As an RN, you can leverage your job and education to further your career. When you enroll in one of North Carolina’s top online BSN programs, you’ll deepen your nursing practice and learn skills that open new doors for you. With this EduMed student guide, find out comprehensive information about what earning a nursing bachelor’s degree entails, answers to common questions that prospective students have, and the career options and earning potential for nurses with bachelor’s degrees. Why Trust EduMed? We partner with 150+ nursing & allied health professionals to bring you the most in-depth data & insights on higher education & careers in healthcare. Meet our team and review our editorial values. Jump To SectionOnline BSN Programs in NC: Uncovering Top Schools
Inside Popular BSN Programs in North Carolina
Though BSN programs in North Carolina may be offered online, it’s important to understand how these virtual learning formats work. There is a level of flexibility you can enjoy depending on the program you choose. For example, if you enroll in an asynchronous online program, it means you can watch course content when it’s most convenient for you. In a synchronous program, however, you’ll be required to attend lectures during scheduled days and times.
Also, keep in mind that online programs will most likely be hybrid formats, meaning that some hands-on, in-person training will be required. While you may be able to take your classes online, some schools will have on-site clinical fieldwork for students, such as regular laboratory work or experience at a healthcare facility. Take a look at some school options below to get an idea of the type of programs available to students like you.
University of North Carolina at Greensboro
The University of North Carolina at Greensboro offers an online RN to BSN Degree Program that delivers classes in an asynchronous format. This is a good option for working nurses because they can watch lectures and complete coursework during times that are best for their busy schedules. There is one online cohort admitted to the program every year, so nurses work through the curriculum together as a group. This provides opportunities for you to connect with your classmates and build a supportive community as you learn. When students finish the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)-accredited program, they will have the knowledge and skills necessary to work with patients from diverse communities.
Duration: 12 months
Mode: Online
Cost: $5,468 per year in-state; $21,820 per year out-of-state
Admissions Requirements:
- A high school diploma or equivalent
- An active, unencumbered North Carolina nursing license
Curriculum: The curriculum teaches advanced strategies for providing caring and compassionate services to patients rooted in evidence-based nursing principles. Students learn how to effectively work independently, as well as with colleagues as part of a healthcare team.
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East Carolina University
East Carolina University’s RN to BSN Program was created by the people who understand the challenges of working nurses best—veteran nurses with years of practical experience and knowledge. Not only does this result in a strong curriculum that helps RNs develop new skills, it has also culminated in beneficial student support services. As a result, students have access to amenities such as academic, technology, and writing services. In addition, the school provides career services to help students network with other professionals and best present themselves to potential employers. To defray the cost of their education, financial aid like medical student scholarships and grants is offered to students.
Duration: 16 months
Mode: Online
Cost: $150.40 per credit in-state; $863.71 per credit out-of-state
Admissions Requirements:
- A nursing degree or diploma
- A minimum overall 2.50 grade point average
- At least a C average in science and mathematics coursework
- A current, unrestricted North Carolina nursing license
Curriculum: The curriculum helps RNs fortify their nursing practice through a combination of nursing, social science, humanities, and natural science knowledge. Specific courses cover community health nursing, professional communication, evidence-based research, and nursing leadership and finance.
University of North Carolina Wilmington
Whether you want to prepare for advancement into administrative, education, or research roles—or even go into business for yourself as a consultant—the University of North Carolina Wilmington’s RN to BSN Program can position you to accomplish your objectives. Some of the specific jobs you may pursue after completing this program include ICU, case management, and travel nursing positions. The program is made up of 30 credit hours of coursework that is taught by veteran nurses with years’ worth of knowledge and experience. To maximize flexibility, the school offers multiple program start dates, so you can begin during the best time for your personal circumstances.
Duration: 12 months
Mode: Online
Cost: $211.14 per credit in-state; $914.26 per credit out-of-state
Admissions Requirements:
- A high school diploma or its equivalent
- At least 24 transferable undergraduate credits
- A minimum 2.4 grade point average
- An associate degree
- A current, unencumbered RN license
Curriculum: Core classes cover health assessments, end-of-life care, health policy, nursing leadership and management, and community and population health nursing. Also, there are electives available on alternative therapies, genetics and genomics in healthcare, and the evolution of professional nursing.
BSN Student FAQs: Your Questions, Answered
After reviewing some BSN programs in North Carolina, you probably still have questions about what to expect with transferring credits, online nursing school accreditation, student services, and more before selecting a program right for your needs. In this section, we answer some of our readers’ most pressing questions so you can make a fully-informed decision when you pursue a nursing bachelor’s degree, so read on to find out more.
