Best Online Nursing Programs in North Carolina (2026 Guide)
Last updated: April 2026 · Program details and tuition rates are subject to change.
North Carolina is one of the best-kept secrets in affordable online nursing education. Thanks to the NC Promise Tuition Plan — which drastically reduces tuition at four UNC System campuses — the state offers some of the cheapest accredited online RN-to-BSN programs in the entire country.
Combine that with a strong healthcare system anchored by world-class medical centers like Duke and UNC Hospitals, and North Carolina becomes one of the smartest states to earn your nursing degree online.
Why Choose an Online Nursing Program in North Carolina?
NC Promise Tuition Plan
Dramatically reduced tuition at Western Carolina, UNC Pembroke, Elizabeth City State, and Fayetteville State.
Among the Cheapest Nationally
Multiple NC programs under $5,000 total tuition — competitive with any state in the country.
NLC Compact State
Your NC license transfers to 40+ other states — ideal for travel nursing and telehealth.
World-Class Healthcare Employers
Duke Health, UNC Health, Atrium Health, Novant Health, and Wake Forest Baptist are all headquartered here.
High Demand
North Carolina's growing population and aging demographics create sustained nursing job growth statewide.
Top Online Nursing Programs in North Carolina
University of North Carolina at Wilmington (UNCW)
Online RN-to-BSN — Top Ranked for Quality
- Credits: 30–32 credit hours
- Timeline: 3 semesters (full-time) or 4+ semesters (part-time)
- NCLEX Pass Rate: 83.33%
- Accepts out-of-state RNs: Yes
- Accreditation: CCNE
UNCW's program consistently ranks as the best in North Carolina for quality, with a strong reputation among employers and a fully online format.
Western Carolina University (WCU)
Online RN-to-BSN — Cheapest in NC ⭐
- Credits: 30 credit hours
- NCLEX Pass Rate: 97.87%
- Tuition: Dramatically reduced through NC Promise Tuition Plan
- Accepts out-of-state students: Yes (even out-of-state pricing is exceptional)
- Accreditation: CCNE
WCU is the #1 cheapest online RN-to-BSN in North Carolina, thanks to the NC Promise Tuition Plan. In-state rates are among the lowest you'll find anywhere in the U.S. for an accredited online RN-to-BSN, and even out-of-state students benefit from reduced pricing.
Fayetteville State University (FSU)
Online RN-to-BSN — NC Promise School
- Credits: 32 credit hours
- NCLEX Pass Rate: 77.65%
- Tuition: NC Promise reduced rates
- Accepts out-of-state students: Yes (NC Promise applies to out-of-state as well)
- Accreditation: ACEN
Another NC Promise school with rock-bottom tuition, FSU offers an accessible path to BSN completion for nurses across North Carolina and beyond.
Winston-Salem State University (WSSU)
Online RN-to-BSN
- Format: Fully online — only open to North Carolina RNs
- Tuition: Affordable distance learning rates plus mandatory educational & technology fees
- Also offers: Fully online MSN with no GRE or MAT requirement
- Special: Nurse Faculty Loan Program available for nurse educators and APRN preceptors
- Accreditation: CCNE
WSSU offers an affordable, high-quality option for NC residents, plus one of the few online MSN programs that doesn't require GRE or MAT scores.
North Carolina A&T State University
Online BSN Completion
- Program: 100% Online BSN Completion
- Best for: NC residents seeking affordable BSN advancement
- Features: Competitive pricing even with mandatory fees
- Accreditation: CCNE
NC A&T's online BSN completion program is another excellent affordable choice for NC residents, offering a fully online format with CCNE accreditation.
East Carolina University (ECU)
Online Nursing Programs — Multiple Levels
- Programs: RN-to-BSN, MSN, DNP, and Post-Master's Certificates
- Format: Online and hybrid options
- Reputation: Strong clinical partnerships across eastern North Carolina
- Accreditation: CCNE
- Best for: Students interested in advanced degrees (MSN, DNP) beyond the BSN
ECU's College of Nursing is one of the largest in the state, making it especially strong for nurses who want a clear pathway from BSN to advanced practice.
The NC Promise Advantage
The NC Promise Tuition Plan is a game-changer for nursing students. It applies to four UNC System campuses, dramatically reducing tuition for both in-state and out-of-state students — making North Carolina one of the most affordable destinations for online nursing education in the U.S.
Western Carolina University
Cheapest RN-to-BSN in the state
UNC Pembroke
Affordable online options
Elizabeth City State University
Eastern NC option
Fayetteville State University
Strong RN-to-BSN program
How Much Do Online Nursing Programs Cost in NC?
| Program Type | NC Resident | Out-of-State |
|---|---|---|
| Online RN-to-BSN (NC Promise school) | $2,500–$5,000 | $5,000–$10,000 |
| Online RN-to-BSN (other UNC school) | $6,000–$12,000 | $15,000–$25,000 |
| Online MSN | $15,000–$25,000 | $25,000–$45,000 |
Admission Requirements
RN-to-BSN Programs
- GPA: 2.5–3.0 minimum
- Licensure: Active, unencumbered RN license
- Prerequisites: Anatomy & Physiology, Microbiology, Statistics, English
- Entrance exams: Most NC RN-to-BSN programs do NOT require TEAS/HESI
- Application materials: Official transcripts, nursing license verification, resume
Pre-Licensure Programs
- GPA: 3.0+ for competitive admission
- Entrance exams: TEAS typically required (score 65–75%+)
- Prerequisites: Science courses with labs, English, Math, Psychology
- Clinical requirements: In-person clinical hours required
North Carolina Nursing Job Market
$75,580
Avg. RN Salary/year
12%+
Job growth through 2032
NLC
Multistate license state
2 major
Research Triangle + Charlotte
Major Healthcare Employers
Key Markets
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the cheapest online nursing program in North Carolina?
Western Carolina University's online RN-to-BSN program is the cheapest in the state, thanks to the NC Promise Tuition Plan. Total tuition for NC residents can be well under $5,000.
Can out-of-state students take advantage of NC Promise pricing?
Yes — NC Promise reduces tuition for BOTH in-state and out-of-state students, though in-state rates are still lower. Even the out-of-state NC Promise price is competitive with in-state rates at most other states' schools.
How long does an online RN-to-BSN take in North Carolina?
Most programs take 3 semesters (12–15 months) full-time or 4–5 semesters (16–20 months) part-time.
Does North Carolina require a BSN for nursing practice?
No — North Carolina does not mandate a BSN to practice as an RN. However, BSN-prepared nurses earn higher average salaries and qualify for leadership, management, and advanced practice roles. Magnet hospitals (like Duke and UNC Medical Center) strongly prefer BSN-prepared nurses.
Is North Carolina a Nurse Licensure Compact state?
Yes — North Carolina participates in the NLC. With a multistate license, you can practice in 40+ other compact states without additional licensure. This is particularly valuable for travel nursing and telehealth.
Does WSSU offer an online MSN without the GRE?
Yes — Winston-Salem State University offers a fully online MSN program that does not require GRE or MAT scores. This is a great option for working nurses who want to advance to a master's level without standardized testing.
Last updated: April 2026. Program details and tuition rates are subject to change. Always verify current information directly with the school.
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