Get Matched With North Carolina Programs

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.

What are the most popular bachelor's degrees offered in North Carolina?

While the state’s private colleges are a significant investment for those who don’t have federal funding or scholarships, NC’s public universities promise a quality education for less than $10,000 per year.

The most popular bachelor’s degrees in North Carolina are similar to the most popular bachelor’s degrees across the country. Students top picks include majors such as biology, business administration, and psychology, as well as computer science. Here are the top five degrees:

How Much Can You Make by Having 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 PayScale, bachelor’s degree holders have an average income of about $58,000 per year. Degree type makes a difference; the site reported that those with a Bachelor of Science earned $63,000 on average, compared to those with a Bachelor of Arts who earned about $53,000 on average.

Those figures are likely skewed a bit, as high-paying technical occupations like engineering and computer science majors earn BS degrees. BA graduates span a range of majors, including some sectors where it may be harder to find employment. Associate degree holders earn about $48,000 per year.

Those with a high school diploma, or GED only, are likely to earn considerably less. The BLS reports the median weekly income for those without any formal education credential can expect to make roughly $688 per week.

Education Level & National Average Median Compensation

NO FORMAL EDUCATION HIGH SCHOOL DIPLOMA ASSOCIATE DEGREE BACHELOR’S DEGREE MASTER’S DEGREE DOCTORAL DEGREE
$30,784* $38,792* $46,124* $64,896* $77,844* $96,772*

Compare Popular Online North Carolina Programs

Top 25 Best Associate Degree Programs in North Carolina


1

Wilkes Community College

Score: 75.85

  • 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: $26,900
  • Student-to-faculty: 7:1
  • Wilkes Community College
2

Johnson & Wales University-Charlotte

Score: 74.95

  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $38,442
    • Out-of-State: $38,442
  • 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: $36,300
  • Student-to-faculty: 13:1
  • Johnson & Wales University-Charlotte
3

Wayne Community College

Score: 74.84

  • 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: $28,100
  • Student-to-faculty: 12:1
  • Wayne Community College
4

McDowell Technical Community College

Score: 72.74

  • 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: $27,800
  • Student-to-faculty: 7:1
  • McDowell Technical Community College
5

Blue Ridge Community College-Flat Rock

Score: 71.73

  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $2,648
    • Out-of-State: $8,792
  • 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: $28,100
  • Student-to-faculty: 14:1
  • Blue Ridge Community College-Flat Rock
6

Gaston College

Score: 71.23

  • 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: $27,300
  • Student-to-faculty: 13:1
  • Gaston College
7

Isothermal Community College

Score: 70.43

  • 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: $24,800
  • Student-to-faculty: 11:1
  • Isothermal Community College
8

Johnston Community College

Score: 69.66

  • 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: $28,700
  • Student-to-faculty: 15:1
  • Johnston Community College
9

Wake Technical Community College

Score: 69.59

  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $2,768
    • Out-of-State: $8,912
  • 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: $31,600
  • Student-to-faculty: 18:1
  • Wake Technical Community College
10

Montgomery Community College

Score: 69.19

  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $2,538
    • Out-of-State: $8,682
  • Net Price: $12,647
  • Acceptance Rate: 100%
  • Retention Rate: 63%
  • Graduation Rate: 34%
  • Total Enrollment: 702
  • Undergrad Students: 702
  • Graduate Students: N/A
  • Grads Salary: $32,100
  • Student-to-faculty: 5:1
  • Montgomery Community College
11

Southwestern Community College-Sylva

Score: 68.69

  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $2,229
    • Out-of-State: $7,221
  • 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: $27,900
  • Student-to-faculty: 10:1
  • Southwestern Community College-Sylva
12

Beaufort County Community College

Score: 68.46

  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $2,518
    • Out-of-State: $8,662
  • 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: $25,900
  • Student-to-faculty: 10:1
  • Beaufort County Community College
13

Craven Community College

Score: 67.8

  • 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: $27,700
  • Student-to-faculty: 12:1
  • Craven Community College
14

Stanly Community College

Score: 67.77

  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $2,794
    • Out-of-State: $9,245
  • 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: $27,100
  • Student-to-faculty: 10:1
  • Stanly Community College
15

