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Best Nursing Bachelor's Degree Schools in the Southeast Region

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2023 Best Nursing Bachelor's Degree Schools in the Southeast Region

248 Schools Ranked
$15,662 Avg Tuition & Fees*
$23,511 Avg Student Debt

With all the nursing programs available today, it can be tough to choose which one is the best for you. Along with traditional schools that require in-person attendence, you can attend one of many reputable online schools. Some programs even offer a hybrid experience. Also, there are a number of trade schools and bootcamp with offerings that you might find attractive.

To help you arm yourself with the information you need to make your decision, Nursing Degree Search has developed this Best Nursing Bachelor's Degree Schools in the Southeast Region ranking. Our analysis looked at 248 schools in the Southeast Region to see which bachelor's degree programs offered the best educational experiences for nursing students. The factors used to develop this ranking include those related to how in-demand the school us, the overall quality of the school, and post-graduation wages, and more.

View our full ranking methodology.

Top Nursing Bachelor's Degree Schools in the Southeast Region of the U.S.

Learn more about these excellent schools below:

#1

Duke University

Durham, North Carolina
2,312 Total Awards
$62,688 Average Tuition & Fees
$17,816 Avg Student Debt

Our analysis found Duke University to be the best school for nursing students who want to pursue a bachelor’s degree in the Southeast Region . Duke University is a fairly large private not-for-profit school located in Durham, North Carolina that handed out 2,312 bachelor’s degrees in 2021-2022.

The average tuition and fees at Duke is $62,688. In-state students do not receive a discount, however you may be able to reduce your price if you receive financial aid. On average, bachelor’s degree students take out $17,816 in loans while pursuing their degree.

Online courses are available at Duke, but you will need to check with the school to see if they are available for your field of interest. To give an idea of how popular online courses are at the school, 13% of undergraduates took at least one course online in 2020-2021.

Read More…

#2

University of Virginia - Main Campus

Charlottesville, Virginia
5,483 Total Awards
$21,425 Average Tuition & Fees
$16,901 Avg Student Debt

The excellent bachelor’s degree programs at University of Virginia - Main Campus helped the school earn the #2 place on this year’s ranking of the best nursing schools in the Southeast Region . University of Virginia is a public institution located in Charlottesville, Virginia. The school has a large population, and it awarded 5,483 bachelor’s degrees in 2021-2022.

The average in-state tuition and fees for students at University of Virginia is $21,425. Out-of-state students pay an average of $57,374. Bachelor’s Degree recipients from University of Virginia accumulate an average of $16,901 in student debt by the time they complete their degree.

University of Virginia does offer online classes for certain degree levels. During the 2020-2021 year, about 22% of the undergraduates at the school took at least one online course.

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#3

University of Florida

Gainesville, Florida
10,063 Total Awards
$6,381 Average Tuition & Fees
$16,884 Avg Student Debt

You’ll join some of the best and brightest minds around you if you attend University of Florida. The school came in at #3 on this year’s Best Nursing Bachelor’s Degree Schools in the Southeast Region list. UF is a public institution located in Gainesville, Florida. The school has a large population, and it awarded 10,063 bachelor’s degrees in 2021-2022.

Full-time students from Florida pay an average of $6,381 in tuition and fees if they choose to attend UF. If you are from out of state, expect to pay an average of $28,659. On average, bachelor’s degree students take out $16,884 in loans while pursuing their degree.

Some students may be able to take online classes at UF. Of all the undergraduates enrolled at the school during the 2020-2021 academic year, around 63% took at least some of their classes online.

Full University of Florida Report

#4

Emory University

Atlanta, Georgia
2,663 Total Awards
$57,948 Average Tuition & Fees
$18,314 Avg Student Debt

Out of the 248 schools in the Southeast Region that were part of this year’s ranking, Emory University landed the # 4 spot on the list. Emory is a fairly large private not-for-profit school situated in Atlanta, Georgia. It awarded 2,663 bachelor’s degrees in 2021-2022.

If you don’t receive financial aid, you can expect a bill for $57,948 to cover tuition and fees at Emory. The school does not offer an in-state discount. On average, bachelor’s degree students take out $18,314 in loans while pursuing their degree.

Depending on your major, you may be able to take online classes at Emory. To give an idea of how popular online courses are at the school, 61% of undergraduates took at least one course online in 2020-2021.

