Online ADN/ASN Programs in North Carolina: Comparing Top Schools
If you’re interested in becoming a registered nurse (RN), an online ADN in North Carolina could be your fastest and most affordable option. These programs combine online coursework and in-person clinicals to maximize flexible learning and real-world skills. Let EduMed show you how they work, how much they cost, and which programs help prepare you for NCLEX-RN eligibility.
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How They Work: 2yr ADN Programs in North Carolina
While most ADN programs are primarily campus-based, many schools offer hybrid or even accelerated formats that let you complete much of the coursework online while moving through the program faster. In-person labs and clinicals focus on real-world skills you need to succeed on the job.
As you compare programs, consider how their on-campus commitments fit your schedule. A few key questions to guide your search include:
- How often will I need to be on campus for labs or skills assessments?
- Where are clinical placements located, and what is the weekly time commitment?
- Does the program offer online or hybrid coursework to increase flexibility?
Review the North Carolina ADN programs below to see how different programs structure these requirements.
James Sprunt Community College
James Sprunt Community College offers an associate degree program that provides students with the knowledge and skills to deliver high-quality nursing care. Clinical safety is emphasized, so students understand the impact they can have on patients, as well as how to treat them all like individuals.
In addition to coursework, students participate in a clinical experience for the hands-on training you need.
Graduates are eligible to take the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN) to obtain their state license. After they receive their license, newly minted nurses have career opportunities in various healthcare settings such as hospitals, doctor’s offices, and long-term care facilities, among others.
Duration: 24 months
Mode: Hybrid
Cost: $76 per credit in state; $268 per credit out of state
Admissions Requirements:
- A high school diploma or equivalent
- A 2.8 minimum grade point average
- Take the ATI-TEAS admissions test
Curriculum: The program integrates coursework in healthcare, nursing practice, and holistic care. There is an emphasis on safety, quality, evidence-based practices, and informatics. Students also complete general education courses for a well-rounded experience.
Mitchell Community College
Mitchell Community College offers an associate degree program accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN).
The program prepares students for the NCLEX-RN exam, as well as the realities of being a nurse, with a heavy focus on the important role that nurses play in providing safe, individualized patient care. Students also learn how to work as part of an interdisciplinary healthcare team.
If you’re interested in earning a bachelor’s degree, you may apply for the Hickory Regionally Increasing Baccalaureate Nurses (RIBN) program. This is a four-year program that allows you to dually enroll in Mitchell Community College and Lenoir-Rhyne University (LRU), so you can seamlessly enter a bachelor’s program after completing associate-level coursework.
Duration: 24 months
Mode: Hybrid
Cost: $76 per credit in-state; $268 per credit out-of-state
Admissions Requirements:
- High school diploma or equivalent
- At least a 2.5 grade point average
- Successfully completing biology and chemistry courses
- At least a 68 score on the ATI TEAS exam
- CPR certification
- Drug screening and background check
Curriculum: The curriculum follows a concept-based model, combining classroom instruction with clinical practice in various healthcare settings. Specific courses cover holistic health, family care, and complex health concepts.
Davidson-Davie Community College
The associate degree in nursing offered by Davidson-Davie Community College, accredited by ACEN, combines online classroom work with hands-on laboratory instruction and clinical rotations.
By the end of the program, students have the knowledge and skills to provide safe, holistic nursing care for patients across the lifespan. In addition, you will learn how to work with patients from different backgrounds, so the care you provide is culturally competent and truly tailored to the individual.
Students also gain an understanding of the ethics of nursing care. This will ensure you know how to make sound clinical decisions that are compliant with the regulations healthcare professionals are expected to adhere to.
Duration: 24 months
Mode: Hybrid
Cost: $5,016 for entire program
Admissions Requirements:
- A high school diploma or its equivalent
- A 2.8 minimum grade point average
- At least a 62 score on the ATI TEAS exam
- Completed biology prerequisite course with at least a C grade
Curriculum: The curriculum covers a variety of nursing concepts, including holistic health, illness, and family nursing. Also, you will develop well-rounded skills through writing, research, and public speaking coursework.
FAQs About Online ADN Programs in North Carolina
Now that you have more information about ADN programs in North Carolina, you may have some questions. This is a big decision, so get all of the information you need. Below are answers to some of the most common student questions about nursing associate degree programs.
Is financial aid available to help me fund my ADN program in North Carolina?
Yes. Nursing students have multiple financial aid options in North Carolina. You can receive funding from your school, non-profit organizations, and professional nursing associations. Also, the government offers both loan plans and scholarships for RNs based on merit or financial need.
One source of funding is through the Great 100 Nurses of North Carolina, which provides scholarships to students around the state in order to support the future of the profession.
