Compare costs, NCLEX pass rates, and outcomes for accredited Raleigh-area nursing programs
WakeMed, UNC Rex, and Duke Raleigh anchor a healthcare hub that drives steady need for new nurses, and that demand sustains a wide range of BSN programs. Public and private schools offer traditional, accelerated, and RN-to-BSN tracks: each with distinct admission standards and clinical placement arrangements.
Competition for seats remains intense, especially in accelerated programs that compress a BSN into 12 to 18 months. The programs that stand out do so on cost, NCLEX first-time pass rates, and the quality of their hospital partnerships, not on reputation alone.
As Triangle hospitals increasingly expect a BSN for acute-care hiring, the program’s NCLEX record and net price matter far more than its name. Choosing well means aligning the pathway with your academic background and career timeline, not chasing prestige.
Raleigh’s growing healthcare sector relies on a strong pipeline of well-trained nurses from top-tier programs in the Triangle and beyond. From research universities with direct clinical ties to major hospital systems to affordable community college ADN options, the schools in this ranking reflect the variety of pathways available to aspiring nurses in the region. Each entry highlights key strengths, affordability, and outcomes that matter most to Raleigh nursing students.
| Rank | School | Location | Net price | Best for | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill | Chapel Hill, NC | $12,000/yr | Selective public flagship BSN pathway | |
As North Carolina’s flagship public nursing school, UNC–Chapel Hill combines rigorous academics with extensive clinical partnerships across the UNC Health system, including UNC Rex Healthcare in Raleigh. In-state students benefit from a significantly lower tuition rate of $8,994, while out-of-state costs are $41,203, and the average net price is $11,655. The institution’s overall graduation rate is 91.2%, and its highly selective admissions (15.3% acceptance rate) attract top candidates from across the state. The BSN program offers traditional, accelerated, and military-specific pathways, all leading to strong NCLEX preparation and job placement throughout the Triangle.
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| #2 | Duke University | Durham, NC | ~$30,000/yr (est.) | Elite accelerated nursing for career changers | |
Duke University’s accelerated BSN program is an elite, fast-track option for high-achieving career changers. Located in Durham and deeply integrated with the Duke Health system, the program draws patients from across the Triangle, giving students clinical experiences in a world-class academic medical center. With a near-perfect 96.8% graduation rate and a 5.7% admission rate, competition is intense. Tuition is $68,758 for all students, but a net price of $29,612 and strong earnings outcomes (median $97,800 10 years out) reflect a high return on investment. Graduates are heavily recruited by leading Raleigh employers like Duke Health, WakeMed, and UNC Health.
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| #3 | East Carolina University | Greenville, NC | $16,000/yr | Affordable public BSN with statewide reach | |
East Carolina University’s College of Nursing is one of the largest producers of new RNs in North Carolina, with a statewide clinical network that includes central and eastern sites. Its BSN program emphasizes professional practice, care coordination, and leadership, preparing students for a range of healthcare settings, including hospitals in Raleigh. In-state tuition is $7,361, and the net price averages $15,739, making it a cost-effective public option. The institution’s overall graduation rate is 62.6%, and admission is moderately selective at 89.2%. ECU’s mission to serve rural and underserved communities aligns with statewide health-equity goals, and its graduates are well-prepared for the NCLEX-RN.
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| #4 | University of North Carolina Wilmington | Wilmington, NC | $7,000 – $24,000/yr | ||
UNC Wilmington’s School of Nursing serves students across North Carolina with flexible pathways, including a fully online RN to BSN program ideal for working nurses in Raleigh. The pre-licensure BSN requires a secondary application and combines campus-based learning with diverse clinical experiences, while the accelerated track offers a fast four-semester option for those with a prior degree. In-state tuition is $7,277, and out-of-state is $24,152, with a net price of $20,109. The institution’s overall graduation rate is 70.6%, and admissions are moderately selective at 64.2%. UNCW’s blend of online convenience and campus rigor makes it a versatile choice for Raleigh-area students at various stages of their nursing career.