Louisburg College

Score: 67.67

  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $21,880
    • Out-of-State: $21,880
  • Net Price: $21,419
  • Acceptance Rate: 86%
  • Retention Rate: 42%
  • Graduation Rate: 69%
  • Total Enrollment: 434
  • Undergrad Students: 434
  • Graduate Students: N/A
  • Grads Salary: $26,000
  • Student-to-faculty: 16:1
  • Louisburg College
16

Randolph Community College

Score: 67.47

  • 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: $25,800
  • Student-to-faculty: 9:1
  • Randolph Community College
17

Caldwell Community College and Technical Institute

Score: 67.23

  • 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: $26,400
  • Student-to-faculty: 14:1
  • Caldwell Community College and Technical Institute
18

Nash Community College

Score: 66.9

  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $2,834
    • Out-of-State: $8,834
  • 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: $28,200
  • Student-to-faculty: 20:1
  • Nash Community College
19

Davidson-Davie Community College

Score: 66.8

  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $1,978
    • Out-of-State: $6,586
  • Net Price: $7,278
  • Acceptance Rate: 100%
  • Retention Rate: 66%
  • Graduation Rate: 36%
  • Total Enrollment: 3,921
  • Undergrad Students: 3,921
  • Graduate Students: N/A
  • Grads Salary: $28,600
  • Student-to-faculty: 15:1
  • Davidson-Davie Community College
20

Brunswick Community College

Score: 66.72

  • 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: $26,600
  • Student-to-faculty: 12:1
  • Brunswick Community College
21

Bladen Community College

Score: 66.02

  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $2,558
    • Out-of-State: $8,702
  • Net Price: $9,059
  • Acceptance Rate: 100%
  • Retention Rate: 57%
  • Graduation Rate: 47%
  • Total Enrollment: 978
  • Undergrad Students: 978
  • Graduate Students: N/A
  • Grads Salary: $24,800
  • Student-to-faculty: 9:1
  • Bladen Community College
22

Western Piedmont Community College

Score: 65.97

  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $2,641
    • Out-of-State: $8,785
  • 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: $26,100
  • Student-to-faculty: 11:1
  • Western Piedmont Community College
23

Roanoke-Chowan Community College

Score: 65.7

  • 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: $22,900
  • Student-to-faculty: 11:1
  • Roanoke-Chowan Community College
24

Coastal Carolina Community College

Score: 65.66

  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $2,462
    • Out-of-State: $8,606
  • Net Price: $9,278
  • Acceptance Rate: 100%
  • Retention Rate: 70%
  • Graduation Rate: 38%
  • Total Enrollment: 3,611
  • Undergrad Students: 3,611
  • Graduate Students: N/A
  • Grads Salary: $27,200
  • Student-to-faculty: 14:1
  • Coastal Carolina Community College
25

Southeastern Community College-Whiteville

Score: 65.56

  • 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: $22,800
  • Student-to-faculty: 9:1
  • Southeastern Community College-Whiteville

Top 25 Best Bachelor's Programs in North Carolina


1

Duke University

Score: 91.55

  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $62,688
    • Out-of-State: $62,688
  • 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: $91,000
  • Student-to-faculty: 6:1
  • Duke University
2

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

Score: 85.33

  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $8,989
    • Out-of-State: $37,550
  • 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: $75,000
  • Student-to-faculty: 17:1
  • University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
3

North Carolina State University at Raleigh

Score: 81.8

  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $9,128
    • Out-of-State: $30,869
  • 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: $78,000
  • Student-to-faculty: 16:1
  • North Carolina State University at Raleigh
4

Wake Forest University

Score: 81.12

  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $62,128
    • Out-of-State: $62,128
  • 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: $78,000
  • Student-to-faculty: 10:1
  • Wake Forest University
5

Davidson College

Score: 77.89

  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $57,340
    • Out-of-State: $57,340
  • 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: $69,000
  • Student-to-faculty: 9:1
  • Davidson College
6

North Carolina A&T State University

Score: 73.27

  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $6,733
    • Out-of-State: $20,243
  • 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: $77,000
  • Student-to-faculty: 19:1
  • North Carolina A&T State University
7

University of North Carolina at Charlotte

Score: 72.51

  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $7,214
    • Out-of-State: $21,338
  • 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: $73,000
  • Student-to-faculty: 20:1
  • University of North Carolina at Charlotte
8

Appalachian State University

Score: 69.85

  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $7,450
    • Out-of-State: $23,454
  • 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: $62,000
  • Student-to-faculty: 16:1
  • Appalachian State University
9

