North Carolina is home to several high-quality schools, both public and private. Names like Duke University and the University of North Carolina are probably the best-known schools in the state, but NC boasts a wide array of schools from small liberal arts colleges to NC State, the largest university in the Carolinas.
How Much Can You Make by Earning a Degree in North Carolina
In general, the higher the degree, the greater the earning potential. It’s important to remember that this isn’t a hard and fast rule. Some fields, like marketing or computer programming, allow you to advance in your career without a master’s degree. Others, like psychology, require a master’s minimum, as your point of entry. Still, getting a bachelor’s degree, or even an associate can help you earn much more than you would with only a high school diploma.
According to data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, bachelor’s degree holders have an average income of about $77,000 per year. Your field of study, degree level and industry play a significant role in your overall earning potential.
Bachelor's degree holders in North Carolina earn an average of $59,600 per year, while those with associate degrees make around $44,100 annually. This substantial difference highlights the value of pursuing higher education in the state. Even more impressive, graduates from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill see their earnings grow to an average of $66,100 ten years after graduation.
Your choice of major can also impact your future salary. North Carolina's job market values certain degree programs more highly than others. By researching the highest-paying college majors in the state, you can make an informed decision about your educational path and maximize your earning potential. Consider factors like job opportunities, financial aid options, and the overall job market when planning your academic journey in North Carolina.
Education Level & National Average Median Compensation
| NO FORMAL EDUCATION | HIGH SCHOOL DIPLOMA | ASSOCIATE DEGREE | BACHELOR’S DEGREE | MASTER’S DEGREE | DOCTORAL DEGREE |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $36,816* | $46,748* | $55,016* | $77,636* | $90,324* | $109,668* |
Top 25 Best Associate Degree Programs in North Carolina
Johnson & Wales University-Charlotte
Score: 74.95
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $40,408
- Out-of-State:$40,408
- Net Price: $29,238
- Acceptance Rate: 73%
- Retention Rate: 64%
- Graduation Rate: 53%
- Total Enrollment: 1,140
- Undergrad Students: 1,140
- Graduate Students: N/A
- Grads Salary: $57,000
- Student-to-faculty: 13:1
Beaufort County Community College
Score: 72.13
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $2,540
- Out-of-State:$8,684
- Net Price: $7,279
- Acceptance Rate: 100%
- Retention Rate: 67%
- Graduation Rate: 45%
- Total Enrollment: 1,741
- Undergrad Students: 1,741
- Graduate Students: N/A
- Grads Salary: $45,900
- Student-to-faculty: 10:1
Wilkes Community College
Score: 69.01
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $2,572
- Out-of-State:$8,716
- Net Price: $3,471
- Acceptance Rate: 100%
- Retention Rate: 66%
- Graduation Rate: 55%
- Total Enrollment: 2,321
- Undergrad Students: 2,321
- Graduate Students: N/A
- Grads Salary: $32,500
- Student-to-faculty: 7:1
McDowell Technical Community College
Score: 66.32
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $1,958
- Out-of-State:$6,566
- Net Price: $2,715
- Acceptance Rate: 100%
- Retention Rate: 59%
- Graduation Rate: 45%
- Total Enrollment: 1,100
- Undergrad Students: 1,100
- Graduate Students: N/A
- Grads Salary: $34,500
- Student-to-faculty: 7:1
Isothermal Community College
Score: 65.97
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $2,030
- Out-of-State:$6,638
- Net Price: $6,756
- Acceptance Rate: 100%
