Compare top-ranked NC practical nursing programs by cost, outcomes, and format to find your best fit.
While hospital-based LPN roles have declined in favor of RNs, North Carolina's residential care and home health sectors are expanding rapidly. The state’s 17,430 licensed practical nurses earn a median $61,380, but employment settings vary widely: long-term care facilities and outpatient clinics now account for a growing share of employment.
The 29 affordable LPN programs in this ranking are measured by net price after aid, graduate earnings, and NCLEX-PN pass rates rather than prestige. Affordability and outcomes outweigh location or reputation, so a small rural community college often outranks larger metros.
In a market where employers value clinical readiness over degree level, the program you choose directly shapes your earning power and job options.
This ranking evaluates LPN programs in North Carolina based on affordability, graduate earnings, and program quality. The top 10 schools all offer campus-based diplomas, with one hybrid option, and represent a mix of rural and metro locations statewide.
| Rank | School | Location | Net price | Best for | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | Vance-Granville Community College | Henderson, NC | $3,000/yr (net price) | Budget-conscious students near Henderson | |
Vance-Granville Community College offers an affordable Practical Nursing diploma in Henderson, with in-state tuition around $1,944 and a net price of $3,286. The program is being phased out, available only to continuing students through Fall 2025, but still provides a solid foundation for the NCLEX-PN. Institution-wide, the graduation rate is about 53%. Graduates from the school have median earnings of $34,304 a decade after entry.
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| #2 | Wayne Community College | Goldsboro, NC | $2,000/yr | Military and eastern NC residents | |
Wayne Community College in Goldsboro boasts a strong NCLEX-PN pass rate and ACEN accreditation, serving eastern NC and nearby military families. With in-state tuition of $2,566 and a low net price of $2,245, it is an affordable choice. The institution reports a 49% graduation rate, and alumni earn a median of $34,148 a decade later.
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| #3 | Craven Community College | New Bern, NC | $3,000/yr (net price) | Working learners seeking hybrid flexibility | |
Craven Community College's PN program in New Bern is a 12-month hybrid option, blending online and on-campus learning. In-state tuition is about $2,022, and the net price is $3,289. The college has a 48% graduation rate, and former students see median earnings of $34,231.
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| #4 | Rockingham Community College | Wentworth, NC | $2,000/yr | ||
Rockingham Community College in Wentworth is recognized for high NCLEX-PN results, serving the rural northern Piedmont. With a net price of just $2,060 and in-state tuition of $1,966, it is exceptionally budget-friendly. The school's graduation rate is 35%, and median alumni earnings are $32,480.
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| #5 | College of the Albemarle | Elizabeth City, NC | ~$2,000/yr (est.) | ||
College of the Albemarle offers campus-based PN training across multiple locations in northeastern NC, ideal for coastal and rural residents. In-state tuition is $2,242 and the net price is $2,253. The institution has a 35% graduation rate, and graduates earn a median of $33,234.
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| #6 | Johnston Community College | Smithfield, NC | $2,000/yr | ||
Johnston Community College in Smithfield provides a solid mid-tier option near Raleigh, with in-state tuition of $2,756 and a low net price of $1,776. The school's graduation rate is 37%, and median earnings are $37,310, among the highest in this ranking.
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| #7 | Richmond Community College | Hamlet, NC | $2,000 – $7,000/yr | ||
Richmond Community College in Hamlet runs a small, competitive cohort of just 20 students each fall. In-state tuition is $1,956 and net price is $5,071. The graduation rate is 46%, and median earnings are $29,951.
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| #8 | Southwestern Community College | Sylva, NC | $5,000/yr | ||
Southwestern Community College in Sylva is a primary LPN provider for far-western NC, with a 10:1 student-faculty ratio. Tuition is $4,112 and net price $5,207; the school has a 53% graduation rate, and alumni earn $34,145.
