The Best Online RN to BSN Programs in North Carolina
If you’re looking to advance your registered nursing career, earning your BSN is a great next step. And online RN to BSN programs offer a flexible and affordable option. This guide introduces you to some of today’s top online RN to BSN programs in North Carolina. Learn about program content, delivery formats, program lengths and costs, and much more.
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North Carolina RN to BSN Programs: A Comparison
Online RN to BSN programs are designed for working nurses, but it’s still important to understand how they’re structured before applying. While formats vary by school, most programs share a few key features:
- Flexible online coursework: Many RN to BSN programs deliver coursework entirely or mostly online, making it easier to balance school with work and personal responsibilities.
- Required in-person experiences: Even in online programs, students typically complete hands-on components such as labs or clinical experiences at approved healthcare facilities or campus sites.
- Adaptable timelines: Programs often offer full-time, part-time, or self-paced options, allowing students to choose a pace that fits their schedule.
We’ll explore these elements in more detail below. To help you begin your search, we’ve compared three current online RN to BSN programs in North Carolina that illustrate what you can expect.
RN-to-BSN Completion Program — University of North Carolina at Charlotte
The RN-to-BSN Completion Program at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte features didactic coursework that is completed entirely online with no campus visits required.
Content is delivered asynchronously, allowing students the convenience of logging on and attending to their studies at any time. Through the use of the Canvas learning management system, students watch lectures, submit assignments, and connect with professors and peers.
Following completion of all prerequisites and general education requirements, students complete 31 credits of nursing coursework to earn the BSN.
Duration: As few as 12 months (for full-time students)
Mode: Fully-online coursework with in-person clinical experiences
Cost: $189.48/credit (NC residents); $864.73/credit (out-of-state residents)
Admissions Requirements:
- Nursing diploma or ADN
- RN license
- Completion of prerequisite coursework
- Minimum 2.0 grade point average
Curriculum:
- Concepts of Professional Nursing Science
- Issues in Cultural Health
- Health Assessment for Nurses
- Aging and Health
- Information Technology: Applications in Healthcare
- Leadership in Nursing Practice
- Community Health Nursing
- Design and Coordination of Care
- Research in Nursing Practice
- Enhancing Clinical Judgment
RN to BSN Program — Fayetteville State University
Fayetteville State University’s RN to BSN program helps students boost their marketability through a curriculum that focuses on:
- Evidence-based nursing practice
- Health assessments
- Emergency care
- Community health strategies
- Current trends and issues in nursing
A minimum of 32 credits of nursing core curriculum courses must be completed in the RN to BSN program. All other credits required to earn the degree come from transferred-in credits from the student’s diploma or ADN program, credits awarded for RN licensure, and additional non-nursing prerequisites.
Coursework is delivered entirely online. However, students are required to participate in hands-on clinical experiences.
Support services include Student Nursing Association where nursing students come together to network, mentor each other, and participate in the community.
Duration: 2 1/2 semesters full-time; 5 semesters part-time
Mode: Online coursework plus in-person community-based clinical hours
Cost: $41.67/credit (NC residents); $104.17/credit (out-of-state residents)
Admissions Requirements:
- Nursing diploma or ADN
- Active, unencumbered RN license
- Minimum 2.75 grade point average overall and a minimum 2.8 grade point average in math and science coursework
- Completion of all prerequisites with at least a C grade
Curriculum:
- Transition to Professional Nursing
- Transcultural Nursing
- Health Assessment Across the Life Span
- Pathophysiology
- Nursing Research and Theory (RN to BSN)
- Nursing Leadership Perspectives and Trends in Contemporary Nursing Practice
- Contemporary Supportive Community Nursing
- Professional Nursing Issues in Practice
- Senior Practicum
- Gerontological Nursing
- Nursing and Women’s Health
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RN to BSN Degree Program — Appalachian State University
Students in Appalachian State University’s Online RN to BSN program are taught:
- Effective leadership and management practice
- How to serve diverse communities
- How to research and apply a range of nursing concepts in professional nursing settings
- Analytical and decision-making skills
The program distinguishes itself from other RN to BSN programs in the state by offering three program length options:
- One year (three semesters): Requires completion of an average of 12 to 20 hours of coursework per week
- Two years (six semesters): Requires completion of an average of 8 to 10 hours of coursework per week
- Three years (nine semesters): Requires completion of an average of 5 to 8 hours of coursework per week
Approximately 60 Appalachian State RN to BSN students from select North Carolina western counties are eligible to have half of their annual tuition costs paid for through the Dogwood Health Trust.