- Retention Rate: 69%
- Graduation Rate: 53%
- Total Enrollment: 1,876
- Undergrad Students: 1,876
- Graduate Students: N/A
- Grads Salary: $32,600
- Student-to-faculty: 11:1
Wayne Community College
Score: 65.14
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $2,524
- Out-of-State:$8,668
- Net Price: $4,694
- Acceptance Rate: 100%
- Retention Rate: 80%
- Graduation Rate: 49%
- Total Enrollment: 2,732
- Undergrad Students: 2,732
- Graduate Students: N/A
- Grads Salary: $30,300
- Student-to-faculty: 12:1
Gaston College
Score: 64.23
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $3,186
- Out-of-State:$9,330
- Net Price: $4,103
- Acceptance Rate: 100%
- Retention Rate: 75%
- Graduation Rate: 43%
- Total Enrollment: 5,558
- Undergrad Students: 5,558
- Graduate Students: N/A
- Grads Salary: $32,900
- Student-to-faculty: 13:1
Roanoke-Chowan Community College
Score: 62.93
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $2,642
- Out-of-State:$8,786
- Net Price: $8,538
- Acceptance Rate: 100%
- Retention Rate: 73%
- Graduation Rate: 47%
- Total Enrollment: 569
- Undergrad Students: 569
- Graduate Students: N/A
- Grads Salary: $32,000
- Student-to-faculty: 11:1
Johnston Community College
Score: 62.81
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $2,657
- Out-of-State:$8,801
- Net Price: $5,844
- Acceptance Rate: 100%
- Retention Rate: 50%
- Graduation Rate: 47%
- Total Enrollment: 4,282
- Undergrad Students: 4,282
- Graduate Students: N/A
- Grads Salary: $35,300
- Student-to-faculty: 15:1
Blue Ridge Community College-Flat Rock
Score: 62.8
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $2,660
- Out-of-State:$8,804
- Net Price: $7,677
- Acceptance Rate: 100%
- Retention Rate: 69%
- Graduation Rate: 50%
- Total Enrollment: 2,794
- Undergrad Students: 2,794
- Graduate Students: N/A
- Grads Salary: $31,400
- Student-to-faculty: 14:1
Wake Technical Community College
Score: 62.28
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $2,336
- Out-of-State:$7,582
- Net Price: $3,914
- Acceptance Rate: 100%
- Retention Rate: 68%
- Graduation Rate: 31%
- Total Enrollment: 21,551
- Undergrad Students: 21,551
- Graduate Students: N/A
- Grads Salary: $39,200
- Student-to-faculty: 18:1
Randolph Community College
Score: 61.64
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $2,416
- Out-of-State:$8,176
- Net Price: $8,104
- Acceptance Rate: 100%
- Retention Rate: 76%
- Graduation Rate: 40%
- Total Enrollment: 2,469
- Undergrad Students: 2,469
- Graduate Students: N/A
- Grads Salary: $32,200
- Student-to-faculty: 9:1
Caldwell Community College and Technical Institute
Score: 61.51
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $2,537
- Out-of-State:$8,681
- Net Price: $6,286
- Acceptance Rate: 100%
- Retention Rate: 71%
- Graduation Rate: 40%
- Total Enrollment: 3,703
- Undergrad Students: 3,703
- Graduate Students: N/A
- Grads Salary: $33,300
- Student-to-faculty: 14:1
Edgecombe Community College
Score: 61.36
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $2,640
- Out-of-State:$8,784
- Net Price: $5,996
- Acceptance Rate: 100%
- Retention Rate: 74%
- Graduation Rate: 28%
- Total Enrollment: 1,313
- Undergrad Students: 1,313
- Graduate Students: N/A
- Grads Salary: $37,100
- Student-to-faculty: 10:1
Nash Community College
Score: 60.81
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $2,883
- Out-of-State:$8,883
- Net Price: $7,102
- Acceptance Rate: 100%
- Retention Rate: 68%
- Graduation Rate: 40%
- Total Enrollment: 2,645
- Undergrad Students: 2,645
- Graduate Students: N/A
- Grads Salary: $35,600
- Student-to-faculty: 20:1
Western Piedmont Community College
Score: 60.57
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $2,650
- Out-of-State:$8,794
- Net Price: $7,821
- Acceptance Rate: 100%
- Retention Rate: 67%
- Graduation Rate: 39%
- Total Enrollment: 1,749
- Undergrad Students: 1,749
