Best Nursing Schools in North Carolina: Rankings, Costs and Pass Rates

North Carolina has many solid nursing school options.

That is good news.

It also makes the decision harder.

A big-name school is not automatically the best fit. A low-cost ADN program is not automatically the weaker choice. A private university may offer strong clinical access, but the cost can change your financial picture for years.

You need a school that fits your timeline, budget, learning style, and career goals.

You also need a program that prepares students to pass the NCLEX-RN.

How we ranked North Carolina nursing schools

This guide uses NurseZee's own ranking system.

We focused on measurable factors that matter to nursing students.

We did not rank schools by popularity.

We did not rank schools by brand name alone.

We looked at:

• 2025 NCLEX-RN first-time pass results
• Candidate volume
• North Carolina Board of Nursing approval
• Accreditation status where available
• Public vs private cost
• Clinical access
• Program pathway options
• Fit for traditional students, second-degree students, working adults, and transfer students
• Regional job access
• Long-term nursing career flexibility

Important note about 2025 NCLEX data

North Carolina Board of Nursing publishes NCLEX pass-rate reports by year-to-date quarter and annual summaries.

At the time this guide was prepared, the key 2025 RN report available on the Board's NCLEX pass-rate page covered January 1, 2025 through September 30, 2025.

That is useful data, but it is not the same as a final full-year annual report.

Use the numbers in this guide as a strong snapshot, not the only deciding factor.

What counts as a good NCLEX pass rate?

For a North Carolina RN program, a good NCLEX pass rate is usually one that is consistently above the state and national average.

A single year above 90% is encouraging.

A multi-year trend above 90% is stronger.

A rate above 95% with a meaningful number of test takers is especially strong.

But do not stop there.

Ask these questions:

• How many graduates tested?
• Was the pass rate strong for one year or several years?
• Did the program recently change curriculum, leadership, or admission standards?
• Does the school support students before they fail?
• Are remediation resources built into the curriculum?
• Do students get enough clinical practice?
• Is the program approved by the North Carolina Board of Nursing?

North Carolina nursing school ranking snapshot

This table summarizes our working picks.

NCLEX percentages are rounded and should be verified against the latest Board report before applying.

1. University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Nursing

UNC Chapel Hill is our top North Carolina pick because it combines strong NCLEX performance, public university value, academic medical center access, and multiple pre-licensure options.

It is not the easiest admit.

That is part of the point.

Selective admissions, strong prerequisites, and a rigorous upper-division curriculum can help support strong outcomes.

Programs to know

UNC Chapel Hill offers:

• Traditional BSN
• Accelerated BSN for students who already have a bachelor's degree
• Graduate nursing pathways
• Military pathway options, depending on current admissions offerings

Why it stands out

UNC Chapel Hill stands out for students who want a public university nursing education connected to a major academic health system.

That can matter if you want exposure to:

• Complex acute care
• Specialty services
• Research-informed practice
• Interprofessional education
• Public health and community care
• Graduate nursing pathways later

NCLEX and outcomes

The 2025 year-to-date NCLEX-RN report showed UNC Chapel Hill with a strong first-time pass-rate snapshot, about 96% based on the reported January through September 2025 data.

That is a strong result for a program with meaningful candidate volume.

Cost and value

For North Carolina residents, UNC Chapel Hill can offer a strong value compared with private nursing schools.

But nursing school costs include more than tuition.

Budget for:

• Tuition and university fees
• Nursing program fees
• Books and digital resources
• Clinical supplies
• Background check and drug screen
• Immunizations and health records
• CPR/BLS certification
• Transportation to clinical sites
• Parking
• Housing
• Lost work hours during clinical semesters

2. Appalachian State University Department of Nursing

Appalachian State is one of the strongest options in the state for students who want a public BSN in a smaller university environment.

It is especially appealing if you want a nursing school experience outside the state's largest metro areas.

Programs to know

App State offers nursing pathways that may include:

• Pre-licensure BSN
• RN-to-BSN
• Graduate or post-licensure nursing options, depending on current offerings

Always verify the exact current program list before applying.

