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Best Value Nursing Associate Degree Schools in North Carolina

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2023 Best Value Nursing Associate Degree Schools in North Carolina

Highlighting Quality Schools With More Affordable Prices

50 Schools Ranked
$7,941 Avg Tuition & Fees*
$18,594 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. Also, there are a number of trade schools and bootcamps with offerings that you might find attractive.

To assist you in seeing some of the education options that are available to you, Nursing Degree Search has created its Best Value Nursing Associate Degree Schools in North Carolina ranking. This report analyzed 50 schools in North Carolina to see which ones offered the best value associate degree programs for nursing students. The goal was to highlight schools with more affordable prices than others offering similar quality experiences.

Our ranking of value is based on the quality of a program as defined in our per sticker price dollar. Specifically, our score for quality is discounted by the published tuition and fees charged by the given college. This gives the cost per unit of quality for each college. The more quality your dollar buys, the better the value.

In our regional and nationwide rankings, out-of-state tution and fees are used in our calculations. For statewide rankings, we use average in-state tuition and fees.

Top Value Nursing Associate Degree Schools in North Carolina

Learn more about these excellent schools below:

#1

Craven Community College

New Bern, North Carolina
43 Total Awards
$6,630 Average Tuition & Fees

Our 2023 rankings named Craven Community College the best value school in North Carolina for nursing students working on their associate degree. Craven Community College is a small public school located in New Bern, North Carolina that handed out 43 associate degrees in 2020-2021.

Out-of-state tuition fees for undergraduate students at Craven Community College are $6,630 per year. Associate Degree recipients from this school accumulate an average of $13,946 in student debt by the time they complete their degree.

Online courses are available at Craven Community College, but you will need to check with the school to see if they are available for your field of interest. In 2019-2020 about 83% of the undergraduate students at the school chose to take one or more online courses.

Craven Community College excels when it comes to quality. It’s ranked in the top 10% of all schools on our Best Nursing Associate Degree Schools in North Carolina list.

Full Craven Community College Report

#2

Pitt Community College

Winterville, North Carolina
113 Total Awards
$6,548 Average Tuition & Fees

The excellent associate degree programs at Pitt Community College helped the school earn the #2 place on this year’s ranking of the best value nursing schools in North Carolina. Located in Winterville, North Carolina, the medium-sized public school awarded 113 diplomas to qualifed associate degree students in 2020-2021.

Pitt Community College undergraduate students pay an average of $6,548 in tuition and fees each year. By the time they get their associate degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $24,602 in student loans.

You may have the opportunity to take online classes at Pitt Community College. In fact, around 91% of the undergraduate population registered for at least one online class in 2019-2020.

Read full report on Pitt Community College

#3

South Piedmont Community College

Polkton, North Carolina
19 Total Awards
$6,623 Average Tuition & Fees

You’ll join some of the best and brightest minds around you if you attend South Piedmont Community College. The school came in at #3 on this year’s Best Value Nursing Associate Degree Schools in North Carolina list. South Piedmont Community College is a public institution located in Polkton, North Carolina. The school has a small population, and it awarded 19 associate degrees in 2020-2021.

South Piedmont Community College undergraduate students pay an average of $6,623 in tuition and fees each year. Associate Degree recipients from this school accumulate an average of $12,967 in student debt by the time they complete their degree.

Online courses are available at South Piedmont Community College, but you will need to check with the school to see if they are available for your field of interest. During the 2019-2020 year, about 83% of the undergraduates at the school took at least one online course.

On top of its placing in our value ranking, South Piedmont Community College also did well on our Best Nursing Associate Degree Schools in North Carolina list. It’s in the top 20% of all schools reviewed in this analysis.

Full South Piedmont Community College Report

#4

College of the Albemarle

Elizabeth City, North Carolina
37 Total Awards
$7,346 Average Tuition & Fees

Out of the 50 schools in North Carolina that were part of this year’s value ranking, College of the Albemarle landed the # 4 spot on the list. Located in Elizabeth City, North Carolina, the small public school awarded 37 diplomas to qualifed associate degree students in 2020-2021.