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| #5 | University of North Carolina at Charlotte | Charlotte, NC | $15,000 – $20,000/yr | ||
UNC Charlotte offers a traditional BSN and an accelerated BSN on its suburban Charlotte campus, both with strong simulation resources and NCLEX preparation. In-state tuition is $7,239 and out-of-state $22,492, with a net price of $15,435, making it an affordable public choice for North Carolina residents. The institution’s overall graduation rate is 69%, and the admission rate is 79.6%, with a holistic review that values volunteer healthcare experience. Graduates are competitive in the statewide job market, including opportunities in Raleigh, and the program’s recent capacity expansion aims to address regional nursing shortages.
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| #6 | Elon University | Elon, NC | $42,000/yr | ||
Elon University’s nursing program blends theoretical knowledge with hands-on clinical practice, emphasizing culturally sensitive care and global health perspectives. Located in central North Carolina, between Greensboro and Raleigh, the campus-based BSN requires a minimum SAT of 1100 or ACT of 22 and offers direct entry admission. Tuition is $46,958 for all students, with a net price of $41,555. The institution’s overall graduation rate is 84%, and admission is moderately selective at 66.4%. Elon’s focus on population health and diverse clinical settings, including international opportunities, appeals to students seeking a distinctive, value-based pre-licensure experience.
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| #7 | Cabarrus College of Health Sciences | Concord, NC | $15,000 – $20,000/yr | ||
Cabarrus College of Health Sciences in Concord offers a hospital-based BSN and an associate degree program with strong ties to Atrium Health, primarily serving the Charlotte and central North Carolina regions. Tuition is $16,550 for all students, and the net price is $17,618. The institution’s overall graduation rate is 71.4%, and admission is competitive at 23.4%. While not a Raleigh-area school per se, Cabarrus’s high NCLEX pass rates, small class sizes, and early clinical immersion make it a notable statewide performer. Graduates can relocate to Raleigh and compete for RN roles across the state.
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| #8 | Appalachian State University | Boone, NC | $8,000 – $25,000/yr | ||
Appalachian State University’s BSN program in Boone, NC, is a two-year, full-time commitment that begins each summer. The program boasts a 95% NCLEX-RN first-time pass rate over five years and is accredited by the CCNE. In-state tuition is $7,579 and out-of-state $25,212, with a net price of $16,836. The institution’s overall graduation rate is 74.5%, and admission is less selective at 90.1%, though the nursing program requires a 3.0 GPA and Nurse Aide I certification. Appalachian is especially noted for supporting military medics and corpsmen, making it a strong choice for veterans and western North Carolina residents who may later work in the Raleigh area.
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| #9 | Wilkes Community College | Wilkesboro, NC | $3,000/yr | ||
Wilkes Community College’s ADN program in Wilkesboro, NC, is an accredited, campus-based path to nursing that prepares students for the NCLEX-RN. With a focus on safety, quality, and evidence-based practice, the program offers limited enrollment for personalized attention. In-state tuition is just $2,572, and out-of-state $8,716, with an exceptionally low net price (negative $264, reflecting aid that exceeds costs for many). The institution’s overall graduation rate is 55.4%. While primarily serving northwestern NC, graduates are eligible for licensure statewide and can relocate to the Raleigh area to begin their nursing careers.
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| #10 | Southwestern Community College | Sylva, NC | $5,000/yr | ||
Southwestern Community College in Sylva, NC, offers a competitive ADN program that emphasizes safe, evidence-based care and prepares students for the NCLEX-RN. In-state tuition is $4,112, out-of-state $13,184, and the net price is $5,207. The institution’s overall graduation rate is 53.1%. The rigorous 72-credit curriculum includes anatomy, psychology, and nursing concepts, with graduates eligible for licensure anywhere in North Carolina, including Raleigh. Its affordability and solid state approval make it a viable stepping stone into nursing, particularly for students in western NC.
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Nursing education in 2026 offers several clear pathways into the profession, giving Raleigh students more flexibility than ever before. The three main routes to a BSN, traditional, accelerated, and RN-to-BSN, each suit different academic backgrounds and career timelines.
