Your Guide to the Best Online RN to BSN Programs in NC
If you’re looking to advance your nursing education, North Carolina’s online RN to BSN programs can help you take the next step. These programs enable you to earn your bachelor’s degree while building on your existing nursing knowledge and experience — all in a relatively short time. Learn how these programs work, what you’ll study, and the answers to common questions prospective students just like you have. With EduMed’s expert guidance, you’ll learn what it takes to succeed both in- and out-of-school.

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North Carolina RN to BSN Programs: A Comparison
Online RN to BSN programs can make earning your degree convenient. But it’s still important to understand what you’re signing up for. Generally, these programs have coursework that you can take completely online, so there’s enough flexibility to integrate your studies into your busy schedule.
However, in some cases, programs may require that students come on campus. For example, some programs are delivered on a hybrid basis. You will be required to complete coursework both online and in person. In other cases, classes are entirely virtual, but there is a clinical component you need to finish at a healthcare facility.
Also, schools may differ in how long you have to graduate. Since many schools aim to maximize flexibility, you may be able to complete a program on a part-time basis, which is great if you’re concerned about their juggling your professional and personal responsibilities with your education.
RN-to-BSN Completion Program — University of North Carolina at Charlotte
The RN-to-BSN Completion Program at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte provides a great deal of flexibility so working nurses can continue their education. The program is delivered entirely online with no campus visit required, so you don’t have to worry about traveling back and forth to the school at all. Additionally, there are no scheduled class meeting times. This will allow you to view course content during the days and times that work best for you. No matter when you do classwork, it’s housed in the Canvas learning management system. It allows you to watch lecturers, submit assignments, and connect with your professors and peers.
Duration: 12 months
Mode: Online
Cost: $158.83 per credit in-state; $794.38 per credit out-of-state
Admissions Requirements:
- An RN license
- Completion of prerequisites
- At least a 2.0 grade point average
Curriculum:
- Concepts of Professional Nursing Science
- Issues in Cultural Health
- Health Assessment for Nurses
- Aging and Health
- Information Technology: Applications in Healthcare
- Leadership in Nursing Practice
- Community Health Nursing
- Design and Coordination of Care
- Research in Nursing Practice
- Enhancing Clinical Judgment
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RN to BSN Program — Fayetteville State University
Fayetteville State University’s RN to BSN program helps students boost their marketability through a curriculum that focuses on evidence-based nursing practice, health assessments, emergency care, and community health strategies. Additionally, students are taught about current trends and issues in nursing. They can stay abreast of the latest developments to help them enhance their work performance. To reinforce classroom learning, students are required to participate in clinical hours that provide hands-on experience. You can also show off your knowledge in a project-based assignment.
Outside of class, you can get support from the school’s Student Nursing Association. This is where nurses come together to network, mentor each other, and participate in the community.
Duration: 12 months
Mode: Online
Cost: $41.67 per credit in-state; $208.34 per credit out-of-state
Admissions Requirements:
- A minimum 2.75 grade point average overall and a minimum 2.8 grade point average in math and science coursework
- Completion of all prerequisites with at least a C grade
- Successfully taking the Kaplan Nursing Entrance Exam
Curriculum:
- Transition to Professional Nursing
- Transcultural Nursing
- Health Assessment Across the Life Span
- Pathophysiology
- Nursing Research and Theory (RN to BSN)
- Nursing Leadership Perspectives and Trends in Contemporary Nursing Practice
- Contemporary Supportive Community Nursing
- Professional Nursing Issues in Practice
- Senior Practicum
- Gerontological Nursing
- Nursing and Women’s Health
RN to BSN Degree Program — Appalachian State University
Appalachian State University’s online RN to BSN program has flexible options that allow you to choose how many hours you dedicate to your studies based on your schedule. In the one-year option with three semesters, you can expect to spend 15 to 20 hours per week on your education. If this schedule doesn’t work for you, there is a six-semester option that requires 8 to 10 hours per week of coursework, and an eight-semester version of the program that only requires 5 to 8 hours per week.
