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Best Nursing Bachelor's Degree Schools in North Carolina

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2023 Best Nursing Bachelor's Degree Schools in North Carolina

24 Schools Ranked
$19,876 Avg Tuition & Fees*
$23,175 Avg Student Debt

With all the nursing programs available today, it can be tough to choose which one is the best for you. As online education oppotunities continue to grow, you're not restricted to just schools in your local area anymore. Even some of the 'big name' schools are offering online courses. On top of that, there are a considerable number of trade schools and bootcamp that offer fast-track entry to many fields.

The Best Nursing Bachelor's Degree Schools in North Carolina ranking is one of many tools that Nursing Degree Search has developed to help you make your educational decision. Our analysis looked at 24 schools in North Carolina 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 North Carolina

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 2023 rankings named Duke University the best school in North Carolina for nursing students working on their bachelor’s degree. Located in Durham, North Carolina, the fairly large private not-for-profit school awarded 2,312 diplomas to qualifed bachelor’s degree students in 2021-2022.

Duke does not offer a discount to in-state students, so the average tuition and fees for all undergraduates is $62,688. This amount may be reduced if you receive financial aid. By the time they get their bachelor’s degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $17,816 in student loans.

One thing to take note of is that Duke does offer online classes in some areas. 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.

Full Duke University Report

#2

University of North Carolina at Charlotte

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

You’ll join some of the best and brightest minds around you if you attend University of North Carolina at Charlotte. The school came in at #2 on this year’s Best Nursing Bachelor’s Degree Schools in North Carolina list. Located in Charlotte, North Carolina, the large public school handed out 6,019 bachelor’s degree awards in 2021-2022.

In-state students pay an average of $7,214 in tuition and fees if they attend UNC Charlotte full time. 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.

UNC Charlotte does offer online classes for certain degree levels. In 2020-2021 about 71% of the undergraduate students at the school chose to take one or more online courses.

Read More…

#3

University of North Carolina at Greensboro

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

Out of the 24 schools in North Carolina that were part of this year’s ranking, University of North Carolina at Greensboro landed the # 3 spot on the list. Greensboro, North Carolina is the setting for this fairly large institution of higher learning. The public school handed out bachelor’s degrees to 3,495 students in 2021-2022.

Students from North Carolina who attend UNC Greensboro full time pay an average of $7,498 in tuition and fees. Those students who come from outside the state pay an average of $22,657. On average, bachelor’s degree students take out $22,657 in loans while pursuing their degree.

You may have the opportunity to take online classes at UNC Greensboro. Of all the undergraduates enrolled at the school during the 2020-2021 academic year, around 88% took at least some of their classes online.

Read More…

#4

East Carolina University

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

The excellent bachelor’s degree programs at East Carolina University helped the school earn the #4 place on this year’s ranking of the best nursing schools in North Carolina. Located in Greenville, North Carolina, the large public school handed out 4,764 bachelor’s degree awards 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.

If you are interested in distance education, be sure to check with the school since ECU does offer online classes for certain majors. In 2020-2021 about 74% of the undergraduate students at the school chose to take one or more online courses.

Read full report on East Carolina University

#5

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

You’ll be in good company if you decide to attend University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. It ranked #5 on our 2023 Best Nursing Bachelor’s Degree Schools in North Carolina list. UNC Chapel Hill is a public institution located in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. The school has a large population, and it awarded 6,451 bachelor’s degrees in 2021-2022.

In-state students pay an average of $8,989 in tuition and fees if they attend UNC Chapel Hill full time. Those students who come from outside the state pay an average of $37,550. Bachelor’s Degree recipients from UNC Chapel Hill accumulate an average of $14,485 in student debt by the time they complete their degree.

UNC Chapel Hill 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 25% took at least some of their classes online.

Read full report on University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

#6

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 came in at #6 in this year’s edition of the Best Nursing Bachelor’s Degree Schools in North Carolina ranking. Winston - Salem State University is a medium-sized public school located in Winston-Salem, North Carolina that handed out 937 bachelor’s degrees in 2021-2022.

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. By the time they get their bachelor’s degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $25,413 in student loans.

Online courses are available at WSSU, but you will need to check with the school to see if they are available for your field of interest. During the 2020-2021 year, about 98% of the undergraduates at the school took at least one online course.

Full Winston - Salem State University Report

#7

University of Mount Olive

Mount Olive, North Carolina
496 Total Awards
$23,591 Average Tuition & Fees
$29,360 Avg Student Debt

University of Mount Olive 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. University of Mount Olive is a small private not-for-profit school located in Mount Olive, North Carolina that handed out 496 bachelor’s degrees in 2021-2022.