Why it stands out

App State stands out for students who want:

• A public university setting
• Smaller-community feel
• Faculty access
• Regional clinical placements
• Western North Carolina practice exposure
• A strong BSN route without choosing a large urban campus

NCLEX and outcomes

The 2025 year-to-date NCLEX-RN snapshot for App State was very strong, around 98% in the Board data we reviewed.

That makes it one of the most impressive public BSN performers in the available 2025 snapshot.

Cost and value

As a public university, App State may be a strong value for North Carolina residents.

The biggest practical cost question is not only tuition.

It is location.

Ask yourself:

• Can you relocate to Boone?
• Can you afford housing near campus?
• How far are clinical sites?
• Will winter travel affect your commute?
• Can you work during upper-division nursing semesters?

3. UNC Charlotte School of Nursing

UNC Charlotte is a strong choice for students who want a public BSN pathway in North Carolina's largest city.

Charlotte gives nursing students access to large hospital systems, specialty units, outpatient networks, and a fast-growing healthcare job market.

Programs to know

UNC Charlotte offers nursing pathways that may include:

• Traditional BSN
• Accelerated BSN option
• RN-to-BSN
• Graduate nursing options

Check the current School of Nursing site for admission cycles, prerequisite rules, and program costs.

Why it stands out

UNC Charlotte is strong because of location.

Students may have access to clinical and employment networks connected to:

• Atrium Health
• Novant Health
• Specialty clinics
• Community health settings
• Rehabilitation and long-term care facilities
• Urban and suburban patient populations

NCLEX and outcomes

The 2025 year-to-date NCLEX-RN snapshot showed UNC Charlotte at about 97% in the Board data reviewed.

That is a strong pass-rate signal.

It is also useful because UNC Charlotte serves a major metro workforce pipeline.

Cost and value

UNC Charlotte may be a strong value for in-state students compared with private alternatives in the Charlotte market.

But living costs in Charlotte can be higher than in smaller North Carolina cities.

Do not compare tuition only.

Compare:

• Tuition and fees
• Housing
• Parking
• Commuting time
• Clinical commute distance
• Ability to keep a part-time job
• Scholarship options
• Whether you can live with family

4. East Carolina University College of Nursing

East Carolina University is one of the strongest public nursing options for students who want to serve eastern North Carolina.

ECU has a broad healthcare mission and a strong regional role.

That matters in a state where rural access and workforce needs are major issues.

Programs to know

ECU offers nursing pathways that may include:

• Traditional BSN
• Accelerated second-degree BSN
• RN-to-BSN
• MSN pathways
• DNP pathways
• PhD or research-focused options, depending on current catalog offerings

Why it stands out

ECU stands out for students interested in:

• Rural health
• Eastern NC healthcare needs
• Public university value
• Regional hospital systems
• Community-based nursing
• Graduate nursing pathways later

NCLEX and outcomes

The 2025 year-to-date NCLEX-RN snapshot placed ECU around 96% in the available Board report.

That is a strong signal, especially for a public program serving a large region.

Cost and value

ECU can be a strong value for North Carolina residents.

It may be especially attractive if you plan to work in eastern North Carolina after graduation.

A school close to your target job market can help with:

• Clinical networking
• Senior practicum placement
• Faculty recommendations
• Nurse residency connections
• Familiarity with regional employers

5. Duke University School of Nursing

Duke is different from many schools on this list.

It is a major private nursing school with strong graduate education, research, and health-system connections.

But prospective pre-licensure students need to read the current program details carefully.

Duke announced that its ABSN program is ending in Spring 2026 and that students interested in pre-licensure study should consider its Master of Nursing pathway.

That changes how applicants should evaluate Duke.

Programs to know

Depending on the current admissions cycle, Duke may offer:

• Master of Nursing entry pathway
• MSN specialties
• DNP pathways
• PhD pathways
• Other graduate nursing options

If you are looking for a traditional first-degree BSN, Duke is not the same type of option as UNC Chapel Hill, UNC Charlotte, ECU, or App State.

Why it stands out

Duke stands out for:

• Major academic medical center access
• Graduate nursing depth
• Research environment
• Specialty exposure
• Leadership and advanced-practice pathways
• Students with a prior bachelor's degree considering a graduate-entry pathway

NCLEX and outcomes

The 2025 year-to-date NCLEX-RN report showed Duke's reported accelerated BSN cohort at about 91%.

