RN to BSN Programs in North Carolina | 2025

RN to BSN programs are a fast and cost-effective way for Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) nurses to further their education and careers. Nurses with Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degrees often earn more money and have better job opportunities.

This guide explores every RN to BSN school in North Carolina, including their location, tuition costs, and lengths. We'll also discuss the average nurse salary in North Carolina and job outlook.

How to Go From RN to BSN in North Carolina

Becoming a registered nurse (RN) in North Carolina requires students to graduate from accredited ADN or BSN programs. You must also pass the NCLEX-RN examination before applying for state licensure and starting work as a registered nurse. 

North Carolina is a compact state for nurses, meaning that nurses who receive their licenses in NC are eligible to work in any state that accepts the compact license. 

Students going from RN to BSN in North Carolina have often completed an ADN program and have nursing experience. RN-BSN programs aim to further their education and careers with a BSN. Though their title as an RN will not change, they may be able to earn more money and become eligible for better jobs. 

RN to BSN Programs in North Carolina

We've highlighted 5 of the best RN to BSN programs in North Carolina for their mix of offerings, including online courses, public and private schools, and a range of tuition prices from $150/credit hour to over $300/credit hour. 

 

 

About RN to BSN Programs in North Carolina

You currently have five options when pursuing your RN to BSN degree in the Tar Heel State. Programs range from nine months to upwards of three years, depending on how many credits you’ve already completed. All five programs offer online or hybrid learning, making it ideal for those looking to complete their degree while continuing work or family obligations.

North Carolina is one of the more affordable states to pursue your degree, with in-state residents being able to complete their program for as little as $5,000 in tuition. Non-NC residents could still complete their degree for as little as $6,200, but they could also pay upwards of $28,500+ for certain programs.

Tuition for RN to BSN Programs in North Carolina

Tuition for RN to BSN programs in North Carolina vary, depending on the program. If you live in-state, you could complete your RN to BSN program for as little as $5,000. However, if you’re not a North Carolina resident, you could be looking at tuition ranging anywhere from $6,120 at Appalachian State University up to $28,502 at East Carolina University.

Admission Requirements for North Carolina RN to BSN Programs

Admission requirements for North Carolina RN to BSN programs differ depending on the school. To understand the specific standards of your chosen school, you should speak with an academic advisor.

However, most RN to BSN programs in North Carolina will have these general prerequisites:

• North Carolina RN license
• Minimum 2.5 GPA
• Prerequisite courses (per program)
• Graduation from an accredited ADN program
• All transcripts

Are RN to BSN Programs in North Carolina Difficult?

RN to BSN programs are generally very accepting of RNs looking to complete their bachelor's degree. Because RN-BSN programs are focused on high-level concepts such as ethics and leadership, the coursework will have a different intensity than more practical and technical-focused classes. Some students may find higher-level thinking, researching, and writing easier than practicum-focused work, while others may find it more challenging. 

Despite the challenges, earning a BSN in North Carolina can have its perks. With high wages and union hospitals, North Carolina is a top employer for nurses. The state is also a compact state, which means RNs licensed in NC are eligible to work in any other state that participates in the compact licensure agreement. 

Working as an RN in North Carolina

RN Salary in North Carolina

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that the average wage for RNs in North Carolina is $82,530 annually or $39.68 per hour. California is currently the highest-paying state for RNs, earning an average yearly salary of $137,690 or $66.20 an hour. 

Career Outlook

The BLS projects that the RN career field will grow 6% from 2023 to 2033, faster than the average for all other occupations. Additionally, it estimates 197,200 openings for registered nurses annually across the nation. Currently, North Carolina is home to 104,380 RNs.

Where Can You Work? RN-BSN Jobs in North Carolina

Depending on your interests and skills, you can work in several locations as a registered nurse. The largest and most common employer of nurses is hospitals. However, other possible job locations include:

• Ambulatory healthcare services
• Government agencies
• Academia
• Medical and aesthetic spas
• Outpatient clinics
• Long-term care facilities
• Private practice
• Surgery centers
• Urgent care centers

Next Steps

The top RN to BSN programs in North Carolina are perfect for working nurses. These flexible programs allow you to finish your BSN while maintaining a job and personal life. 

For more information on earning an RN to BSN, check out these resources:

• Cheapest & Fastest Online RN to BSN Programs
• Top 10 Online RN to BSN Programs
• Online RN to BSN Programs With No Clinicals

FAQs

• How many RN to BSN programs are in North Carolina?

  • North Carolina currently has five RN to BSN programs - Appalachian State University, East Carolina University, North Carolina Central University, St. Andrews University, and Western Carolina University.

• How much do RN to BSN programs in North Carolina cost?

  • RN to BSN programs in North Carolina cost around $5,000+ for NC residents or anywhere from $6,000-$28,500 for non-residents. 

• How long are RN to BSN programs in North Carolina? 

  • RN to BSN programs in North Carolina can take anywhere from nine months to three years to complete.

• How many registered nurses are in North Carolina?

  • Currently, there are 104,380 RNs employed in North Carolina.

• How much do registered nurses in North Carolina make?

  • North Carolina RNs earn an average of $82,530 annually or $39.68 per hour.

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