Top Nursing Schools in North Carolina
This page lists 94 schools in North Carolina that reported awards in licensed nursing education to the U.S. Department of Education for 2023-24 — including 38 practical/vocational nursing (LPN/LVN), 60 associate degree (ADN), 35 bachelor's (BSN), 17 master's and 9 Doctor of Nursing Practice award levels. By ownership, 69 public, 21 private nonprofit and 4 private for-profit. 53 appear in the CCNE or ACEN accreditor directories for at least one nursing program level. The largest concentrations are in Charlotte (6), Durham (4), Fayetteville (3) and Winston-Salem (3).
Data last reviewed: October 6, 2026
Sources: IPEDS (U.S. Dept. of Education) / CCNE directory / ACEN directory / official school websites
Listing does not certify educational quality or guarantee licensure eligibility. Verify details with the school before applying.
Listed alphabetically. Inclusion is editorial selection, not a ranking — see our methodology. How schools are selected
Schools (95)
| School | Location | Ownership | Nursing awards / programs | Accreditation |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Isothermal Community College | Spindale, NC | Public | LPN/LVN, ADN | — |
| James Sprunt Community College | Kenansville, NC | Public | LPN/LVN, ADN | — |
| Johnston Community College | Smithfield, NC | Public | CNA, ADN | ACEN |
| Lees-McRae College | Banner Elk, NC | Private nonprofit | BSN | — |
| Lenoir Community College | Kinston, NC | Public | LPN/LVN, ADN | — |
| Lenoir-Rhyne University | Hickory, NC | Private nonprofit | BSN, MSN-Leadership, Doctorate | CCNE |
| Mars Hill University | Mars Hill, NC | Private nonprofit | BSN | CCNE |
| Mayland Community College | Spruce Pine, NC | Public | ADN | ACEN |
| McDowell Technical Community College | Marion, NC | Public | CNA, LPN/LVN, ADN | — |
| Methodist University | Fayetteville, NC | Private nonprofit | BSN | CCNE |
| Mitchell Community College | Statesville, NC | Public | ADN | ACEN |
| Montgomery Community College | Troy, NC | Public | CNA, LPN/LVN, ADN | — |
| Nash Community College | Rocky Mount, NC | Public | LPN/LVN, ADN | — |
| North Carolina A & T State University | Greensboro, NC | Public | BSN | — |
| North Carolina Central University | Durham, NC | Public | BSN | ACEN |
| North Carolina Wesleyan University | Rocky Mount, NC | Private nonprofit | BSN | CCNE |
| Pfeiffer University | Misenheimer, NC | Private nonprofit | BSN | CCNE |
| Piedmont Community College | Roxboro, NC | Public | CNA, ADN | — |
| Pitt Community College | Winterville, NC | Public | ADN | — |
| Queens University of Charlotte | Charlotte, NC | Private nonprofit | BSN, MSN-Leadership, Post-Master's-CNL | CCNE |
Before you apply in North Carolina
- Prelicensure nursing programs must be approved by the state's board of nursing. Check the board's current list for the campus you will attend.
- Program accreditation (CCNE, ACEN or CNEA) is separate from state approval and from the institution's own accreditation. Each school page shows which records we found and where.
- Online programs based in another state may not accept residents of North Carolina. See online coursework and clinical requirements.