That is above a common 90% benchmark, but it is lower than some public BSN programs in the 2025 snapshot.

Because Duke is changing its pre-licensure structure, applicants should focus on the current pathway, not historical assumptions.

Cost and value

Duke is a high-cost private option.

That does not make it wrong.

It means you need a serious financial plan.

Before applying, ask:

• What is the full tuition for the current pre-licensure pathway?
• How many semesters are required?
• What fees are not included in tuition?
• How much can you borrow?
• What is the expected monthly loan payment?
• Will you still need a separate BSN later?
• Does the degree match your state licensure and career goals?

6. UNC Greensboro School of Nursing

UNC Greensboro is a strong public option in the Triad.

It has a long nursing education history and can be a good fit for students who want a large public university without moving to Raleigh-Durham, Charlotte, or the coast.

Programs to know

UNC Greensboro may offer:

• Traditional BSN
• RN-to-BSN
• Graduate nursing pathways
• Military or veteran-focused nursing pathways, depending on current offerings

Why it stands out

UNCG stands out for students who want:

• Public university cost structure
• Triad clinical access
• A diverse student body
• Simulation and skills development
• Graduate nursing options later

NCLEX and outcomes

The 2025 year-to-date NCLEX-RN snapshot placed UNCG around the 90% range in the available Board report.

That is worth noting.

It is still a viable option, but students should review multi-year trends and ask the school how it supports students before NCLEX.

Cost and value

UNCG can be a strong value for in-state students.

Its Triad location may also work well for students targeting Greensboro, High Point, Winston-Salem, or nearby regional systems.

7. UNC Wilmington School of Nursing

UNC Wilmington is an important public nursing option for coastal North Carolina.

It may be especially attractive if you live near Wilmington or want clinical experience in coastal and community settings.

Programs to know

UNC Wilmington may offer:

• Pre-licensure BSN
• RN-to-BSN
• Graduate nursing pathways

Check the current catalog and Board approval status before applying.

Why it stands out

UNCW stands out for students who want:

• A public university in southeastern North Carolina
• Coastal community health exposure
• A BSN pathway outside the state's largest inland metros
• Potential RN-to-BSN and graduate pathway continuity

NCLEX and outcomes

The 2025 year-to-date snapshot placed UNCW near the 90% range in the available Board data.

That is a reasonable result, but students should compare recent multi-year performance before choosing.

Cost and value

UNCW can be a good value for in-state students, but Wilmington living costs can be a factor.

Build a full budget, not just a tuition estimate.

8. Western Carolina University School of Nursing

Western Carolina University is a public option for students in western North Carolina.

It can be especially useful for students who want to stay closer to the mountains, Asheville area, or regional healthcare systems.

Programs to know

Western Carolina may offer:

• Pre-licensure BSN
• Accelerated BSN or second-degree options, depending on current offerings
• RN-to-BSN
• Graduate nursing options

Why it stands out

Western Carolina can be a strong fit for students who want:

• Public university value
• Western NC location
• Regional clinical experiences
• A pathway that supports rural and community care exposure

NCLEX and outcomes

Check the current North Carolina Board of Nursing pass-rate report before applying.

Do not rely on one year only.

Compare at least three years of results if possible.

Cost and value

Western Carolina may be a strong value for in-state students, especially those who can reduce housing or commute costs.

9. North Carolina A&T State University School of Nursing

North Carolina A&T is an important HBCU nursing pathway in Greensboro.

For some students, mission and campus culture matter as much as statistics.

That is valid.

Programs to know

North Carolina A&T may offer:

• Traditional BSN
• Other nursing or health-related pathways depending on current catalog offerings

Why it stands out

North Carolina A&T stands out for students who want:

• HBCU experience
• Greensboro-area clinical access
• Public university cost structure
• A campus community with strong identity and history

NCLEX and outcomes

Check the latest North Carolina Board of Nursing reports for current pass-rate trends.

If a school has a lower or fluctuating pass rate in one reporting period, ask direct questions about remediation, curriculum updates, and NCLEX support.

Cost and value

As a public university, North Carolina A&T may be more affordable for in-state students than many private options.

But still compare total cost.

10. Winston-Salem State University Division of Nursing

Winston-Salem State University is another important HBCU nursing option in North Carolina.