- Graduate Students: N/A
- Grads Salary: $33,300
- Student-to-faculty: 11:1
Southwestern Community College-Sylva
Score: 60.41
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $5,806
- Out-of-State:$19,630
- Net Price: $8,858
- Acceptance Rate: 100%
- Retention Rate: 58%
- Graduation Rate: 45%
- Total Enrollment: 2,256
- Undergrad Students: 2,256
- Graduate Students: N/A
- Grads Salary: $32,000
- Student-to-faculty: 10:1
Richmond Community College
Score: 60.38
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $2,552
- Out-of-State:$8,696
- Net Price: $4,986
- Acceptance Rate: 100%
- Retention Rate: 67%
- Graduation Rate: 34%
- Total Enrollment: 2,290
- Undergrad Students: 2,290
- Graduate Students: N/A
- Grads Salary: $33,800
- Student-to-faculty: 12:1
Stanly Community College
Score: 60.36
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $2,672
- Out-of-State:$8,816
- Net Price: $6,063
- Acceptance Rate: 100%
- Retention Rate: 66%
- Graduation Rate: 38%
- Total Enrollment: 2,319
- Undergrad Students: 2,319
- Graduate Students: N/A
- Grads Salary: $32,000
- Student-to-faculty: 10:1
Brunswick Community College
Score: 60.35
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $2,532
- Out-of-State:$8,676
- Net Price: $7,656
- Acceptance Rate: 100%
- Retention Rate: 67%
- Graduation Rate: 40%
- Total Enrollment: 1,678
- Undergrad Students: 1,678
- Graduate Students: N/A
- Grads Salary: $32,700
- Student-to-faculty: 12:1
Craven Community College
Score: 60.15
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $2,022
- Out-of-State:$6,630
- Net Price: $6,055
- Acceptance Rate: 100%
- Retention Rate: 62%
- Graduation Rate: 39%
- Total Enrollment: 2,701
- Undergrad Students: 2,701
- Graduate Students: N/A
- Grads Salary: $32,600
- Student-to-faculty: 12:1
Southeastern Community College-Whiteville
Score: 60.02
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $2,600
- Out-of-State:$8,744
- Net Price: $2,028
- Acceptance Rate: 100%
- Retention Rate: 67%
- Graduation Rate: 38%
- Total Enrollment: 1,228
- Undergrad Students: 1,228
- Graduate Students: N/A
- Grads Salary: $27,900
- Student-to-faculty: 9:1
Vance-Granville Community College
Score: 59.59
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $1,956
- Out-of-State:$6,564
- Net Price: $3,193
- Acceptance Rate: 100%
- Retention Rate: 72%
- Graduation Rate: 31%
- Total Enrollment: 2,814
- Undergrad Students: 2,814
- Graduate Students: N/A
- Grads Salary: $33,400
- Student-to-faculty: 16:1
James Sprunt Community College
Score: 59.58
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $2,592
- Out-of-State:$8,736
- Net Price: $3,907
- Acceptance Rate: 100%
- Retention Rate: 75%
- Graduation Rate: 35%
- Total Enrollment: 1,359
- Undergrad Students: 1,359
- Graduate Students: N/A
- Grads Salary: $29,900
- Student-to-faculty: 12:1
Martin Community College
Score: 59.24
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $2,523
- Out-of-State:$8,673
- Net Price: $5,949
- Acceptance Rate: 100%
- Retention Rate: 65%
- Graduation Rate: 47%
- Total Enrollment: 842
- Undergrad Students: 842
- Graduate Students: N/A
- Grads Salary: $26,200
- Student-to-faculty: 11:1
Top 25 Best Bachelor's Programs in North Carolina
Duke University
Score: 91.64
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $65,805
- Out-of-State:$65,805
- Net Price: $23,694
- Acceptance Rate: 6%
- Retention Rate: 97%
- Graduation Rate: 97%
- Total Enrollment: 18,023
- Undergrad Students: 6,640
- Graduate Students: 11,383
- Grads Salary: $95,000
- Student-to-faculty: 6:1
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Score: 85.66
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $8,989
- Out-of-State:$39,330
- Net Price: $10,614
- Acceptance Rate: 17%
- Retention Rate: 96%
- Graduation Rate: 91%
- Total Enrollment: 31,705
- Undergrad Students: 20,029
