Compare NCLEX pass rates, tuition costs, and outcomes for BSN programs in and near High Point
High Point sits at the heart of the Piedmont Triad, a region where major health systems like Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist and Cone Health continue to expand, fueling steady demand for new nurses.
Within the city, High Point University and South University-High Point offer direct-entry BSN tracks, while strong public and private programs in Greensboro, Winston-Salem, and Elon sit within a 30-minute commute, part of the broader network of nursing schools in North Carolina.
Deciding where to enroll means weighing NCLEX pass rates against program accreditation status, net cost after aid, and the quality of clinical rotations at Triad hospitals. For aspiring nurses in High Point, a smart choice starts with understanding which programs deliver both licensure readiness and strong early-career earnings.
The following ranking highlights top nursing programs within commuting distance of High Point, drawing on institutional data and program-specific strengths. It is not a U.S. News-style ranking, but rather a practical evaluation of factors like affordability, accreditation, and clinical training opportunities that matter most to local students.
| Rank | School | Location | Net price | Best for | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | High Point University | High Point, NC | $39,000/yr | High Point residents seeking simulation innovation | |
High Point University's BSN program is fully integrated into the university's expansive health sciences ecosystem, anchored by a $350 million investment in state-of-the-art facilities. The first graduating cohort achieved a 100% NCLEX-RN pass rate, reflecting rigorous preparation through 14 high-fidelity simulators and interdisciplinary collaboration across five health departments. As a private, on-campus program in High Point itself, it offers unmatched local convenience and a curriculum that embeds business essentials, preparing nurse leaders for modern healthcare environments.
| |||||
| #2 | Elon University | Elon, NC | $42,000/yr | Global health experiences near High Point | |
Elon University's BSN is a direct-entry, pre-licensure program that emphasizes hands-on learning in global clinical settings, a distinguishing feature among Piedmont Triad schools. Located just a short drive from High Point, it offers campus-based instruction with a strong liberal arts foundation and a focus on value-based, client-centered care. Students benefit from small class sizes and a curriculum that integrates therapeutic communication and the nursing process across the lifespan.
| |||||
| #3 | University of North Carolina at Greensboro | Greensboro, NC | $11,000/yr (net price) | North Carolina residents seeking affordable BSN | |
UNC Greensboro's School of Nursing offers one of the most affordable BSN pathways in the region for North Carolina residents, with in-state tuition and multiple entry points. The program is known for its supportive academic environment, cutting-edge simulation labs, and strong clinical placements at top healthcare organizations. With options including a traditional BSN, RN to BSN, Veteran's Access Program, and a Direct Admit pathway, it accommodates a wide range of student backgrounds.
| |||||
| #4 | North Carolina A & T State University | Greensboro, NC | ~$11,000/yr (est.) | ||
North Carolina A&T State University, a historically Black university in Greensboro, provides a traditional BSN that integrates research evidence and clinical experiential learning. The program requires competitive admission to upper-division courses, ensuring a focused cohort. In addition to the four-year track, it offers an accelerated 12-month BSN for second-degree students and an online RN to BSN completion, catering to diverse educational paths.
| |||||
| #5 | Winston-Salem State University | Winston-Salem, NC | $10,000 – $15,000/yr | ||
Winston-Salem State University is a highly regarded HBCU nursing school known for its commitment to health equity and community-centered care. The BSN program offers multiple entry tracks, including accelerated and bridge options, and boasts a 100% job placement rate within six months of graduation. Students train in high-tech simulation labs and complete clinical rotations at major health systems in Winston-Salem, a manageable commute from High Point.
| |||||
| #6 | Catawba College | Salisbury, NC | $15,000 – $20,000/yr | ||
Catawba College in Salisbury offers a CCNE-accredited BSN pre-licensure program with a 100% first-time NCLEX-RN pass rate. The curriculum integrates service learning and strong clinical partnerships with Novant Health and Atrium Health, providing real-world experience. Students benefit from a supportive liberal arts environment and faculty with diverse clinical expertise, making it a solid choice for those willing to commute slightly farther from High Point.