Full Emory University Report

#5

Auburn University

Auburn, Alabama
5,764 Total Awards
$12,176 Average Tuition & Fees
$20,756 Avg Student Debt

Out of the 248 schools in the Southeast Region that were part of this year’s ranking, Auburn University landed the # 5 spot on the list. Auburn is a public institution located in Auburn, Alabama. The school has a large population, and it awarded 5,764 bachelor’s degrees in 2021-2022.

In-state students pay an average of $12,176 in tuition and fees if they attend Auburn full time. Out-of-state students pay an average of $32,960. By the time they get their bachelor’s degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $20,756 in student loans.

Some students may be able to take online classes at Auburn. To give an idea of how popular online courses are at the school, 46% of undergraduates took at least one course online in 2020-2021.

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#6

University of Mary Washington

Fredericksburg, Virginia
1,047 Total Awards
$14,294 Average Tuition & Fees
$20,005 Avg Student Debt

With a ranking of #6, University of Mary Washington did quite well on this year’s best schools for nursing students working on their bachelor’s degree. Fredericksburg, Virginia is the setting for this small institution of higher learning. The public school handed out bachelor’s degrees to 1,047 students in 2021-2022.

The average in-state tuition and fees for students at UMW is $14,294. Those students who come from outside the state pay an average of $31,214. By the time they get their bachelor’s degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $20,005 in student loans.

UMW does have options available for those who want to take online classes. You will need to check with the school to see if they are available for your specific major. Of all the undergraduates enrolled at the school during the 2020-2021 academic year, around 28% took at least some of their classes online.

Full University of Mary Washington Report

#7

James Madison University

Harrisonburg, Virginia
4,688 Total Awards
$13,092 Average Tuition & Fees
$19,303 Avg Student Debt

James Madison University did quite well in this year’s ranking of the best places for nursing students to get a bachelor’s degree. It came in at #7 on the list. This large public school is located in Harrisonburg, Virginia, and it awarded 4,688 bachelor’s degrees in 2021-2022.

In-state students pay an average of $13,092 in tuition and fees if they attend JMU full time. Those students who come from outside the state pay an average of $30,152. On average, bachelor’s degree students take out $19,303 in loans while pursuing their degree.

You may have the opportunity to take online classes at JMU. Of all the undergraduates enrolled at the school during the 2020-2021 academic year, around 34% took at least some of their classes online.

Full James Madison University Report

#8

Virginia Commonwealth University

Richmond, Virginia
5,197 Total Awards
$15,642 Average Tuition & Fees
$21,634 Avg Student Debt

Virginia Commonwealth University did quite well in this year’s ranking of the best places for nursing students to get a bachelor’s degree. It came in at #8 on the list. VCU is a public institution located in Richmond, Virginia. The school has a large population, and it awarded 5,197 bachelor’s degrees in 2021-2022.

The average in-state tuition and fees for students at VCU is $15,642. If you are from out of state, expect to pay an average of $37,588. By the time they get their bachelor’s degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $21,634 in student loans.

Online courses are available at VCU, but you will need to check with the school to see if they are available for your field of interest. To give an idea of how popular online courses are at the school, 89% of undergraduates took at least one course online in 2020-2021.

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10,145 Total Awards
$6,410 Average Tuition & Fees
$19,471 Avg Student Debt

University of South Florida - Main Campus did quite well in this year’s ranking of the best places for nursing students to get a bachelor’s degree. It came in at #9 on the list. USF Tampa is located in Tampa, Florida and has a large student population. In 2021-2022, this school awarded 10,145 bachelor’s degrees to qualified students.

Students from Florida who attend USF Tampa full time pay an average of $6,410 in tuition and fees. Those students who come from outside the state pay an average of $17,324. On average, bachelor’s degree students take out $19,471 in loans while pursuing their degree.

USF Tampa does offer online classes for certain degree levels. During the 2020-2021 year, about 71% of the undergraduates at the school took at least one online course.

Full University of South Florida - Main Campus Report

5,533 Total Awards
$13,244 Average Tuition & Fees
$20,621 Avg Student Debt

With a ranking of #10, The University of Tennessee - Knoxville did quite well on this year’s best schools for nursing students working on their bachelor’s degree. Located in Knoxville, Tennessee, the large public school handed out 5,533 bachelor’s degree awards in 2021-2022.

Full-time students from Tennessee pay an average of $13,244 in tuition and fees if they choose to attend UT Knoxville. Out-of-state students pay an average of $31,664. Bachelor’s Degree recipients from UT Knoxville accumulate an average of $20,621 in student debt by the time they complete their degree.

