Find Nursing Schools

Study Area & Zipcode

Most Popular Nursing Associate Degree Schools in North Carolina

Find Schools Near

2023 Most Popular Nursing Associate Degree Schools in North Carolina

59 Schools Ranked
$3,470 Avg Tuition & Fees*
$18,594 Avg Student Debt

There are so many nursing programs in today's world that it can tough to figure out which one is the right one 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 Most Popular Nursing Associate Degree Schools in North Carolina ranking. This report analyzed 59 schools in North Carolina to see which ones were the most popular associate degree programs for nursing students. To create this ranking we looked at how many students graduated from each school on the list.

Learn more about these popular schools below:

#1

Wake Technical Community College

Raleigh, North Carolina
131 Total Awards
$2,768 Average Tuition & Fees
$22,857 Avg Student Debt

Our 2023 rankings named Wake Technical Community College the most popular school in North Carolina for nursing students working on their associate degree. Located in Raleigh, North Carolina, the large public school handed out 131 associate degree awards in 2020-2021.

Full-time students from North Carolina pay an average of $2,768 in tuition and fees if they choose to attend Wake Technical Community College. Out-of-state students pay an average of $8,912. By the time they get their associate degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $22,857 in student loans. Of those students who received their degree, 87% were women.

Some students may be able to take online classes at Wake Technical Community College. In 2019-2020 about 94% of the undergraduate students at the school chose to take one or more online courses.

Read More…

#2

Forsyth Technical Community College

Winston-Salem, North Carolina
115 Total Awards
$2,152 Average Tuition & Fees
$17,896 Avg Student Debt

The excellent associate degree programs at Forsyth Technical Community College helped the school earn the #2 place on this year’s ranking of the most popular nursing schools in North Carolina. Located in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, the medium-sized public school awarded 115 diplomas to qualifed associate degree students in 2020-2021.

The average in-state tuition and fees for students at Forsyth Tech is $2,152. Out-of-state students pay an average of $7,168. Associate Degree recipients from Forsyth Tech accumulate an average of $17,896 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. Of those students who received their degree, 90% were women.

If you are interested in distance education, be sure to check with the school since Forsyth Tech does offer online classes for certain majors. In 2019-2020 about 87% of the undergraduate students at the school chose to take one or more online courses.

Read More…

#3

Pitt Community College

Winterville, North Carolina
113 Total Awards
$1,940 Average Tuition & Fees
$24,602 Avg Student Debt

You’ll be in good company if you decide to attend Pitt Community College. It ranked #3 on our 2023 Most Popular Nursing Associate Degree Schools in North Carolina list. Pitt Community College is a medium-sized public school situated in Winterville, North Carolina. It awarded 113 associate degrees in 2020-2021.

The average in-state tuition and fees for students at Pitt Community College is $1,940. Those students who come from outside the state pay an average of $6,548. By the time they get their associate degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $24,602 in student loans. Around 91% of those degree recipients were women.

Pitt Community 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. To give an idea of how popular online courses are at the school, 91% of undergraduates took at least one course online in 2019-2020.

Read More…

102 Total Awards
$2,632 Average Tuition & Fees
$19,341 Avg Student Debt

The excellent associate degree programs at Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College helped the school earn the #4 place on this year’s ranking of the most popular nursing schools in North Carolina. A-B Tech is a public institution located in Asheville, North Carolina. The school has a medium-sized population, and it awarded 102 associate degrees in 2020-2021.

Full-time students from North Carolina pay an average of $2,632 in tuition and fees if they choose to attend A-B Tech. If you are from out of state, expect to pay an average of $8,776. By the time they get their associate degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $19,341 in student loans. Of those students who received their degree, 77% were women.

Online courses are available at A-B Tech, 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 62% of the undergraduates at the school took at least one online course.

Full Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College Report

#4

Central Piedmont Community College

Charlotte, North Carolina
102 Total Awards
$2,792 Average Tuition & Fees
$13,022 Avg Student Debt

The excellent associate degree programs at Central Piedmont Community College helped the school earn the #4 place on this year’s ranking of the most popular nursing schools in North Carolina. Charlotte, North Carolina is the setting for this fairly large institution of higher learning. The public school handed out associate degrees to 102 students in 2020-2021.