| |||||
| #7 | Davidson-Davie Community College | Thomasville, NC | $5,000 – $10,000/yr | ||
Davidson-Davie Community College provides a well-regarded Associate Degree Nursing program with an exceptional 100% job placement rate and an 86% NCLEX pass rate. For High Point residents, the Thomasville campus is within a short drive, and the program's RIBN partnership with NC A&T creates a seamless pathway to a BSN. With a total tuition under $5,100, it is one of the most cost-effective entry points into nursing.
| |||||
| #8 | Randolph Community College | Asheboro, NC | $7,000/yr (net price) | ||
Randolph Community College's ADN program in Asheboro offers a two-year, five-semester pathway to RN licensure with hands-on training in a dedicated Allied Health Center. Its competitive admission process and experienced faculty ensure rigorous preparation, while an articulation agreement with UNC system schools supports a smooth transition to a BSN for those who wish to continue their education.
| |||||
| #9 | Guilford Technical Community College | Jamestown, NC | ~$15,000/yr (est.) | ||
Guilford Technical Community College in Jamestown offers a flexible ADN program with multiple starts and an evening option, making it accessible for working students. The program is approved by the NC Board of Nursing and prepares graduates for the NCLEX-RN, with an estimated total cost under $12,000. Its proximity to High Point and articulation agreements facilitate a natural progression to a BSN.
| |||||
| #10 | Rockingham Community College | Wentworth, NC | $2,000/yr | ||
Rockingham Community College in Wentworth provides a tight-knit ADN program with small cohorts and personalized faculty support. The curriculum emphasizes safe, evidence-based care, and graduates are eligible for NCLEX-RN. For High Point students, its NC Board of Nursing approval and articulation agreements with UNC system RN-to-BSN programs offer a reliable pathway to a bachelor's degree.
| |||||
A program’s NCLEX pass rate often reveals more than its diploma: it can signal whether graduates are truly ready for licensure and practice, but balancing a perfect rate against a program’s maturity or cost requires careful thought. In High Point, two BSN programs offer sharply contrasting pictures: High Point University’s new program posted a flawless 100% first-time pass rate in 20241, while South University-High Point reported 77%1. Both figures demand context alongside state and national benchmarks.
For perspective, North Carolina BSN programs collectively averaged 94% in 20241, and the national rate for U.S.-educated RN candidates was 91.2%2.
Many other Piedmont Triad programs consistently perform near or above the state average, underscoring the gap at South University-High Point.
The NCLEX-RN is the gateway to registered nursing licensure; failing it delays your career and adds costs. A school’s pass rate is a leading indicator of curriculum strength and student support, not just a number. Employers, especially competitive hospitals, often weigh these rates when hiring new graduates because they reflect clinical readiness. Choosing a school with strong, consistent outcomes can directly affect your job prospects and confidence entering the field.
The North Carolina Board of Nursing publishes annual first-time NCLEX pass rates for every state-approved program1. Reviewing multiple years of data (where available) gives a clearer picture of a program’s trajectory, especially for newer schools like High Point University’s BSN, where a single exceptional year should be watched for consistency over time.
Is High Point University's nursing program fully accredited by the CCNE? The short answer: not yet, but it's on track and already holds full state approval.
High Point University's BSN program is currently pursuing initial accreditation from the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). As of 2026, it is not yet listed in the CCNE directory, but the university is actively working toward that goal and has had full approval from the North Carolina Board of Nursing since June 2024. Graduates from a state-approved program are eligible to sit for the NCLEX-RN, and HPU's first cohort posted a 100% pass rate in 2024, a strong signal of quality even while CCNE candidacy is underway. The university also holds institutional accreditation from SACSCOC, a separate regional body.1
Both CCNE and ACEN (Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing) are recognized by the U.S. Department of Education, and graduates from either type of program can obtain RN licensure. The difference lies in focus: CCNE accredits only baccalaureate and graduate-level programs, while ACEN accredits all nursing education levels, including diploma and associate degrees. Many employers and graduate schools accept either, but some hospitals and academic medical centers express a preference for CCNE-accredited BSN programs when hiring new graduates. For students, the key takeaway is that both pathways lead to a valid license, but a CCNE-accredited BSN may open slightly more doors for certain advanced roles or graduate admissions.