On the federal level, the Health Resources and Services Administration has the Nurse Corps Scholarship Program. These scholarships help nursing students pay for tuition, fees, and supplies like books, instruments, and uniforms.
Should I look for an ADN program in North Carolina that is accredited?
Yes. You will need to graduate from an accredited program in order to earn your nursing license. Additionally, employers are interested in candidates who have been graduated from an accredited program.
Accrediting organizations evaluate programs on the strength of their curriculum, as well as the qualifications of faculty members and student services available. After rigorous scrutiny, organizations determine if a nursing program adequately prepares students for the licensing exam and gives them the skills employers want. Nursing programs are accredited by the ACEN and the American Association of Colleges of Nursing’s Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).
Will I get hands-on experience during an ADN program?
Yes. Hands-on clinical experience is a critical part of online ADN programs in North Carolina, and a requirement for licensing. It also gives you the opportunity to deepen your understanding of the course material.
Clinical experience can be gained in different settings such as hospitals, long-term care facilities, and private doctors’ offices. In some cases, clinicals are offered on a school’s campus. Those who already work in the healthcare field may get approval to complete this hands-on experience at their place of employment. This allows students to get the required experience without significant hardship or disruption in their daily lives.
Do I need to take an examination to get a nursing license?
Yes. After completing your online ADN program in North Carolina, you will be eligible to take the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN). This standardized exam uses computerized adaptive testing (CAT) to test students’ thought processes and determine their nursing ability. It must be completed within six hours.
All prospective nurses, whether LPN or RN, must take and pass the NCLEX to be licensed.
The NCLEX pass rate refers to the percentage of graduates who successfully pass the NCLEX-RN after completing an online ADN program in North Carolina. A higher percentage pass rate indicates that the courses cover all the necessary information in a way that enables most students to earn their license on the first try.
Am I required to take continuing education to renew my license?
The state requires you to complete 30 contact hours of continuing education through the North Carolina Board of Nursing website or at on-site workshops, among other options. North Carolina chooses which topics are pertinent for nurses to learn during these courses. Continuing education offerings can be on new topics or areas of specialization, or can be refreshers on important topics like safety, documentation, and scope of practice.
Salary & Career Details for RNs in NC
Registered Nurses
| Area ↕︎ | 10th Percentile ↕︎ | Median ↕︎ | 90th Percentile ↕︎ |
|---|---|---|---|
| New York | $79,760 | $109,440 | $157,090 |
| Albany-Schenectady-Troy, NY | $77,150 | $99,970 | $130,970 |
| Binghamton, NY | $77,900 | $101,720 | $116,200 |
| Buffalo-Cheektowaga, NY | $78,490 | $99,060 | $117,980 |
| Elmira, NY | $67,050 | $82,820 | $98,450 |
| Glens Falls, NY | $66,380 | $104,000 | $118,650 |
| Ithaca, NY | $73,920 | $100,320 | $123,380 |
| Kingston, NY | $71,610 | $101,030 | $129,610 |
| Kiryas Joel-Poughkeepsie-Newburgh, NY | $68,330 | $102,890 | $125,080 |
| New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ | $87,180 | $119,720 | $159,240 |
| Rochester, NY | $79,340 | $86,570 | $106,350 |
| Syracuse, NY | $70,350 | $86,960 | $108,830 |
| Utica-Rome, NY | $66,290 | $94,300 | $125,250 |
| Watertown-Fort Drum, NY | $68,050 | $96,070 | $125,280 |
Source: Registered Nurses, Occupational Employment and Wages, May 2025
Data does not reflect school-specific information.
Ranking the Best Online ADN Programs in North Carolina
Program Details
- Location: Tarboro, NC
- SACSCOCAccreditation
- YesCounseling Services
- PublicSchool Type
- 85%Students W/ Aid
- $6,579Avg. Aid Amount
- 10/1Student/Faculty Ratio
Why We Selected Edgecombe Community College
- Graduates consistently achieve NCLEX-RN pass rates above state and national averages, demonstrating strong exam preparation.
- The program is ACEN-accredited with low in-state tuition around $2,640 per year, enhancing affordability and value.
- Structured pathways like the ADN-to-BSN plan strengthen academic preparation and improve transfer opportunities into bachelor’s nursing programs.
Program Details
- Location: Tarboro, NC
- SACSCOCAccreditation
- YesCounseling Services
- PublicSchool Type
- 85%Students W/ Aid
- $6,579Avg. Aid Amount
- 10/1Student/Faculty Ratio
Rockingham Community College
Program Details
- Location: Wentworth, NC
- SACSCOCAccreditation
- YesCounseling Services
- PublicSchool Type
- 55%Students W/ Aid
- $7,615Avg. Aid Amount
- 12/1Student/Faculty Ratio
Why We Selected Rockingham Community College
- The ADN program is approved by the North Carolina Board of Nursing and SACSCOC, giving graduates a well-recognized credential.