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| #9 | Nash Community College | Rocky Mount, NC | $3,000/yr | ||
Nash Community College in Rocky Mount offers a Practical Nursing diploma, though it ranks lower on statewide NCLEX-PN lists. In-state tuition is $2,866 and net price $3,338. The graduation rate is 41%, and median earnings are $34,912.
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| #10 | Gaston College | Dallas, NC | $5,000 – $10,000/yr | ||
Gaston College near Charlotte is ACEN-accredited and frequently appears on top-program lists for NCLEX-PN performance. In-state tuition is $3,186 and net price $6,592. The school's graduation rate is 63%, the highest of the group, and median earnings are $35,386.
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LPN program tuition in North Carolina varies, but net price, the amount students pay after grants and scholarships, is often far lower than the sticker price. In-state tuition ranges from $1,944 to $4,112, while net prices can drop as low as $995, making these programs highly affordable.
| School | In-State Tuition | Out-of-State Tuition | Net Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cleveland Community College | $2,602 | $8,746 | $995 |
| Piedmont Community College | $2,556 | $8,700 | $1,095 |
| Durham Technical Community College | $2,240 | $7,531 | $1,664 |
| Johnston Community College | $2,756 | $8,900 | $1,776 |
| Rockingham Community College | $1,966 | $6,574 | $2,060 |
| Wayne Community College | $2,566 | $8,710 | $2,245 |
| College of the Albemarle | $2,242 | $7,652 | $2,253 |
| Robeson Community College | $2,604 | $8,748 | $2,892 |
| Vance-Granville Community College | $1,944 | $6,552 | $3,286 |
| Craven Community College | $2,022 | $6,630 | $3,289 |
| Nash Community College | $2,866 | $8,866 | $3,338 |
| Central Piedmont Community College | $2,792 | $8,936 | $3,345 |
| Fayetteville Technical Community College | $2,628 | $8,772 | $3,589 |
| Lenoir Community College | $2,578 | $8,822 | $4,127 |
| Richmond Community College | $1,956 | $6,564 | $5,071 |
| Southwestern Community College | $4,112 | $13,184 | $5,207 |
| Central Carolina Community College | $2,711 | $8,855 | $5,446 |
| Stanly Community College | $2,672 | $8,816 | $5,721 |
| Blue Ridge Community College | $2,660 | $8,804 | $5,756 |
| Mayland Community College | $2,626 | $8,770 | $5,861 |
| Alamance Community College | $2,592 | $8,736 | $6,109 |
| Western Piedmont Community College | $2,650 | $8,794 | $6,448 |
| Beaufort County Community College | $2,540 | $8,684 | $6,500 |
| Gaston College | $3,186 | $9,330 | $6,592 |
| Forsyth Technical Community College | $2,276 | $6,884 | $7,200 |
| McDowell Technical Community College | $2,032 | $6,640 | $7,784 |
| Davidson-Davie Community College | $1,980 | $6,588 | $8,753 |
| Isothermal Community College | $2,030 | $6,638 | $10,758 |
| Montgomery Community College | $2,538 | $8,682 | $13,832 |
Getting into an LPN program in North Carolina is more than just meeting minimums, you’ll need to clear a set of competitive, program-specific hurdles that go well beyond a high school diploma.
All practical nursing programs require a high school diploma or GED. Beyond that, minimum GPA expectations vary. Southwestern Community College asks for a 2.0, while Southeastern Community College sets the bar at 2.5, and Robeson Community College demands a 3.0 in key courses. Most programs also require specific prerequisite courses, often with a grade of C or higher and a recent completion date. Anatomy and Physiology (BIO 168 or BIO 169, or combined BIO 163) is a near-universal requirement. Some programs, like Southeastern, also require a state-approved CNA certification before applying. Southwestern enforces a five-year recency limit on biology prerequisites, so older coursework may need to be repeated.
The ATI TEAS exam is required by the majority of NC community college LPN programs. The minimum composite score typically falls between 58 and 70 percent. Southwestern sets it at 58, Southeastern at 59, and many others in that range. Johnston Community College also mandates the TEAS. Exceptions exist, Robeson Community College does not require a pre-admission exam, instead relying on a higher GPA threshold. Applicants should plan to take the TEAS early enough for score reporting, and those who fall short may retake it per their college’s policy.