Are there part-time BSN programs in North Carolina?
Yes, some schools in North Carolina offer part-time BSN programs. This adds to the flexibility of these programs, so you are better able to use effective time management skills to balance academics, work, and personal obligations. For instance, Winston-Salem State University and the University of North Carolina at Greensboro provide part-time learning options for BSN learners.
Although these programs can make a BSN more convenient, keep in mind that the tradeoff of part-time study is that you will spend more time in school. Think about whether or not it makes sense to extend the amount of time you’re in a bachelor’s degree program or if you would prefer a full-time option that may be more intensive.
Can I transfer credits from another institution?
You may be able to transfer credits depending on your situation. For example, if you have completed a nursing diploma or associate degree, a bridge program can decrease the amount of time you spend in school based on the previous coursework you completed. Also, some programs further allow you to benefit thanks to prior learning credits, which means the school will take into account your professional experience and give you credit for it.
Similarly, if you complete part of your BSN and decide to transfer to another college or university, you can typically transfer at least a portion of your credits. That being said, it can depend on how well the curriculum at your former school aligns with the curricular requirements of the new school.
What are some benefits of earning a BSN?
There are a number of benefits of earning a BSN in North Carolina. First and foremost, a bachelor’s degree will help you qualify for more job opportunities. In fact, more and more employers actively look for nurses with a bachelor’s degree, so this educational leap can be prosperous.
When it comes time to find a job and navigate healthcare job offers, one of the most important resources available to new graduates and experienced veterans alike is their professional healthcare network. Attending one of the best North Carolina BSN programs provides access to experienced professors, helpful mentors, and BSN alumni working in healthcare settings in North Carolina and beyond.
Should a BSN program be accredited?
Yes; nursing school accreditation means a program has been vetted thoroughly for the quality of the education it provides, so you can be confident that you will have the skills you need to pass the licensing exam and find a job. In fact, in order to obtain a license from the state, you must complete a program from an accredited school.
Additionally, accreditation is necessary if you want to transfer from one BSN program to another. If your previous school does not hold proper institutional and/or programmatic accreditation, this will lessen the likelihood of your credits transferring successfully.
The primary programmatic accrediting agencies for nursing are the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) and the Accrediting Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN). Attending a school with CCNE or ACEN accreditation ensures you receive a quality education and helps prospective employers feel confident in the rigor of your academic background.
What student services are available to BSN students in North Carolina?
There will be different student services available depending on the school you attend. Although you may enroll in an online BSN program, you can rest assured that you will not be completely on your own because schools provide support services to virtual learners. Some of these services include academic advising to help you navigate the curriculum; technology services to increase your understanding of the programs you need to use to be successful with online learning; and career services that provide guidance on how to be successful during your job search.
Other services may include financial aid support and mental health services. When looking at prospective BSN programs in North Carolina, carefully review which services different schools offer and weigh them against your individual needs.
BSN Nurse Salary & Career Path in North Carolina
After all of your hard work studying to become a registered nurse, you want to ensure it was worth the time and effort. The data below can help you determine if it is. When it comes to salaries, registered nurses in North Carolina make between $62,980 and $104,190, with the average salary being $79,580. If you work in Asheville, you’ll make between $59,270 and $110,840, and the average here is $79,580. Similarly, in the Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia area, the average salary for registered nurses is $81,190. The range is $64,240 to $103,130. When it comes to job opportunities, the future is bright for RNs. Around the country, there'll be an 5.60% increase in jobs in the coming years, which means 193,100 created positions. In North Carolina, there will be tremendous growth of 16.40%, amounting to 7,930 new jobs added annually. For more details about salary and job growth, review the tables below.