- The program offers a hybrid LPN-to-ADN option with online lectures and hospital-based clinicals, enabling working LPNs to advance efficiently.
- Graduates historically achieve strong NCLEX-RN success and rapid employment in diverse healthcare settings, making the program attractive for job-focused students.
Program Details
- Location: Wentworth, NC
- SACSCOCAccreditation
- YesCounseling Services
- PublicSchool Type
- 55%Students W/ Aid
- $7,615Avg. Aid Amount
- 12/1Student/Faculty Ratio
Bladen Community College
Program Details
- Location: Dublin, NC
- SACSCOCAccreditation
- YesCounseling Services
- PublicSchool Type
- 74%Students W/ Aid
- $5,118Avg. Aid Amount
- 10/1Student/Faculty Ratio
Why We Selected Bladen Community College
- Accredited by the National League for Nursing Commission for Nursing Education Accreditation, ensuring recognized program quality.
- Offers the dedicated Bladen We Care ADN Scholarship, providing annual financial support exclusively for ADN students.
- Provides strong clinical training through local healthcare partnerships, including hospital-based instructional space for real-world experience.
Program Details
- Location: Dublin, NC
- SACSCOCAccreditation
- YesCounseling Services
- PublicSchool Type
- 74%Students W/ Aid
- $5,118Avg. Aid Amount
- 10/1Student/Faculty Ratio
South Piedmont Community College
Program Details
- Location: Polkton, NC
- SACSCOCAccreditation
- YesCounseling Services
- PublicSchool Type
- 78%Students W/ Aid
- $3,215Avg. Aid Amount
- 19/1Student/Faculty Ratio
Why We Selected South Piedmont Community College
- Program approval by the North Carolina Board of Nursing ensures graduates are eligible for NCLEX-RN licensure.
- Competitive, clinically focused training emphasizes evidence-based practice, informatics, and high-quality patient care across diverse settings.
- Career and College Promise ADN pathway lets eligible high school students begin nursing coursework tuition-free toward the degree.
Program Details
- Location: Polkton, NC
- SACSCOCAccreditation
- YesCounseling Services
- PublicSchool Type
- 78%Students W/ Aid
- $3,215Avg. Aid Amount
- 19/1Student/Faculty Ratio
Fayetteville Technical Community College
Program Details
- Location: Fayetteville, NC
- SACSCOCAccreditation
- YesCounseling Services
- PublicSchool Type
- 39%Students W/ Aid
- $7,801Avg. Aid Amount
- 19/1Student/Faculty Ratio
Why We Selected Fayetteville Technical Community College
- The Associate Degree Nursing program is fully accredited by ACEN, signaling strong quality and employer confidence.
- FTCC is actively expanding the ADN program with major grant funding to increase enrollment and hire additional faculty, strengthening resources for students.
- The curriculum emphasizes evidence-based practice, quality improvement, informatics, and interdisciplinary teamwork, preparing graduates for modern, team-based healthcare environments.
Program Details
- Location: Fayetteville, NC
- SACSCOCAccreditation
- YesCounseling Services
- PublicSchool Type
- 39%Students W/ Aid
- $7,801Avg. Aid Amount
- 19/1Student/Faculty Ratio
Central Piedmont Community College
Program Details
- Location: Charlotte, NC
- SACSCOCAccreditation
- YesCounseling Services
- PublicSchool Type
- 60%Students W/ Aid
- $3,466Avg. Aid Amount
- 15/1Student/Faculty Ratio
Why We Selected Central Piedmont Community College
- Central Piedmont’s ADN program is ranked among the best in North Carolina, signaling strong outcomes and reputation.
- Students benefit from experienced nursing faculty and robust clinical placements across diverse Charlotte-area healthcare settings, enhancing real-world readiness.
- The program offers an accelerated ADN track and LPN‑to‑ADN bridge option, providing flexible, fast pathways to become a registered nurse.
Program Details
- Location: Charlotte, NC
- SACSCOCAccreditation
- YesCounseling Services
- PublicSchool Type
- 60%Students W/ Aid
- $3,466Avg. Aid Amount
- 15/1Student/Faculty Ratio
Program Details
- Location: Rocky Mount, NC
- SACSCOCAccreditation
- YesCounseling Services
- PublicSchool Type
- 40%Students W/ Aid
- $4,478Avg. Aid Amount
- 20/1Student/Faculty Ratio
Why We Selected Nash Community College
- The program is offered in both a standard and an Evening Option, giving students a flexible path to finish while working.
