UNC Chapel Hill School of Nursing
Chapel Hill, NC
Quick Facts
1950
Founded
900+
Enrollment
22%
Acceptance Rate
94%
NCLEX Pass Rate
About UNC Chapel Hill School of Nursing
The UNC Chapel Hill School of Nursing is one of the top-ranked public nursing programs in the country. As part of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, the state's flagship public university, the school benefits from extensive clinical partnerships with UNC Hospitals, a 950-bed academic medical center that serves as the primary teaching hospital. Students also rotate through community health sites, rural clinics, and specialty facilities across North Carolina.
UNC Nursing is recognized for its research in rural health, health disparities, maternal-child health, and nursing workforce development. The school's faculty are nationally recognized leaders who shape practice and policy at the state and national levels. The school's commitment to serving North Carolina's diverse communities is woven into its curriculum, preparing graduates who understand the full spectrum of healthcare delivery from urban medical centers to rural clinics.
Degree Programs Offered
Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)
A four-year pre-licensure program at North Carolina's flagship public university, with clinical rotations at UNC Hospitals and community health partners throughout the state.
Accelerated BSN (ABSN)
An intensive second-degree program for students with a bachelor's degree in another field, completed in a compressed timeline with the same clinical rigor as the traditional BSN.
Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)
Graduate programs with tracks in Adult-Gerontology NP, Family NP, Pediatric NP, Psychiatric-Mental Health NP, Nurse-Midwifery, and Nursing Administration.
Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)
A practice-focused doctoral program for advanced practice nurses seeking the highest clinical credential. Available in hybrid format for working professionals.
Accreditation
Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). The UNC Chapel Hill School of Nursing holds full CCNE accreditation for its BSN, MSN, DNP, and PhD programs, affirming its standing as one of the leading public university nursing programs in the Southeast.
Campus & Online Options
The BSN and ABSN programs are on-campus in Chapel Hill with clinical rotations at UNC Hospitals and partner facilities throughout North Carolina. Graduate programs offer hybrid delivery with online coursework and in-person clinical requirements. The school's statewide clinical network provides placement options for students across the state.
Tuition & Financial Aid
Tuition
North Carolina resident undergraduate tuition and fees are approximately $8,900 per year, making UNC one of the most affordable top-ranked nursing programs in the country. Out-of-state students pay approximately $36,000 per year. Graduate tuition ranges from $11,000 to $22,000 per year for NC residents.
Financial Aid & Scholarships
UNC offers merit-based scholarships, need-based grants, federal financial aid, and nursing-specific awards. The Carolina Covenant program covers the full cost of attendance for qualifying low-income students. The School of Nursing administers endowed scholarships and connects students with the Nurse Corps Scholarship and North Carolina state nursing workforce grants.
Admissions Overview
Admission to the BSN program at UNC is competitive. Students apply to UNC as pre-nursing majors and then apply to the upper-division nursing program. The ABSN program requires a completed bachelor's degree and prerequisite sciences.
Application Deadline
January 15 for fall BSN admission; October 1 for ABSN
Requirements
- Minimum 3.0 GPA in prerequisite courses
- Completion of prerequisite biology, chemistry, anatomy, physiology, and statistics courses
- Personal statement on commitment to nursing
- Two letters of recommendation
- Healthcare experience strongly recommended
- TEAS exam score for BSN applicants
Student Life
UNC's Chapel Hill campus offers one of the most celebrated college town experiences in the country. Nursing students participate in the Student Nurses Association, community health fairs, global health initiatives, and research mentorships. Chapel Hill offers walkable charm, live music, diverse dining, and proximity to both Research Triangle metro amenities and North Carolina's mountains and coast.
Great for Future Travel Nurses
UNC Chapel Hill School of Nursing graduates bring a strong public university education and clinical training at a major academic medical center to their travel nursing careers. UNC Hospitals' status as a Level I trauma center and comprehensive cancer center means students gain experience in the high-acuity specialties that drive travel nursing demand. North Carolina's NLC membership allows graduates to practice across compact states immediately, and UNC's affordable tuition means graduates enter the workforce with less student debt, giving them more freedom to pursue travel nursing without financial constraints. The school's emphasis on rural health also prepares graduates for the variety of settings they will encounter as travel nurses, from urban trauma centers to rural community hospitals.
Frequently Asked Questions
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