South University's BSN program at its High Point campus is fully accredited by ACEN. It does not hold CCNE accreditation, which is typical for schools with a broader range of nursing offerings. This ACEN accreditation meets the standard for licensure and employer acceptance, and students should verify whether their target graduate programs have a specific accreditation preference.
The figures below compare institution-wide net price, the average amount paid after grants and scholarships, across public community colleges offering BSN programs within 75 miles of High Point. Actual costs for nursing students may vary based on program-specific fees and individual aid packages. All listed schools are public institutions.
Understanding what you can expect to earn and how much you might owe after graduation is central to choosing a nursing program. This section breaks down local salary benchmarks, program-level earnings data, and the return on investment for BSN graduates from schools in and around High Point.
O*NET wage data show that registered nurses in the Greensboro, High Point metropolitan area earned a median annual wage of $84,200 as of 2024, with the bottom 10% making about $67,660 and the top 10% earning over $105,380. These figures encompass all RNs in the region, regardless of degree or experience, and offer a realistic salary snapshot.
College Scorecard data suggest that nursing graduates can earn competitive salaries. While specific earnings and debt figures for many local BSN programs are not yet publicly reported, regional salary trends support a strong return. Some programs in the area, particularly associate-degree pathways, show limited public data with incomplete earnings and debt information, highlighting the need to weigh cost against anticipated earning power.
Return on investment is best framed by comparing what you’ll earn in the first few years after graduation with what you owe. Lower debt and competitive wages lead to a quicker payoff. Regional data suggest that even entry-level RN positions pay above $67,000, giving BSN graduates a strong foundation to manage typical education debt.
Salary figures are medians and not individual guarantees. Actual earnings depend on employer, schedule, and specialization. Use these numbers as a rough guide, and pair them with cost and clinical quality insights on this page to make a well-rounded decision.
Where do nursing students in High Point complete their clinical rotations, and how do those placements shape their education? Clinical experience is the backbone of any BSN program, and your choice of school determines which hospitals and health systems you'll train in.
Nursing students at High Point University's Teresa B. Caine School of Nursing1 and other area programs gain hands-on hours at major regional health systems. Key clinical sites include:
These partnerships place students inside large teaching hospitals, community-based settings, and specialty care facilities, exposing them to diverse patient populations and nursing roles.
A school's clinical network affects more than just where you do your rotations. Strong partnerships frequently translate into:
When you're evaluating programs, ask how clinical placements are assigned, how many hours each rotation requires, and whether you can express preferences for sites or specialties.
Clinical placement quality is just one piece. Weigh it alongside three other core factors:
These four pillars together help you gauge a program's overall value.
If you're balancing a job or shifting careers, consider program formats carefully. While High Point-area schools vary, nearby institutions like UNC Greensboro and Winston-Salem State University offer accelerated BSN tracks for those who already hold a bachelor's degree in another field. Some programs also provide evening, weekend, or hybrid online/in-person formats. Direct-entry MSN programs may also be available for non-nursing bachelor's graduates. Always confirm current offerings with the schools you're considering, as schedules and eligibility evolve.
Below are answers to common questions about nursing education options in the High Point area. For more detailed information on specific programs, refer to the rankings and data earlier in this article.
High Point's own nursing programs are few, but the Piedmont Triad region delivers a full bench of ranked BSN options, from UNCG and North Carolina A&T in Greensboro to Elon University and community college pathways in surrounding counties.
Use the ranking table and filtered views to sort programs by tuition, NCLEX performance, or clinical affiliations. Before applying, verify each school's accreditation status and check the latest NCLEX pass rates (page-level highlights are available earlier in this article). Visiting campuses and talking to current students about clinical placements will help you confirm which program fits your schedule and career goals.