- NashCC’s Associate Degree Nursing page highlights the program’s direct preparation for the NCLEX-RN, signaling a clear route to RN licensure.
- Nash Community College also promotes scholarship opportunities and financial aid support that can help reduce the cost of nursing education.
Program Details
- Location: Rocky Mount, NC
- SACSCOCAccreditation
- YesCounseling Services
- PublicSchool Type
- 40%Students W/ Aid
- $4,478Avg. Aid Amount
- 20/1Student/Faculty Ratio
College of the Albemarle
Program Details
- Location: Elizabeth City, NC
- SACSCOCAccreditation
- YesCounseling Services
- PublicSchool Type
- 26%Students W/ Aid
- $7,595Avg. Aid Amount
- 13/1Student/Faculty Ratio
Why We Selected College of the Albemarle
- The program is approved by the North Carolina Board of Nursing and recently earned an eight-year reaccreditation, demonstrating strong compliance with state standards and quality expectations.
- Graduates are eligible to apply for the NCLEX-RN licensure exam, opening direct access to registered nurse roles in hospitals, clinics, long-term care facilities, and community agencies.
- Selected full-time nursing students can receive dedicated scholarships, providing financial support while they maintain at least a 2.5 GPA.
Program Details
- Location: Elizabeth City, NC
- SACSCOCAccreditation
- YesCounseling Services
- PublicSchool Type
- 26%Students W/ Aid
- $7,595Avg. Aid Amount
- 13/1Student/Faculty Ratio
Program Details
- Location: Dallas, NC
- SACSCOCAccreditation
- YesCounseling Services
- PublicSchool Type
- 31%Students W/ Aid
- $8,733Avg. Aid Amount
- 17/1Student/Faculty Ratio
Why We Selected Gaston College
- The Associate Degree Nursing program is nationally accredited by ACEN, signaling strong quality and employer confidence.
- Program outcomes show that 90% of graduates become employed as registered nurses within six months of graduation.
- Graduates are eligible to take the NCLEX-RN, opening extensive opportunities across diverse healthcare settings worldwide.
Program Details
- Location: Dallas, NC
- SACSCOCAccreditation
- YesCounseling Services
- PublicSchool Type
- 31%Students W/ Aid
- $8,733Avg. Aid Amount
- 17/1Student/Faculty Ratio
Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College
Program Details
- Location: Asheville, NC
- SACSCOCAccreditation
- YesCounseling Services
- PublicSchool Type
- 75%Students W/ Aid
- $1,926Avg. Aid Amount
- 13/1Student/Faculty Ratio
Why We Selected Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College
- The ADN program is fully accredited by NLN CNEA, signaling strong educational quality and employer-recognized training.
- The program offers a dual-enrollment RIBN pathway with Western Carolina University, enabling a streamlined transition to a BSN degree.
- Licensed Practical Nurses can enter through an advanced LPN-to-ADN placement option, accelerating completion by starting in the third semester.
Program Details
- Location: Asheville, NC
- SACSCOCAccreditation
- YesCounseling Services
- PublicSchool Type
- 75%Students W/ Aid
- $1,926Avg. Aid Amount
- 13/1Student/Faculty Ratio
Base Methodology for EduMed’s “Best Online College Rankings” for the ‘25-’26 school year.
One: Create a list of eligible schools & programs
To be eligible for ranking, schools were required to meet the following criteria based on data pulled from The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS), which was self-reported by the schools themselves:
- Institutional accreditation from an organization recognized by the U.S. Department of Education
- At least one online component in a program within the ranking-subject area.
- The existence of academic and career counseling on campus and/or online.
Two: Assign weightings to eligible schools & programs
After creating the list of eligible schools, EduMed data scientists assigned weights and ranked schools based on a mix of metrics, which were all self-reported by the school themselves to the U.S. Department of Education and IPEDS.
The metrics are listed below in order of most- to least-heavily weighted*.
- Tuition – Average in-state tuition for undergraduate students studying full-time.
- Online Programs – Number of online programs, either partially- or fully-online, in the relevant subject area.
- Avg. Aid Amount – Average amount of institutional grant aid awarded to full-time, first-time undergraduates.
- Students w/ Aid – Percent of full-time, first-time students undergraduates awarded institutional aid.
- Online Enrollment – Percent of undergraduate students taking at least one distance education class.
- Graduation Rate – Percent of full-time, first-time receiving an award in 6 years.
- Student/Faculty Ratio – The number of students per faculty member.
*Metrics #2-5 and #6-7 were equally weighted.
About Our Data
EduMed’s rankings use the latest official data available from The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS). Most recent data pull: July 2025
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