Students from North Carolina who attend Central Piedmont Community College full time pay an average of $2,792 in tuition and fees. Those students who come from outside the state pay an average of $8,936. Associate Degree recipients from Central Piedmont Community College accumulate an average of $13,022 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. Of those students who received their degree, 87% were women.

Central Piedmont Community College does offer online classes for certain degree levels. To give an idea of how popular online courses are at the school, 100% of undergraduates took at least one course online in 2019-2020.

Read full report on Central Piedmont Community College

#6

Carolinas College of Health Sciences

Charlotte, North Carolina
95 Total Awards
$15,214 Average Tuition & Fees
$23,054 Avg Student Debt

Carolinas College of Health Sciences came in at #6 in this year’s edition of the Most Popular Nursing Associate Degree Schools in North Carolina ranking. Carolinas College of Health Sciences is a very small public school situated in Charlotte, North Carolina. It awarded 95 associate degrees in 2020-2021.

If you want to attend Carolinas College of Health Sciences, expect to pay an average of $15,214 in tuition and fees. Of course, this could be reduced if you receive financial aid. On average, associate degree students take out $23,054 in loans while pursuing their degree. Of those students who received their degree, 83% were women.

You may have the opportunity to take online classes at Carolinas College of Health Sciences. To give an idea of how popular online courses are at the school, 56% of undergraduates took at least one course online in 2019-2020.

Read full report on Carolinas College of Health Sciences

#7

Rowan-Cabarrus Community College

Salisbury, North Carolina
88 Total Awards
$2,626 Average Tuition & Fees
$12,398 Avg Student Debt

Rowan-Cabarrus Community College ranked #7 on this year’s Most Popular Nursing Associate Degree Schools in North Carolina list. Rowan-Cabarrus Community College is a medium-sized public school located in Salisbury, North Carolina that handed out 88 associate degrees in 2020-2021.

Full-time students from North Carolina pay an average of $2,626 in tuition and fees if they choose to attend Rowan-Cabarrus Community College. If you are from out of state, expect to pay an average of $8,770. By the time they get their associate degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $12,398 in student loans. Of those students who received their degree, 92% were women.

You may have the opportunity to take online classes at Rowan-Cabarrus Community College. To give an idea of how popular online courses are at the school, 71% of undergraduates took at least one course online in 2019-2020.

Full Rowan-Cabarrus Community College Report

#8

Davidson County Community College

Thomasville, North Carolina
81 Total Awards
$2,226 Average Tuition & Fees
$20,103 Avg Student Debt

With a ranking of #8, Davidson County Community College did quite well on this year’s most popular schools for nursing students working on their associate degree. DCCC is a small public school situated in Thomasville, North Carolina. It awarded 81 associate degrees in 2020-2021.

Students from North Carolina who attend DCCC full time pay an average of $2,226 in tuition and fees. Those students who come from outside the state pay an average of $7,658. Associate Degree recipients from DCCC accumulate an average of $20,103 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. Of those students who received their degree, 93% were women.

One thing to take note of is that DCCC does offer online classes in some areas. In fact, around 63% of the undergraduate population registered for at least one online class in 2019-2020.

Full Davidson County Community College Report

#9

Cabarrus College of Health Sciences

Concord, North Carolina
74 Total Awards
$14,370 Average Tuition & Fees
$24,343 Avg Student Debt

Cabarrus College of Health Sciences came in at #9 in this year’s edition of the Most Popular Nursing Associate Degree Schools in North Carolina ranking. This very small private not-for-profit school is located in Concord, North Carolina, and it awarded 74 associate degrees in 2020-2021.

If you want to attend Cabarrus College of Health Sciences, expect to pay an average of $14,370 in tuition and fees. Of course, this could be reduced if you receive financial aid. Associate Degree recipients from Cabarrus College of Health Sciences accumulate an average of $24,343 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. Around 89% of those degree recipients were women.

Depending on your major, you may be able to take online classes at Cabarrus College of Health Sciences. Of all the undergraduates enrolled at the school during the 2019-2020 academic year, around 68% took at least some of their classes online.

Full Cabarrus College of Health Sciences Report

#10

Gaston College

Dallas, North Carolina
71 Total Awards
$2,862 Average Tuition & Fees
$10,582 Avg Student Debt

Gaston College landed the #10 spot in the 2023 rankings for the most popular associate degree nursing programs. This small public school is located in Dallas, North Carolina, and it awarded 71 associate degrees in 2020-2021.

