10 Cheapest RN to BSN Programs Online in North Carolina 2025

If you're a registered nurse (RN) with an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN), upgrading to a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) can be a great way to pursue career advancement and potentially higher pay. If you live in North Carolina, you may be curious if there are any affordable RN to BSN online programs in your state.

Keep reading as we explore some of the cheapest RN to BSN online programs. We'll provide information about the top schools and programs and answer various questions you may have.

Most Affordable Online RN to BSN Programs in North Carolina

The best online RN to BSN programs are the ones that allow flexible study options at affordable prices. Let's look at some of the cheapest RN to BSN programs online available through North Carolina schools.

1. Western Carolina University

Western Carolina University is located in Cullowhee, NC. Students at this public school can enroll in an online RN to BSN program and complete their degrees in four semesters.

The program consists of 30 credit hours divided between core courses and electives. The highly affordable program makes it easy for working nurses to balance their careers and other commitments with their education without breaking the bank.

• Average tuition cost: $2,800
• Financial aid: State and federal aid, scholarships, grants, student loans, and work-study programs are available.
• Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)

2. Fayetteville State University

Fayetteville State University is a public school located in Fayetteville, NC. It offers one of the fastest RN to BSN programs online in the state, as students can graduate in as little as two and a half semesters.

Students can complete general education and nursing courses online while gaining clinical practice through community health nursing and practicum classes. Both full-time and part-time learning options are available.

• Average tuition cost: $4,353
• Financial aid: Students can use institutional and external scholarships, student loans, and state and federal grants to cover expenses.
• Accreditation: SACSCOC

3. University of North Carolina - Pembroke

The University of North Carolina - Pembroke is a public university offering various undergraduate and graduate degree programs. One of the options available is an online RN to BSN program.

The program features fully online, asynchronous coursework that students can complete on a full-time, part-time, or self-paced basis. Courses run in eight-week sessions, and those studying full-time can complete the degree in about one year.

• Average tuition cost: $3,648
• Financial aid: Federal and state aid, scholarships, student loans, and work-study programs are available.
• Accreditation: SACSCOC

4. Winston-Salem State University

Winston-Salem State University is a public, historically Black school belonging to the University of North Carolina System. Students at this school can pursue an online RN to BSN degree with flexible, self-paced courses.

This program combines online coursework with hands-on clinical experiences to help students improve their nursing care competencies in various healthcare settings. A generous range of transfer credits are accepted into the program, helping those with active nursing licenses graduate as quickly and affordably as possible.

• Average tuition cost: $6,126
• Financial aid: Scholarships, grants, federal and state aid, work-study programs, abd student loans are available.
• Accreditation: SACSCOC

5. University of North Carolina - Wilmington

The University of North Carolina - Wilmington is a public school belonging to the University of North Carolina System. It offers a flexible 30-credit RN to BSN program for online learners.

The school offers eight yearly start dates for this program so students can start whenever it's convenient for them. Coursework covers topics ranging from nursing leadership to gerontological nursing, giving students a well-rounded education.

• Average tuition cost: $6,334
• Financial aid: Students can use scholarships, grants, state and federal aid, student loans, and work-study programs to cover costs.
• Accreditation: SACSCOC

6. North Carolina Central University

North Carolina Central University is a historically Black college located in Durham, NC. This public school provides a top-notch online RN to BSN program for those with unencumbered RN licenses.

Students in this program prepare for leadership roles through courses that cover topics such as nursing informatics, leadership and management, and special healthcare problems. The program is designed for completion within one year.

• Average tuition cost: $6,699
• Financial aid: Institutional and external scholarships, student loans, and state and federal aid are available.
• Accreditation: SACSCOC

7. North Carolina A&T State University

North Carolina A&T State University is a historically Black university located in Greensboro, NC. This public school offers an intensive and thorough RN to BSN program that full-time learners can complete within three semesters.

The program covers advanced topics like nursing ethics, global health, and interprofessional collaboration. Students in this program are prepared for the numerous challenges of advanced nursing in various settings and fields.

• Average tuition cost: $6,813
• Financial aid: Federal and state aid, scholarships, grants, and student loans are available.
• Accreditation: SACSCOC

8. University of North Carolina - Charlotte

The University of North Carolina - Charlotte is another school belonging to the University of North Carolina System. Its intensive one-year RN to BSN degree is designed for full-time learners but also has part-time options for those who need to study at a slower pace.