University of North Carolina Wilmington

Score: 67.88

  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $7,238
    • Out-of-State: $21,858
  • 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: $62,000
  • Student-to-faculty: 17:1
  • University of North Carolina Wilmington
10

East Carolina University

Score: 67.75

  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $7,325
    • Out-of-State: $23,602
  • 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: $67,000
  • Student-to-faculty: 18:1
  • East Carolina University
11

Winston-Salem State University

Score: 66.19

  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $6,276
    • Out-of-State: $16,932
  • 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: $69,000
  • Student-to-faculty: 15:1
  • Winston-Salem State University
12

Western Carolina University

Score: 64.92

  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $4,453
    • Out-of-State: $8,453
  • 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: $62,000
  • Student-to-faculty: 16:1
  • Western Carolina University
13

Meredith College

Score: 64.64

  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $42,540
    • Out-of-State: $42,540
  • 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: $61,000
  • Student-to-faculty: 10:1
  • Meredith College
14

University of North Carolina at Greensboro

Score: 64.6

  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $7,498
    • Out-of-State: $22,657
  • 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: $62,000
  • Student-to-faculty: 17:1
  • University of North Carolina at Greensboro
15

Elon University

Score: 64.46

  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $42,241
    • Out-of-State: $42,241
  • 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: $66,000
  • Student-to-faculty: 11:1
  • Elon University
16

Elizabeth City State University

Score: 63.82

  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $3,356
    • Out-of-State: $7,356
  • 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: $60,000
  • Student-to-faculty: 16:1
  • Elizabeth City State University
17

Lees-McRae College

Score: 63.66

  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $28,840
    • Out-of-State: $28,840
  • 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: $71,000
  • Student-to-faculty: 10:1
  • Lees-McRae College
18

Queens University of Charlotte

Score: 63.08

  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $40,830
    • Out-of-State: $40,830
  • 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: $63,000
  • Student-to-faculty: 9:1
  • Queens University of Charlotte
19

Lenoir-Rhyne University

Score: 62.55

  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $43,000
    • Out-of-State: $43,000
  • Net Price: $21,843
  • Acceptance Rate: 83%
  • Retention Rate: 71%
  • Graduation Rate: 51%
  • Total Enrollment: 2,354
  • Undergrad Students: 1,529
  • Graduate Students: 825
  • Grads Salary: $68,000
  • Student-to-faculty: 11:1
  • Lenoir-Rhyne University
20

University of North Carolina at Asheville

Score: 62.26

  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $7,380
    • Out-of-State: $24,728
  • 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: $56,000
  • Student-to-faculty: 12:1
  • University of North Carolina at Asheville
21

Guilford College

Score: 62.21

  • 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: $72,000
  • Student-to-faculty: 12:1
  • Guilford College
22

Fayetteville State University

Score: 62.04

  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $3,906
    • Out-of-State: $7,906
  • 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: $60,000
  • Student-to-faculty: 18:1
  • Fayetteville State University
23

Wingate University

Score: 61.95

  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $40,806
    • Out-of-State: $40,806
  • 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: $63,000
  • Student-to-faculty: 15:1
  • Wingate University
24

Catawba College

Score: 61.85

  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $32,868
    • Out-of-State: $32,868
  • 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: $61,000
  • Student-to-faculty: 11:1
  • Catawba College
25

Greensboro College

Score: 61.73

  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $19,620
    • Out-of-State: $19,620
  • Net Price: $19,581
  • Acceptance Rate: 84%
  • Retention Rate: 59%
  • Graduation Rate: 40%
  • Total Enrollment: 826
  • Undergrad Students: 730
  • Graduate Students: 96
  • Grads Salary: $73,000
  • Student-to-faculty: 10:1
  • Greensboro College

Top 25 Best Master's Programs in North Carolina


1

Duke University

Score: 91.55

  • Graduate Tuition
    • In-State: $60,220
    • Out-of-State: $60,220
  • 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: $91,000
  • Student-to-faculty: 6:1
  • Duke University
2

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

Score: 85.33

  • Graduate Tuition
    • In-State: $10,552
    • Out-of-State: $28,844
  • 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: $75,000
  • Student-to-faculty: 17:1
  • University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
3

North Carolina State University at Raleigh

Score: 81.8

  • Graduate Tuition
    • In-State: $9,095
    • Out-of-State: $28,301
  • 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: $78,000
  • Student-to-faculty: 16:1
  • North Carolina State University at Raleigh
4