College of the Albemarle undergraduate students pay an average of $7,346 in tuition and fees each year. By the time they get their associate degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $10,191 in student loans.

You may have the opportunity to take online classes at College of the Albemarle. To give an idea of how popular online courses are at the school, 94% of undergraduates took at least one course online in 2019-2020.

College of the Albemarle also took the #2 spot in our Best Nursing Associate Degree Schools in North Carolina rankings.

Read full report on College of the Albemarle

#5

Forsyth Technical Community College

Winston-Salem, North Carolina
115 Total Awards
$7,168 Average Tuition & Fees

You’ll be in good company if you decide to attend Forsyth Technical Community College. It ranked #5 on our 2023 Best Value Nursing Associate Degree Schools in North Carolina list. This medium-sized public school is located in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, and it awarded 115 associate degrees in 2020-2021.

The average tuition and fees for an out-of-state undergraduate students at Forsyth Tech are $7,168 a year. By the time they get their associate degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $17,896 in student loans.

One thing to take note of is that Forsyth Tech does offer online classes in some areas. During the 2019-2020 year, about 87% of the undergraduates at the school took at least one online course.

Forsyth Tech also took the #5 spot in our Best Nursing Associate Degree Schools in North Carolina rankings.

Full Forsyth Technical Community College Report

#6

Vance-Granville Community College

Henderson, North Carolina
47 Total Awards
$6,552 Average Tuition & Fees
$12,813 Avg Student Debt

Vance-Granville Community College came in at #6 in this year’s edition of the Best Value Nursing Associate Degree Schools in North Carolina ranking. Vance-Granville Community College is a small public school situated in Henderson, North Carolina. It awarded 47 associate degrees in 2020-2021.

Out-of-state tuition fees for undergraduate students at Vance-Granville Community College are $6,552 per year. Associate Degree recipients from this school accumulate an average of $12,813 in student debt by the time they complete their degree.

One thing to take note of is that Vance-Granville Community College does offer online classes in some areas. During the 2019-2020 year, about 98% of the undergraduates at the school took at least one online course.

Read full report on Vance-Granville Community College

#7

McDowell Technical Community College

Marion, North Carolina
24 Total Awards
$6,534 Average Tuition & Fees

With a ranking of #7, McDowell Technical Community College did quite well on this year’s best value schools for nursing students working on their associate degree. This small public school is located in Marion, North Carolina, and it awarded 24 associate degrees in 2020-2021.

The average tuition and fees for an out-of-state undergraduate students at McDowell Technical Community College are $6,534 a year.

One thing to take note of is that McDowell Technical Community College does offer online classes in some areas. In fact, around 91% of the undergraduate population registered for at least one online class in 2019-2020.

Read full report on McDowell Technical Community College

#8

Alamance Community College

Graham, North Carolina
20 Total Awards
$8,070 Average Tuition & Fees

Alamance Community College landed the #8 spot in the 2023 rankings for the best value associate degree nursing programs. ACC is located in Graham, North Carolina and has a small student population. In 2020-2021, this school awarded 20 associate degrees to qualified students.

ACC undergraduate students pay an average of $8,070 in tuition and fees each year. On average, associate degree students take out $13,359 in loans while pursuing their degree.

One thing to take note of is that ACC does offer online classes in some areas. In fact, around 99% of the undergraduate population registered for at least one online class in 2019-2020.

On top of its placing in our value ranking, ACC also did well on our Best Nursing Associate Degree Schools in North Carolina list. It’s in the top 20% of all schools reviewed in this analysis.

Read More…

#9

Davidson County Community College

Thomasville, North Carolina
81 Total Awards
$7,658 Average Tuition & Fees

With a ranking of #9, Davidson County Community College did quite well on this year’s best value schools for nursing students working on their associate degree. Located in Thomasville, North Carolina, the small public school handed out 81 associate degree awards in 2020-2021.

The average tuition and fees for an out-of-state undergraduate students at DCCC are $7,658 a year. Associate Degree recipients from this school accumulate an average of $20,103 in student debt by the time they complete their degree.

Some students may be able to take online classes at DCCC. Of all the undergraduates enrolled at the school during the 2019-2020 academic year, around 63% took at least some of their classes online.