The average tuition and fees at UMO is $23,591. 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 $29,360 in loans while pursuing their degree.

Depending on your major, you may be able to take online classes at UMO. Of all the undergraduates enrolled at the school during the 2020-2021 academic year, around 75% took at least some of their classes online.

Read full report on University of Mount Olive

#8

University of North Carolina at Wilmington

Wilmington, North Carolina
3,763 Total Awards
$7,238 Average Tuition & Fees
$20,614 Avg Student Debt

University of North Carolina at Wilmington landed the #8 spot in the 2023 rankings for the best bachelor’s degree nursing programs. Located in Wilmington, North Carolina, the fairly large public school handed out 3,763 bachelor’s degree awards in 2021-2022.

Full-time students from North Carolina pay an average of $7,238 in tuition and fees if they choose to attend UNCW. If you are from out of state, expect to pay an average of $21,858. On average, bachelor’s degree students take out $20,614 in loans while pursuing their degree.

UNCW 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 fact, around 74% of the undergraduate population registered for at least one online class in 2020-2021.

Read full report on University of North Carolina at Wilmington

#9

Western Carolina University

Cullowhee, North Carolina
2,736 Total Awards
$4,453 Average Tuition & Fees
$21,479 Avg Student Debt

Western Carolina 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 #9 on the list. This fairly large public school is located in Cullowhee, North Carolina, and it awarded 2,736 bachelor’s degrees in 2021-2022.

In-state students pay an average of $4,453 in tuition and fees if they attend WCU full time. If you are from out of state, expect to pay an average of $8,453. On average, bachelor’s degree students take out $21,479 in loans while pursuing their degree.

One thing to take note of is that WCU does offer online classes in some areas. In fact, around 52% of the undergraduate population registered for at least one online class in 2020-2021.

Read full report on Western Carolina University

#10

North Carolina A & T State University

Greensboro, North Carolina
2,049 Total Awards
$6,733 Average Tuition & Fees
$26,026 Avg Student Debt

North Carolina A & T State University ranked #10 on this year’s Best Nursing Bachelor’s Degree Schools in North Carolina list. This fairly large public school is located in Greensboro, North Carolina, and it awarded 2,049 bachelor’s degrees in 2021-2022.

In-state students pay an average of $6,733 in tuition and fees if they attend NC A&T full time. If you are from out of state, expect to pay an average of $20,243. Bachelor’s Degree recipients from NC A&T accumulate an average of $26,026 in student debt by the time they complete their degree.

One thing to take note of is that NC A&T does offer online classes in some areas. To give an idea of how popular online courses are at the school, 59% of undergraduates took at least one course online in 2020-2021.

Full North Carolina A & T State University Report

#11

Appalachian State University

Boone, North Carolina
4,336 Total Awards
$7,450 Average Tuition & Fees
$19,655 Avg Student Debt

Appalachian State University landed the #11 spot in the 2023 rankings for the best bachelor’s degree nursing programs. Located in Boone, North Carolina, the large public school awarded 4,336 diplomas to qualifed bachelor’s degree students in 2021-2022.

Full-time students from North Carolina pay an average of $7,450 in tuition and fees if they choose to attend Appalachian State. Out-of-state students pay an average of $23,454. Bachelor’s Degree recipients from Appalachian State accumulate an average of $19,655 in student debt by the time they complete their degree.

If you are interested in distance education, be sure to check with the school since Appalachian State does offer online classes for certain majors. In 2020-2021 about 59% of the undergraduate students at the school chose to take one or more online courses.

Read More…

#12

Fayetteville State University

Fayetteville, North Carolina
1,091 Total Awards
$3,906 Average Tuition & Fees
$23,310 Avg Student Debt

Fayetteville 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 #12 on the list. Fayetteville State University is located in Fayetteville, North Carolina and has a medium-sized student population. In 2021-2022, this school awarded 1,091 bachelor’s degrees to qualified students.

Full-time students from North Carolina pay an average of $3,906 in tuition and fees if they choose to attend Fayetteville State University. Out-of-state students pay an average of $7,906. Bachelor’s Degree recipients from Fayetteville State University accumulate an average of $23,310 in student debt by the time they complete their degree.

If you are interested in distance education, be sure to check with the school since Fayetteville State University does offer online classes for certain majors. In 2020-2021 about 91% of the undergraduate students at the school chose to take one or more online courses.

