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Cheapest Registered Nursing Colleges in North Carolina

Ranked by lowest net price after financial aid. See our methodology.

Fayetteville State University stands out with a remarkable $7,360 net price that undercuts most North Carolina nursing programs by thousands of dollars. The state's 20 nursing programs show a clear divide between public and private costs, with public schools averaging under $16,000 while private institutions climb toward $18,000. North Carolina's booming healthcare sector, anchored by major health systems like Duke Health and Atrium Health, creates strong demand for nursing professionals across all specializations from bedside care to administrative leadership. Graduate earnings range from $56,415 to $71,315, reflecting the varied career paths available in nursing administration and clinical research. The state's geographic spread means students can choose between mountain campuses like Appalachian State and urban centers like UNC Charlotte, each offering different clinical rotation opportunities and networking advantages within North Carolina's expanding medical infrastructure.
31
Programs
$7,360 – $34,454
Net Price Range
$60,133
Avg. Program Earnings
54.7%
Avg. Graduation Rate

31 Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $7,360 $3,969 35.2% 81.2%
2 $9,918 $3,571 44.5% 89.7%
3 $10,170 $7,593 57.9% 91.9%
4 $10,980 $6,748 55.3% 56.4%
5 $12,579 $4,532 59.1% 84.8%
6 $12,983 $8,989 92.1% 17.1%
7 $13,393 $6,735 48.6% 73.4%
8 $14,745 $7,214 67.7% 79.6%
9 $15,028 $6,542 46.0% 84.4%
10 $16,487 $7,541 73.1% 83.1%
11 $16,514 $7,361 62.1% 92.3%
12 $17,271 $16,070 45.5% 44.9%
13 $17,893 $25,950 47.5% 74.6%
14 $18,165 $35,536 40.4% 68.4%
15 $18,210 $33,400 52.1% 67.1%
16 $19,472 $7,317 70.7% 68.8%
17 $20,313 $37,270 41.9% 74.2%
18 $21,371 $40,196 46.8% 86.2%
19 $21,664 $19,686 50.0%
20 $21,728 $33,150 44.3% 63.2%
21 $21,953 $33,930 42.6% 69.1%
22 $23,393 $30,900 51.0% 82.9%
23 $23,613 $19,500 46.4% 97.2%
24 $23,665 $35,600 51.5% 94.6%
25 $23,991 $40,410 55.9% 88.6%
26 $24,137 $33,450 61.7% 75.0%
27 $24,978 $39,664 40.1% 75.7%
28 $25,765 $31,140 44.2% 61.3%
29 $27,634 $20,650
30 $27,786 $43,285 65.9% 71.3%
31 $34,454 $65,805 95.8% 6.4%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Fayetteville State University's nursing program so affordable compared to other schools?

Fayetteville State offers the lowest net price at $7,360, nearly $2,500 less than the second cheapest option at UNC Pembroke. The school maintains an 81% acceptance rate while producing graduates earning $61,814 annually. This combination of accessibility and strong post-graduation outcomes makes it an strong value for nursing students.

How do graduation rates vary among North Carolina's most affordable nursing programs?

Graduation rates span from 35% at Fayetteville State to 92% at UNC Chapel Hill, showing significant variation even among affordable options. Mid-range performers like Western Carolina achieve 59% graduation rates at just $12,579 net cost. Higher graduation rates don't always correlate with higher costs, as evidenced by Appalachian State's 73% rate at $16,487.

Is there a significant earnings difference between graduates from public versus private nursing programs?

Private school graduates often earn more, with University of Mount Olive graduates averaging $66,821 compared to most public school graduates in the $57,000-$63,000 range. However, public schools like North Carolina Central produce graduates earning $63,705, proving that high earnings aren't exclusive to private institutions. The $10,000+ earnings difference can help offset higher private school costs over time.

Does UNC Chapel Hill's low acceptance rate of 17% make it worth considering for nursing?

Chapel Hill accepts only 17% of applicants but delivers a 92% graduation rate, the highest among affordable options. At $12,983 net cost, it costs more than half the other public schools but produces graduates earning $59,534. The selective admissions process typically indicates stronger academic preparation and support systems that contribute to the strong graduation rate.

Where can nursing students find the best combination of low debt and strong earnings potential?

Appalachian State offers the lowest average debt at $12,500 while maintaining reasonable earnings of $56,415 and a solid 73% graduation rate. North Carolina A&T provides another strong option with $16,750 debt and $59,042 earnings. Students should balance debt load against graduation rates, as completing the program is essential for career success.

More Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing Rankings

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Net price reflects the average cost after grants and scholarships for first-time, full-time students. See our methodology for details.