Duration: 30 credits. One, two, and three year program options.
Mode: Online coursework with in-person clinical hours
Cost: $204.79/credit (NC residents); $966.87/credit (out-of-state residents)
Admissions Requirements:
- Nursing diploma or ADN
- An unencumbered RN
- 2.50 cumulative grade point average
- 60 credits of lower-division transferable coursework and 30 hours of major nursing courses
Curriculum:
- Nursing Informatics
- Concepts of Professional Nursing
- Health Assessment
- Nursing Care of Older Adults
- Nursing Care of Communities
- Nursing Leadership and Management
- Professional Nursing Synthesis
- Nursing Research
FAQs for North Carolina RN to BSN Students
As you explore your RN to BSN program options, it’s entirely natural to have several questions come up. To help in that regard, below are the answers to five questions frequently asked by prospective North Carolina online RN to BSN students.
What additional nursing skills and knowledge will I gain in an RN to BSN program in North Carolina?
Course content in RN to BSN programs in North Carolina will help prepare you for a variety of career advancement opportunities, particularly in the areas of:
- Leadership
- Management
- Research
- Education (teaching)
In addition, by earning your BSN, you’ll have laid the foundation to continue your academic pursuit to:
- Earn a master’s degree in nursing leading to advanced specialized practice as a nurse practitioner.
- Earn a nursing doctorate in preparation for a top-level career in advanced research or postsecondary education.
In North Carolina, how long does completing an RN to BSN program take?
RN to BSN program completion times vary from program to program due to a combination of factors, including:
- Total number of credits needed to be earned in the program
- Number of previously-earned credits that can be transferred in from the student’s nursing diploma or associate degree program
- Number of credits awarded by the program for the student’s active RN license
- Student’s chosen study pace (full-time, part-time, self-paced)
Given these factors, a student enrolled in an online RN to BSN program in North Carolina should expect to devote one to four years of study to earning their degree.
Can I get financial aid to help pay for my RN to BSN program in North Carolina?
It’s very likely, since a wide range of financial aid resources is commonly available to qualifying students in RN to BSN programs in North Carolina, online or otherwise. These resources typically include:
- Scholarships and grants (both school-sponsored and external)
- Employer tuition reimbursement
- Tuition discounts
- Student loans (federal, state, and private)
- Tuition installment and deferment plans
To be eligible for federal funding sources, including scholarships, grants, student loans and loan forgiveness opportunities, you’ll need to fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The FAFSA is additionally used quite often by state and private financial aid programs to evaluate applicants.
Private and non-profit groups, like The Great 100 Nurses, are also excellent sources for scholarship opportunities for nursing students in North Carolina.
Be sure to contact the financial aid offices at each of the schools you’re considering to get the latest information and advice on funding your RN to BSN education.
What jobs can I qualify for with a BSN?
In general terms, earning your BSN opens the door to a wide variety of career opportunities in the areas of nursing leadership and specialized practice not available to RNs with only a nursing diploma or ADN. Job title examples include:
- Critical Care/ICU Nurse
- Emergency Room Nurse
- Labor and Delivery Nurse
- Medical-Surgical Nurse
- Oncology Nurse
- Operating Room Nurse
- Pediatric Nurse
In addition, BSN holders are eligible for any of a number of non-clinical roles, such as:
- Health researcher
- Lobbyist
- Nurse educator
- Nursing Consultant
- Nutritionist
- Pharmaceutical sales representative
What should I look for in an RN to BSN degree program in North Carolina?
Two things to look for when evaluating online RN to BSN programs in North Carolina:
- Approval by the North Carolina Board of Nursing
- Programmatic accreditation by either the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) or the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).
Proper accreditation is your way of confirming that a program has been vetted for academic quality by a reputable independent professional association. It’s also important because it’s often a requirement for receiving funding from any number of financial aid sources.
Beyond proper accreditation and BON approval, look for an RN to BSN program whose curriculum content and delivery format best suits your academic needs, career goals, and personal study style.
North Carolina RN vs. BSN Salary & Career Outlook
Going back to school is a huge investment of time and money, so you likely want to ensure that you'll make a good return on your investment. The good news is that for most students, getting your nursing bachelor's through an online RN to BSN program is well worth the time and cost.
In terms of salaries, your earning potential will increase substantially.
As evidence, according to recent (January 2026) figures from ZipRecruiter, the average annual salary for registered nurses in North Carolina with a BSN degree is $92,937. By comparison, registered nurses with an associate degree in the state earned an average annual salary of $79,854.
