Best Online Colleges in North Carolina
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There are many reasons to attend an online college in North Carolina. North Carolina has some of the top public and private research institutions.
Many of these colleges offer online programs — an education just as valuable as an in-person learning experience.
You may be looking for flexibility in your schedule or to take advantage of the cost savings of an online program. Regardless of the reason, discover the best online colleges in North Carolina, average tuition, and the fastest-growing careers in the state.
Featured Online Bachelor's Degree Programs
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
Best Online Colleges in North Carolina
We use trusted sources like
Peterson's Data
and the National Center for Education Statistics to inform the data for these schools.
BestColleges.com is an advertising-supported site. Featured or trusted partner programs and all school search, finder, or match results are for schools that compensate us. This compensation does not influence our school rankings, resource guides, or other editorially-independent information published on this site.
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Appalachian State University
Boone, NC - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $204
Out-of-State | $912
Credits to Graduate: 120
Appalachian State University, or AppState, is a member of the University of North Carolina system of state schools and offers extensive options for online bachelor's degrees.
You can choose from majors ranging from advertising to education to supply chain management, with 14 different bachelor's degrees offered fully online. Prerequisites vary — for instance, you should be a registered nurse before applying for the online RN-to-BSN program.
As a state school, AppState Online offers in-state tuition for North Carolina residents in addition to financial aid opportunities.
ROI Value Score: Medium
We’ve reviewed hundreds of schools to find the ones that give you the best bang for your buck.
We compared how much you could earn in 10 years with a degree from this school versus only having a high school diploma. Then we compared that amount against school costs and financial aid opportunities. A higher return for your investment results in a higher score for this school.
University of North Carolina at Charlotte
Charlotte, NC - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $190
Out-of-State | $800
Credits to Graduate: Varies
A part of the North Carolina state university system, the University of North Carolina at Charlotte, known as UNC Charlotte, offers a range of online bachelor's degree options, mostly in professional disciplines, including business, engineering, respiratory therapy, political science, and more.
The length of your degree program and its requirements may vary significantly from major to major, but whatever you choose to study, your degree will be flexible and offered at multiple start dates each year. Discounted in-state tuition is available for North Carolina residents.
ROI Value Score: Medium
We’ve reviewed hundreds of schools to find the ones that give you the best bang for your buck.
We compared how much you could earn in 10 years with a degree from this school versus only having a high school diploma. Then we compared that amount against school costs and financial aid opportunities. A higher return for your investment results in a higher score for this school.
University of North Carolina Wilmington
Wilmington, NC - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $210
Out-of-State | $863
Credits to Graduate: 120
At the University of North Carolina at Wilmington or UNC Wilmington, you can choose between fully online, flexible onsite, or hybrid education for your degree.
UNC Wilmington offers six different fully-online bachelor's programs: in nursing, elementary education, clinical research, criminology, international studies, and workforce learning and development.
If accepted into one of these programs, you will have to complete the necessary degree requirements, which vary from major to major but can include major prerequisite classes, maintaining a certain GPA, and more.
ROI Value Score: Medium
We’ve reviewed hundreds of schools to find the ones that give you the best bang for your buck.
We compared how much you could earn in 10 years with a degree from this school versus only having a high school diploma. Then we compared that amount against school costs and financial aid opportunities. A higher return for your investment results in a higher score for this school.
East Carolina University
Greenville, NC - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $205
Out-of-State | $883
Credits to Graduate: Varies
East Carolina University, or ECU, a state university with a campus in Greenville, offers online degree completion options for undergraduate transfer students.
These programs are intended for those who have already earned some college credits. ECU may be a good fit if you've previously been enrolled in community college and you want to transfer credits to finish your bachelor's, for example.
Programs are offered in areas including business administration, psychology, technology, and more, with a variety of majors available within each area.
ROI Value Score: Medium
We’ve reviewed hundreds of schools to find the ones that give you the best bang for your buck.
We compared how much you could earn in 10 years with a degree from this school versus only having a high school diploma. Then we compared that amount against school costs and financial aid opportunities. A higher return for your investment results in a higher score for this school.
University of North Carolina at Greensboro
Greensboro, NC - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $235
Out-of-State | $420-$917
Credits to Graduate: Varies
At the University of North Carolina at Greensboro or UNC Greensboro, you have the opportunity to choose from a wide variety of fully online majors in the arts and sciences, business, health, or humanities and social sciences.
You can also choose to pursue an interdisciplinary online major, like UNC Greensboro's program in integrated professional studies. As a state school, UNC Greensboro offers in-state tuition for North Carolina residents, as well as other opportunities for financial aid for all students.
ROI Value Score: Medium
We’ve reviewed hundreds of schools to find the ones that give you the best bang for your buck.
We compared how much you could earn in 10 years with a degree from this school versus only having a high school diploma. Then we compared that amount against school costs and financial aid opportunities. A higher return for your investment results in a higher score for this school.
Western Carolina University
Cullowhee, NC - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $66
Out-of-State | $233
Credits to Graduate: 124
Western Carolina University, also called WCU, is a member of the North Carolina State University system and offers 12 different online undergraduate degrees, including a hybrid bachelor's degree program in engineering technology with some onsite elements.
The online degree options at WCU are heavily skewed towards professional degrees, including nursing, finance, and emergency and disaster management. Financial aid, including in-state tuition for NC residents, may be available once you're enrolled.