LPN programs in North Carolina are selective. Many admit cohorts of only 20–40 students each year while receiving far more applications. Southwestern admits one class per year and ranks applicants using a Health Sciences Admissions Rubric. Southeastern seats are determined by a Nursing Admissions Committee. Robeson uses a point system that heavily weights GPAs in anatomy, English, and psychology. Meeting minimums rarely guarantees a seat; candidates should treat these programs as competitive and aim to exceed posted thresholds wherever possible.
Clinical placements in hospitals and long-term care facilities require a clean background check and negative drug screen. Every program includes this as a non-negotiable step after acceptance but before starting clinical rotations. Any flagged result can delay or derail enrollment, so applicants should be prepared for this requirement early.
Prospective students often worry about cost, but North Carolina’s LPN programs are exceptionally accessible through federal aid. At schools like Southwestern (94% Pell-eligible), Nash (92%), and Fayetteville (89%), the vast majority of students qualify for Pell Grants. Combined with low community college tuition, often under $3,000 per year for in-state students, and strong earnings early in an LPN career, the financial pathway is clearer than many assume. Completing the FAFSA is the first step, and most aid offices help applicants navigate grant and scholarship options.
NCLEX-PN pass rates are one of the most reliable indicators of a program's quality. They tell you how well graduates are prepared to sit for the licensing exam and enter the workforce. The North Carolina Board of Nursing publishes annual outcomes for state-approved LPN programs, and the data below reflects the most current reporting cycle, which is primarily from 2023. Use these figures as a starting point, but also weigh factors like cost, location, and clinical placement when making your choice.
Several North Carolina LPN programs achieved a perfect 100% pass rate among first-time test takers in 2023: - Edgecombe Community College - Richmond Community College - South Piedmont Community College - Southeastern Community College - Wake Technical Community College - Wayne Community College - Wilson Community College
Other programs turned in strong performances as well. Robeson Community College recorded a 95% pass rate, while Sampson Community College posted 96%. Surry Community College (92%) and Rowan-Cabarrus Community College (90%) also cleared the 90% threshold. Rockingham Community College saw 83% of its graduates pass, and Vance-Granville Community College had a 73% rate.
Because most program data is report-year specific, only Edgecombe Community College has published figures for 2023, 2024, and 2025. Edgecombe's pass rate held at 100% in both 2023 and 2024 before dipping to 93% in 2025. This kind of sustained performance over multiple years suggests a durable curriculum, though minor fluctuations are common. If a program you are considering lacks recent data, keep in mind that reporting can lag by one to two years; a call to the school's nursing department can often provide fresher numbers.
High pass rates are a positive signal, but they are only part of the picture. Smaller cohorts may produce a 100% rate that is less statistically meaningful than a 90% rate from a larger program. Always ask about class size, faculty-to-student ratios, and remediation support. If a program's rate falls below the national average for practical nursing (which was around 83% in 2023), dig deeper into what the school is doing to improve. Many programs offer free NCLEX-prep resources or require exit exams that can boost your confidence on test day. Comparing pass rates across the schools you are considering will help you identify programs that consistently deliver strong outcomes.
No LPN program in North Carolina is fully online because the North Carolina Board of Nursing requires in-person clinical hours. When a program is labeled 'online,' it means the didactic coursework is delivered online while labs and clinicals still take place on campus or at approved healthcare facilities. Below we compare these hybrid options with traditional campus-based programs to help you weigh the trade-offs.
Delivery Method Schedule Flexibility In-Person Requirements Clinical Arrangements Typical Tuition (In-State) Program Examples (from rankings)
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Most full-time LPN programs in North Carolina take about 12 months to complete, but a handful of schools offer evening and weekend schedules or advanced placement options that may trim that timeline. For students who absolutely need the fastest LPN program, verifying program lengths firsthand is essential, as truly accelerated tracks under 10 months are rare and require careful checking.