Full Fayetteville State University Report

#13

North Carolina Central University

Durham, North Carolina
1,002 Total Awards
$6,599 Average Tuition & Fees
$28,560 Avg Student Debt

North Carolina Central University landed the #13 spot in the 2023 rankings for the best bachelor’s degree nursing programs. North Carolina Central University is a public institution located in Durham, North Carolina. The school has a medium-sized population, and it awarded 1,002 bachelor’s degrees in 2021-2022.

Full-time students from North Carolina pay an average of $6,599 in tuition and fees if they choose to attend North Carolina Central University. Those students who come from outside the state pay an average of $19,635. Bachelor’s Degree recipients from North Carolina Central University accumulate an average of $28,560 in student debt by the time they complete their degree.

North Carolina Central University does offer online classes for certain degree levels. In fact, around 63% of the undergraduate population registered for at least one online class in 2020-2021.

Full North Carolina Central University Report

#14

Lees - McRae College

Banner Elk, North Carolina
232 Total Awards
$29,440 Average Tuition & Fees
$16,077 Avg Student Debt

Lees - McRae College landed the #14 spot in the 2023 rankings for the best bachelor’s degree nursing programs. Lees - McRae College is a very small private not-for-profit school located in Banner Elk, North Carolina that handed out 232 bachelor’s degrees in 2021-2022.

If you don’t receive financial aid, you can expect a bill for $29,440 to cover tuition and fees at Lees - McRae College. The school does not offer an in-state discount. On average, bachelor’s degree students take out $16,077 in loans while pursuing their degree.

Lees - McRae College 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 fact, around 23% of the undergraduate population registered for at least one online class in 2020-2021.

Read More…

#15

Queens University of Charlotte

Charlotte, North Carolina
391 Total Awards
$40,830 Average Tuition & Fees
$24,834 Avg Student Debt

With a ranking of #15, Queens University of Charlotte did quite well on this year’s best schools for nursing students working on their bachelor’s degree. Queens is a private not-for-profit institution located in Charlotte, North Carolina. The school has a small population, and it awarded 391 bachelor’s degrees in 2021-2022.

If you don’t receive financial aid, you can expect a bill for $40,830 to cover tuition and fees at Queens. The school does not offer an in-state discount. On average, bachelor’s degree students take out $24,834 in loans while pursuing their degree.

Queens 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 fact, around 64% of the undergraduate population registered for at least one online class in 2020-2021.

Read More…

#16

Campbell University

Buies Creek, North Carolina
912 Total Awards
$39,230 Average Tuition & Fees
$22,423 Avg Student Debt

Campbell University ranked #16 on this year’s Best Nursing Bachelor’s Degree Schools in North Carolina list. Campbell is located in Buies Creek, North Carolina and has a medium-sized student population. In 2021-2022, this school awarded 912 bachelor’s degrees to qualified students.

If you don’t receive financial aid, you can expect a bill for $39,230 to cover tuition and fees at Campbell. The school does not offer an in-state discount. Bachelor’s Degree recipients from Campbell accumulate an average of $22,423 in student debt by the time they complete their degree.

Some students may be able to take online classes at Campbell. In fact, around 37% of the undergraduate population registered for at least one online class in 2020-2021.

Read More…

#17

Lenoir - Rhyne University

Hickory, North Carolina
323 Total Awards
$23,761 Avg Student Debt

With a ranking of #17, Lenoir - Rhyne University did quite well on this year’s best schools for nursing students working on their bachelor’s degree. Lenoir - Rhyne University is located in Hickory, North Carolina and has a small student population. In 2021-2022, this school awarded 323 bachelor’s degrees to qualified students.

On average, bachelor’s degree students take out $23,761 in loans while pursuing their degree.

Lenoir - Rhyne University does offer online classes for certain degree levels. Of all the undergraduates enrolled at the school during the 2020-2021 academic year, around 69% took at least some of their classes online.

Full Lenoir - Rhyne University Report

#18

Wingate University

Wingate, North Carolina
528 Total Awards
$40,806 Average Tuition & Fees
$22,863 Avg Student Debt

Wingate University came in at #18 in this year’s edition of the Best Nursing Bachelor’s Degree Schools in North Carolina ranking. Wingate is a small private not-for-profit school situated in Wingate, North Carolina. It awarded 528 bachelor’s degrees in 2021-2022.

The average tuition and fees at Wingate is $40,806. In-state students do not receive a discount, however you may be able to reduce your price if you receive financial aid. Bachelor’s Degree recipients from Wingate accumulate an average of $22,863 in student debt by the time they complete their degree.

Some students may be able to take online classes at Wingate. During the 2020-2021 year, about 30% of the undergraduates at the school took at least one online course.

