North Carolina features more than 50 colleges and universities, making it an excellent place to explore different educational opportunities. Residents of North Carolina's rural areas and people in other states no longer need to relocate to earn a degree from its top schools. North Carolina's online colleges can help you advance your career and increase your salary potential from the comfort of home.
Online education can offer many benefits over on-campus instruction, such as asynchronous learning and accelerated timelines. This advantage lets you schedule your education around work or family needs.
Use this guide to explore the latest cost of living information for the Tar Heel State, scholarship opportunities, and answers to questions about online colleges in North Carolina.
Popular Online Programs
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
Top Online Colleges in North Carolina 2024
#1 Best Online Colleges in North Carolina
North Carolina State University at Raleigh
- Raleigh, NC
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Undergraduate Cost per Credit:
In-State | $272
Out-of-State | $1,225
Credits to Graduate: 30-120
Programmatic Accreditation: Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business, National Association of Schools of Art and Design Commission on Accreditation, Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs
NC State offers affordable undergraduate and graduate degrees, along with certificates. Its bachelor's programs include agricultural science and a bachelor's degree-completion program in leadership in the public sector. The school also offers 40 online master's programs and reports a graduation rate of 84%.
NC State offers several financial aid opportunities, including scholarships and grants. Grant funding comes from federal, state, and institutional funds. According to the College Board, about 96% of freshmen in need receive financial aid.
Percent Online Enrollment
50%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
#2 Best Online Colleges in North Carolina
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
- Chapel Hill, NC
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $292-$1,212
Out-of-State | $1,557-$1,760
Credits to Graduate: 49-62
Programmatic Accreditation: National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education; Council on Social Work Education, Board of Accreditation; Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
UNC-Chapel Hill is the nation's first public university. Today, it features several online programs, including undergraduate courses, master's programs, and doctoral degrees. About 66,750 students enrolled in online courses in the 2019 academic year. Students can pursue 18 online degree programs, bootcamps, and certificates.
Committed to providing accessible and affordable education, the school launched the Carolina Covenant in 2004. This program allows students with household incomes of less than 200% of the federal poverty level to graduate debt-free through combined scholarships, grants, and work-study programs.
Percent Online Enrollment
29%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
#3 Best Online Colleges in North Carolina
University of North Carolina at Charlotte
- Charlotte, NC
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Undergraduate Cost per Credit:
In-State | $159
Out-of-State | $318
Credits to Graduate: 30-120
Programmatic Accreditation: Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs, National Association of Schools of Music Commission on Accreditation, National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education
UNC Charlotte, an urban research university, offers over 50 online degrees and graduate certificates. The online programs include bachelor's degree-completion programs, master's degrees, and graduate certificates. The university also offers bootcamps and short-term courses. Course delivery may occur through asynchronous, synchronous, and/or hybrid methods.
According to the College Board, about 54% of its students receive financial aid. At the undergraduate level, the college reports that approximately 75% of students receive financial aid, and more than 1,800 scholarships are awarded.
Percent Online Enrollment
69%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
#4 Best Online Colleges in North Carolina
East Carolina University
- Greenville, NC
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Undergraduate Cost per Credit:
In-State | $205
Out-of-State | $883
Credits to Graduate: 30-120
Programmatic Accreditation: Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs; National Association of Schools of Art and Design Commission on Accreditation; Association of Technology, Management, and Applied Engineering
ECU offers the broadest range of degrees in North Carolina, with over 125 online degree and certificate programs. Students can find master's and undergraduate degree-completion programs in healthcare, technology, education, and business. The school also offers online doctoral programs in public health.
College Board reports that almost 30% of its 2023 fall enrollment were online students. About 52% of students receive financial aid, with an average aid package of $12,479. The university's Office of Student Financial Aid encourages online students to fill out the Free Application for Federal Aid and research outside sources for scholarships and grants.
Percent Online Enrollment
74%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
#5 Best Online Colleges in North Carolina
University of North Carolina at Greensboro
- Greensboro, NC
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Undergraduate Cost per Year:
In-State | $5,469
Out-of-State | $21,820
Credits to Graduate: 30-120
Programmatic Accreditation: National Association of Schools of Music Commission of Accreditation, Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education, Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs
UNC Greensboro demonstrates a strong commitment to diversity, with its enrollment including 53% people of color and 50% first-generation students. Its 15 online bachelor's and 21 online master's programs cover areas such as arts and sciences, business, education, health, and humanities. The school also offers numerous graduate certificates.
UNC Greensboro allows online students to claim an adjustment to their first-year costs for purchasing a computer. According to the College Board, 68% of students receive financial aid, and the average aid package is $12,604. The NEXT NC Scholarship helps qualifying students from North Carolina from households making $80,000 or less.
Percent Online Enrollment
82%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
#6 Best Online Colleges in North Carolina
Appalachian State University
- Boone, NC
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Undergraduate Cost per Credit:
In-State | $177
Out-of-State | $885
Credits to Graduate: 33-120
Programmatic Accreditation: Council on Education for Public Health, National Association of Schools of Art and Design Commission on Accreditation, National Association of Schools of Music Commission on Accreditation
App State offers 14 online undergraduate and 14 master's programs across subjects like education, healthcare, and business. Students can also earn an Ed.D. in educational leadership online. Online students gain access to many App State resources, including career development, tutoring, writing center, and academic success courses.