- Graduate Students: 11,676
- Grads Salary: $77,000
- Student-to-faculty: 17:1
North Carolina State University at Raleigh
Score: 82.85
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $8,895
- Out-of-State:$31,767
- Net Price: $14,852
- Acceptance Rate: 47%
- Retention Rate: 94%
- Graduation Rate: 85%
- Total Enrollment: 36,700
- Undergrad Students: 26,254
- Graduate Students: 10,446
- Grads Salary: $82,000
- Student-to-faculty: 16:1
Wake Forest University
Score: 80.47
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $64,758
- Out-of-State:$64,758
- Net Price: $26,197
- Acceptance Rate: 21%
- Retention Rate: 94%
- Graduation Rate: 90%
- Total Enrollment: 8,963
- Undergrad Students: 5,447
- Graduate Students: 3,516
- Grads Salary: $79,000
- Student-to-faculty: 10:1
Davidson College
Score: 79.44
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $60,300
- Out-of-State:$60,300
- Net Price: $26,704
- Acceptance Rate: 17%
- Retention Rate: 94%
- Graduation Rate: 92%
- Total Enrollment: 1,927
- Undergrad Students: 1,927
- Graduate Students: N/A
- Grads Salary: $75,000
- Student-to-faculty: 9:1
North Carolina A&T State University
Score: 73.71
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $6,748
- Out-of-State:$20,408
- Net Price: $9,189
- Acceptance Rate: 56%
- Retention Rate: 74%
- Graduation Rate: 57%
- Total Enrollment: 13,487
- Undergrad Students: 11,833
- Graduate Students: 1,654
- Grads Salary: $79,000
- Student-to-faculty: 19:1
University of North Carolina at Charlotte
Score: 72.67
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $7,214
- Out-of-State:$21,876
- Net Price: $13,951
- Acceptance Rate: 80%
- Retention Rate: 84%
- Graduation Rate: 70%
- Total Enrollment: 29,551
- Undergrad Students: 23,461
- Graduate Students: 6,090
- Grads Salary: $74,000
- Student-to-faculty: 20:1
Appalachian State University
Score: 70.35
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $7,541
- Out-of-State:$24,537
- Net Price: $13,084
- Acceptance Rate: 83%
- Retention Rate: 83%
- Graduation Rate: 75%
- Total Enrollment: 20,436
- Undergrad Students: 18,558
- Graduate Students: 1,878
- Grads Salary: $64,000
- Student-to-faculty: 16:1
University of North Carolina Wilmington
Score: 69.72
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $7,317
- Out-of-State:$22,985
- Net Price: $18,709
- Acceptance Rate: 69%
- Retention Rate: 83%
- Graduation Rate: 74%
- Total Enrollment: 17,843
- Undergrad Students: 14,294
- Graduate Students: 3,549
- Grads Salary: $67,000
- Student-to-faculty: 17:1
East Carolina University
Score: 69.14
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $7,361
- Out-of-State:$23,638
- Net Price: $14,410
- Acceptance Rate: 92%
- Retention Rate: 80%
- Graduation Rate: 65%
- Total Enrollment: 27,151
- Undergrad Students: 21,688
- Graduate Students: 5,463
- Grads Salary: $71,000
- Student-to-faculty: 18:1
Winston-Salem State University
Score: 67.75
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $6,735
- Out-of-State:$17,391
- Net Price: $14,097
- Acceptance Rate: 73%
- Retention Rate: 77%
- Graduation Rate: 50%
- Total Enrollment: 5,004
- Undergrad Students: 4,513
- Graduate Students: 491
- Grads Salary: $74,000
- Student-to-faculty: 15:1
Meredith College
Score: 66.83
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $43,936
- Out-of-State:$43,936
- Net Price: $23,259
- Acceptance Rate: 73%
- Retention Rate: 77%
- Graduation Rate: 68%
- Total Enrollment: 1,587
- Undergrad Students: 1,322
- Graduate Students: 265
- Grads Salary: $68,000
- Student-to-faculty: 10:1
Western Carolina University
Score: 66.26
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $4,532
- Out-of-State:$8,532
- Net Price: $13,022
- Acceptance Rate: 85%
- Retention Rate: 71%
- Graduation Rate: 61%
- Total Enrollment: 11,635
- Undergrad Students: 9,956
- Graduate Students: 1,679
- Grads Salary: $66,000
