Tuition: $7,070
Out-of-State Tuition: $11,070
Graduation Rate: 64%
Programs Offered: BSN, RN to BSN, Accelerated BSN, MSN (Nurse Educator, Nurse Leadership), DNP

3. East Carolina University

NCLEX Pass Rate: 98%
In-State Tuition: $7,325
Out-of-State Tuition: $23,602
Graduation Rate: 67%
Programs Offered: BSN, RN to BSN, Accelerated BSN, MSN, DNP, PhDNCBON+3College of Nursing ECU+3Research.com+3

4. University of North Carolina Wilmington

NCLEX Pass Rate: 91.55% (3-year average: 2022–2024)
In-State Tuition: $4,443
Out-of-State Tuition: $19,063
Graduation Rate: 73%
Programs Offered: BSN, RN to BSN, MSN, DNPU.S. News+8University of North Carolina Wilmington+8NCBON+8

5. University of North Carolina at Charlotte

NCLEX Pass Rate: 100% (December 2024 cohort)
In-State Tuition: $3,812
Out-of-State Tuition: $17,936
Graduation Rate: 66%
Programs Offered: BSN, RN to BSN, MSN, DNPSchool of Nursing

6. Duke University

NCLEX Pass Rate: 99%
Tuition: $26,369 per semester (ABSN program)
Graduation Rate: 96%
Programs Offered: ABSN, MSN, DNP, PhDDuke University School of Nursing+1Duke University School of Nursing+1 Nursing Schools Almanac

7. University of North Carolina at Pembroke

NCLEX Pass Rate: 96% (2023)
In-State Tuition: $1,000
Out-of-State Tuition: $5,000
Graduation Rate: 45%
Programs Offered: BSN, RN to BSN, MSN, RN to MSN, RIBN Program

8. Appalachian State University

NCLEX Pass Rate: 95% (5-year average)
In-State Tuition: $7,950
Out-of-State Tuition: $23,954
Graduation Rate: 74%
Programs Offered: BSN, RN to BSN, MSNDuke University School of Nursing+6Department of Nursing+6assessment.uncg.edu+6 Smart'n Nursing Schools+4Western Carolina University | Home+4Nursing Careers+4

9. University of North Carolina at Greensboro

NCLEX Pass Rate: 85% (2022)
In-State Tuition: $7,406
Out-of-State Tuition: $22,565
Graduation Rate: 57%
Programs Offered: BSN, RN to BSN, MSN, DNP, PhD, Post CertificateNursing Schools Almanac+8Nursing Careers+8My Perfect Words+8 Incredible Health

10. Queens University of Charlotte

NCLEX Pass Rate: 93%
Tuition: $832 per credit hour (Traditional BSN)
Graduation Rate: 54%
Programs Offered: BSN, Accelerated BSN, RN to BSN, MSNU.S. News+4Nurse.org+4Queens University of Charlotte -+4

🎓 Selecting the Right Nursing Program

When choosing a nursing program in North Carolina, consider the following factors:

Location: Determine whether you prefer an urban or rural setting, proximity to clinical sites, and availability of online or hybrid courses.
Tuition and Financial Aid: Evaluate the cost of attendance and explore scholarships, grants, and loan forgiveness programs to minimize debt.
NCLEX Pass Rates: High pass rates often indicate strong academic support and effective preparation for licensure exams.
Program Offerings: Ensure the school offers the specific degree or specialization you seek, whether it's a BSN, MSN, DNP, or PhD.
Graduation Rates: Higher graduation rates can reflect student satisfaction and institutional support.

🚀 Next Steps

Embarking on a nursing career in North Carolina offers numerous opportunities across various healthcare settings. After selecting a program that aligns with your goals, prepare your application materials, seek financial aid, and connect with admissions advisors for guidance.

For assistance in exploring nursing job opportunities post-graduation, visit GoodWork World.