| Area ↕ | 10th Percentile ↕ | Median ↕ | 90th Percentile ↕ |
|---|---|---|---|
| North Carolina | $62,980 | $79,580 | $104,190 |
| Asheville, NC | $59,270 | $79,580 | $110,840 |
| Burlington, NC | $63,140 | $83,790 | $98,830 |
| Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia, NC-SC | $64,240 | $81,190 | $103,130 |
| Durham-Chapel Hill, NC | $68,800 | $78,990 | $112,990 |
| Fayetteville, NC | $58,300 | $87,190 | $110,260 |
| Goldsboro, NC | $60,980 | $76,820 | $97,070 |
| Greensboro-High Point, NC | $62,930 | $80,950 | $101,310 |
| Greenville, NC | $66,320 | $80,100 | $107,180 |
| Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC | $56,350 | $71,180 | $93,280 |
| Jacksonville, NC | $60,300 | $76,240 | $95,210 |
| New Bern, NC | $57,500 | $68,430 | $86,410 |
| Raleigh, NC | $64,850 | $81,910 | $103,640 |
| Rocky Mount, NC | $59,490 | $75,150 | $96,990 |
| Wilmington, NC | $63,370 | $76,440 | $98,680 |
| Winston-Salem, NC | $66,470 | $83,020 | $106,970 |
Source: Registered Nurses, Occupational Employment and Wages, May 2023, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Data based on national numbers, not school-specific information.
| Area ↕ | Curr. Jobs ↕ | Proj. Jobs ↕ | New Jobs ↕ | Growth % ↕ | Avg. Ann. Openings ↕ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| United States | 3,172,500 | 3,349,900 | 177,400 | 5.60% | 193,100 |
| North Carolina | 106,190 | 123,650 | 17,460 | 16.40% | 7,930 |
Source: Projections Central
Data based on national numbers, not school-specific information.
Ranking the Best Online BSN Programs: North Carolina Edition
To help ensure you make the best choice for a BSN program in North Carolina, we have created the following rankings to represent the top online BSN programs available to nurses around the state. We’ve kept in mind the best factors for consideration using our refined methodology, which reveals the criteria we used when choosing these schools (to learn more, click on “About the Rankings”). Review the choices below to get an idea of what you should look for in a bachelor’s degree program.
University of North Carolina at Greensboro
Greensboro, North Carolina
Why We Selected University of North Carolina at Greensboro:
- The program offers flexible, 100% online courses tailored for working nurses.
- Accelerated completion is possible in as little as one year, enhancing career advancement opportunities.
- UNCG provides affordable tuition rates and financial aid options to support students' educational goals.
Program Details
- AccreditationSACSCOC
- Average In-State Tuition$4,422
- Average Institutional Aid$3,140
- % of Students in ≥1 Online Course88%
- % of Students Receiving an Award59%
- Student/Faculty Ratio17/1
East Carolina University
Greenville, North Carolina
Why We Selected East Carolina University:
- The RN to BSN program offers online courses and completion in as few as 16 months.
- The program provides advanced placement status for prior education and experience.
- East Carolina University's nursing programs boast a 98% NCLEX-RN pass rate.
Program Details
- AccreditationSACSCOC
- Average In-State Tuition$4,452
- Average Institutional Aid$3,766
- % of Students in ≥1 Online Course74%
- % of Students Receiving an Award66%
- Student/Faculty Ratio18/1
University of North Carolina Wilmington
Wilmington, North Carolina
Why We Selected University of North Carolina Wilmington:
- The program offers an accelerated completion option, allowing students to finish in as few as 12 months.
- The UNCW program integrates clinical practice experiences into course assignments, eliminating traditional clinical hour requirements.
- Experienced nursing educators provide instruction, ensuring students receive high-quality guidance and support throughout the program.
Program Details
- AccreditationSACSCOC
- Average In-State Tuition$4,443
- Average Institutional Aid$3,634
- % of Students in ≥1 Online Course73%
- % of Students Receiving an Award72%
- Student/Faculty Ratio16/1
Fayetteville State University
Fayetteville, North Carolina
Why We Selected Fayetteville State University:
- The program offers exceptionally low tuition rates, making it an affordable option for RNs.
- Employer partnerships provide opportunities for tuition waivers and scholarships, reducing financial burdens.
- Accelerated completion options allow students to finish the program in as little as 2.5 semesters, enhancing career advancement.
Program Details
- AccreditationSACSCOC
- Average In-State Tuition$2,982
- Average Institutional Aid$2,719
- % of Students in ≥1 Online Course91%
- % of Students Receiving an Award34%
- Student/Faculty Ratio15/1
University of North Carolina at Charlotte
Charlotte, North Carolina
Why We Selected University of North Carolina at Charlotte:
- The UNC Charlotte RN-to-BSN program offers flexible online learning with no campus visits required.
- The program provides opportunities for research collaboration with experienced faculty, enhancing professional development.
- Graduates benefit from strong employer partnerships with major healthcare organizations like Novant Health and Atrium Health.