- Student-to-faculty: 16:1
Elizabeth City State University
Score: 65.62
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $3,412
- Out-of-State:$7,412
- Net Price: $4,120
- Acceptance Rate: 74%
- Retention Rate: 76%
- Graduation Rate: 42%
- Total Enrollment: 2,149
- Undergrad Students: 2,033
- Graduate Students: 116
- Grads Salary: $65,000
- Student-to-faculty: 16:1
University of North Carolina at Greensboro
Score: 65.59
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $7,593
- Out-of-State:$23,339
- Net Price: $10,979
- Acceptance Rate: 92%
- Retention Rate: 73%
- Graduation Rate: 58%
- Total Enrollment: 17,978
- Undergrad Students: 14,198
- Graduate Students: 3,780
- Grads Salary: $65,000
- Student-to-faculty: 17:1
Elon University
Score: 64.95
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $44,536
- Out-of-State:$44,536
- Net Price: $41,527
- Acceptance Rate: 74%
- Retention Rate: 90%
- Graduation Rate: 83%
- Total Enrollment: 7,123
- Undergrad Students: 6,337
- Graduate Students: 786
- Grads Salary: $69,000
- Student-to-faculty: 11:1
Wingate University
Score: 64.88
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $40,196
- Out-of-State:$40,196
- Net Price: $18,823
- Acceptance Rate: 86%
- Retention Rate: 69%
- Graduation Rate: 57%
- Total Enrollment: 3,396
- Undergrad Students: 2,510
- Graduate Students: 886
- Grads Salary: $71,000
- Student-to-faculty: 15:1
Queens University of Charlotte
Score: 64.32
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $43,285
- Out-of-State:$43,285
- Net Price: $29,459
- Acceptance Rate: 71%
- Retention Rate: 72%
- Graduation Rate: 69%
- Total Enrollment: 1,873
- Undergrad Students: 1,317
- Graduate Students: 556
- Grads Salary: $68,000
- Student-to-faculty: 9:1
Fayetteville State University
Score: 63.99
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $3,969
- Out-of-State:$7,969
- Net Price: $6,355
- Acceptance Rate: 81%
- Retention Rate: 70%
- Graduation Rate: 44%
- Total Enrollment: 6,787
- Undergrad Students: 5,748
- Graduate Students: 1,039
- Grads Salary: $65,000
- Student-to-faculty: 18:1
Lees-McRae College
Score: 63.99
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $31,140
- Out-of-State:$31,140
- Net Price: $24,108
- Acceptance Rate: 61%
- Retention Rate: 77%
- Graduation Rate: 46%
- Total Enrollment: 855
- Undergrad Students: 855
- Graduate Students: N/A
- Grads Salary: $74,000
- Student-to-faculty: 10:1
Guilford College
Score: 63.5
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $41,140
- Out-of-State:$41,140
- Net Price: $23,882
- Acceptance Rate: 84%
- Retention Rate: 66%
- Graduation Rate: 49%
- Total Enrollment: 1,167
- Undergrad Students: 1,129
- Graduate Students: 38
- Grads Salary: $77,000
- Student-to-faculty: 12:1
Brevard College
Score: 62.92
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $31,250
- Out-of-State:$31,250
- Net Price: $24,220
- Acceptance Rate: 40%
- Retention Rate: 69%
- Graduation Rate: 36%
- Total Enrollment: 759
- Undergrad Students: 735
- Graduate Students: 24
- Grads Salary: $77,000
- Student-to-faculty: 10:1
Salem College
Score: 62.8
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $32,236
- Out-of-State:$32,236
- Net Price: $18,354
- Acceptance Rate: 87%
- Retention Rate: 73%
- Graduation Rate: 62%
- Total Enrollment: 469
- Undergrad Students: 364
- Graduate Students: 105
- Grads Salary: $62,000
- Student-to-faculty: 16:1
University of North Carolina at Asheville
Score: 62.59
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $7,461
- Out-of-State:$24,809
- Net Price: $14,730
- Acceptance Rate: 74%
- Retention Rate: 69%
- Graduation Rate: 59%
- Total Enrollment: 2,914
- Undergrad Students: 2,914
- Graduate Students: N/A
- Grads Salary: $58,000
- Student-to-faculty: 12:1
Catawba College
Score: 62.01
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $33,400
- Out-of-State:$33,400