ROI Value Score: Medium
We’ve reviewed hundreds of schools to find the ones that give you the best bang for your buck.
We compared how much you could earn in 10 years with a degree from this school versus only having a high school diploma. Then we compared that amount against school costs and financial aid opportunities. A higher return for your investment results in a higher score for this school.
Campbell University
Buies Creek, NC - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $450
Out-of-State | $450
Credits to Graduate: 124
Campbell University, a private Christian university with a campus based in Buies Creek, offers a variety of online bachelor's degrees, which are geared in particular toward older and nontraditional students. The school offers 17 fully online undergraduate majors for you to choose from, including accounting, psychology, criminal justice, and more.
As a private school, Campbell University charges the same tuition rate for all students, regardless of residency status. Financial aid and scholarship opportunities may be available.
ROI Value Score: Medium
We’ve reviewed hundreds of schools to find the ones that give you the best bang for your buck.
We compared how much you could earn in 10 years with a degree from this school versus only having a high school diploma. Then we compared that amount against school costs and financial aid opportunities. A higher return for your investment results in a higher score for this school.
How We Rank Schools
To create this ranking, BestColleges sourced the most recent data available from the National Center for Education Statistics and the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. We then ranked each school according to the top variables college students selected in our College Choice and Admissions Survey. To learn more, check out our full rankings methodology or read the summary below.
Ranking Methodology Summary
To qualify for our rankings lists, each school must be an accredited public or private, nonprofit institution. Each eligible school was then ranked based on a formula measuring:
- Affordability (30%)
- Student outcomes (30%)
- Reputation (20%)
- Diversity and social mobility (20%)
In addition, we only included colleges with graduation rates in the top third of all online colleges.
Cost of College in North Carolina
The average cost of tuition in North Carolina is less than the national average.
According to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), the national average tuition cost for in-state students at public universities was $9,596 and $27,457 for out-of-state students in 2021-2022. The average tuition cost in North Carolina was a few thousand dollars cheaper, whether you're in-state or out-of-state.
Tuition and fees may also be different if you attend online. Many universities offer a flat rate for online programs, regardless of your residency status.
| Institution Type | Average Tuition & Required Fees |
|---|---|
| Public Four-Year (In-State) | $7,337 |
| Public Four-Year (Out-of-State) | $23,452 |
| Private Four-Year | $38,346 |
| Public Two-Year (In-State) | $2,524 |
| Public Two-Year (Out-of-State) | $8,537 |
10 Fast-Growing Jobs in North Carolina
Many STEM careers in North Carolina are projected to grow over the next ten years, according to the NC Department of Commerce Labor & Economic Analysis.
The top-growing job that requires a bachelor's degree is a data scientist, with a growth rate of 41%. Information security analysts, web developers, and software developers are also in top positions. Careers in industries like finance and healthcare are also projected to grow faster than average.
A bachelor's degree is the first step to qualify for these jobs, and online colleges are making education more accessible than ever.
| Job | Projected Growth Rate | Median Annual Wage (2022) | Minimum Educational Requirement |
|---|---|---|---|
| Data Scientists | 41% | $121,970 | Bachelor's degree |
| Logisticians | 37% | $68,410 | Bachelor's degree |
| Information Security Analysts | 36% | $117,860 | Bachelor's degree |
| Web Developers | 36% | $71,740 | Bachelor's degree |
| Medical and Health Services Managers | 31% | $102,910 | Bachelor's degree |
| Software Developers | 31% | $126,520 | Bachelor's degree |
| Operations Research Analysts | 27% | $96,450 | Bachelor's degree |
| Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers | 26% | $97,700 | Bachelor's degree |
| Financial Examiners | 25% | $83,610 | Bachelor's degree |
| Market Research Analysts | 24% | $65,710 | Bachelor's degree |
| Substance Use, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors | 24% | $49,050 | Bachelor's degree |
Frequently Asked Questions About Online Colleges in North Carolina
What is the cheapest online college in North Carolina?
One of the most affordable online colleges in North Carolina is the University of North Carolina at Pembroke with an in-state tuition of just $3,571 for the 2023-2024 school year.
Other affordable online colleges in North Carolina include Fayetteville State University and Western Carolina University.
How many online colleges are in North Carolina?
North Carolina is home to 84 colleges that offer online programs. You have a variety of options to choose from, including private and public four-year schools, along with many community colleges.
Can you go to college for free in North Carolina?
Many scholarship and grant programs for North Carolina students can make your college education nearly free.
North Carolina's Next NC Scholarship will cover tuition costs if you're a community college student from a family with an income below $80,000. The scholarship may also apply to some state universities.
What is the #1 college in North Carolina?
Duke University is widely recognized as the #1 college in North Carolina. Duke is frequently counted among the country's Hidden Ivies — schools that aren't technically in the Ivy League but rival them for academic excellence and reputation.
The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill is considered the best public college in the state. Founded in the 18th century, it has been crafting a strong reputation as a research university for over two centuries.
What is the easiest online college to get into in North Carolina?
A few colleges in North Carolina have very high acceptance rates and online programs. The most notable is UNC Greensboro, which admits 92% of all applicants. Manna University, Barton College, and East Carolina University all have acceptance rates of over 90%.
Note: The insights on this page — excluding school descriptions — were reviewed by an independent third party compensated for their time by BestColleges. Page last reviewed April 16, 2024.