Online programs may use asynchronous, synchronous, and hybrid components. Financial aid is available to online students under the same guidelines as on-campus students. College Board reports that 45% of students receive financial aid, with an average aid package of $9,269.
Percent Online Enrollment
60%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
#7 Best Online Colleges in North Carolina
University of North Carolina Wilmington
- Wilmington, NC
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Undergraduate Cost per Credit:
In-State | $135
Out-of-State | $838
Credits to Graduate: 33-120
Programmatic Accreditation: National Association of Schools of Music Commission on Accreditation, Council on Education for Public Health, National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education
UNCW's online offerings include eight bachelor's and 17 master's programs. Students can also pursue certificates, minors, and a doctorate in nursing practice. Classes are taught in asynchronous, synchronous, and hybrid formats.
Some programs may include courses where students and professors meet face-to-face at remote locations. Each enrollee completes an eight-module online orientation to receive support for their distance education. UNCW reports a 72% graduation rate. According to the College Board, 46% of its students receive financial aid.
Percent Online Enrollment
75%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
#8 Best Online Colleges in North Carolina
North Carolina A & T State University
- Greensboro, NC
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Undergraduate Cost per Credit:
In-State | $120
Out-of-State | $581
Credits to Graduate: 30-120
Programmatic Accreditation: Accrediting Council on Education in Journalism and Mass Communications, Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs, National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education
N.C. A&T was founded in 1891 as the state's first college for people of color. The school offers 10 undergraduate, 10 graduate, and three certificate programs through online delivery. Most courses occur through asynchronous learning.
The Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships helps students discover outside opportunities for financial assistance, such as grants and scholarships. Some scholarships first-year students may qualify for include the National Alumni and the Lewis and Elizabeth Dowdy. The College Board reports that 79% of N.C. A&T students receive financial aid, with an average aid package of $14,534.
Percent Online Enrollment
58%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
#9 Best Online Colleges in North Carolina
Fayetteville State University
- Fayetteville, NC
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Undergraduate Cost per Credit:
In-State | $42
Out-of-State | $208
Credits to Graduate: 30-120
Programmatic Accreditation: National Association of Schools of Music Commission on Accreditation, National Association of Schools of Art and Design Commission on Accreditation, Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
FSU provides higher education to a diverse student body with an 80% minority population. It offers 10 online undergraduate degree-completion programs, allowing students to take at least 75% of the courses online. Online graduate programs include criminal justice, nursing, psychology, sociology, and business administration.
The College Board reports that 56% of enrollees at FSU receive financial aid, with an average of $4,974 per aid package. Online undergraduate students may qualify for NC Promise tuition rates. This program caps the full-time tuition rate for in-state students at $500 per semester. For out-of-state students, that number rises to $2,500.
Percent Online Enrollment
90%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
#10 Best Online Colleges in North Carolina
Western Carolina University
- Cullowhee, NC
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Undergraduate Cost per Credit:
In-State | $42
Out-of-State | $208
Credits to Graduate: 30-120
Programmatic Accreditation: American Council for Construction Education, National Association of Schools of Art and Design Commission on Accreditation, Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs
WCU offers 12 undergraduate, 12 graduate, and seven certificates through online learning. These programs use 100% online or hybrid learning formats. Some online undergraduate programs include emergency and disaster management, emergency medical care, finance, and marketing.
WCU also stands by the State of North Carolina NC Promise tuition rates. Eligible students can apply for several scholarships, including the 1889 Fund and the Alison and Robert Shetlar scholarship. According to the College Board, 59% of students receive financial aid, with an average aid package of $9,540.
Percent Online Enrollment
54%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
At Affordable Colleges Online, we use a proprietary ranking system to help you find the best schools for your needs. Our most important metric -- affordability -- accounts for 60% of our weighted formula. We also consider academic quality, program offerings, online enrollment, and graduation rate.
You can learn more about our school ranking methodology here.
Price Check
As long as students remain continuously enrolled, students attending public colleges in North Carolina pay the same in-state undergraduate tuition rate each year.
Accreditation for North Carolina's Online Colleges
Accredited schools offer many crucial benefits. By attending an accredited college or university, you can take advantage of transfer policies, financial aid, and graduate programs. In addition, your degree will be of great use in the marketplace.
In North Carolina, colleges and universities typically hold institutional accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges. Departments and programs within schools may also hold programmatic accreditation from organizations such as the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education and the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation.
Check your school's accreditation status here.
How Much Does an Online School in North Carolina Cost?
According to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), the average annual tuition and required fees at public universities in 2021-22 were $7,260, with private schools charging $38,346. Many factors can affect that price — school prestige, online or on-campus pricing, and state residence, among others.
Whether you attend on campus or online, you must prepare for non-tuition costs, such as for books, technology, living expenses, and transportation to any in-person requirements.