Read More…

#10

Brunswick Community College

Bolivia, North Carolina
26 Total Awards
$8,676 Average Tuition & Fees

Brunswick Community College landed the #10 spot in the 2023 rankings for the best value associate degree nursing programs. Brunswick Community College is a small public school located in Bolivia, North Carolina that handed out 26 associate degrees in 2020-2021.

Brunswick Community College undergraduate students pay an average of $8,676 in tuition and fees each year. On average, associate degree students take out $9,954 in loans while pursuing their degree.

You may have the opportunity to take online classes at Brunswick Community College. In fact, around 99% of the undergraduate population registered for at least one online class in 2019-2020.

Brunswick Community College not only placed well in our value ranking, but it is also #3 on our Best Nursing Associate Degree Schools in North Carolina list.

Read More…

#11

Guilford Technical Community College

Jamestown, North Carolina
64 Total Awards
$7,665 Average Tuition & Fees

Guilford Technical Community College landed the #11 spot in the 2023 rankings for the best value associate degree nursing programs. Located in Jamestown, North Carolina, the medium-sized public school awarded 64 diplomas to qualifed associate degree students in 2020-2021.

Guilford Technical Community College undergraduate students pay an average of $7,665 in tuition and fees each year. Associate Degree recipients from this school accumulate an average of $23,911 in student debt by the time they complete their degree.

Online courses are available at Guilford Technical Community College, but you will need to check with the school to see if they are available for your field of interest. Of all the undergraduates enrolled at the school during the 2019-2020 academic year, around 74% took at least some of their classes online.

Full Guilford Technical Community College Report

#12

Richmond Community College

Hamlet, North Carolina
38 Total Awards
$8,680 Average Tuition & Fees

Richmond Community College ranked #12 on this year’s Best Value Nursing Associate Degree Schools in North Carolina list. Richmond Community College is a small public school located in Hamlet, North Carolina that handed out 38 associate degrees in 2020-2021.

Out-of-state tuition fees for undergraduate students at Richmond Community College are $8,680 per year. On average, associate degree students take out $10,348 in loans while pursuing their degree.

You may have the opportunity to take online classes at Richmond Community College. Of all the undergraduates enrolled at the school during the 2019-2020 academic year, around 64% took at least some of their classes online.

Richmond Community College also claimed a spot on our Best Nursing Associate Degree Schools in North Carolina list. It’s in the top 15% of all schools in this category.

Read More…

#13

Central Piedmont Community College

Charlotte, North Carolina
102 Total Awards
$8,936 Average Tuition & Fees

Central Piedmont Community College came in at #13 in this year’s edition of the Best Value Nursing Associate Degree Schools in North Carolina ranking. Central Piedmont Community College is located in Charlotte, North Carolina and has a fairly large student population. In 2020-2021, this school awarded 102 associate degrees to qualified students.

Central Piedmont Community College undergraduate students pay an average of $8,936 in tuition and fees each year. Associate Degree recipients from this school accumulate an average of $13,022 in student debt by the time they complete their degree.

One thing to take note of is that Central Piedmont Community College does offer online classes in some areas. Of all the undergraduates enrolled at the school during the 2019-2020 academic year, around 100% took at least some of their classes online.

Central Piedmont Community College also made our Best Nursing Associate Degree Schools in North Carolina list, coming in at #1.

Read More…

#14

Durham Technical Community College

Durham, North Carolina
32 Total Awards
$7,479 Average Tuition & Fees
$23,974 Avg Student Debt

Durham Technical Community College ranked #14 on this year’s Best Value Nursing Associate Degree Schools in North Carolina list. Located in Durham, North Carolina, the small public school awarded 32 diplomas to qualifed associate degree students in 2020-2021.

Durham Technical Community College undergraduate students pay an average of $7,479 in tuition and fees each year. By the time they get their associate degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $23,974 in student loans.

Online courses are available at Durham Technical Community College, but you will need to check with the school to see if they are available for your field of interest. In 2019-2020 about 98% of the undergraduate students at the school chose to take one or more online courses.