The program has two start dates a year and consists of 31 credit hours. All courses are available online so students never have to come to campus. Despite the intense nature of the program, it is flexible enough for even busy nurses to complete within 12 months.

• Average tuition cost: $7,277
• Financial aid: Grants, scholarships, student loans, and work-study programs are available.
• Accreditation: SACSCOC

9. East Carolina University

East Carolina University is a public school in Greenville, NC. Its college of nursing provides an online RN to BSN program that takes about 16 months to complete.

This high-quality program features part-time study schedules and fully online coursework. Students benefit from expert faculty, support services, and an online community that provides opportunities for interacting with classmates.

• Average tuition cost: $7,361
• Financial aid: Students can use scholarships, student loans, work-study programs, and grants to pay for costs.
• Accreditation: SACSCOC

10. Appalachian State University

Appalachian State University is a large public school in Boone, NC. Students at this school can complete a part-time RN to BSN program, which is ideal for busy online learners.

Students can choose between one-, two-, and three-year completion options. Coursework covers nursing research, health assessment, and more, helping students develop critical thinking skills and prepare for careers in many healthcare environments.

• Average tuition cost: $7,579
• Financial aid: Scholarships, grants, and student loans are available.
• Accreditation: SACSCOC

How We Rank Schools

We strive to choose only top colleges and degree programs when creating our rank lists. We used the following selection criteria when evaluating the schools of nursing above:

• Accreditation: All the schools are institutionally accredited, and each nursing program maintains specialized accreditation from the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) or a similar organization.
• Affordability: The colleges of nursing in this article boast some of the lowest average tuition rates in North Carolina.
• Program reputation: Each school is known for having strict academic standards in its on-campus and online learning programs.

How To Pay for Your Nursing Degree

If you're still concerned about paying for your bachelor's degree, you're not alone. Fortunately, various funding opportunities can significantly reduce or eliminate your out-of-pocket expenses.

The first step is to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). There are many online schools that accept FAFSA, which makes it possible to obtain government aid like grants and work-study placements.

Working nurses often receive tuition assistance from their employers. Many healthcare systems are eager to support nurses in pursuing higher education and advancing their careers. Those with military experience may be eligible for additional funding through their VA benefits.

Finally, one of the best sources of financial aid to consider is scholarships. As a nursing student, you may be eligible for a variety of scholarships available at your school or through outside organizations like nonprofits and businesses.

FAQs About Cheap Online RN to BSN Programs in North Carolina

If you still have questions about pursuing advanced nursing care opportunities by earning your BSN, keep reading. Below, we'll discuss some frequently asked questions you may be wondering about.

How Much Does an Online RN to BSN Program Cost in North Carolina?

The cost of your degree can vary widely and depends largely on the school you attend. Private schools typically have the highest tuition rates, with average costs ranging from $30,000 to $35,000 yearly. The schools featured in this article are much cheaper, with average annual tuition ranging from around $2,800 to $7,600.

How Do I Become a Registered Nurse in North Carolina?

To become an RN, you'll need to complete a degree program such as an ADN or a BSN, including all lab work and required clinical experiences. You'll then earn your RN license by completing the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN) exam. If you pass the exam, you'll submit to a background check and receive licensure through the North Carolina Board of Nursing.

Can Earning a BSN Help Your Nursing Career?

Yes, getting a BSN can help your nursing career by teaching you advanced nursing practice and patient care skills, helping you qualify for promotions and pay increases. Even completing one of the easiest RN to BSN programs can be beneficial to your career and enable you to pursue advanced studies like a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) or even a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP).

What Are the Most Affordable Online RN to BSN Programs in North Carolina?

Some of the most affordable online RN to BSN programs in North Carolina are featured in this article. Schools like UNC-Pembroke, Fayetteville State University, and Western Carolina University boast some of the lowest average tuition rates in the state, making them an excellent choice for BSN students on a budget.

Pursue a Nursing Education Online

If you're ready to take your professional nursing career to the next level, explore the schools featured here on Learn.org. Reach out to any of the colleges today to learn more about their programs and admission requirements and to choose the best nursing degree for you.