Best Online Nursing Programs in North Carolina (2026)

Updated May 3, 2026 Table of Contents

North Carolina Nursing At a Glance

MetricDetail
Median Nursing Salary$108,980
National ComparisonNorth Carolina offers competitive entry-level wages, though median salaries are currently 1.0% below the national trend.
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 entry-level wages, though median salaries are currently 1.0% below the national trend. 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.

Top 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: Rankings are based on available IPEDS and College Scorecard data including graduation rate, admission rate, program availability, completions, and published tuition. Data is informational only -- always confirm details directly with each school.

#1

Wake Technical Community College

Raleigh, NC In-state option
  • 2 year
  • Accredited
Graduation rate 31%
Tuition
In‑state$2,336
Out‑of‑state$7,582
Contact
Key stats
  • Programs offered: 68

Source:ACCSCIPEDSCollege Scorecard

#2

Cape Fear Community College

Wilmington, NC In-state option
  • 2 year
  • Accredited
Graduation rate 31%
Tuition
In‑state$2,748
Out‑of‑state$8,892
Contact
Key stats
  • Programs offered: 78

Source:ACCSCIPEDSCollege Scorecard

#3

Central Carolina Community College

Sanford, NC In-state option
  • 2 year
  • Accredited
Graduation rate 36%
Tuition
In‑state$2,554
Out‑of‑state$8,698
Contact
Key stats
  • Programs offered: 66

Source:ACCSCIPEDSCollege Scorecard

#4

Wayne Community College

Goldsboro, NC In-state option
  • 2 year
  • Accredited
Graduation rate 51%
Tuition
In‑state$2,524
Out‑of‑state$8,668
Contact
Key stats
  • Programs offered: 36

Source:ACCSCIPEDSCollege Scorecard

#5

Central Piedmont Community College

Charlotte, NC In-state option
  • 2 year
  • Accredited
Graduation rate 24%
Tuition
In‑state$2,792
Out‑of‑state$8,936
Contact
Key stats
  • Programs offered: 73

Source:ACCSCIPEDSCollege Scorecard

#6

Coastal Carolina Community College

Jacksonville, NC In-state option
  • 2 year
  • Accredited
Graduation rate 40%
Tuition
In‑state$2,462
Out‑of‑state$8,606
Contact
Key stats
  • Programs offered: 42

Source:ACCSCIPEDSCollege Scorecard

#7

Craven Community College

New Bern, NC In-state option
  • 2 year
  • Accredited
Graduation rate 41%
Tuition
In‑state$2,022
Out‑of‑state$6,630
Contact
Key stats
  • Programs offered: 30

Source:ACCSCIPEDSCollege Scorecard

#8

Caldwell Community College and Technical Institute

Hudson, NC In-state option
  • 2 year
  • Accredited
Graduation rate 40%
Tuition
In‑state$2,537
Out‑of‑state$8,681
Contact
Key stats
  • Programs offered: 41

Source:ACCSCIPEDSCollege 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$81,860
Licensed Practical Nurse$61,380
Nurse Anesthetist$226,460
Nurse Midwife$121,490
Nurse Practitioner$125,020
Nursing Assistant$37,670

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), May 2024 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 entry-level wages, though median salaries are currently 1.0% below the national trend. 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.

Browse Other States

Back to Online Nursing Programs by State

Return to Online Nursing Programs by State

Explore Best Online Nursing Programs in North Carolina (2026)