Best Online Colleges in North Carolina of 2025
North Carolina hosts a number of quality institutions. Discover the best online colleges in the state.
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The state of North Carolina hosts esteemed private and public institutions like the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Wake Forest University, and Duke University.
These universities offer online programs so you can earn your degree with the flexibility to balance your personal and professional commitments. Online programs can also save you money.
We’ve uncovered the best online colleges in North Carolina. Our page can help you find the right fit.
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Best Online Colleges in North Carolina
Appalachian State University
Boone, NC4 yearCampus + Online
$4,242
$21,238
89%
56%
$4,839
$19,849
85%
21,253
Public
Yes
$4,242
$21,238
Boone, NC4 yearCampus + Online
$4,242
$21,238
89%
56%
$4,839
$19,849
85%
21,253
Public
Yes
University of North Carolina at Charlotte
Charlotte, NC4 yearCampus + Online
$3,812
$18,474
80%
56%
$4,337
$18,482
84%
30,298
Public
Yes
$3,812
$18,474
Charlotte, NC4 yearCampus + Online
$3,812
$18,474
80%
56%
$4,337
$18,482
84%
30,298
Public
Yes
University of North Carolina Wilmington
Wilmington, NC4 yearCampus + Online
$4,443
$19,063
69%
70%
$4,719
$19,104
83%
17,843
Public
Yes
$4,443
$19,063
Wilmington, NC4 yearCampus + Online
$4,443
$19,063
69%
70%
$4,719
$19,104
83%
17,843
Public
Yes
East Carolina University
Greenville, NC4 yearCampus + Online
$4,452
$20,729
90%
72%
$4,749
$17,898
82%
26,785
Public
Yes
$4,452
$20,729
Greenville, NC4 yearCampus + Online
$4,452
$20,729
90%
72%
$4,749
$17,898
82%
26,785
Public
Yes
University of North Carolina at Greensboro
Greensboro, NC4 yearCampus + Online
$4,422
$19,582
90%
69%
$5,219
$18,937
76%
17,743
Public
Yes
$4,422
$19,582
Greensboro, NC4 yearCampus + Online
$4,422
$19,582
90%
69%
$5,219
$18,937
76%
17,743
Public
Yes
Why You Should Get a Degree in North Carolina
Affordability
North Carolina colleges are some of the most affordable in the country, with some institutions offering to waive undergraduate tuition.Higher Earning Potential
Those with bachelor’s degrees are eligible for more jobs and tend to earn more than those with just a high school diploma.Job Security
With a bachelor’s degree, you’re less likely to face unemployment than someone without a college degree.State Benefits
The University of North Carolina System offers reduced student tuition, fixed tuition, scholarships, and a generous transfer credit program.
Benefits of Getting a Degree Online
- 97% of online college students and program graduates say they would recommend online education to others.
- The majority (89%) of online program graduates say they think earning an online degree has had or will have a positive return on investment.
- 73% of these graduates say their education prepared or will prepare them for their first job after graduation well, very well, or extremely well.
- 81% of student respondents say that online is better than or equal to on-campus learning.
How Much Does Online College Cost in North Carolina?
The average price of tuition for in-state students in public colleges and universities in North Carolina was $7,327 in 2022-2023, according to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES). Out-of-state students paid $23,155 that same year.
Private institutions charged a lot more than public colleges: around $40,180.
Tuition for online programs may be different — some colleges offer a flat fixed rate for online students, regardless of state residency.
You can offset some of these costs by applying for financial aid, which includes scholarships and grants. Apply to the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) each year you want tuition assistance to access funding.
You may qualify for financial aid opportunities such as a Pell Grant, a North Carolina Need-Based Grant, and institutional aid.
Public, In-State
Avg. Tuition & Fees (2022-23)
$7,327
Public, Out-of-State
Avg. Tuition & Fees (2022-23)
$23,155
Private
Avg. Tuition & Fees (2022-23)
$40,176
Source: NCES
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Accreditation for Online Colleges in North Carolina
What is college accreditation? Accreditation ensures colleges and universities are legitimate and provide quality education and outcomes.
Accrediting agencies are recognized by either the Department of Education or the Council on Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA).
A degree from an accredited college or university holds value to employers, and accreditation lets you transfer credits and access financial aid.
In North Carolina, the most reputable online institutions are accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).
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 College in North Carolina
Yes, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill offers online programs and courses for undergraduates, master’s, and doctoral students.
This university also offers online continuing education (professional education) programs as well as certificates and bootcamps.
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