Various financial aid options can help you pay these and other expenses. Fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid to apply for federal programs, including Pell grants and subsidized loans. Veterans and active-duty military members can qualify for reduced tuition and military-related financial aid. You may also be eligible for state or private assistance.
Scholarships for Online Students at North Carolina Schools
Online colleges in North Carolina can become more affordable with scholarships. The following section explores several opportunities for online degree-seekers. Application materials typically include elements like an essay and a recommendation letter.
Some scholarships restrict applicants to North Carolina residents. Visit each scholarship's website to view current application requirements and deadlines.
Beacon Scholarship for Rural America: High school or college students living in rural areas may apply. Other requirements for this $1,000 award include a minimum 3.0 GPA and an essay.
Deadline to Apply: June 30 for Fall and Nov. 30 for Spring
Michael A. DeMayo Arrive Alive Scholarship: This $2,500 scholarship awards funding to high school seniors in 23 North or South Carolina counties. Application materials include a music video detailing the dangers of drunk or distracted driving.
Deadline to Apply: March 11
NC Education Lottery Scholarship: The NC Education Lottery Scholarship awards up to $3,768 per year to residents pursuing at least six undergraduate credits per semester. Applicants must also meet Pell Grant requirements.
Deadline to Apply: As soon as possible after Oct. 1
The North Carolina Hispanic College Fund: This scholarship awards $500-$1,500 to Hispanic North Carolina high school graduates. Application requirements include two recommendation letters and a minimum 2.5 GPA.
Deadline to Apply: Feb. 28
Penn Family Scholarship: Rockingham County, North Carolina, residents with financial need may apply for this $1,000-3,000 scholarship. You must also attend a University of North Carolina institution.
Deadline to Apply: Varies
How Much Does it Cost to Live in North Carolina?
North Carolina ranks as the twenty-fourth most affordable state in the nation, according to the Missouri Economic Research and Information Center. This ranking indicates that residents pay about the national average for housing, utilities, food, transportation, and other services.
You can achieve a better cost of living by residing in one of the state's more affordable cities, such as Thomasville-Lexington or Salisbury. Living with roommates and using public transportation can lower out-of-pocket costs during college. Retailers and services in your community may also offer college students discounts.
Average Cost of Living in North Carolina
| Cost of Living Category |
Average Price |
| Monthly Mortgage |
$1,397 |
| Monthly Rent |
$1,026 |
| Monthly Electricity Bill |
$120 |
| Monthly Grocery & Food Costs |
$303 |
| Annual Transportation Costs |
$5,477 |
| Annual Healthcare Costs |
$7,179 |
Source: SoFi
North Carolina Jobs for Online College Graduates
The North Carolina Department of Commerce projects significant growth for careers in the healthcare and STEM fields from 2021-2030. Nurse practitioner, statistician, and data scientist jobs are projected to grow the most. These and other fast-growing jobs also feature an average salary exceeding $80,000.
Many factors affect actual job growth and salary. An economic downturn may contract the labor market in your field. A college degree can help you prepare for some of the most in-demand careers in North Carolina.
Fast-Growing Careers in North Carolina 2021-2030
| Job |
Projected Growth |
Mean Annual Wage |
| Nurse Practitioners |
46% |
$112,730 |
| Statisticians |
42% |
$111,640 |
| Data Scientists |
40% |
$113,980 |
| Epidemiologists |
41% |
$80,360 |
| Logisticians |
37% |
$72,450 |
| Information Security Analysts |
36% |
$117,400 |
| Web Developers |
36% |
$81,130 |
| Medical and Health Services Managers |
32% |
$121,430 |
| Software Developers |
31% |
$117,240 |
| Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists |
29% |
$114,260 |
Source: North Carolina Department of Commerce
Questions About Going to North Carolina's Colleges Online
What is the cheapest online college in North Carolina?
According to the NCES, North Carolina A&T State University has one of the lowest tuition rates among online colleges in North Carolina. The average annual net price to attend is $9,189 per year for residents. The university charges out-of-state undergraduates more than four times the in-state tuition rate.
What is the easiest online college to get into in North Carolina?
With an 89% acceptance rate, Campbell University is the easiest online college to get into in North Carolina. Application materials include high school transcripts and standardized test scores.
How much does online college cost in North Carolina?
On average, North Carolina residents attending four-year public colleges paid $7,337 in tuition and fees during the 2021-2022 academic year, according to the NCES. Out-of-state degree-seekers spent more than $23,000 per year.
Is online college free in North Carolina?
Although North Carolina does not offer free tuition at online schools, many institutions help degree-seekers close their financial aid gap through need-based grants. Eligibility requirements may include full-time enrollment and FAFSA results. Contact potential North Carolina online colleges to find out whether you can earn a degree with little to no out-of-pocket costs.
Do I need to be a resident of North Carolina to attend an online college in North Carolina?
No — you do not need state residency to pursue online colleges in North Carolina. Expect a more competitive admissions process at public colleges and universities. A recent report from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill shows that the school admits fewer than 10% of out-of-state applicants.
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