#1
Duke University
Duke University ranks #2 nationally among nursing schools and is a private nonprofit institution in Durham, North Carolina. Annual in-state tuition is $68,758.
2026 Nursing Schools in North Carolina Rankings
Accredited nursing schools in North Carolina, ranked by the allnurses School Score — a 100-point composite of 12 federal-data indicators including NCLEX pass rate, graduation rate, affordability, and student outcomes.
#2
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in Chapel Hill, North Carolina holds the #5 spot among the nation's nursing schools. Graduates earn a median of $72,200 within ten years.
#3
Cabarrus College of Health Sciences
One of the top 50 nursing schools in the country, Cabarrus College of Health Sciences is a private nonprofit institution in Concord, North Carolina. It offers 5 nursing programs across various degree levels.
#4
East Carolina University
One of the top 50 nursing schools in the country, East Carolina University is a public institution in Greenville, North Carolina. Total enrollment is about 26,900 students.
#5
W
Western Piedmont Community College
With annual in-state tuition at $2,650, Western Piedmont Community College in Morganton, North Carolina is among the more affordable public options in the region. The school reports a 38% graduation rate.
#6
W
Western Carolina University
With annual in-state tuition at $4,630, Western Carolina University in Cullowhee, North Carolina is among the more affordable public options in the region. It offers 12 nursing programs across various degree levels.
#7
Southeastern Community College
With annual in-state tuition at $2,600, Southeastern Community College in Whiteville, North Carolina is among the more affordable public options in the region. The school reports a 44% graduation rate.
#8
S
Sampson Community College
With annual in-state tuition at $2,877, Sampson Community College in Clinton, North Carolina is among the more affordable public options in the region. Total enrollment is about 1,526 students.
#9
Craven Community College
With annual in-state tuition at $2,022, Craven Community College in New Bern, North Carolina is among the more affordable public options in the region. Graduates earn a median of $34,231 within ten years.
#10
Catawba College
Catawba College is a smaller private nonprofit institution in Salisbury, North Carolina with about 1,376 students. The acceptance rate is 75%.
#11
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Johnston Community College
With annual in-state tuition at $2,756, Johnston Community College in Smithfield, North Carolina is among the more affordable public options in the region. The school reports a 38% graduation rate.
#12
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Gaston College
With annual in-state tuition at $3,186, Gaston College in Dallas, North Carolina is among the more affordable public options in the region. Graduates earn a median of $35,386 within ten years.
#13
Nash Community College
With annual in-state tuition at $2,866, Nash Community College in Rocky Mount, North Carolina is among the more affordable public options in the region. Graduates earn a median of $34,912 within ten years.
#14
James Sprunt Community College
With annual in-state tuition at $2,592, James Sprunt Community College in Kenansville, North Carolina is among the more affordable public options in the region. Graduates earn a median of $29,307 within ten years.
#15
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Southwestern Community College
With annual in-state tuition at $4,112, Southwestern Community College in Sylva, North Carolina is among the more affordable public options in the region. Total enrollment is about 2,157 students.
#16
Central Piedmont Community College
With annual in-state tuition at $2,792, Central Piedmont Community College in Charlotte, North Carolina is among the more affordable public options in the region. Graduates earn a median of $37,865 within ten years.
#17
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Wayne Community College
With annual in-state tuition at $2,566, Wayne Community College in Goldsboro, North Carolina is among the more affordable public options in the region. Graduates earn a median of $34,148 within ten years.
#18
Pitt Community College
With annual in-state tuition at $2,580, Pitt Community College in Winterville, North Carolina is among the more affordable public options in the region. Graduates earn a median of $37,259 within ten years.
#19
Queens University of Charlotte
Queens University of Charlotte is a smaller private nonprofit institution in Charlotte, North Carolina with about 1,599 students. It offers 6 nursing programs across various degree levels.
#20
Blue Ridge Community College
With annual in-state tuition at $2,660, Blue Ridge Community College in Flat Rock, North Carolina is among the more affordable public options in the region. Total enrollment is about 2,723 students.
#21
Edgecombe Community College
With annual in-state tuition at $2,640, Edgecombe Community College in Tarboro, North Carolina is among the more affordable public options in the region. Total enrollment is about 1,397 students.
#22
Wake Technical Community College
With annual in-state tuition at $2,254, Wake Technical Community College in Raleigh, North Carolina is among the more affordable public options in the region. Graduates earn a median of $41,769 within ten years.
#23
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Winston-Salem State University
Based in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, Winston-Salem State University is a public institution. Graduates earn a median of $45,344 within ten years.
#24
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Mayland Community College
With annual in-state tuition at $2,626, Mayland Community College in Spruce Pine, North Carolina is among the more affordable public options in the region. Graduates earn a median of $34,663 within ten years.
#25
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Gardner-Webb University
Based in Boiling Springs, North Carolina, Gardner-Webb University is a private nonprofit institution. The school reports a 57% graduation rate.