Read full report on Durham Technical Community College

#15

Surry Community College

Dobson, North Carolina
47 Total Awards
$8,807 Average Tuition & Fees

Surry Community College landed the #15 spot in the 2023 rankings for the best value associate degree nursing programs. Located in Dobson, North Carolina, the small public school handed out 47 associate degree awards in 2020-2021.

Out-of-state tuition fees for undergraduate students at Surry Community College are $8,807 per year. Associate Degree recipients from this school accumulate an average of $12,403 in student debt by the time they complete their degree.

Some students may be able to take online classes at Surry Community College. In 2019-2020 about 95% of the undergraduate students at the school chose to take one or more online courses.

Surry Community College also made our Best Nursing Associate Degree Schools in North Carolina list, coming in at #4.

Read More…

#16

Johnston Community College

Smithfield, North Carolina
46 Total Awards
$8,801 Average Tuition & Fees

Johnston Community College landed the #16 spot in the 2023 rankings for the best value associate degree nursing programs. Located in Smithfield, North Carolina, the small public school awarded 46 diplomas to qualifed associate degree students in 2020-2021.

Johnston Community College undergraduate students pay an average of $8,801 in tuition and fees each year. Associate Degree recipients from this school accumulate an average of $13,306 in student debt by the time they complete their degree.

Online courses are available at Johnston Community College, 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, 85% of undergraduates took at least one course online in 2019-2020.

On top of its placing in our value ranking, Johnston Community College also did well on our Best Nursing Associate Degree Schools in North Carolina list. It’s in the top 15% of all schools reviewed in this analysis.

Read More…

#17

Rowan-Cabarrus Community College

Salisbury, North Carolina
88 Total Awards
$8,770 Average Tuition & Fees

Rowan-Cabarrus Community College did quite well in this year’s ranking of the best value places for nursing students to get an associate degree. It came in at #17 on the list. Rowan-Cabarrus Community College is located in Salisbury, North Carolina and has a medium-sized student population. In 2020-2021, this school awarded 88 associate degrees to qualified students.

Rowan-Cabarrus Community College undergraduate students pay an average of $8,770 in tuition and fees each year. By the time they get their associate degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $12,398 in student loans.

Some students may be able to take online classes at Rowan-Cabarrus Community College. In 2019-2020 about 71% of the undergraduate students at the school chose to take one or more online courses.

Rowan-Cabarrus Community College also claimed a spot on our Best Nursing Associate Degree Schools in North Carolina list. It’s in the top 20% of all schools in this category.

Read More…

#18

Catawba Valley Community College

Hickory, North Carolina
50 Total Awards
$7,743 Average Tuition & Fees
$14,680 Avg Student Debt

Catawba Valley Community College came in at #18 in this year’s edition of the Best Value Nursing Associate Degree Schools in North Carolina ranking. This small public school is located in Hickory, North Carolina, and it awarded 50 associate degrees in 2020-2021.

CVCC undergraduate students pay an average of $7,743 in tuition and fees each year. On average, associate degree students take out $14,680 in loans while pursuing their degree.

If you are interested in distance education, be sure to check with the school since CVCC does offer online classes for certain majors. Of all the undergraduates enrolled at the school during the 2019-2020 academic year, around 95% took at least some of their classes online.

Read full report on Catawba Valley Community College

#19

Wilson Community College

Wilson, North Carolina
52 Total Awards
$8,716 Average Tuition & Fees

Wilson Community College ranked #19 on this year’s Best Value Nursing Associate Degree Schools in North Carolina list. Wilson, North Carolina is the setting for this small institution of higher learning. The public school handed out associate degrees to 52 students in 2020-2021.

Out-of-state tuition fees for undergraduate students at WCC are $8,716 per year. Associate Degree recipients from this school accumulate an average of $16,502 in student debt by the time they complete their degree.

WCC 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. During the 2019-2020 year, about 90% of the undergraduates at the school took at least one online course.

Read More…

#20

Bladen Community College

Dublin, North Carolina
39 Total Awards
$7,630 Average Tuition & Fees
$17,853 Avg Student Debt

Bladen Community College came in at #20 in this year’s edition of the Best Value Nursing Associate Degree Schools in North Carolina ranking. Bladen Community College is a small public school located in Dublin, North Carolina that handed out 39 associate degrees in 2020-2021.