As for employment prospects, the market for registered nurses in North Carolina is exceptionally strong.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Projections Central website, for example, the job market for RNs in the state is projected to grow by a whopping 16.4% between 2022 and 2032. That's almost three times the 5.6% projected growth for RN jobs in the nation overall.
Best Online RN to BSN Programs in North Carolina
We’ve reviewed the current landscape of online RN to BSN programs offered in North Carolina today and compiled the following rankings list of those we believe to be the best. Our selections were made in consideration of data taken from the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) and based on factors that include:
- Accreditation
- Availability of online program options
- Program costs and grant amounts awarded to students
- Availability of academic counseling and career placement services
- Student/faculty ratio
To learn more on our selection methodologies, click the “About the ranking” button below.
North Carolina Central University
Durham, NCProgram Details
- SACSCOC Accreditation
- $4,304 Avg. Aid Amount
- 50% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 16/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Why We Selected North Carolina Central University
- North Carolina Central University’s RN to BSN Flight Path Program offers a generous transfer policy and requires only six nursing courses with no clinicals needed for degree completion, allowing for quick advancement.
- The program emphasizes developing equity-focused nurse leaders skilled in cultural competence and inclusivity, preparing graduates to impact healthcare equity in their communities.
- NCCU’s RN to BSN program provides multiple start dates and offers a fully online format with practicums completed locally, accommodating working nurses’ schedules and geographical constraints.
Program Details
- SACSCOC Accreditation
- $4,304 Avg. Aid Amount
- 50% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 16/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Program Details
- SACSCOC Accreditation
- $28,107 Avg. Aid Amount
- 48% Graduation Rate
- Private School Type
- 15/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Why We Selected Lenoir-Rhyne University
- The RN to BSN Bridge program offers a dual enrollment option through the Hickory RIBN Program, allowing students to begin coursework at Caldwell Community College & TI and complete their bachelor's degree online via Lenoir-Rhyne University, providing a seamless associate to baccalaureate transition for top academic students.
- The program maintains competitive admission with selection based on specific academic requirements, ensuring a cohort of academically strong nursing students and enhancing the quality of education and peer learning.
- It features articulation agreements with all North Carolina state universities, facilitating online RN to BSN degree completion with accessible options that accommodate working nurses seeking career advancement.
Program Details
- SACSCOC Accreditation
- $28,107 Avg. Aid Amount
- 48% Graduation Rate
- Private School Type
- 15/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
University of North Carolina at Greensboro
Greensboro, NCProgram Details
- SACSCOC Accreditation
- $3,159 Avg. Aid Amount
- 57% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 17/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Why We Selected University of North Carolina at Greensboro
- UNCG’s RN to BSN program offers affordable tuition rates combined with financial aid options, reducing students’ financial burden while pursuing their degree.
- The program provides a 100% online, flexible, and self-paced curriculum tailored specifically for working nurses, enabling students to balance education with professional and personal commitments.
- Students benefit from a supportive learning environment with academic advising, career counseling, and peer support, enhancing their chances of success throughout the program.
Program Details
- SACSCOC Accreditation
- $3,159 Avg. Aid Amount
- 57% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 17/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Cabarrus College of Health Sciences
Concord, NCProgram Details
- SACSCOC Accreditation
- $2,087 Avg. Aid Amount
- 65% Graduation Rate
- Private School Type
- 8/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Why We Selected Cabarrus College of Health Sciences
- The RN to BSN Bridge program offers significantly reduced tuition at $21,315 in-state, making it an affordable option for working nurses seeking their BSN degree.
- Students benefit from a strong partnership with Atrium Health, providing preferred access to clinical sites and a direct pipeline to jobs within one of the largest healthcare systems in the country.
- The program features flexible online course delivery designed specifically for working RNs, allowing them to complete their BSN efficiently while balancing professional and personal commitments.
Program Details
- SACSCOC Accreditation
- $2,087 Avg. Aid Amount
- 65% Graduation Rate
- Private School Type
- 8/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Winston-Salem State University
Winston-Salem, NCProgram Details
- SACSCOC Accreditation
- $3,389 Avg. Aid Amount
- 45% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 16/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Why We Selected Winston-Salem State University
- The RN to BSN program at Winston-Salem State University offers accelerated completion options with flexible online and evening courses that allow working nurses to earn their degree at their own pace without sacrificing professional responsibilities.
- Students benefit from experienced faculty with real-world nursing expertise who provide rigorous academic training to develop leadership, critical thinking, and advanced nursing skills essential for career advancement.