- Net Price: $19,701
- Acceptance Rate: 67%
- Retention Rate: 65%
- Graduation Rate: 56%
- Total Enrollment: 1,172
- Undergrad Students: 1,094
- Graduate Students: 78
- Grads Salary: $63,000
- Student-to-faculty: 11:1
Top 25 Best Master's Programs in North Carolina
Duke University
Score: 91.64
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $65,805
- Out-of-State:$65,805
- Net Price: $23,694
- Acceptance Rate: 6%
- Retention Rate: 97%
- Graduation Rate: 97%
- Total Enrollment: 18,023
- Undergrad Students: 6,640
- Graduate Students: 11,383
- Grads Salary: $95,000
- Student-to-faculty: 6:1
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Score: 85.66
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $8,989
- Out-of-State:$39,330
- Net Price: $10,614
- Acceptance Rate: 17%
- Retention Rate: 96%
- Graduation Rate: 91%
- Total Enrollment: 31,705
- Undergrad Students: 20,029
- Graduate Students: 11,676
- Grads Salary: $77,000
- Student-to-faculty: 17:1
North Carolina State University at Raleigh
Score: 82.85
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $8,895
- Out-of-State:$31,767
- Net Price: $14,852
- Acceptance Rate: 47%
- Retention Rate: 94%
- Graduation Rate: 85%
- Total Enrollment: 36,700
- Undergrad Students: 26,254
- Graduate Students: 10,446
- Grads Salary: $82,000
- Student-to-faculty: 16:1
Wake Forest University
Score: 80.47
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $64,758
- Out-of-State:$64,758
- Net Price: $26,197
- Acceptance Rate: 21%
- Retention Rate: 94%
- Graduation Rate: 90%
- Total Enrollment: 8,963
- Undergrad Students: 5,447
- Graduate Students: 3,516
- Grads Salary: $79,000
- Student-to-faculty: 10:1
North Carolina A&T State University
Score: 73.71
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $6,748
- Out-of-State:$20,408
- Net Price: $9,189
- Acceptance Rate: 56%
- Retention Rate: 74%
- Graduation Rate: 57%
- Total Enrollment: 13,487
- Undergrad Students: 11,833
- Graduate Students: 1,654
- Grads Salary: $79,000
- Student-to-faculty: 19:1
University of North Carolina at Charlotte
Score: 72.67
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $7,214
- Out-of-State:$21,876
- Net Price: $13,951
- Acceptance Rate: 80%
- Retention Rate: 84%
- Graduation Rate: 70%
- Total Enrollment: 29,551
- Undergrad Students: 23,461
- Graduate Students: 6,090
- Grads Salary: $74,000
- Student-to-faculty: 20:1
Appalachian State University
Score: 70.35
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $7,541
- Out-of-State:$24,537
- Net Price: $13,084
- Acceptance Rate: 83%
- Retention Rate: 83%
- Graduation Rate: 75%
- Total Enrollment: 20,436
- Undergrad Students: 18,558
- Graduate Students: 1,878
- Grads Salary: $64,000
- Student-to-faculty: 16:1
University of North Carolina Wilmington
Score: 69.72
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $7,317
- Out-of-State:$22,985
- Net Price: $18,709
- Acceptance Rate: 69%
- Retention Rate: 83%
- Graduation Rate: 74%
- Total Enrollment: 17,843
- Undergrad Students: 14,294
- Graduate Students: 3,549
- Grads Salary: $67,000
- Student-to-faculty: 17:1
East Carolina University
Score: 69.14
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $7,361
- Out-of-State:$23,638
- Net Price: $14,410
- Acceptance Rate: 92%
- Retention Rate: 80%
- Graduation Rate: 65%
- Total Enrollment: 27,151
- Undergrad Students: 21,688
- Graduate Students: 5,463
- Grads Salary: $71,000
- Student-to-faculty: 18:1
Winston-Salem State University
Score: 67.75
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $6,735
- Out-of-State:$17,391
- Net Price: $14,097
- Acceptance Rate: 73%
- Retention Rate: 77%
- Graduation Rate: 50%
- Total Enrollment: 5,004
- Undergrad Students: 4,513
- Graduate Students: 491
- Grads Salary: $74,000
- Student-to-faculty: 15:1
Meredith College
Score: 66.83
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $43,936