It has a regional role in preparing nurses for the Triad and surrounding communities.

Programs to know

WSSU may offer:

• BSN
• RN-to-BSN
• Graduate or post-licensure nursing options, depending on current offerings

Why it stands out

WSSU stands out for students who want:

• HBCU nursing education
• Winston-Salem clinical access
• Public university value
• A pathway connected to regional workforce needs

NCLEX and outcomes

Review the most current Board report before applying.

Look at the trend, not only the newest number.

If the NCLEX trend is uneven, ask:

What changed in the curriculum?
What NCLEX support is required before graduation?
How early do you identify at-risk students?
What percentage of students graduate on time?
What support is available after a failed predictor exam?

Best ADN nursing programs in North Carolina

Do not ignore ADN programs.

North Carolina has a strong community college system.

For many students, an ADN is the most realistic and financially smart way to become an RN.

Then you can complete an RN-to-BSN later.

That route can be especially useful if you need to work sooner.

Why ADN programs are worth considering

An ADN can be a strong choice if you want:

• Lower tuition
• A shorter route to RN licensure
• Local clinical placements
• A realistic commute
• Smaller class sizes in some programs
• A path into RN-to-BSN later

The tradeoff is that some hospitals prefer or require BSN completion within a certain time after hire.

That does not make the ADN route bad.

It means you need a plan.

ADN programs that deserve attention

Based on North Carolina Board of Nursing 2025 year-to-date data and local value, several community college programs deserve close review.

Examples include:

• Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College
• Blue Ridge Community College
• Brunswick Community College
• Cabarrus College of Health Sciences
• Central Piedmont Community College
• Guilford Technical Community College
• Randolph Community College
• Sandhills Community College
• Wake Technical Community College
• Forsyth Technical Community College

This is not a complete list.

It is a starting point.

Community college pass rates can be strong, but some cohorts are small.

Always check candidate volume.

ADN vs BSN in North Carolina

Both ADN and BSN graduates can become RNs after meeting licensure requirements and passing NCLEX-RN.

The difference is career flexibility.

ADN may be better if you need:

• Lower upfront cost
• A local program
• Faster entry into the RN workforce
• A flexible route while working
• A stepping stone to RN-to-BSN

BSN may be better if you want:

• More direct access to major hospital new grad roles
• A stronger path to leadership
• A foundation for graduate school
• Public health and research coursework
• Magnet hospital competitiveness
• More mobility across competitive markets

Public vs private nursing schools in North Carolina

North Carolina gives students a wide range of cost choices.

Public universities and community colleges can be much cheaper for residents.

Private schools may offer strong clinical connections, smaller cohorts, or accelerated pathways, but the debt can be much higher.

Cost comparison: what to expect

Exact costs change every year.

Use this as a planning framework.

North Carolina community college tuition note

North Carolina community college tuition is set at the state level.

For 2025-2026, North Carolina Community Colleges listed curriculum tuition at $76 per credit hour for residents, up to a full-time semester cap, with a higher nonresident rate.

That makes the ADN route financially attractive for many students.

But tuition is not total cost.

You still need to budget for:

• Fees
• Books
• ATI/HESI/Kaplan resources
• Uniforms
• Skills supplies
• Background checks
• Drug screens
• Immunizations
• CPR/BLS
• Travel to clinicals
• Childcare
• Reduced work hours

Clinical sites matter more than students think

A nursing program can look good online and still be a bad fit for you clinically.

Ask where students actually rotate.

Do not assume.

Important clinical questions:

Which hospitals do students use for med-surg?
Where do students complete OB and pediatrics?
Are mental health clinicals in person, simulation, or hybrid?
How far do students travel for clinical?
Are weekend or evening clinicals possible?
Do students get a senior practicum or capstone placement?
Can students request specialty areas?
How are clinical placements assigned?

Major North Carolina clinical markets

North Carolina nursing students may train and work in several strong healthcare markets.

Raleigh-Durham-Chapel Hill

This area includes major academic and community systems.

It can be strong for students interested in:

• Academic medical centers
• Research settings
• Specialty services
• Pediatrics
• Oncology
• Transplant
• ICU and emergency care

Charlotte

Charlotte is a major hospital and outpatient market.