Full Wingate University Report

#19

Barton College

Wilson, North Carolina
237 Total Awards
$25,582 Avg Student Debt

With a ranking of #19, Barton College did quite well on this year’s best schools for nursing students working on their bachelor’s degree. Located in Wilson, North Carolina, the small private not-for-profit school handed out 237 bachelor’s degree awards in 2021-2022.

By the time they get their bachelor’s degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $25,582 in student loans.

You may have the opportunity to take online classes at Barton College. In fact, around 73% of the undergraduate population registered for at least one online class in 2020-2021.

Read full report on Barton College

#20

Gardner - Webb University

Boiling Springs, North Carolina
516 Total Awards
$32,200 Average Tuition & Fees
$23,522 Avg Student Debt

Gardner - Webb University ranked #20 on this year’s Best Nursing Bachelor’s Degree Schools in North Carolina list. Located in Boiling Springs, North Carolina, the small private not-for-profit school awarded 516 diplomas to qualifed bachelor’s degree students in 2021-2022.

If you want to attend Gardner - Webb, expect to pay an average of $32,200 in tuition and fees. Of course, this could be reduced if you receive financial aid. By the time they get their bachelor’s degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $23,522 in student loans.

Gardner - Webb does offer online classes for certain degree levels. In fact, around 55% of the undergraduate population registered for at least one online class in 2020-2021.

Read More…

#21

University of North Carolina at Pembroke

Pembroke, North Carolina
1,368 Total Awards
$3,495 Average Tuition & Fees
$25,172 Avg Student Debt

University of North Carolina at Pembroke landed the #21 spot in the 2023 rankings for the best bachelor’s degree nursing programs. UNC Pembroke is a medium-sized public school situated in Pembroke, North Carolina. It awarded 1,368 bachelor’s degrees in 2021-2022.

The average in-state tuition and fees for students at UNC Pembroke is $3,495. Those students who come from outside the state pay an average of $7,495. On average, bachelor’s degree students take out $25,172 in loans while pursuing their degree.

One thing to take note of is that UNC Pembroke does offer online classes in some areas. In fact, around 71% of the undergraduate population registered for at least one online class in 2020-2021.

Read full report on University of North Carolina at Pembroke

#22

Pfeiffer University

Misenheimer, North Carolina
171 Total Awards
$33,290 Average Tuition & Fees
$26,335 Avg Student Debt

Pfeiffer 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 #22 on the list. Located in Misenheimer, North Carolina, the small private not-for-profit school awarded 171 diplomas to qualifed bachelor’s degree students in 2021-2022.

The average tuition and fees at Pfeiffer University is $33,290. In-state students do not receive a discount, however you may be able to reduce your price if you receive financial aid. Bachelor’s Degree recipients from Pfeiffer University accumulate an average of $26,335 in student debt by the time they complete their degree.

Depending on your major, you may be able to take online classes at Pfeiffer University. In 2020-2021 about 32% of the undergraduate students at the school chose to take one or more online courses.

Read full report on Pfeiffer University

#23

Mars Hill University

Mars Hill, North Carolina
212 Total Awards
$24,534 Avg Student Debt

Mars Hill University came in at #23 in this year’s edition of the Best Nursing Bachelor’s Degree Schools in North Carolina ranking. Mars Hill is a private not-for-profit institution located in Mars Hill, North Carolina. The school has a small population, and it awarded 212 bachelor’s degrees in 2021-2022.

Bachelor’s Degree recipients from Mars Hill accumulate an average of $24,534 in student debt by the time they complete their degree.

Mars Hill does offer online classes for certain degree levels. During the 2020-2021 year, about 38% of the undergraduates at the school took at least one online course.

Read More…

#24

Methodist University

Fayetteville, North Carolina
315 Total Awards
$38,138 Average Tuition & Fees
$27,124 Avg Student Debt

With a ranking of #24, Methodist University did quite well on this year’s best schools for nursing students working on their bachelor’s degree. This small private not-for-profit school is located in Fayetteville, North Carolina, and it awarded 315 bachelor’s degrees in 2021-2022.

If you don’t receive financial aid, you can expect a bill for $38,138 to cover tuition and fees at Methodist. The school does not offer an in-state discount. By the time they get their bachelor’s degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $27,124 in student loans.

Online courses are available at Methodist, but you will need to check with the school to see if they are available for your field of interest. In 2020-2021 about 46% of the undergraduate students at the school chose to take one or more online courses.

Read More…

View Best Nursing Bachelor’s Degree Schools Nationwide >

Notes and References

Footnotes

*These averages are for the top 24 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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