Out-of-state tuition fees for undergraduate students at BCC are $7,630 per year. By the time they get their associate degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $17,853 in student loans.

Depending on your major, you may be able to take online classes at BCC. In 2019-2020 about 96% of the undergraduate students at the school chose to take one or more online courses.

Read More…

#21

Wayne Community College

Goldsboro, North Carolina
38 Total Awards
$8,668 Average Tuition & Fees
$8,182 Avg Student Debt

Wayne Community College ranked #21 on this year’s Best Value Nursing Associate Degree Schools in North Carolina list. Wayne Community College is a small public school situated in Goldsboro, North Carolina. It awarded 38 associate degrees in 2020-2021.

Wayne Community College undergraduate students pay an average of $8,668 in tuition and fees each year. On average, associate degree students take out $8,182 in loans while pursuing their degree.

One thing to take note of is that Wayne Community College does offer online classes in some areas. In 2019-2020 about 98% of the undergraduate students at the school chose to take one or more online courses.

Read More…

#22

Fayetteville Technical Community College

Fayetteville, North Carolina
68 Total Awards
$8,688 Average Tuition & Fees
$19,442 Avg Student Debt

Fayetteville Technical Community College ranked #22 on this year’s Best Value Nursing Associate Degree Schools in North Carolina list. Fayetteville, North Carolina is the setting for this medium-sized institution of higher learning. The public school handed out associate degrees to 68 students in 2020-2021.

FTCC undergraduate students pay an average of $8,688 in tuition and fees each year. On average, associate degree students take out $19,442 in loans while pursuing their degree.

Online courses are available at FTCC, but you will need to check with the school to see if they are available for your field of interest. In 2019-2020 about 95% of the undergraduate students at the school chose to take one or more online courses.

Read More…

#23

Lenoir Community College

Kinston, North Carolina
39 Total Awards
$8,712 Average Tuition & Fees

Lenoir Community College landed the #23 spot in the 2023 rankings for the best value associate degree nursing programs. Lenoir Community College is a small public school located in Kinston, North Carolina that handed out 39 associate degrees in 2020-2021.

The average tuition and fees for an out-of-state undergraduate students at Lenoir Community College are $8,712 a year. Associate Degree recipients from this school accumulate an average of $14,861 in student debt by the time they complete their degree.

Online courses are available at Lenoir Community College, but you will need to check with the school to see if they are available for your field of interest. Of all the undergraduates enrolled at the school during the 2019-2020 academic year, around 96% took at least some of their classes online.

Full Lenoir Community College Report

#24

Southeastern Community College

Whiteville, North Carolina
45 Total Awards
$8,744 Average Tuition & Fees

Southeastern Community College ranked #24 on this year’s Best Value Nursing Associate Degree Schools in North Carolina list. This small public school is located in Whiteville, North Carolina, and it awarded 45 associate degrees in 2020-2021.

The average tuition and fees for an out-of-state undergraduate students at Southeastern Community College are $8,744 a year. By the time they get their associate degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $15,066 in student loans.

Southeastern Community College does offer online classes for certain degree levels. During the 2019-2020 year, about 85% of the undergraduates at the school took at least one online course.

Read More…

#25

Montgomery Community College

Troy, North Carolina
4 Total Awards
$8,682 Average Tuition & Fees

Montgomery Community College ranked #25 on this year’s Best Value Nursing Associate Degree Schools in North Carolina list. MCC is located in Troy, North Carolina and has a very small student population. In 2020-2021, this school awarded 4 associate degrees to qualified students.

MCC undergraduate students pay an average of $8,682 in tuition and fees each year.

Online courses are available at MCC, but you will need to check with the school to see if they are available for your field of interest. In 2019-2020 about 68% of the undergraduate students at the school chose to take one or more online courses.

Read More…

View Best Value Nursing Associate Degree Schools Nationwide >

Notes and References

Footnotes

*These averages are for the top 25 schools only.

References

  • 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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