UT Knoxville does have options available for those who want to take online classes. You will need to check with the school to see if they are available for your specific major. Of all the undergraduates enrolled at the school during the 2020-2021 academic year, around 49% took at least some of their classes online.

Read full report on The University of Tennessee - Knoxville

#11

University of North Carolina at Charlotte

Charlotte, North Carolina
6,019 Total Awards
$7,214 Average Tuition & Fees
$21,940 Avg Student Debt

University of North Carolina at Charlotte ranked #11 on this year’s Best Nursing Bachelor’s Degree Schools in the Southeast Region list. This large public school is located in Charlotte, North Carolina, and it awarded 6,019 bachelor’s degrees in 2021-2022.

The average in-state tuition and fees for students at UNC Charlotte is $7,214. Those students who come from outside the state pay an average of $21,338. Bachelor’s Degree recipients from UNC Charlotte accumulate an average of $21,940 in student debt by the time they complete their degree.

Some students may be able to take online classes at UNC Charlotte. In fact, around 71% of the undergraduate population registered for at least one online class in 2020-2021.

Read More…

#12

University of Arkansas

Fayetteville, Arkansas
5,305 Total Awards
$9,656 Average Tuition & Fees
$20,843 Avg Student Debt

University of Arkansas came in at #12 in this year’s edition of the Best Nursing Bachelor’s Degree Schools in the Southeast Region ranking. UARK is a public institution located in Fayetteville, Arkansas. The school has a large population, and it awarded 5,305 bachelor’s degrees in 2021-2022.

Students from Arkansas who attend UARK full time pay an average of $9,656 in tuition and fees. If you are from out of state, expect to pay an average of $27,410. On average, bachelor’s degree students take out $20,843 in loans while pursuing their degree.

UARK does have options available for those who want to take online classes. You will need to check with the school to see if they are available for your specific major. To give an idea of how popular online courses are at the school, 33% of undergraduates took at least one course online in 2020-2021.

Read full report on University of Arkansas

#13

University of North Carolina at Greensboro

Greensboro, North Carolina
3,495 Total Awards
$7,498 Average Tuition & Fees
$22,657 Avg Student Debt

University of North Carolina at Greensboro landed the #13 spot in the 2023 rankings for the best bachelor’s degree nursing programs. University of North Carolina at Greensboro is a fairly large public school located in Greensboro, North Carolina that handed out 3,495 bachelor’s degrees in 2021-2022.

The average in-state tuition and fees for students at UNC Greensboro is $7,498. Those students who come from outside the state pay an average of $22,657. Bachelor’s Degree recipients from UNC Greensboro accumulate an average of $22,657 in student debt by the time they complete their degree.

UNC Greensboro does offer online classes for certain degree levels. To give an idea of how popular online courses are at the school, 88% of undergraduates took at least one course online in 2020-2021.

Read full report on University of North Carolina at Greensboro

#14

Augusta University

Augusta, Georgia
1,098 Total Awards
$8,122 Average Tuition & Fees
$22,870 Avg Student Debt

Augusta University did quite well in this year’s ranking of the best places for nursing students to get a bachelor’s degree. It came in at #14 on the list. Augusta, Georgia is the setting for this medium-sized institution of higher learning. The public school handed out bachelor’s degrees to 1,098 students in 2021-2022.

The average in-state tuition and fees for students at Augusta University is $8,122. Out-of-state students pay an average of $23,500. By the time they get their bachelor’s degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $22,870 in student loans.

One thing to take note of is that Augusta University does offer online classes in some areas. In fact, around 69% of the undergraduate population registered for at least one online class in 2020-2021.

Read More…

#15

East Carolina University

Greenville, North Carolina
4,764 Total Awards
$7,325 Average Tuition & Fees
$22,335 Avg Student Debt

East Carolina University ranked #15 on this year’s Best Nursing Bachelor’s Degree Schools in the Southeast Region list. This large public school is located in Greenville, North Carolina, and it awarded 4,764 bachelor’s degrees in 2021-2022.

Students from North Carolina who attend ECU full time pay an average of $7,325 in tuition and fees. Those students who come from outside the state pay an average of $23,602. On average, bachelor’s degree students take out $22,335 in loans while pursuing their degree.

Depending on your major, you may be able to take online classes at ECU. Of all the undergraduates enrolled at the school during the 2020-2021 academic year, around 74% took at least some of their classes online.