Students from North Carolina who attend Gaston College full time pay an average of $2,862 in tuition and fees. Out-of-state students pay an average of $9,006. By the time they get their associate degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $10,582 in student loans. Of those students who received their degree, 97% were women.

If you are interested in distance education, be sure to check with the school since Gaston College does offer online classes for certain majors. Of all the undergraduates enrolled at the school during the 2019-2020 academic year, around 87% took at least some of their classes online.

Full Gaston College Report

#11

Cape Fear Community College

Wilmington, North Carolina
69 Total Awards
$2,748 Average Tuition & Fees
$18,238 Avg Student Debt

Cape Fear Community College came in at #11 in this year’s edition of the Most Popular Nursing Associate Degree Schools in North Carolina ranking. CFCC is located in Wilmington, North Carolina and has a fairly large student population. In 2020-2021, this school awarded 69 associate degrees to qualified students.

In-state students pay an average of $2,748 in tuition and fees if they attend CFCC full time. If you are from out of state, expect to pay an average of $8,892. By the time they get their associate degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $18,238 in student loans. Of those students who received their degree, 86% were women.

Depending on your major, you may be able to take online classes at CFCC. Of all the undergraduates enrolled at the school during the 2019-2020 academic year, around 100% took at least some of their classes online.

Read More…

#12

Fayetteville Technical Community College

Fayetteville, North Carolina
68 Total Awards
$2,544 Average Tuition & Fees
$19,442 Avg Student Debt

With a ranking of #12, Fayetteville Technical Community College did quite well on this year’s most popular schools for nursing students working on their associate degree. FTCC is located in Fayetteville, North Carolina and has a medium-sized student population. In 2020-2021, this school awarded 68 associate degrees to qualified students.

Students from North Carolina who attend FTCC full time pay an average of $2,544 in tuition and fees. If you are from out of state, expect to pay an average of $8,688. Associate Degree recipients from FTCC accumulate an average of $19,442 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. Of those students who received their degree, 91% were women.

Depending on your major, you may be able to take online classes at FTCC. In 2019-2020 about 95% of the undergraduate students at the school chose to take one or more online courses.

Full Fayetteville Technical Community College Report

#13

Guilford Technical Community College

Jamestown, North Carolina
64 Total Awards
$2,289 Average Tuition & Fees
$23,911 Avg Student Debt

Guilford Technical Community College ranked #13 on this year’s Most Popular Nursing Associate Degree Schools in North Carolina list. This medium-sized public school is located in Jamestown, North Carolina, and it awarded 64 associate degrees in 2020-2021.

Students from North Carolina who attend Guilford Technical Community College full time pay an average of $2,289 in tuition and fees. Those students who come from outside the state pay an average of $7,665. Associate Degree recipients from Guilford Technical Community College accumulate an average of $23,911 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. Of those students who received their degree, 89% were women.

Depending on your major, you may be able to take online classes at Guilford Technical Community College. During the 2019-2020 year, about 74% of the undergraduates at the school took at least one online course.

Read full report on Guilford Technical Community College

#14

Sandhills Community College

Pinehurst, North Carolina
60 Total Awards
$2,764 Average Tuition & Fees
$12,877 Avg Student Debt

Sandhills Community College landed the #14 spot in the 2023 rankings for the most popular associate degree nursing programs. SCC is a public institution located in Pinehurst, North Carolina. The school has a small population, and it awarded 60 associate degrees in 2020-2021.

In-state students pay an average of $2,764 in tuition and fees if they attend SCC full time. Those students who come from outside the state pay an average of $8,908. Associate Degree recipients from SCC accumulate an average of $12,877 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. Around 97% of those degree recipients were women.

If you are interested in distance education, be sure to check with the school since SCC does offer online classes for certain majors. Of all the undergraduates enrolled at the school during the 2019-2020 academic year, around 89% took at least some of their classes online.

Read More…

#15

Wilson Community College

Wilson, North Carolina
52 Total Awards
$2,572 Average Tuition & Fees
$16,502 Avg Student Debt

Wilson Community College came in at #15 in this year’s edition of the Most Popular Nursing Associate Degree Schools in North Carolina ranking. WCC is a small public school situated in Wilson, North Carolina. It awarded 52 associate degrees in 2020-2021.