The North Carolina Board of Nursing maintains a public list of all approved practical nursing programs. Each entry typically includes the program length, format, and contact information. If a program’s duration isn’t listed, call the school directly to confirm. This step helps you filter out programs that don’t fit your schedule before applying.
When you reach out to a school, ask specific questions:
For example, Central Piedmont Community College’s Practical Nurse Diploma spans three semesters, roughly 12 months1, while ECPI University’s LPN program ranges from 60 to 90 weeks, with day and evening options2. That longer window means it’s not a condensed fast track, even with flexible scheduling. Knowing these details lets you compare real timelines.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics offers general guidance on LPN training lengths, but school-specific catalogues and academic calendars provide the exact start and end dates you’ll follow. Always check the program’s web page or request a current curriculum sheet to avoid surprises.
The path to LPN licensure in North Carolina moves from approved education to board application, the NCLEX-PN exam, and final licensure. Most candidates complete the process within 12 to 18 months. Below is a step-by-step overview of the examination route.
Licensed practical nurses in North Carolina earn a median annual wage of $61,380, with half of all LPNs in the state earning between $54,370 and $66,560. Total employment for LPNs in North Carolina is 17,430, reflecting a strong demand for this essential healthcare role. For current national median comparisons or metro-area wage data, refer directly to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
| Measure | North Carolina LPNs |
|---|---|
| Total Employment | 17,430 |
| Mean Annual Wage | $62,040 |
| 25th Percentile Wage | $54,370 |
| Median Annual Wage | $61,380 |
| 75th Percentile Wage | $66,560 |
South Piedmont Community College’s LPN to RN Bridge Program can be completed in just 12 months1, offering a fast track to RN licensure. Many North Carolina community colleges provide similar LPN-to-ADN bridges that recognize your existing nursing knowledge and shave semesters off the traditional associate degree timeline. Typically, these programs take two to three additional semesters and blend online coursework with in-person clinicals.
Several public community colleges operate accredited LPN-to-RN pathways. Cape Fear Community College runs a hybrid LPN-to-ADN option that spans three semesters and prepares you for the NCLEX-RN2. Southeastern Community College’s Hy-Flex transition program delivers the same three-semester format with flexible attendance3. Catawba Valley Community College structures its bridge around 32 nursing credits4, while Rockingham Community College’s LPN-to-ADN track requires 74 total credits, including general education5. Other programs include Alamance Community College’s hybrid option6 and Bladen Community College’s bridge7, all designed for working LPNs. Each school maintains current accreditation, and admission is competitive, often requiring a current unencumbered LPN license, completion of prerequisites, and an entrance exam.
Moving from LPN to RN unlocks a significant salary jump. BLS data for North Carolina shows that the median annual wage for registered nurses is approximately $78,600, compared to $54,500 for licensed practical nurses. That’s a difference of over $24,000 per year, which quickly repays the tuition and time invested in a bridge program. RNs also have broader job responsibilities and more opportunities for specialization, which can lead to further earnings growth. Because bridge programs allow you to continue working while studying, the financial trade-off is manageable.
After earning your associate degree and RN license, many nurses choose to pursue a BSN. The North Carolina Community College System holds a Uniform Articulation Agreement with UNC system RN-to-BSN programs, ensuring that credits transfer smoothly. This makes it straightforward to enroll in an online or hybrid BSN completion program at a university like UNC Wilmington or Appalachian State. Some institutions also offer direct LPN-to-BSN pathways, which take longer but skip the associate degree step. These are increasingly popular for nurses who know they want a bachelor’s degree from the start.
Choosing the right LPN program in North Carolina means understanding timelines, formats, and outcomes. Below, we answer the most common questions about training and career paths for practical nurses in the state.
Beyond the top-ranked programs, North Carolina offers many additional LPN diploma options across the state. These schools are organized by region, so you can find a program near you. Each listing includes the school name, location, format, and estimated net price to help you compare costs.
