Best Online Nursing Programs in North Carolina (2026)

Updated June 11, 2026 BLS data College Scorecard On this page

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North Carolina Nursing At a Glance

MetricDetail
Median Nursing Salary$110,953
Salary OutlookNorth Carolina offers competitive wages for nursing professionals, reflected in the state-specific Bureau of Labor Statistics median salaries shown below.
Primary Licensing BodyNorth Carolina Board of Nursing
Accreditation RequiredInstitutional + Regional

Earning an online nursing degree in North Carolina offers a flexible path to a high-demand career. North Carolina offers competitive wages for nursing professionals, reflected in the state-specific Bureau of Labor Statistics median salaries shown below. Whether you’re looking for an affordable in-state option or a top-ranked national program, North Carolina students have access to a variety of accredited online choices that balance quality and cost.

Online Nursing Schools in North Carolina

The following schools offer accredited online nursing programs and are ranked based on affordability, graduation rates, and student outcomes in North Carolina.

How We Rank Schools

Every school list on this site is ordered by the BOC Score, computed from the most recent school-level data published by the U.S. Department of Education (College Scorecard and IPEDS). To qualify, a school must be currently operating and accredited by an agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. Each eligible school is then scored on five measures, percentile-ranked against schools at the same credential level:

  • Graduation rate 30%
  • Median earnings, 10 years after entry 25%
  • Average net price (lower is better) 20%
  • Retention rate 15%
  • Fully online availability 10%

Schools without enough outcome data appear after ranked schools, without a score. Advertising never affects these rankings. Read the full methodology.

#2

East Carolina University

Greenville, NC BOC Score 68.3
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
TuitionContact school for pricing
Contact
Key stats
  • Programs offered: 37

Source:IPEDSCollege Scorecard

#3

Johnston Community College

Smithfield, NC BOC Score 64.4
  • 2 year
  • Campus + Online
  • Accredited
Graduation rate 32%
Tuition
In鈥憇tate$2,756
Out鈥憃f鈥憇tate$8,900
Contact
Key stats
  • Programs offered: 39

Source:Accreditor: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on CollegesIPEDSCollege Scorecard

#7

Halifax Community College

Weldon, NC BOC Score 39.6
  • 2 year
  • Accredited
Graduation rate 38%
Tuition
In鈥憇tate$2,608
Out鈥憃f鈥憇tate$8,752
Contact
Key stats
  • Programs offered: 30

Source:Accreditor: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on CollegesIPEDSCollege Scorecard

Career Outlook and Salaries in North Carolina

Nursing professionals in North Carolina experience a dynamic job market with competitive wages. Below are the median annual salaries for key roles in the field, based on the latest Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) data for North Carolina.

OccupationMedian Annual Salary (North Carolina)
Registered Nurse$84,350
Licensed Practical Nurse$63,270
Nurse Anesthetist$224,610
Nurse Midwife$126,040
Nurse Practitioner$128,990
Nursing Assistant$38,460

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), May 2025 Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.

Why Pursue an Online Nursing Degree in North Carolina?

Choosing a program in North Carolina can provide several advantages:

  • In-State Tuition: Many public universities in North Carolina offer lower tuition rates for residents, even for online programs.
  • Local Networking: Attending a school within your state can make it easier to connect with local employers and professional organizations.
  • Licensing Alignment: Local nursing programs are designed to meet North Carolina Board of Nursing requirements, facilitating your path to RN or APRN licensure.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are online nursing programs in North Carolina accredited?

Yes, the programs listed above are accredited by recognized regional or national agencies. For North Carolina, this includes accreditation from agencies recognized by the U.S. Department of Education, ensuring your degree meets high academic standards.

How does Nursing pay in North Carolina compare to other states?

North Carolina offers competitive wages for nursing professionals, reflected in the state-specific Bureau of Labor Statistics median salaries shown below. This makes North Carolina a strong choice for students looking to maximize their ROI after graduation.

What is the primary licensing board for nursing in North Carolina?

The North Carolina Board of Nursing oversees professional standards and licensure for the field in North Carolina. Most accredited programs are designed to align with their specific requirements.

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