Cheapest Online Colleges in North Carolina [2025 Guide]
For residents of the Tar Heel State, accessing high-quality, budget-friendly online education is a breeze, thanks to the state's many esteemed colleges and universities that cater to busy lives.
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Degree-seekers in North Carolina are spoiled for choice, thanks to the state's extensive network of reputable institutions. According to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), tuition at North Carolina public colleges is significantly lower than the national average.
Thanks to this extensive and high-quality college system, students in North Carolina have convenient access to a diverse array of online learning opportunities. Looking for an affordable online college in North Carolina? We've got you covered with our carefully compiled list.
Methodology
EDsmart rankings are based on data provided by NCES IPEDS reports via College Scorecard. All schools must provide four data points that EDsmart relies on to rank higher education institutions:
- Average Net Price
- Graduation Rate
- Retention Rate
- Median Earnings
Any school missing any one of the data points was not considered in our ranking. Only 4-year schools were considered for this ranking.
The rankings below are based solely on their average net prices.
EDsmart ranks colleges by Net Price, not just tuition, to show real costs. Net Price includes grants and scholarships, giving a more accurate picture of affordability.
Popular Online Colleges
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.Most Affordable Online Colleges in North Carolina
1. Elizabeth City State University
- Average Net Price: $3,959
- Graduation Rate: 44%
- Retention Rate: 75%
- Median Earnings: $40,026
Elizabeth City State University has an admission rate of 74.15%, making it moderately selective. The average cost of attendance is $13,312, which is relatively low. In-state tuition and fees are very affordable at $3,356, while out-of-state students pay $7,356. The median debt for students who have completed their studies is $21,463.
2. Fayetteville State University
- Average Net Price: $6,319
- Graduation Rate: 46%
- Retention Rate: 66%
- Median Earnings: $40,144
Fayetteville State University has an admission rate of 81.24%, indicating a high acceptance rate. The average cost of attendance is $16,342, which is reasonable. In-state tuition and fees are $3,906, while out-of-state students pay $7,906. The median debt for graduates is $22,987.
3. University of North Carolina at Pembroke
- Average Net Price: $8,421
- Graduation Rate: 47%
- Retention Rate: 72%
- Median Earnings: $43,407
The admission rate at the University of North Carolina at Pembroke is 89.74%, reflecting a high acceptance rate. The average cost of attendance is $15,183. In-state tuition and fees are $3,495, with out-of-state students paying $7,495. Graduates typically have a median debt of $25,000.
4. North Carolina A & T State University
- Average Net Price: $10,582
- Graduation Rate: 54%
- Retention Rate: 75%
- Median Earnings: $44,440
North Carolina A & T State University has an admission rate of 56.39%, making it moderately selective. The average cost of attendance is $18,518. In-state tuition and fees are $6,733, while out-of-state students pay $20,243. The median debt for students who have completed their studies is $27,000.
5. University of North Carolina at Greensboro
- Average Net Price: $10,907
- Graduation Rate: 59%
- Retention Rate: 76%
- Median Earnings: $48,160
The University of North Carolina at Greensboro has an admission rate of 91.94%, showing high accessibility. The average cost of attendance is $19,229. In-state tuition and fees are $7,498, and out-of-state students pay $22,657. Graduates typically carry a median debt of $22,858.
6. University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
- Average Net Price: $12,414
- Graduation Rate: 91%
- Retention Rate: 95%
- Median Earnings: $72,200
With an admission rate of 17.11%, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill is highly selective. The average cost of attendance is $24,711. In-state tuition and fees are $8,989, while out-of-state students pay $37,550. The median debt for graduates is $14,000.
7. Western Carolina University
- Average Net Price: $13,801
- Graduation Rate: 66%
- Retention Rate: 73%
- Median Earnings: $49,458
Western Carolina University has an admission rate of 84.84%, indicating high accessibility. The average cost of attendance is $18,731. In-state tuition and fees are $4,453, with out-of-state students paying $8,453. Graduates typically have a median debt of $21,868.