- Out-of-State:$43,936
- Net Price: $23,259
- Acceptance Rate: 73%
- Retention Rate: 77%
- Graduation Rate: 68%
- Total Enrollment: 1,587
- Undergrad Students: 1,322
- Graduate Students: 265
- Grads Salary: $68,000
- Student-to-faculty: 10:1
Western Carolina University
Score: 66.26
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $4,532
- Out-of-State:$8,532
- Net Price: $13,022
- Acceptance Rate: 85%
- Retention Rate: 71%
- Graduation Rate: 61%
- Total Enrollment: 11,635
- Undergrad Students: 9,956
- Graduate Students: 1,679
- Grads Salary: $66,000
- Student-to-faculty: 16:1
Elizabeth City State University
Score: 65.62
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $3,412
- Out-of-State:$7,412
- Net Price: $4,120
- Acceptance Rate: 74%
- Retention Rate: 76%
- Graduation Rate: 42%
- Total Enrollment: 2,149
- Undergrad Students: 2,033
- Graduate Students: 116
- Grads Salary: $65,000
- Student-to-faculty: 16:1
University of North Carolina at Greensboro
Score: 65.59
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $7,593
- Out-of-State:$23,339
- Net Price: $10,979
- Acceptance Rate: 92%
- Retention Rate: 73%
- Graduation Rate: 58%
- Total Enrollment: 17,978
- Undergrad Students: 14,198
- Graduate Students: 3,780
- Grads Salary: $65,000
- Student-to-faculty: 17:1
Elon University
Score: 64.95
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $44,536
- Out-of-State:$44,536
- Net Price: $41,527
- Acceptance Rate: 74%
- Retention Rate: 90%
- Graduation Rate: 83%
- Total Enrollment: 7,123
- Undergrad Students: 6,337
- Graduate Students: 786
- Grads Salary: $69,000
- Student-to-faculty: 11:1
Wingate University
Score: 64.88
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $40,196
- Out-of-State:$40,196
- Net Price: $18,823
- Acceptance Rate: 86%
- Retention Rate: 69%
- Graduation Rate: 57%
- Total Enrollment: 3,396
- Undergrad Students: 2,510
- Graduate Students: 886
- Grads Salary: $71,000
- Student-to-faculty: 15:1
Queens University of Charlotte
Score: 64.32
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $43,285
- Out-of-State:$43,285
- Net Price: $29,459
- Acceptance Rate: 71%
- Retention Rate: 72%
- Graduation Rate: 69%
- Total Enrollment: 1,873
- Undergrad Students: 1,317
- Graduate Students: 556
- Grads Salary: $68,000
- Student-to-faculty: 9:1
Fayetteville State University
Score: 63.99
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $3,969
- Out-of-State:$7,969
- Net Price: $6,355
- Acceptance Rate: 81%
- Retention Rate: 70%
- Graduation Rate: 44%
- Total Enrollment: 6,787
- Undergrad Students: 5,748
- Graduate Students: 1,039
- Grads Salary: $65,000
- Student-to-faculty: 18:1
Lees-McRae College
Score: 63.99
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $31,140
- Out-of-State:$31,140
- Net Price: $24,108
- Acceptance Rate: 61%
- Retention Rate: 77%
- Graduation Rate: 46%
- Total Enrollment: 855
- Undergrad Students: 855
- Graduate Students: N/A
- Grads Salary: $74,000
- Student-to-faculty: 10:1
Guilford College
Score: 63.5
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $41,140
- Out-of-State:$41,140
- Net Price: $23,882
- Acceptance Rate: 84%
- Retention Rate: 66%
- Graduation Rate: 49%
- Total Enrollment: 1,167
- Undergrad Students: 1,129
- Graduate Students: 38
- Grads Salary: $77,000
- Student-to-faculty: 12:1
Salem College
Score: 62.8
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $32,236
- Out-of-State:$32,236
- Net Price: $18,354
- Acceptance Rate: 87%
- Retention Rate: 73%
- Graduation Rate: 62%
- Total Enrollment: 469
- Undergrad Students: 364
- Graduate Students: 105
- Grads Salary: $62,000
- Student-to-faculty: 16:1
University of North Carolina at Asheville
Score: 62.59
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $7,461
- Out-of-State:$24,809
- Net Price: $14,730
- Acceptance Rate: 74%
- Retention Rate: 69%
- Graduation Rate: 59%