- The program provides hands-on clinical opportunities aligned with individual career goals, facilitated by WSSU’s connections to major healthcare systems and a renowned medical school nearby, enhancing practical learning and professional networking.
Program Details
- SACSCOC Accreditation
- $3,389 Avg. Aid Amount
- 45% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 16/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Program Details
- SACSCOC Accreditation
- $18,552 Avg. Aid Amount
- 52% Graduation Rate
- Private School Type
- 14/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Why We Selected Barton College
- Barton’s RN to BSN program offers seamless transfer from North Carolina Community Colleges, enabling efficient progression from ADN to BSN with full accreditation.
- The program features dedicated faculty who provide compassionate mentoring, supporting students balancing work, family, and studies to successfully complete their BSN.
- Students gain preparation to function as collaborative members of multidisciplinary healthcare teams, enhancing leadership and teamwork skills essential for modern nursing roles.
Program Details
- SACSCOC Accreditation
- $18,552 Avg. Aid Amount
- 52% Graduation Rate
- Private School Type
- 14/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
University of North Carolina Wilmington
Wilmington, NCProgram Details
- SACSCOC Accreditation
- $3,476 Avg. Aid Amount
- 72% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 17/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Why We Selected University of North Carolina Wilmington
- UNCW’s RN to BSN Bridge program offers a flexible online format that allows students to complete their degree in as few as 12 months, accommodating work and life commitments effectively.
- The program uniquely integrates clinical experiences into coursework without a fixed number of clinical hours, providing practical application while maintaining flexibility.
- Students benefit from enhanced career mobility and competitiveness, as the BSN degree meets the growing minimum requirement for many entry-level nursing positions and advanced practice roles.
Program Details
- SACSCOC Accreditation
- $3,476 Avg. Aid Amount
- 72% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 17/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Program Details
- SACSCOC Accreditation
- $3,058 Avg. Aid Amount
- 61% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 16/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Why We Selected Western Carolina University
- Western Carolina University’s RN to BSN program offers significantly reduced tuition through the NC Promise program, charging only $500 per semester for in-state students and $2,500 for out-of-state students.
- The program is 100 percent online, enabling RNs to complete coursework flexibly while working full time, with the degree achievable in just four semesters.
- Faculty members in the School of Nursing are deeply invested in nurturing students’ leadership potential and preparing them thoroughly for expanded nursing roles in clinical, educational, and research settings.
Program Details
- SACSCOC Accreditation
- $3,058 Avg. Aid Amount
- 61% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 16/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Gardner-Webb University
Boiling Springs, NCProgram Details
- SACSCOC Accreditation
- $20,279 Avg. Aid Amount
- 49% Graduation Rate
- Private School Type
- 11/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Why We Selected Gardner-Webb University
- The RN to BSN Bridge program offers a 50% tuition discount through the Foothills Nursing Promise for residents or ADN graduates from Cleveland, Rutherford, or Gaston Counties, making it more affordable.
- It provides a seamless pathway to advanced nursing degrees, including MSN (with options in Education, Administration, Dual MSN/MBA) and Doctor of Nursing Practice programs, through formal articulation agreements with North Carolina community colleges.
- Gardner-Webb’s Hunt School of Nursing maintains strong partnerships with community healthcare facilities, enhancing clinical placement opportunities and offering real-world service learning experiences for students.
Program Details
- SACSCOC Accreditation
- $20,279 Avg. Aid Amount
- 49% Graduation Rate
- Private School Type
- 11/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Program Details
- SACSCOC Accreditation
- $3,595 Avg. Aid Amount
- 66% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 17/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Why We Selected East Carolina University
- East Carolina University's RN to BSN Bridge program offers competitive tuition rates with many students benefiting from employer reimbursement programs, financial aid, grants, and nursing scholarships.
- The program is 100% online and designed as a part-time, 16-month pathway for working nurses, providing flexibility and a supportive online community for student success.
- It includes an Early Assurance option that guarantees admission upon meeting requirements, waives the ECU application fee, and provides a dedicated transfer coach to streamline the admission process.
Program Details
- SACSCOC Accreditation
- $3,595 Avg. Aid Amount
- 66% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 17/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Base Methodology for EduMed’s “Best Online Undergraduate Bridge Program 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*.
- Online Programs – Number of online programs, either partially- or fully-online, in the relevant subject area.
- Tuition – Average in-state tuition for undergraduate students studying full-time.
- 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.
- Student/Faculty Ratio – The number of students per faculty member.
- Graduation Rate – Percent of full-time, first-time receiving an award in 6 years.
*Metrics #1-2 and #3-5 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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