The traditional Bachelor of Science in Nursing is a four-year program designed for students entering college for the first time or transferring from another major without an existing bachelor’s degree.1 It combines general education courses with nursing theory and extensive clinical rotations in area hospitals. In Raleigh, schools like NCCU, Watts College of Nursing, and UNC-Chapel Hill offer this pathway. Graduates are prepared to sit for the NCLEX and enter practice as generalist registered nurses.
Students who already hold a bachelor’s degree in another field can complete an accelerated BSN in as few as 12 to 16 months.1 The pace is intensive and full-time, often with no semester breaks. Raleigh-area options include Duke, UNC-Chapel Hill, and NCCU, while programs at ECU, NC A&T, and UNC Charlotte are within a reasonable drive. The ABSN builds on prior college coursework, compressing nursing education into a rapid, focused curriculum.
For licensed RNs with an associate degree or diploma, the RN-to-BSN path offers a bridge to the baccalaureate level, typically in 12 to 24 months.1 These programs are designed with working nurses in mind, often delivered online or hybrid formats. Schools serving the Raleigh area include ECU, UNC-Wilmington, Western Carolina, Queens, and Cabarrus. Clinical requirements are often minimal and can sometimes be satisfied through current employment. This pathway is ideal for nurses seeking career advancement or preparation for graduate study.
Each route has distinct admission criteria, pacing, and target student profiles. Later sections of this article break down per-credit costs and NCLEX pass rates for Raleigh programs, helping you weigh the practical tradeoffs among them.
The sticker price of tuition tells only part of the story. Net price, what students pay after grants and scholarships, gives a truer picture of affordability. Below, we compare the most recent net price data for five of the lowest-cost nursing programs within reach of Raleigh, all public community colleges offering an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) pathway. A low net price, combined with moderate graduate debt, can make these programs a high-value launchpad into registered nursing.
North Carolina nursing programs consistently post strong NCLEX-RN first-time pass rates. For 2025, the statewide average for all RN programs was 88%, with BSN-specific programs reaching 89%. Both figures sit just above the national averages of 87% for all programs and 88% for BSN programs. These numbers reflect the quality of nursing education in the state, and Raleigh-area BSN graduates benefit from that rigor.1
While individual school data may not always be published contemporaneously (for example, NCLEX results for Meredith College and William Peace University were not publicly available for the 2024-2025 testing period2), many schools share pass rates on their websites or through the North Carolina Board of Nursing. Prospective students can compare these rates to the state benchmark to gauge how well a program prepares its graduates for licensure.
When assessing a nursing program’s value, licensure exam performance is just one piece of the puzzle. Median earnings one year after completion and the share of graduates employed in their field at that same point offer a concrete look at early career momentum. These metrics are often reported to organizations like the U.S. Department of Education’s College Scorecard.
Program debt also deserves careful consideration. Even a program with a high NCLEX pass rate may not be the best fit if graduates carry loans disproportionate to a typical entry-level RN salary in the region. Look for transparency around average debt at graduation and weigh it against the earning potential for new nurses in Raleigh.
The North Carolina Board of Nursing publishes annual NCLEX pass rate reports that break down performance by school. That is the best starting point for comparing how individual BSN programs in the Raleigh area performed in the most recent testing cycle. For earnings and employment outcomes, many schools provide placement statistics to prospective students, and the College Scorecard offers median earnings data for Title IV-eligible institutions. Since internal scorecard figures were not available for this edition, applicants are encouraged to request the latest outcomes directly from admissions offices or review official federal data.
North Carolina's nursing workforce is in high demand, and Raleigh-area RNs benefit from a growing healthcare job market. Before you can start earning a competitive salary, you'll need to complete this licensure sequence managed by the NC Board of Nursing.
Prospective nursing students often have similar questions about programs in the Raleigh area. Below, we answer the most common queries about schools, costs, timelines, and outcomes.
If you're casting a wider net, the 75-mile radius around Raleigh includes additional accredited nursing programs beyond the ranked list. This directory provides a quick glance at each school's location, format, and estimated net price. For a complete statewide picture, visit the North Carolina nursing schools page.