- Total Enrollment: 2,914
- Undergrad Students: 2,914
- Graduate Students: N/A
- Grads Salary: $58,000
- Student-to-faculty: 12:1
Catawba College
Score: 62.01
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $33,400
- Out-of-State:$33,400
- Net Price: $19,701
- Acceptance Rate: 67%
- Retention Rate: 65%
- Graduation Rate: 56%
- Total Enrollment: 1,172
- Undergrad Students: 1,094
- Graduate Students: 78
- Grads Salary: $63,000
- Student-to-faculty: 11:1
Campbell University
Score: 61.89
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $40,410
- Out-of-State:$40,410
- Net Price: $24,280
- Acceptance Rate: 89%
- Retention Rate: 75%
- Graduation Rate: 56%
- Total Enrollment: 5,272
- Undergrad Students: 2,965
- Graduate Students: 2,307
- Grads Salary: $68,000
- Student-to-faculty: 13:1
University of Mount Olive
Score: 61.35
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $25,950
- Out-of-State:$25,950
- Net Price: $17,878
- Acceptance Rate: 75%
- Retention Rate: 63%
- Graduation Rate: 49%
- Total Enrollment: 2,239
- Undergrad Students: 2,019
- Graduate Students: 220
- Grads Salary: $67,000
- Student-to-faculty: 16:1
Scholarships for North Carolina College Students
According to the College Foundation of North Carolina, the state offers over $600 million in scholarships and grants. Many require students to fill out the FAFSA before applying to demonstrate need. The application functions as a gateway to many federal and state-funded scholarships, as well as other need-based awards offered through private foundations or organizations.
Students who don’t qualify for need-based assistance can still apply for other sources of funding. Merit-based scholarships are awarded based on test scores or other proof of academic excellence. Other scholarships are offered toward members of a specific group: women, minorities, or the LGBT community. Or specific majors—like nursing students or those pursuing the visual arts.
In any case, there are many different sources of funding available—you may need to do a little research. Here are some scholarships offered to North Carolina students:
TAES
The ANSWER Endowment Scholarship
http://answerscholarship.org/
Amounts: varies
Deadline: March 1
The Andersen Nontraditional Scholarship for Women’s Education (ANSWER) is awarded to women 25 or older raising school-aged children. Applicants must be enrolled in a four-year degree program at an accredited North or South Carolina institution. Alternatively, those in a two-year nursing or healthcare program are welcome to apply.
NCLNASF
North Carolina League for Nursing Academic Scholarship Fund
https://health.uncc.edu/sites/health.uncc.edu/files/media/scholarships/North_Carolina_League_for_Nursing_Academic_Scholarship.pdf
Amounts: $500-$2,000
Deadline: March 15
The NLN offers a $2,000 scholarship to students pursuing a graduate degree in nursing. To qualify, you must have completed six semester hours of coursework and be a legal North Carolina resident.
NCSAS
North Carolina Sheriffs Association Scholarships
https://ncsheriffs.org/about/scholarships
Amounts: $2,000
Deadline: Varies by institution
The North Carolina Sheriffs Association offers 12 scholarships to full-time NC students majoring in criminal justice. The $2,000 awards are provided to each of the 12 schools that offer criminal justice degrees in the state and priority is given to the children or stepchildren of a state sheriff.
FFTCS
Foundation for the Carolinas Scholarship
https://abqcf.org/student-aid/scholarships-for-college-students/
Amounts: Varies
Deadline: March 1
This scholarship is for students pursuing a career in the arts in North or South Carolina. Students must demonstrate some talent in their chosen medium. Additionally, only rising juniors or seniors in good academic standing may apply.
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