It can be strong for students interested in:

• Large hospital systems
• Urban acute care
• Cardiac care
• Emergency nursing
• Women's health
• Specialty clinics
• Nurse residency programs

Triad

Greensboro, Winston-Salem, and High Point offer a mix of major systems, community hospitals, and outpatient care.

This region can be strong for students who want:

• Regional clinical access
• Public university options
• HBCU nursing pathways
• Community and acute care mix

Eastern North Carolina

Eastern NC offers important opportunities in rural health, community care, and regional hospital systems.

Students interested in underserved communities should pay close attention to ECU and eastern community college options.

Western North Carolina

Western NC needs nurses in hospitals, clinics, rural communities, long-term care, and emergency response settings.

Students who want to practice in mountain communities should review App State, Western Carolina, Asheville-Buncombe Tech, Blue Ridge, and nearby options.

How to choose the best nursing school in North Carolina

Use the ranking as a starting point.

Then make your own short list.

Step 1: Confirm Board approval

Do not apply to a pre-licensure RN program unless it is approved by the North Carolina Board of Nursing or the appropriate board in the state where the program is located.

Approval matters because graduates need to be eligible for NCLEX-RN.

Step 2: Check accreditation

Look for programmatic accreditation from:

• ACEN
• CCNE

Accreditation can affect:

• Transfer credits
• RN-to-BSN options
• Graduate school eligibility
• Employer confidence
• Financial aid eligibility, depending on the institution and program

Step 3: Compare NCLEX trends

Do not use one year only.

Use:

• Latest year-to-date pass rate
• Most recent full-year pass rate
• Three-year pass-rate trend
• Candidate volume
• Any Board warnings or approval issues

Step 4: Calculate full cost

Do not compare sticker tuition only.

Use this template:

School:
Program type:
Tuition:
Fees:
Books/resources:
Uniforms/supplies:
Testing package:
Background check/drug screen:
Health requirements:
Transportation:
Parking:
Housing:
Childcare:
Lost work hours:
Estimated total cost:
Expected loans:
Expected monthly payment:

Step 5: Match school to your life

A strong program can still be wrong for you.

Be honest about:

• Commute
• Work schedule
• Childcare
• Support system
• Learning style
• Need for tutoring
• Test anxiety
• Ability to relocate
• Financial stress
• Clinical travel

Nursing school is intense.

Fit matters.

North Carolina RN licensure requirements

The basic path to becoming an RN in North Carolina is straightforward.

Step 1: Graduate from an approved RN program

This can be an ADN or BSN program that meets Board requirements.

Step 2: Apply to the North Carolina Board of Nursing

You will need to follow the current NCBON licensure-by-examination process.

Expect to complete identity, education, and background-related steps.

Step 3: Register for NCLEX-RN with Pearson VUE

The NCLEX is administered through Pearson VUE.

Do not wait until the last minute to understand your application and testing steps.

Step 4: Receive authorization to test

You need authorization before you can schedule the NCLEX.

Step 5: Pass NCLEX-RN

After passing and meeting Board requirements, you can receive RN licensure.

Step 6: Understand compact license rules

North Carolina participates in the Nurse Licensure Compact.

If North Carolina is your primary state of legal residence and you meet uniform licensure requirements, you may be eligible for a multistate license.

That can let you practice in other compact states without applying for separate single-state licenses.

What salary can North Carolina nurses expect?

Nursing school choice should not be based only on salary.

But salary matters when you are comparing debt.

BLS May 2025 OEWS data listed North Carolina registered nurses with an annual mean wage of about $86,270.

That is a statewide mean.

It is not a new-grad guarantee.

Actual pay depends on:

• City
• Hospital system
• Shift differentials
• Specialty
• Experience
• Education level
• Union or nonunion environment
• Weekend requirements
• Float pool or internal agency roles
• Overtime
• Benefits

Higher-pay areas in North Carolina

Pay may be stronger in larger markets such as:

• Charlotte
• Raleigh
• Durham
• Chapel Hill
• Winston-Salem
• Greensboro

But higher-cost areas can reduce the real advantage.

Compare take-home pay with rent, commute, parking, childcare, and loan payments.

How salary should affect school choice

Use salary to answer this question:

Will this program's total cost still make sense if I earn an average new-grad RN wage in my target city?