Full East Carolina University Report

#16

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

Chapel Hill, North Carolina
6,451 Total Awards
$8,989 Average Tuition & Fees
$14,485 Avg Student Debt

With a ranking of #16, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill did quite well on this year’s best schools for nursing students working on their bachelor’s degree. University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill is a large public school located in Chapel Hill, North Carolina that handed out 6,451 bachelor’s degrees in 2021-2022.

Students from North Carolina who attend UNC Chapel Hill full time pay an average of $8,989 in tuition and fees. If you are from out of state, expect to pay an average of $37,550. By the time they get their bachelor’s degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $14,485 in student loans.

Depending on your major, you may be able to take online classes at UNC Chapel Hill. In 2020-2021 about 25% of the undergraduate students at the school chose to take one or more online courses.

Full University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Report

#17

University of Florida-Online

Gainesville, Florida
824 Total Awards
$3,876 Average Tuition & Fees
$16,938 Avg Student Debt

University of Florida-Online came in at #17 in this year’s edition of the Best Nursing Bachelor’s Degree Schools in the Southeast Region ranking. UF Online is a medium-sized public school situated in Gainesville, Florida. It awarded 824 bachelor’s degrees in 2021-2022.

Full-time students from Florida pay an average of $3,876 in tuition and fees if they choose to attend UF Online. If you are from out of state, expect to pay an average of $16,579. By the time they get their bachelor’s degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $16,938 in student loans.

Since UF Online is primarily an online school, it is an excellent choice for undergraduate students who need more flexibility than what is offered at some other schools.

Full University of Florida-Online Report

#18

Georgia Southern University

Statesboro, Georgia
4,134 Total Awards
$5,905 Average Tuition & Fees
$23,429 Avg Student Debt

Georgia Southern University did quite well in this year’s ranking of the best places for nursing students to get a bachelor’s degree. It came in at #18 on the list. Located in Statesboro, Georgia, the large public school handed out 4,134 bachelor’s degree awards in 2021-2022.

The average in-state tuition and fees for students at GaSou is $5,905. If you are from out of state, expect to pay an average of $16,959. Bachelor’s Degree recipients from GaSou accumulate an average of $23,429 in student debt by the time they complete their degree.

Depending on your major, you may be able to take online classes at GaSou. Of all the undergraduates enrolled at the school during the 2020-2021 academic year, around 64% took at least some of their classes online.

Read full report on Georgia Southern University

#19

Old Dominion University

Norfolk, Virginia
3,756 Total Awards
$11,220 Average Tuition & Fees
$23,437 Avg Student Debt

Old Dominion University came in at #19 in this year’s edition of the Best Nursing Bachelor’s Degree Schools in the Southeast Region ranking. Norfolk, Virginia is the setting for this large institution of higher learning. The public school handed out bachelor’s degrees to 3,756 students in 2021-2022.

Students from Virginia who attend Old Dominion full time pay an average of $11,220 in tuition and fees. Those students who come from outside the state pay an average of $31,170. Bachelor’s Degree recipients from Old Dominion accumulate an average of $23,437 in student debt by the time they complete their degree.

Old Dominion does offer online classes for certain degree levels. Of all the undergraduates enrolled at the school during the 2020-2021 academic year, around 77% took at least some of their classes online.

Read full report on Old Dominion University

#20

Clemson University

Clemson, South Carolina
5,123 Total Awards
$15,558 Average Tuition & Fees
$20,939 Avg Student Debt

Clemson University ranked #20 on this year’s Best Nursing Bachelor’s Degree Schools in the Southeast Region list. Located in Clemson, South Carolina, the large public school handed out 5,123 bachelor’s degree awards in 2021-2022.

Students from South Carolina who attend Clemson full time pay an average of $15,558 in tuition and fees. Out-of-state students pay an average of $39,502. Bachelor’s Degree recipients from Clemson accumulate an average of $20,939 in student debt by the time they complete their degree.

Depending on your major, you may be able to take online classes at Clemson. During the 2020-2021 year, about 49% of the undergraduates at the school took at least one online course.

Read full report on Clemson University

#21

Winston - Salem State University

Winston-Salem, North Carolina
937 Total Awards
$6,276 Average Tuition & Fees
$25,413 Avg Student Debt

Winston - Salem State University did quite well in this year’s ranking of the best places for nursing students to get a bachelor’s degree. It came in at #21 on the list. WSSU is located in Winston-Salem, North Carolina and has a medium-sized student population. In 2021-2022, this school awarded 937 bachelor’s degrees to qualified students.