No matter which variation you choose, you’ll be immersed in a collaborative environment where you can form camaraderie with other students. You will enhance your decision-making skills, as well as learn best practices for delivering care in diverse communities and leadership and research skills needed to advance.
Duration: 12 to 36 months
Mode: Online
Cost: $176.75 per credit in-state; $911.46 per credit out-of-state
Admissions Requirements:
- A nursing associate degree or diploma
- An unencumbered nursing license
- 2.50 cumulative grade point average
- 30 hours of major nursing coursework completed
Curriculum:
- Nursing Informatics
- Concepts of Professional Nursing
- Health Assessment
- Nursing Care of Older Adults
- Nursing Care of Communities
- Nursing Leadership and Management
- Professional Nursing Synthesis
- Nursing Research
Quick Guide: FAQs for RN to BSN Students
It’s natural to still have questions about RN to BSN programs as there is a lot for prospective students to know. To help you further explore this path, read on to discover answers to some of the frequently asked questions about curriculum, timeframes, financial aid, and more.
What additional nursing skills and knowledge will I gain in an RN to BSN program in North Carolina?
An RN to BSN program in North Carolina can help prepare you for career advancement opportunities in numerous ways, particularly management, leadership, research, or teaching roles. For example, if you want to become an administrator, having a bachelor’s degree will prepare you for a management position at a variety of healthcare facilities. This is because the curriculum is made up of classes that focus on developing leadership, teamwork, and high-level communication skills managers need.
Getting your BSN degree could be invaluable if you plan on pursuing a graduate program to specialize in a specific nursing area. This is because these programs build on the knowledge you already have, so your clinical skills increase, making you a good candidate for a graduate-level degree.
In North Carolina, how long does completing an RN to BSN program take?
Completing an RN to BSN program can take anywhere from a year to four years, depending on the program, schedule, and whether or not you’ve already completed any prerequisites. The North Carolina Board of Nursing estimates it takes four years to earn your BSN degree.
However, several RN to BSN programs in North Carolina that are strictly online can be finished in a year if you enroll as a full-time student. Others estimate it would take two years to complete an online program for part-time students. For example, the University of North Carolina at Pembroke offers accelerated online courses in eight-week-long sessions—meaning you can complete them in just 12 months. The program could take about two years to finish if you choose a self-paced, part-time learning option.
Can I get financial aid to help pay for my RN to BSN program in North Carolina?
Yes, there are several places you can get financial aid for an RN to BSN program. As you look at your options, a good way to start is by checking in with the schools you’re interested in attending. Generally, colleges and universities will have scholarships and grants available for students, and, in some cases, they are specifically offered to nursing students. Similarly, some employers may offer scholarships to help promote the profession.
Also, The Great 100 Nurses offers a scholarship to nursing students across the state. Each year, nursing schools statewide are randomly selected as scholarship recipients. The school then selects a student based on certain criteria.
What jobs can I qualify for with a BSN?
When you complete an RN to BSN program in North Carolina, you can qualify for a variety of jobs that may not be open to you with a nursing diploma or associate degree. Some of these positions are clinical in nature, such as emergency room roles, labor and delivery nurses, and plastic surgery jobs. Also, you’ll be able to pursue some non-nursing careers for nurses, such as nurse educator, health researcher, pharmaceutical sales representative, and health writer positions.
If you’re interested in starting your own business, a bachelor’s degree can help you do it. If you want to become a nurse consultant, you’re also expected to have at least a bachelor’s-level education to attract clientele.
What should I look for in an RN to BSN degree program in North Carolina?
One way to find quality RN to BSN programs in North Carolina is to look for a program’s average NCLEX-RN pass rate. Some programs, such as Appalachian State University, list their pass rates on the website. The North Carolina Board of Nursing also publishes yearly reports listing a program’s average pass rate.