Do not assume you will start in ICU, ED, labor and delivery, or travel nursing.

Build your budget around a realistic first RN job.

For job-search strategy, review NurseZee's first nursing job after graduation guide.

Questions to ask every nursing school

Before you apply, ask direct questions.

NCLEX questions

What was your most recent NCLEX-RN first-time pass rate?
What was your three-year pass-rate trend?
How many students tested?
What NCLEX predictor exam do you use?
What happens if a student does not meet the benchmark?
Do students get remediation before graduation?

Clinical questions

Where are clinical rotations?
How far can students be assigned from campus?
Are clinicals days, evenings, or weekends?
Do students get a senior practicum?
Can students rank specialty preferences?
How much simulation replaces in-person clinical?

Cost questions

What is the full program cost from admission to graduation?
What fees are not included in tuition?
Are ATI, HESI, or Kaplan fees included?
Are uniforms and supplies included?
What scholarships are available for nursing students?
Can students work during the program?

Support questions

What tutoring is available?
How do faculty identify students who are at risk?
What is the program's retention rate?
What percentage of admitted students graduate on time?
What support is available for test anxiety?
How accessible are faculty outside class?

Red flags when choosing a nursing school

Be cautious if a program:

• Does not clearly state Board approval status
• Has poor or declining NCLEX trends
• Has a very low graduation rate
• Gives vague answers about clinical placements
• Requires students to find their own clinical placements for pre-licensure RN study
• Has unclear fees
• Uses pressure-based admissions tactics
• Cannot explain remediation support
• Has frequent faculty turnover
• Is not transparent about accreditation

Best nursing school by student goal

Best for a traditional public BSN

Consider:

• UNC Chapel Hill
• App State
• UNC Charlotte
• ECU
• UNCG
• UNCW
• Western Carolina

Best for a second-degree student

Consider:

• UNC Chapel Hill ABSN
• ECU accelerated option
• UNC Charlotte accelerated option
• Duke Master of Nursing pathway
• Other approved ABSN or direct-entry options after checking current Board status

For a deeper comparison, see NurseZee's accelerated BSN programs guide and direct-entry MSN programs guide.

Best for low debt

Consider:

• A strong community college ADN
• Public university BSN after transfer
• Employer-supported RN-to-BSN later

For more on bridge options, see NurseZee's RN to BSN programs guide.

Best for students who need to work sooner

Consider:

• ADN program
• Evening/weekend options, if available
• Part-time prerequisites before nursing admission
• RN-to-BSN after licensure

Best for major hospital access

Consider schools with clinical access near:

• UNC Health
• Duke Health
• Atrium Health
• Novant Health
• ECU Health
• Cone Health
• WakeMed
• Mission Health

Do not assume a school guarantees a clinical placement at a specific hospital.

Ask.

North Carolina nursing school application tips

Start prerequisites early

Common prerequisites include:

• Anatomy and physiology I and II
• Microbiology
• Chemistry
• Statistics or college algebra
• English composition
• Psychology
• Lifespan development
• Nutrition

For a detailed checklist, see NurseZee's nursing school prerequisites guide.

Protect your science GPA

Nursing admissions committees often weigh science grades heavily.

Do not overload yourself with too many lab sciences at once if you can avoid it.

A realistic plan beats a rushed plan with weak grades.

Prepare for TEAS or HESI if required

Not every North Carolina program uses the same entrance exam.

Some require TEAS.

Some require HESI A2.

Some do not require either.

Always check your target program.

For exam comparison, review NurseZee's TEAS vs HESI guide.

Apply to more than one program

Even strong applicants get rejected from nursing school.

Capacity is limited.

Clinical placements are limited.

Faculty availability is limited.

Build a balanced school list:

1 reach program
2 realistic programs
1 lower-cost backup
1 alternate pathway, such as ADN or ABSN

Do not ignore commute

A long commute can hurt your grades, sleep, and clinical performance.

Before choosing a school, map:

• Class commute
• Lab commute
• Clinical commute
• Parking time
• Morning traffic
• Childcare drop-off
• Bad-weather routes

Frequently asked questions about nursing schools in North Carolina

What is the best nursing school in North Carolina?

