Best Online Nursing Programs in North Carolina (2026)

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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 into nursing careers. 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 nationally available 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.

Ranked by BOC Score — U.S. Dept. of Education outcome data. Advertising never affects rankings.

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#1

Duke University

Durham, NC
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
82.1 BOC Score
Graduation rate 97%
Median earnings, 10 yrs after entry $97,800
Avg net price $29,612/yr
TuitionContact school for pricing
Contact
Key stats
  • Retention rate: 97%
  • Programs offered: 8

Source:IPEDSCollege Scorecard

#2

East Carolina University

Greenville, NC
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
68.3 BOC Score
Graduation rate 66%
Median earnings, 10 yrs after entry $55,146
Avg net price $15,739/yr
TuitionContact school for pricing
Contact
Key stats
  • Retention rate: 82%
  • Programs offered: 37

Source:IPEDSCollege Scorecard

#3

Johnston Community College

Smithfield, NC
  • 2 year
  • Campus + Online
  • Accredited
64.4 BOC Score
Graduation rate 32%
Median earnings, 10 yrs after entry $37,310
Avg net price $1,776/yr
Tuition
In‑state$2,756
Out‑of‑state$8,900
Contact
Key stats
  • Programs offered: 39

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

#4

McDowell Technical Community College

Marion, NC
  • 2 year
43.6 BOC Score
Graduation rate 34%
Median earnings, 10 yrs after entry $33,035
Avg net price $7,784/yr
TuitionContact school for pricing
Contact
Key stats
  • Programs offered: 35

Source:IPEDSCollege Scorecard

#5

Rockingham Community College

Wentworth, NC
  • 2 year
43.0 BOC Score
Graduation rate 32%
Median earnings, 10 yrs after entry $32,480
Avg net price $2,060/yr
TuitionContact school for pricing
Contact
Key stats
  • Programs offered: 32

Source:IPEDSCollege Scorecard

#6

Sampson Community College

Clinton, NC
  • 2 year
40.5 BOC Score
Graduation rate 36%
Median earnings, 10 yrs after entry $33,409
Avg net price $3,108/yr
TuitionContact school for pricing
Contact
Key stats
  • Programs offered: 35

Source:IPEDSCollege Scorecard

#7

Halifax Community College

Weldon, NC
  • 2 year
  • Accredited
39.6 BOC Score
Graduation rate 38%
Median earnings, 10 yrs after entry $31,644
Avg net price $9,040/yr
Tuition
In‑state$2,608
Out‑of‑state$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?

The schools in our directory hold institutional accreditation from agencies recognized by the U.S. Department of Education - that is a condition of inclusion. Verify any specific school and program in the Department’s DAPIP database before enrolling.

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.


Online Nursing Programs by City in North Carolina

Explore city-level guides with local salary data and school options:

Apex · Asheboro · Asheville · Boone · Burlington · Carrboro · Cary · Chapel Hill · Charlotte · Clayton · Clemmons · Concord · Cornelius · Durham · Elizabeth City · Fayetteville · Forest City · Fuquay-Varina · Garner · Gastonia · Goldsboro · Greensboro · Greenville · Havelock · Henderson · Hickory · High Point · Holly Springs · Huntersville · Indian Trail · Jacksonville · Kannapolis · Kernersville · Kill Devil Hills · Kinston · Laurinburg · Lincolnton · Lumberton · Matthews · Mint Hill · Monroe · Mooresville · Morehead City · Morrisville · New Bern · Pinehurst · Raleigh · Roanoke Rapids · Rockingham · Rocky Mount · Salisbury · Sanford · Shelby · Smithfield · Statesville · Thomasville · Wake Forest · Wilmington · Wilson · Winston-Salem


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