Wake Forest University

Score: 81.12

  • Graduate Tuition
    • In-State: $38,650
    • Out-of-State: $38,650
  • 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: $78,000
  • Student-to-faculty: 10:1
  • Wake Forest University
5

North Carolina A&T State University

Score: 73.27

  • Graduate Tuition
    • In-State: $4,745
    • Out-of-State: $17,545
  • 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: $77,000
  • Student-to-faculty: 19:1
  • North Carolina A&T State University
6

University of North Carolina at Charlotte

Score: 72.51

  • Graduate Tuition
    • In-State: $4,337
    • Out-of-State: $18,482
  • 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: $73,000
  • Student-to-faculty: 20:1
  • University of North Carolina at Charlotte
7

Appalachian State University

Score: 69.85

  • Graduate Tuition
    • In-State: $4,839
    • Out-of-State: $19,849
  • 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: $62,000
  • Student-to-faculty: 16:1
  • Appalachian State University
8

University of North Carolina Wilmington

Score: 67.88

  • Graduate Tuition
    • In-State: $4,719
    • Out-of-State: $19,104
  • 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: $62,000
  • Student-to-faculty: 17:1
  • University of North Carolina Wilmington
9

East Carolina University

Score: 67.75

  • Graduate Tuition
    • In-State: $4,749
    • Out-of-State: $17,898
  • 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: $67,000
  • Student-to-faculty: 18:1
  • East Carolina University
10

Winston-Salem State University

Score: 66.19

  • Graduate Tuition
    • In-State: $3,872
    • Out-of-State: $14,407
  • 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: $69,000
  • Student-to-faculty: 15:1
  • Winston-Salem State University
11

Western Carolina University

Score: 64.92

  • Graduate Tuition
    • In-State: $4,435
    • Out-of-State: $14,842
  • 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: $62,000
  • Student-to-faculty: 16:1
  • Western Carolina University
12

Meredith College

Score: 64.64

  • Graduate Tuition
    • In-State: $13,357
    • Out-of-State: $13,357
  • 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: $61,000
  • Student-to-faculty: 10:1
  • Meredith College
13

University of North Carolina at Greensboro

Score: 64.6

  • Graduate Tuition
    • In-State: $5,219
    • Out-of-State: $18,937
  • 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: $62,000
  • Student-to-faculty: 17:1
  • University of North Carolina at Greensboro
14

Elon University

Score: 64.46

  • Graduate Tuition
    • In-State: $19,494
    • Out-of-State: $19,494
  • 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: $66,000
  • Student-to-faculty: 11:1
  • Elon University
15

Elizabeth City State University

Score: 63.82

  • Graduate Tuition
    • In-State: $3,375
    • Out-of-State: $16,437
  • 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: $60,000
  • Student-to-faculty: 16:1
  • Elizabeth City State University
16

Lees-McRae College

Score: 63.66

  • Graduate Tuition
    • In-State: $9,000
    • Out-of-State: $9,000
  • 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: $71,000
  • Student-to-faculty: 10:1
  • Lees-McRae College
17

Queens University of Charlotte

Score: 63.08

  • Graduate Tuition
    • In-State: $12,914
    • Out-of-State: $12,914
  • 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: $63,000
  • Student-to-faculty: 9:1
  • Queens University of Charlotte
18

Lenoir-Rhyne University

Score: 62.55

  • Graduate Tuition
    • In-State: $12,240
    • Out-of-State: $12,240
  • Net Price: $21,843
  • Acceptance Rate: 83%
  • Retention Rate: 71%
  • Graduation Rate: 51%
  • Total Enrollment: 2,354
  • Undergrad Students: 1,529
  • Graduate Students: 825
  • Grads Salary: $68,000
  • Student-to-faculty: 11:1
  • Lenoir-Rhyne University
19

University of North Carolina at Asheville

Score: 62.26

  • Graduate Tuition
    • In-State: $4,914
    • Out-of-State: $21,236
  • 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: $56,000
  • Student-to-faculty: 12:1
  • University of North Carolina at Asheville
20

Guilford College

Score: 62.21

  • Graduate Tuition
    • In-State: $19,200
    • Out-of-State: $19,200
  • 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: $72,000
  • Student-to-faculty: 12:1
  • Guilford College
21

Fayetteville State University

Score: 62.04

  • Graduate Tuition
    • In-State: $3,438
    • Out-of-State: $14,503
  • 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: $60,000
  • Student-to-faculty: 18:1
  • Fayetteville State University
22