Program Details
- AccreditationSACSCOC
- Average In-State Tuition$3,812
- Average Institutional Aid$4,377
- % of Students in ≥1 Online Course70%
- % of Students Receiving an Award64%
- Student/Faculty Ratio20/1
Carolinas College of Health Sciences
Charlotte, North Carolina
Why We Selected Carolinas College of Health Sciences:
- The program offers extensive clinical experience within Atrium Health, enhancing job readiness.
- Partnership with Atrium Health provides preferred access to clinical sites and job opportunities.
- Carolinas College ensures high job placement rates through dedicated HR support and strong employer connections.
Program Details
- AccreditationSACSCOC
- Average In-State Tuition$13,584
- Average Institutional AidN/A
- % of Students in ≥1 Online Course43%
- % of Students Receiving an Award100%
- Student/Faculty Ratio6/1
University of Mount Olive
Mount Olive, North Carolina
Why We Selected University of Mount Olive:
- The University of Mount Olive offers a state-of-the-art nursing simulation laboratory for hands-on training.
- The program provides flexible scheduling options, including a fast-track format for busy adults.
- Clinical placements are conducted in diverse patient care settings, enhancing practical experience.
Program Details
- AccreditationSACSCOC
- Average In-State Tuition$21,618
- Average Institutional Aid$10,547
- % of Students in ≥1 Online Course76%
- % of Students Receiving an Award53%
- Student/Faculty Ratio14/1
Appalachian State University
Boone, North Carolina
Why We Selected Appalachian State University:
- The program offers flexible completion options within one to three years.
- The curriculum includes non-traditional clinical experiences tailored to each course.
- Students benefit from a 3+1 pathway with Wilkes Community College, saving on tuition and fees.
Program Details
- AccreditationSACSCOC
- Average In-State Tuition$4,242
- Average Institutional Aid$3,299
- % of Students in ≥1 Online Course58%
- % of Students Receiving an Award72%
- Student/Faculty Ratio17/1
Western Carolina University
Cullowhee, North Carolina
Why We Selected Western Carolina University:
- Western Carolina University offers reduced tuition through the NC Promise program.
- The School of Nursing provides scholarships to both undergraduate and graduate students.
- Students can explore employer-sponsored scholarships for post-graduation employment opportunities.
Program Details
- AccreditationSACSCOC
- Average In-State Tuition$1,000
- Average Institutional Aid$2,310
- % of Students in ≥1 Online Course53%
- % of Students Receiving an Award62%
- Student/Faculty Ratio15/1
Cabarrus College of Health Sciences
Concord, North Carolina
Why We Selected Cabarrus College of Health Sciences:
- The RN-to-BSN program offers 100% online courses with no clinical requirements, enhancing flexibility for working nurses.
- Generous financial aid and loans are available, making the program more affordable for students.
- Preferred access to Atrium Health clinical sites provides valuable networking and job opportunities.
Program Details
- AccreditationSACSCOC
- Average In-State Tuition$13,850
- Average Institutional Aid$1,388
- % of Students in ≥1 Online Course72%
- % of Students Receiving an Award48%
- Student/Faculty Ratio7/1
Base Methodology for EduMed’s “Best Online College Rankings” for the ‘24-’25 school year.
One: Create a list of eligible schools & programs
To be eligible for ranking, schools were required to meet the following criteria based on data pulled from The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS), which was self-reported by the schools themselves.
- Institutional accreditation from an organization recognized by the U.S. Department of Education
- At least one online component in a program within the ranking-subject area.
- The existence of academic counseling on campus and/or online.
- The existence of career placement services on campus and/or online.
Two: Assign weightings to eligible schools & programs
After creating the list of eligible schools, EduMed data scientists assigned weights and ranked schools based on a mix of metrics, which were all self-reported by the school themselves to the U.S. Department of Education and IPEDS.
The metrics are listed below in order of most- to least-heavily weighted.
- Online Programs – Number of online programs, either partially- or fully-online, in the relevant subject area. Because exact numbers change often and can be difficult to verify, we use a range-based scoring system to represent this category with laptop icons.
- % in Online Ed. – Percent of total students taking at least one distance education class.
- Tuition – Average in-state tuition for undergraduate students studying full-time, as self-reported by the school.
- % Receiving Award – Percent of full-time, first-time students receiving an award in 6 years.
- Avg. Inst. Aid – Average amount of institutional grant aid awarded to full-time, first-time undergraduates.
- Student/Faculty Ratio – The number of students per faculty member.
About Our Data
EduMed’s rankings use the latest official data available from The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS). Most recent data pull: July 2024