In-state students pay an average of $2,572 in tuition and fees if they attend WCC full time. If you are from out of state, expect to pay an average of $8,716. On average, associate degree students take out $16,502 in loans while pursuing their degree. Of those students who received their degree, 88% were women.

You may have the opportunity to take online classes at WCC. To give an idea of how popular online courses are at the school, 90% of undergraduates took at least one course online in 2019-2020.

Full Wilson Community College Report

#16

Catawba Valley Community College

Hickory, North Carolina
50 Total Awards
$2,367 Average Tuition & Fees
$14,680 Avg Student Debt

Catawba Valley Community College ranked #16 on this year’s Most Popular Nursing Associate Degree Schools in North Carolina list. CVCC is a small public school situated in Hickory, North Carolina. It awarded 50 associate degrees in 2020-2021.

In-state students pay an average of $2,367 in tuition and fees if they attend CVCC full time. Out-of-state students pay an average of $7,743. Associate Degree recipients from CVCC accumulate an average of $14,680 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. Of those students who received their degree, 86% were women.

Online courses are available at CVCC, 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 95% of the undergraduates at the school took at least one online course.

Full Catawba Valley Community College Report

#16

Mitchell Community College

Statesville, North Carolina
50 Total Awards
$2,651 Average Tuition & Fees
$14,331 Avg Student Debt

Mitchell Community College did quite well in this year’s ranking of the most popular places for nursing students to get an associate degree. It came in at #16 on the list. Mitchell Community College is a small public school located in Statesville, North Carolina that handed out 50 associate degrees in 2020-2021.

The average in-state tuition and fees for students at Mitchell Community College is $2,651. If you are from out of state, expect to pay an average of $8,795. On average, associate degree students take out $14,331 in loans while pursuing their degree. Around 88% of those degree recipients were women.

Mitchell Community College does offer online classes for certain degree levels. In fact, around 96% of the undergraduate population registered for at least one online class in 2019-2020.

Read More…

#18

Surry Community College

Dobson, North Carolina
47 Total Awards
$2,663 Average Tuition & Fees
$12,403 Avg Student Debt

Surry Community College came in at #18 in this year’s edition of the Most Popular Nursing Associate Degree Schools in North Carolina ranking. Surry Community College is a small public school situated in Dobson, North Carolina. It awarded 47 associate degrees in 2020-2021.

Students from North Carolina who attend Surry Community College full time pay an average of $2,663 in tuition and fees. If you are from out of state, expect to pay an average of $8,807. Associate Degree recipients from Surry Community College accumulate an average of $12,403 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. Of those students who received their degree, 98% were women.

If you are interested in distance education, be sure to check with the school since Surry Community College does offer online classes for certain majors. During the 2019-2020 year, about 95% of the undergraduates at the school took at least one online course.

Read More…

#18

Vance-Granville Community College

Henderson, North Carolina
47 Total Awards
$1,944 Average Tuition & Fees
$12,813 Avg Student Debt

With a ranking of #18, Vance-Granville Community College did quite well on this year’s most popular schools for nursing students working on their associate degree. Vance-Granville Community College is a small public school situated in Henderson, North Carolina. It awarded 47 associate degrees in 2020-2021.

In-state students pay an average of $1,944 in tuition and fees if they attend Vance-Granville Community College full time. Those students who come from outside the state pay an average of $6,552. By the time they get their associate degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $12,813 in student loans. Around 83% of those degree recipients were women.

Depending on your major, you may be able to take online classes at Vance-Granville Community College. To give an idea of how popular online courses are at the school, 98% of undergraduates took at least one course online in 2019-2020.

Read full report on Vance-Granville Community College

#20

Johnston Community College

Smithfield, North Carolina
46 Total Awards
$2,657 Average Tuition & Fees
$13,306 Avg Student Debt

Johnston Community College ranked #20 on this year’s Most Popular Nursing Associate Degree Schools in North Carolina list. Johnston Community College is a small public school located in Smithfield, North Carolina that handed out 46 associate degrees in 2020-2021.

In-state students pay an average of $2,657 in tuition and fees if they attend Johnston Community College full time. If you are from out of state, expect to pay an average of $8,801. On average, associate degree students take out $13,306 in loans while pursuing their degree. Around 93% of those degree recipients were women.