Wingate University

Score: 61.95

  • Graduate Tuition
    • In-State: $12,330
    • Out-of-State: $12,330
  • 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: $63,000
  • Student-to-faculty: 15:1
  • Wingate University
23

Catawba College

Score: 61.85

  • Graduate Tuition
    • In-State: $3,594
    • Out-of-State: $3,594
  • 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: $61,000
  • Student-to-faculty: 11:1
  • Catawba College
24

Greensboro College

Score: 61.73

  • Graduate Tuition
    • In-State: $4,308
    • Out-of-State: $4,308
  • Net Price: $19,581
  • Acceptance Rate: 84%
  • Retention Rate: 59%
  • Graduation Rate: 40%
  • Total Enrollment: 826
  • Undergrad Students: 730
  • Graduate Students: 96
  • Grads Salary: $73,000
  • Student-to-faculty: 10:1
  • Greensboro College
25

Campbell University

Score: 61.24

  • Graduate Tuition
    • In-State: $14,417
    • Out-of-State: $14,417
  • 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: $65,000
  • Student-to-faculty: 13:1
  • Campbell University

Cost of North Carolina College Education & Salaries


There are several things to consider when it comes to selecting the right school for you. North Carolina, fortunately, offers many schools, many of which have a solid reputation and great academics. Still, the top-ranking schools aren’t always going to have the best program for your chosen major.

Earning potential depends more on your field than what school you go to. So, if your primary concern is finding stable, well-paid work after graduation, you’ll want to select a major that paves the way. STEM fields are always a good bet, but areas like business or marketing might also be good bets.

Consider schools that have a low student to staff ratio. This will allow you to get to know professors, who can provide mentorship and career guidance in addition to lectures. When you work closely with a professor, they may be able to leverage their network when it comes time to lock down an internship or first job. On top of mentorship opportunities, consider whether the school offers access to a job center or alumni group; these resources also rely on connections to help recent grads find work.

Many students take these resources for granted, but those who do their research ahead of time and take advantage of what the university offers, will be in the best position to find a job.

Finally, don’t just enroll in the school with the lowest tuition. Sometimes more expensive schools offer larger grants or aid packages to students in need. Explore your options and see what you can get. Still, a school like the University of North Carolina Chapel Hill is about $8,500 per year, compared to Duke or Wake Forest, which cost close to $50,000 annually. UNC has a similar ranking as Duke, but being a public college is considerably more affordable.

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College Cost Analysis - North Carolina vs National


Average North Carolina Tuition & Fees at 4 Year Public Schools

In-State Tuition - $7,174

National Average – $9,580

Out-of-State Tuition– $22,968

National Average – $27,437

Percentage of Students Receiving Financial Aid

North Carolina falls firmly in the middle of the pack when it comes to financial aid. 63% of FAFSA applicants secured federal funding and on average, students receive $9,989 in annual support. Student aid generally includes federal loans, grants, tax benefits, and work-study access. However, North Carolina public schools tend to cost less than the national average, so in-state residents may get the most bang for their buck by staying local.

Financial Aid North Carolina Nationally
Received Federal Grants 63% 37.7%
Average $ per Recipient $9,989 $10,927

* Institutional aid represents grant and scholarship funds directly awarded by a postsecondary institution.
* Financial aid data represents 4-year public and private nonprofit schools only.

Best Scholarships for North Carolina


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_logo

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.

NCSIG

North Carolina Student Incentive Grant

https://www.cfnc.org/pay-for-college/scholarship-search/
Amounts: $700 (Varies)
Deadline: FAFSA Deadline
The North Carolina State Education Assistance Authority offers a $700 grant to low-income NC students. To apply, students must fill out the FAFSA and be planning to attend an accredited institution in the state of North Carolina.

NCFN_logo

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_logo

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_logo

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.

ALBS

Aubrey Lee Brooks Scholarship

https://www.cfnc.org/pay-for-college/apply-for-financial-aid/aubrey-lee-brooks-scholarship/
Amounts: $12,000
Deadline: January 31
The Aubrey Lee Brooks Scholarship is worth $12,000 and goes to 17 graduating seniors from 14 North Carolina counties. Applicants must demonstrate financial need and plan on attending North Carolina State University, UNC-Chapel Hill, or UNC Greensboro. Students must maintain a 2.7 GPA or higher to renew the scholarship.

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