Nursing school accreditation is also important. Look to see if the nursing program is accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) or the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).
You might also want to check if the nursing program is approved by the state Board of Nursing. You can access a list of nursing programs on the board’s website.
North Carolina’s RN vs. BSN Job and Pay Outlook
Going back to school is a huge investment of time and money, so you likely want to ensure that you'll make a good return on your investment. The good news is, these RN to BSN degrees are entirely worth your time and money.
In terms of salary, your earning potential will increase when you get a bachelor's degree. In North Carolina, nurses who have an associate degree make $72,996 per year. When you complete a bachelor's degree, the average salary goes up to $75,423 annually.
That's not all, as having a bachelor's degree in nursing opens up several opportunities. You can pursue jobs that you don't currently qualify for. If you want to remain involved in direct patient care, some of the options for jobs include labor and delivery, medical-surgical, plastic surgery, and emergency room nurse positions. However, you can have an impact in other ways as well. If you're interested in non-nursing careers for nurses, some of the positions you can qualify for with a bachelor's degree include nurse recruiter, pharmaceutical sales representative, and insurance specialist roles.
Best Online RN to BSN Schools in North Carolina
There are several RN to BSN programs to choose from in North Carolina, and while they all offer the opportunity to earn a bachelor’s degree, they’re not all the same. As a result, it’s important to be sure to shop around. We have compiled the following list of the best options around the state so you can make an informed decision. Review the rankings below to get an idea of what these schools have to offer and how they provide the services and education that students want most, so take a look at the methodology for how we picked these schools. Read below to see which schools made their way onto our list as the top choices for students like you.
University of North Carolina at Greensboro
Greensboro, North Carolina
Why We Selected University of North Carolina at Greensboro:
- The program offers flexible, 100% online learning tailored for working nurses.
- UNCG provides affordable tuition rates and financial aid options to support students.
- The program is nationally recognized for excellence in nursing education, ensuring quality preparation.
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:
- East Carolina University's RN to BSN program offers a fully online format for flexible learning.
- The program provides advanced placement status for prior education and professional experiences.
- ECU's nursing programs benefit from faculty expertise and a high NCLEX-RN pass rate of 98%.
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 UNCW online RN to BSN program offers an accelerated completion option in as few as 12 months.
- The program integrates clinical practice experiences into course assignments, eliminating required clinical hours.
- Experienced nursing educators provide personalized support, enhancing student success and career advancement opportunities.
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:
- Fayetteville State University's nursing program offers a high NCLEX pass rate of 90%.
- The program provides a hands-on learning environment with realistic simulators for practical patient care training.
- The MSN program focuses on patient safety and quality, preparing graduates for leadership roles in healthcare.
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, including 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:
- Atrium Health teammates can receive financial assistance through loan agreements and educational reimbursement programs.
- The program offers flexible online learning, allowing students to complete their BSN in as few as 12 to 18 months.
- Graduates benefit from strong job placement opportunities due to the college's affiliation with Atrium Health.
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's nursing program offers a state-of-the-art $1 million Nursing Simulation Laboratory.
- The program provides a flexible format, including a fast-track option for commuters, accommodating various schedules.
- Under Dr. Nancy Mimm's leadership, students gain applied knowledge in nursing and public health, preparing them for advocacy roles.
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 specialized courses like Nursing Informatics and Care of Older Adults.
- Clinical experiences are integrated into each course, enhancing practical skills.
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:
- The program offers scholarships to both undergraduate and graduate nursing students.
- Western Carolina University provides reduced tuition through the NC Promise program for in-state students.
- Prospective nursing students can explore employer-based scholarships for future 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 flexible online learning with no clinical requirements.
- The program provides credits for prior nursing experience and education, enhancing career advancement opportunities.
- It offers a fast-track application process for Atrium Health teammates and alumni, streamlining entry into the program.
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