Full-time students from North Carolina pay an average of $6,276 in tuition and fees if they choose to attend WSSU. If you are from out of state, expect to pay an average of $16,932. On average, bachelor’s degree students take out $25,413 in loans while pursuing their degree.

WSSU does have options available for those who want to take online classes. You will need to check with the school to see if they are available for your specific major. In 2020-2021 about 98% of the undergraduate students at the school chose to take one or more online courses.

Read full report on Winston - Salem State University

#22

University of North Georgia

Dahlonega, Georgia
2,256 Total Awards
$5,182 Average Tuition & Fees
$20,907 Avg Student Debt

University of North Georgia landed the #22 spot in the 2023 rankings for the best bachelor’s degree nursing programs. Located in Dahlonega, Georgia, the fairly large public school handed out 2,256 bachelor’s degree awards in 2021-2022.

In-state students pay an average of $5,182 in tuition and fees if they attend UNG full time. Out-of-state students pay an average of $15,861. By the time they get their bachelor’s degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $20,907 in student loans.

UNG does offer online classes for certain degree levels. During the 2020-2021 year, about 47% of the undergraduates at the school took at least one online course.

Read More…

#23

University of North Florida

Jacksonville, Florida
3,492 Total Awards
$5,964 Average Tuition & Fees
$17,625 Avg Student Debt

University of North Florida did quite well in this year’s ranking of the best places for nursing students to get a bachelor’s degree. It came in at #23 on the list. UNF is a public institution located in Jacksonville, Florida. The school has a fairly large population, and it awarded 3,492 bachelor’s degrees in 2021-2022.

Students from Florida who attend UNF full time pay an average of $5,964 in tuition and fees. If you are from out of state, expect to pay an average of $19,407. By the time they get their bachelor’s degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $17,625 in student loans.

UNF does offer online classes for certain degree levels. Of all the undergraduates enrolled at the school during the 2020-2021 academic year, around 78% took at least some of their classes online.

Read full report on University of North Florida

#24

Shepherd University

Shepherdstown, West Virginia
583 Total Awards
$8,282 Average Tuition & Fees
$20,183 Avg Student Debt

Shepherd University came in at #24 in this year’s edition of the Best Nursing Bachelor’s Degree Schools in the Southeast Region ranking. Shepherd University is a small public school situated in Shepherdstown, West Virginia. It awarded 583 bachelor’s degrees in 2021-2022.

The average in-state tuition and fees for students at Shepherd University is $8,282. Out-of-state students pay an average of $18,722. Bachelor’s Degree recipients from Shepherd University accumulate an average of $20,183 in student debt by the time they complete their degree.

Depending on your major, you may be able to take online classes at Shepherd University. In fact, around 67% of the undergraduate population registered for at least one online class in 2020-2021.

Full Shepherd University Report

#25

University of Miami

Coral Gables, Florida
3,419 Total Awards
$57,194 Average Tuition & Fees
$16,814 Avg Student Debt

University of Miami ranked #25 on this year’s Best Nursing Bachelor’s Degree Schools in the Southeast Region list. This fairly large private not-for-profit school is located in Coral Gables, Florida, and it awarded 3,419 bachelor’s degrees in 2021-2022.

If you don’t receive financial aid, you can expect a bill for $57,194 to cover tuition and fees at U Miami. The school does not offer an in-state discount. On average, bachelor’s degree students take out $16,814 in loans while pursuing their degree.

One thing to take note of is that U Miami does offer online classes in some areas. During the 2020-2021 year, about 52% of the undergraduates at the school took at least one online course.

Full University of Miami Report

View Best Bachelor’s Degree Nursing Bachelor’s Degree Schools Nationwide >

Notes and References

Footnotes

*These averages are for the top 25 schools only.

References

  • Read more about our ranking methodology.
  • The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), a branch of the U.S. Department of Education (DOE) serves as the core of our data about colleges.
  • Some other college data, including much of the graduate earnings data, comes from the U.S. Department of Education’s (College Scorecard).
  • Information about the national average student loan default rate is from the U.S. Department of Education and refers to data about the 2016 borrower cohort tracking period for which the cohort default rate (CDR) was 10.1%.

More about our data sources and methodologies.

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