Fayetteville, N.C. – Fayetteville State University (FSU) has earned the No. 1 ranking in North Carolina for its Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABSN) program, according to RegisteredNursing.org‘s 2026 rankings released today. This recognition underscores FSU’s commitment to addressing the critical healthcare needs of the state and nation through innovative nursing education.
The ranking affirms FSU’s mission to deliver excellence, advance the profession, and meet the health needs of its communities. FSU’s ABSN track is an intensive,accelerated pathway designed for individuals holding a bachelor’s degree in a non-nursing field seeking a career transition into professional nursing. The program integrates rigorous academics, immersive clinical rotations, and individualized student support to prepare graduates for triumphant licensure and workforce entry.
FSU’s nursing programs have experienced substantial growth, bolstered by significant recent investments. In 2024, the university received a $2 million grant from the University of North Carolina System to support healthcare advancement initiatives, alongside a $2 million gift from Cape Fear valley Health.These funds will increase program capacity, doubling enrollment, and strengthen clinical partnerships, faculty development, and training opportunities to address statewide workforce demands.
RegisteredNursing.org evaluated programs using publicly available data from the U.S. Department of Education’s Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) and state nursing boards, focusing on program quality, student outcomes, and the structure of accelerated second-degree pathways. The complete methodology is available at https://nam10.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.registerednursing.org%2Frn-ranking-methodology%2F&data=05%7C02%7Clgerron%40uncfsu.edu%7Cb68d817ea1ec4ad9a57d08de22fdabd1%7Cb2e1e6f464f148729da1ca8a9a7c41f7%7C0%7C0%7C638986670084401198%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=mnPuk4HCCfEVu98qdI6d2C%2BwWLz3o8rLuOawdddDt0o%3D&reserved=0.
“Fayetteville State University stands out for its innovative curriculum and dedication to student outcomes,” said Sally Worthington, outreach coordinator at RegisteredNursing.org.”We congratulate the program’s faculty and students for earning recognition and setting a high standard for nursing education in the state.”
The complete rankings can be found on the RegisteredNursing.org website at https://www.registerednursing.org/articles/second-degree-bsn-what-north-carolina-schools-offer-absn-programs/#show.