If you are interested in distance education, be sure to check with the school since Johnston Community College does offer online classes for certain majors. Of all the undergraduates enrolled at the school during the 2019-2020 academic year, around 85% took at least some of their classes online.

Full Johnston Community College Report

#21

Southeastern Community College

Whiteville, North Carolina
45 Total Awards
$2,600 Average Tuition & Fees
$15,066 Avg Student Debt

Southeastern Community College landed the #21 spot in the 2023 rankings for the most popular associate degree nursing programs. This small public school is located in Whiteville, North Carolina, and it awarded 45 associate degrees in 2020-2021.

The average in-state tuition and fees for students at Southeastern Community College is $2,600. Those students who come from outside the state pay an average of $8,744. By the time they get their associate degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $15,066 in student loans. Of those students who received their degree, 98% were women.

If you are interested in distance education, be sure to check with the school since Southeastern Community College does offer online classes for certain majors. Of all the undergraduates enrolled at the school during the 2019-2020 academic year, around 85% took at least some of their classes online.

Read full report on Southeastern Community College

#22

Craven Community College

New Bern, North Carolina
43 Total Awards
$2,022 Average Tuition & Fees
$13,946 Avg Student Debt

Craven Community College ranked #22 on this year’s Most Popular Nursing Associate Degree Schools in North Carolina list. Located in New Bern, North Carolina, the small public school handed out 43 associate degree awards in 2020-2021.

In-state students pay an average of $2,022 in tuition and fees if they attend Craven Community College full time. Those students who come from outside the state pay an average of $6,630. By the time they get their associate degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $13,946 in student loans. Of those students who received their degree, 91% were women.

Depending on your major, you may be able to take online classes at Craven Community College. In fact, around 83% of the undergraduate population registered for at least one online class in 2019-2020.

Read More…

#23

Lenoir Community College

Kinston, North Carolina
39 Total Awards
$2,568 Average Tuition & Fees
$14,861 Avg Student Debt

Lenoir Community College landed the #23 spot in the 2023 rankings for the most popular associate degree nursing programs. Located in Kinston, North Carolina, the small public school awarded 39 diplomas to qualifed associate degree students in 2020-2021.

In-state students pay an average of $2,568 in tuition and fees if they attend Lenoir Community College full time. Out-of-state students pay an average of $8,712. Associate Degree recipients from Lenoir Community College accumulate an average of $14,861 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. Around 87% of those degree recipients were women.

Lenoir Community College does offer online classes for certain degree levels. In fact, around 96% of the undergraduate population registered for at least one online class in 2019-2020.

Full Lenoir Community College Report

39 Total Awards
$2,537 Average Tuition & Fees
$10,798 Avg Student Debt

Caldwell Community College and Technical Institute landed the #23 spot in the 2023 rankings for the most popular associate degree nursing programs. CCCTI is a public institution located in Hudson, North Carolina. The school has a small population, and it awarded 39 associate degrees in 2020-2021.

The average in-state tuition and fees for students at CCCTI is $2,537. Those students who come from outside the state pay an average of $8,681. By the time they get their associate degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $10,798 in student loans. Around 82% of those degree recipients were women.

Some students may be able to take online classes at CCCTI. To give an idea of how popular online courses are at the school, 67% of undergraduates took at least one course online in 2019-2020.

Read full report on Caldwell Community College and Technical Institute

#23

Bladen Community College

Dublin, North Carolina
39 Total Awards
$2,254 Average Tuition & Fees
$17,853 Avg Student Debt

Bladen Community College landed the #23 spot in the 2023 rankings for the most popular associate degree nursing programs. Located in Dublin, North Carolina, the small public school handed out 39 associate degree awards in 2020-2021.

The average in-state tuition and fees for students at BCC is $2,254. Out-of-state students pay an average of $7,630. Associate Degree recipients from BCC accumulate an average of $17,853 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. Around 74% of those degree recipients were women.

Online courses are available at BCC, 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, 96% of undergraduates took at least one course online in 2019-2020.

Full Bladen Community College Report

View Most Popular 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.

Featured Schools

Find Nursing Schools Near You

Our free school finder matches students with accredited nursing schools across the U.S.