Our top pick is UNC Chapel Hill because it combines strong 2025 NCLEX performance, public university value, academic health-system access, and multiple nursing pathways. App State, UNC Charlotte, ECU, Duke, and UNCG also stand out for different types of students.

What North Carolina nursing school has the best NCLEX pass rate?

It depends on the reporting period and candidate volume. In the 2025 year-to-date snapshot reviewed for this guide, several programs had pass rates around the mid-to-high 90s. Smaller programs may post 100% rates, but you should always check how many graduates tested.

Is Duke one of the best nursing schools in North Carolina?

Duke is a strong nursing school, especially for graduate education and students seeking a private academic medical center environment. But prospective pre-licensure students need to check the current pathway carefully because Duke's ABSN program is ending and the school points applicants toward its Master of Nursing route.

Is UNC Chapel Hill nursing hard to get into?

Yes. UNC Chapel Hill nursing is selective. Applicants should expect strong prerequisite grades, a competitive science GPA, polished application materials, and clear evidence of readiness for nursing school.

Are North Carolina community college ADN programs good?

Many are strong options, especially for students who want lower debt and a faster path to RN licensure. Some ADN programs post excellent NCLEX results. The key is to check Board approval, pass-rate trends, clinical placements, and transfer agreements for RN-to-BSN completion.

Is an ADN enough to become an RN in North Carolina?

Yes. Graduates of approved ADN programs can be eligible to take the NCLEX-RN and become licensed RNs after meeting Board requirements. Some hospitals may prefer BSN-prepared nurses or require ADN hires to complete a BSN later.

Should I choose ADN or BSN in North Carolina?

Choose ADN if you need a lower-cost, faster route to RN licensure. Choose BSN if you want broader career flexibility, stronger access to some hospital roles, and a more direct path to graduate school. Many students choose ADN first, then complete RN-to-BSN while working.

What is the cheapest way to become an RN in North Carolina?

For many students, the cheapest route is a North Carolina community college ADN program followed by an employer-supported RN-to-BSN program. This depends on residency, scholarships, fees, commute, and how much you can work while in school.

How much do nurses make in North Carolina?

BLS May 2025 OEWS data listed North Carolina RNs with an annual mean wage of about $86,270. New-grad pay may be lower or higher depending on location, shift, specialty, and employer.

Does North Carolina participate in the Nurse Licensure Compact?

Yes. North Carolina is part of the Nurse Licensure Compact. Nurses whose primary state of legal residence is North Carolina and who meet compact requirements may be eligible for a multistate license.

Can I work in Charlotte if I go to nursing school in Greenville, Boone, or Chapel Hill?

Yes, if you become licensed as an RN and meet employer requirements. But local clinical rotations can help with networking. If you know you want to work in Charlotte, a Charlotte-area school may give you more direct exposure to local systems.

Can I work in North Carolina if I attend nursing school in another state?

Possibly. You must meet North Carolina Board of Nursing requirements for licensure or endorsement. If you attend an out-of-state program, verify Board approval, accreditation, clinical requirements, and NCLEX eligibility before enrolling.

What should I look for besides NCLEX pass rates?

Look at cost, accreditation, Board approval, graduation rate, retention, clinical placement quality, faculty support, class schedule, commute, student outcomes, and whether the program fits your life.

Is a private nursing school worth it in North Carolina?

It can be, but only if the outcome justifies the cost. Compare total tuition, fees, interest, scholarships, NCLEX outcomes, clinical access, and expected starting pay. A high-cost private program is not automatically better than a strong public or community college program.

How early should I start preparing for nursing school applications?

Start 12 to 18 months before your target start date. Prerequisites, entrance exams, transcripts, references, immunizations, and deadlines can take longer than expected.

Final thoughts

The best nursing school in North Carolina is not the same for every student.

UNC Chapel Hill may be the best fit for one student.

A community college ADN may be the smartest move for another.

Duke may be right for a second-degree student who wants a graduate-entry pathway and can manage the cost.

UNC Charlotte may be the best choice for someone targeting the Charlotte job market.

ECU may be ideal for a student committed to eastern North Carolina.

Start with outcomes.

Then look at cost.

Then look at fit.

Your goal is not to attend the most famous nursing school.

Your goal is to graduate, pass NCLEX, become a safe nurse, and start your career without taking on more debt than your first RN job can support.