8. Appalachian State University
- Average Net Price: $14,765
- Graduation Rate: 74%
- Retention Rate: 85%
- Median Earnings: $51,836
Appalachian State University has an admission rate of 83.08%, showing high accessibility. The average cost of attendance is $20,735. In-state tuition and fees are $7,450, while out-of-state students pay $23,454. The median debt for students who have completed their studies is $20,231.
9. University of North Carolina at Charlotte
- Average Net Price: $15,018
- Graduation Rate: 64%
- Retention Rate: 84%
- Median Earnings: $57,289
The University of North Carolina at Charlotte has an admission rate of 79.64%, indicating high accessibility. The average cost of attendance is $21,908. In-state tuition and fees are $7,214, while out-of-state students pay $21,338. Graduates typically carry a median debt of $21,500.
10. University of North Carolina at Raleigh
- Average Net Price: $16,563
- Graduation Rate: 83%
- Retention Rate: 94%
- Median Earnings: $68,758
The University of North Carolina at Raleigh has an admission rate of 47.17%, making it moderately selective. The average cost of attendance is $24,852. In-state tuition and fees are $9,128, and out-of-state students pay $30,869. The median debt for graduates is $20,121.
11. East Carolina University
- Average Net Price: $16,703
- Graduation Rate: 67%
- Retention Rate: 80%
- Median Earnings: $55,146
East Carolina University has an admission rate of 92.34%, showing high accessibility. The average cost of attendance is $23,104. In-state tuition and fees are $7,325, with out-of-state students paying $23,602. The median debt for students who have completed their studies is $22,750.
12. University of Mount Olive
- Average Net Price: $16,883
- Graduation Rate: 50%
- Retention Rate: 63%
- Median Earnings: $47,139
The University of Mount Olive has an admission rate of 74.59%, indicating high accessibility. The average cost of attendance is $34,024. In-state tuition and fees are $23,591, while out-of-state students pay the same amount. Graduates typically carry a median debt of $27,209.
13. Mars Hill University
- Average Net Price: $17,796
- Graduation Rate: 37%
- Retention Rate: 68%
- Median Earnings: $44,781
Mars Hill University has an admission rate of 74.20%, indicating high accessibility. The average cost of attendance is $46,975. In-state tuition and fees are $36,557, while out-of-state students pay the same amount. Graduates typically carry a median debt of $26,000.
14. Catawba College
- Average Net Price: $18,677
- Graduation Rate: 55%
- Retention Rate: 67%
- Median Earnings: $48,793
Catawba College has an admission rate of 67.08%, indicating moderate selectivity. The average cost of attendance is $46,573. In-state tuition and fees are $32,868, with out-of-state students paying the same amount. Graduates typically have a median debt of $25,000.
15. University of North Carolina Wilmington
- Average Net Price: $19,442
- Graduation Rate: 72%
- Retention Rate: 83%
- Median Earnings: $54,967
The University of North Carolina Wilmington has an admission rate of 68.83%, making it moderately selective. The average cost of attendance is $25,332. In-state tuition and fees are $7,238, while out-of-state students pay $21,858. The median debt for graduates is $19,500.
16. Gardner-Webb University
- Average Net Price: $20,984
- Graduation Rate: 62%
- Retention Rate: 63%
- Median Earnings: $48,039
Gardner-Webb University has an admission rate of 74.95%, indicating high accessibility. The average cost of attendance is $46,349. In-state tuition and fees are $32,200, while out-of-state students pay the same amount. Graduates typically carry a median debt of $24,222.
17. Barton College
- Average Net Price: $23,013
- Graduation Rate: 56%
- Retention Rate: 73%
- Median Earnings: $47,913
Barton College has an admission rate of 94.60%, indicating very high accessibility. The average cost of attendance is $46,781. In-state tuition and fees are $34,400, with out-of-state students paying the same amount. Graduates typically have a median debt of $25,877.
