2026 Best Value Nursing Practice Schools in North Carolina

1

University Of North Carolina At Greensboro
Greensboro, NC

Our analysis ranked University Of North Carolina At Greensboro the best value for a degree in nursing practice in North Carolina. Located in the city of Greensboro, University Of North Carolina At Greensboro is a large public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $7,661, compared with $24,012 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for nursing practice graduates is $24,701. Early-career nursing practice graduates make about $103,649. Set against $24,701 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of North Carolina At Greensboro admits about 88% of applicants.

2

University Of North Carolina At Pembroke
Pembroke, NC

University Of North Carolina At Pembroke came in at #2 on our 2026 list of the best value nursing practice schools. Located in the town of Pembroke, University Of North Carolina At Pembroke is a moderately-sized public university. Students from in state pay about $3,648 in tuition and fees, compared with $7,648 for out-of-state students. Nursing Practice graduates carry a median of $29,710 in student loans. Soon after graduation, nursing practice degree recipients from University Of North Carolina At Pembroke generally make around $40,578. That is a strong return on a $29,710 median debt. The acceptance rate is 93%.

3

North Carolina A And T State University
Greensboro, NC

Students looking for strong value in nursing practice will find it at North Carolina A And T State University, which ranked #3. North Carolina A And T State University is a large public school located in the city of Greensboro. In-state tuition and fees average $6,813, while out-of-state students pay about $20,673. Students borrow a median of $28,353 to complete the nursing practice program here. Early-career nursing practice graduates make about $50,715. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 50% of applicants are accepted.

4

Western Carolina University
Cullowhee, NC

Students looking for strong value in nursing practice will find it at Western Carolina University, which ranked #4. Set in the town of Cullowhee, Western Carolina University is a large public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $4,630, with out-of-state students paying around $8,630. Students borrow a median of $23,163 to complete the nursing practice program here. Early-career nursing practice graduates make about $87,701. Set against $23,163 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Western Carolina University admits about 82% of applicants.

5

University Of North Carolina At Chapel Hill
Chapel Hill, NC

University Of North Carolina At Chapel Hill came in at #5 on our 2026 list of the best value nursing practice schools. Located in the city of Chapel Hill, University Of North Carolina At Chapel Hill is a very large public university. In-state tuition and fees average $8,994, compared with $41,203 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $23,026 to complete the nursing practice program here. Nursing Practice graduates of University Of North Carolina At Chapel Hill earn a median of $91,154 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 15% of applicants are accepted.

6

Winston Salem State University
Winston-Salem, NC

Winston Salem State University landed the #6 spot for nursing practice value this year. Winston Salem State University is a moderately-sized public school located in the city of Winston-Salem. In-state tuition and fees average $6,126, with out-of-state students paying around $16,782. Typical student debt for nursing practice graduates is $24,082. Nursing Practice graduates of Winston Salem State University earn a median of $84,648 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 78%.

7

University Of North Carolina At Charlotte
Charlotte, NC

University Of North Carolina At Charlotte came in at #7 for value in nursing practice this year. Set in the city of Charlotte, University Of North Carolina At Charlotte is a very large public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $7,239, while out-of-state students pay about $22,492. Nursing Practice graduates carry a median of $25,044 in student loans. Soon after graduation, nursing practice degree recipients from University Of North Carolina At Charlotte generally make around $95,753. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 80%.

8

East Carolina University
Greenville, NC

East Carolina University came in at #8 for value in nursing practice this year. East Carolina University is a very large public school located in the city of Greenville. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $7,361, compared with $23,638 for out-of-state students. Nursing Practice graduates carry a median of $25,264 in student loans. Nursing Practice graduates of East Carolina University earn a median of $96,898 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 89%.

9

University Of North Carolina At Wilmington
Wilmington, NC

University Of North Carolina At Wilmington placed #9 among the best values for nursing practice. University Of North Carolina At Wilmington is a very large public school located in the city of Wilmington. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $7,277, with out-of-state students paying around $24,152. Nursing Practice graduates carry a median of $22,000 in student loans. Nursing Practice graduates of University Of North Carolina At Wilmington earn a median of $83,408 early in their careers. Set against $22,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 64% of applicants are accepted.

10

Lenoir Rhyne University
Hickory, NC

Lenoir Rhyne University placed #10 among the best values for nursing practice. Located in the city of Hickory, Lenoir Rhyne University is a mid-sized private not-for-profit university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $31,900. Typical student debt for nursing practice graduates is $26,300. Nursing Practice graduates of Lenoir Rhyne University earn a median of $64,846 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 85% of applicants are accepted.

11

Wake Forest University
Winston-Salem, NC

Wake Forest University earned the #11 position for value in nursing practice this year. Located in the city of Winston-Salem, Wake Forest University is a moderately-sized private not-for-profit university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $67,642. Students borrow a median of $21,577 to complete the nursing practice program here. Early-career nursing practice graduates make about $202,919. That is a strong return on a $21,577 median debt. Roughly 22% of applicants are accepted.

12

Duke University
Durham, NC

Duke University ranked #12 on our 2026 list of the best value nursing practice schools. Duke University is a large private not-for-profit school located in the city of Durham. In-state tuition and fees average $68,758. Typical student debt for nursing practice graduates is $29,000. Early-career nursing practice graduates make about $116,855. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 6% of applicants are accepted.