18. Campbell University
- Average Net Price: $24,004
- Graduation Rate: 49%
- Retention Rate: 74%
- Median Earnings: $54,886
Campbell University has an admission rate of 88.58%, showing high accessibility. The average cost of attendance is $56,823. In-state and out-of-state tuition and fees are the same at $39,230. The median debt for students who have completed their studies is $22,500.
19. Montreat College
- Average Net Price: $25,023
- Graduation Rate: 41%
- Retention Rate: 69%
- Median Earnings: $45,151
Montreat College has an admission rate of 68.06%, indicating moderate selectivity. The average cost of attendance is $42,969. In-state tuition and fees are $30,525, with out-of-state students paying the same amount. Graduates typically carry a median debt of $25,813.
20. Johnson & Wales University-Charlotte
- Average Net Price: $28,661
- Graduation Rate: 58%
- Retention Rate: 64%
- Median Earnings: $43,418
Johnson & Wales University-Charlotte has an admission rate of 73.34%, indicating high accessibility. The average cost of attendance is $53,551. Both in-state and out-of-state tuition and fees are $38,442. Graduates typically have a median debt of $26,000.
Popular Online Colleges
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.Insights and Analysis
The rankings of the most affordable online colleges in NC reveal significant variations in net prices, graduation rates, retention rates, and median earnings among the institutions. Here, we analyze key trends and provide comparisons to highlight the strengths and weaknesses of each university.
Net Price Comparisons
Elizabeth City State University stands out with the lowest average net price at $3,959, making it the most affordable option on the list. Conversely, Johnson & Wales University-Charlotte has the highest average net price at $28,661, over seven times more expensive than Elizabeth City State University. This wide range highlights the financial accessibility differences across these institutions.
Graduation and Retention Rates
The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill boasts the highest graduation rate at 91%, significantly higher than the average, demonstrating its effectiveness in retaining and graduating students. In contrast, Mars Hill University has the lowest graduation rate at 37%, indicating potential challenges in student retention and program completion. Retention rates also vary, with the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill leading at 95%, and Gardner-Webb University and Campbell University lagging at 63%.
Net Price vs. Tuition
A closer examination of net prices compared to tuition fees reveals some interesting patterns. For example, Elizabeth City State University has a remarkably low in-state tuition of $3,356 and an average net price of $3,959, suggesting strong financial aid and support for in-state students. On the other hand, Campbell University, with both in-state and out-of-state tuition set at $39,230, has a significantly higher net price of $24,004, reflecting higher living costs and potentially less financial aid.
Median Earnings vs. Net Prices
Analyzing median earnings in relation to net prices offers insight into the potential return on investment. The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, with a higher net price of $12,414, provides a substantial median earning of $72,200, indicating a high ROI. In contrast, Johnson & Wales University-Charlotte, despite its high net price of $28,661, has median earnings of $43,418, suggesting a lower return compared to other institutions.
In-State vs. Out-of-State Tuition
The disparity between in-state and out-of-state tuition is notable in several universities. North Carolina A & T State University has a significant difference, with in-state tuition at $6,733 and out-of-state at $20,243. Similarly, the University of North Carolina at Greensboro charges $7,498 for in-state students versus $22,657 for out-of-state, reflecting the typical pattern of higher costs for non-resident students.
Noteworthy Findings
- Low Median Debt: The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill reports a median debt of only $14,000, the lowest among the ranked institutions, which is impressive given its high median earnings.
- High Median Earnings: The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and North Carolina State University at Raleigh lead in median earnings at $72,200 and $68,758, respectively, indicating strong career outcomes for graduates.
- Moderate Selectivity and High Outcomes: The University of North Carolina at Greensboro, with an admission rate of 91.94%, offers a high graduation rate of 59% and median earnings of $48,160, showcasing a balance of accessibility and positive student outcomes.
The rankings highlight the diversity in educational costs, financial support, and post-graduation outcomes across North Carolina's institutions. Prospective students should carefully consider these factors to make informed decisions about their education, weighing affordability against potential earnings and the overall return on investment.