Best Online Colleges in North Carolina

North Carolina hosts some top U.S. colleges, and online students can attend from anywhere. Here's our guide to online colleges in North Carolina.
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Updated October 3, 2023

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North Carolina features 53 colleges and universities, making it an excellent place to explore different educational opportunities. Residents of North Carolina's rural areas and people living out of state no longer need to relocate to earn a degree. North Carolina 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 or accelerated timelines. This advantage lets you schedule your education around work or family.

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.

AffordableCollegesOnline.org 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.

Students in North Carolina Attend These Programs

Find a program that meets your affordability, flexibility, and education needs through an accredited, online school.

Online Colleges in North Carolina

Read About Our Methodology

#1 Best Online Colleges in North Carolina

Rowan-Cabarrus Community College

  • Salisbury, NC
  • 2 years
  • Online + Campus

Located in Salisbury, Rowan-Cabarrus Community College is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges. The public college emphasizes affordable online programs that provide high-quality education without sacrificing convenience.  

Learners can choose from online programs in fields like business, education, and nursing. The school's 31 remote programs serve 5,075 degree-seekers. The institution reports a graduation rate of approximately 29%.

Out-of-state undergraduates pay about $8,580 annually in tuition, while in-state learners pay about $2,400. About 73% of enrollees receive some form of financial aid.

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$2,432
Out-of-state
$8,576
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
Not provided
Out-of-state
Not provided
Retention Rate
60%
Acceptance Rate
Not provided
Students Enrolled
7,109
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
71% 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

North Carolina State University

  • Raleigh, NC
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

A public institution, North Carolina State University  offers affordable online programs catering to students at every level. Undergraduates, graduate degree-seekers, and lifelong learners can explore the Raleigh-based university's online programs.

Distance learners can pursue popular majors like business, education, and public health. With a total remote enrollment of 32,700, the school delivers 73 online programs. The institution reports a graduation rate of around 84%.

In-state undergraduates pay about $6,535 in annual tuition, while out-of-state students pay about $26,650. At the graduate level, in-state students pay approximately $9,100, while out-of-state students pay around $26,420. The school reports that 68% of students receive some type of financial aid, with about 37% taking out loans. The average financial aid package totals $9,595.

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$6,535
Out-of-state
$26,654
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$9,095
Out-of-state
$26,421
Retention Rate
94%
Acceptance Rate
46%
Students Enrolled
36,042
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
91% 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

Durham Technical Community College

  • Durham, NC
  • 2 years
  • Online + Campus

Students can choose from numerous online programs at Durham Technical Community College. Providing both quality education and convenient remote delivery, these programs can help degree-seekers from all walks of life achieve their academic and career objectives.

Online offerings span a variety of disciplines, including education, nursing, and social work. The college offers 16 online programs and enrolls about 4,600 distance learners. The school reports a graduation rate of about 19%.

The annual tuition for out-of-state undergraduate students costs about $7,340, while in-state learners pay approximately $2,080. Almost 90% of students  receive some type of financial aid, with an average aid package of $6,066. About 14% of enrollees use loans to pay for all or part of their degrees.

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$2,081
Out-of-state
$7,339
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
Not provided
Out-of-state
Not provided
Retention Rate
61%
Acceptance Rate
Not provided
Students Enrolled
4,672
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
98% 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

Southeastern Community College

  • Whiteville, NC
  • 2 years
  • Online + Campus

Located in Whiteville, Southeastern Community College offers affordable online programs for learners from North Carolina and beyond. This public college is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

The school's distance learning programs allow students to major in fields like nursing, public health, and social work. About 1,080 online students attend this college, which reports a graduation rate of around 44%.

Tuition for out-of-state undergraduate students costs about $8,580, while in-state students pay approximately $2,430. About 92% of degree-seekers receive some form of financial aid.

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$2,432
Out-of-state
$8,576
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
Not provided
Out-of-state
Not provided
Retention Rate
74%
Acceptance Rate
Not provided
Students Enrolled
1,271
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
85% 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

Wake Technical Community College

  • Raleigh, NC
  • 2 years
  • Online + Campus

Raleigh-based Wake Technical Community College delivers a diverse catalog of affordably priced online degrees. Accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges, this public college emphasizes career-relevant education for recent high school grads and working professionals alike.

Learners can choose from programs in fields like business, education, and social work. With a total online enrollment of over 20,400, the school provides 24 degree paths via distance learning. The institution reports a graduation rate of around 28%.

Full-time, in-state students pay about $2,430 annually in tuition, while out-of-state learners pay approximately $8,580. About 62% of students receive some form of financial aid. The average financial aid award totals $6,124, and about 41% of the school's enrollees take out student loans.

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$2,432
Out-of-state
$8,576
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
Not provided
Out-of-state
Not provided
Retention Rate
70%
Acceptance Rate
Not provided
Students Enrolled
21,760
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
94% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

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.

Cost of Living 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 means 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 Scholarships

Online colleges in North Carolina can become more affordable with scholarships. The opportunities below describe just a few open to online degree-seekers. Application materials may include an essay and a recommendation letter.

Some scholarships restrict applicants to North Carolina residents. Visit the scholarship website to learn the latest application requirements and deadlines.

10 Fast-Growing Jobs in North Carolina

The North Carolina Department of Commerce expects significant growth for careers in the healthcare and STEM fields between 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

Frequently Asked Questions About Online College in North Carolina


What is the cheapest online college in North Carolina?

According to the National Council for Education Statistics (NCES), North Carolina A&T State University has one of the cheapest online college tuition in North Carolina. The average annual net price to attend is $9,189 per year for residents. The university charges out-of-state undergraduates about three 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.

You can select from 18 fully online bachelor's degrees, including RN-to-BSN, elementary education, and Christian studies. The university also offers online associate degrees and certificates.

How much does online college cost in North Carolina?

On average, North Carolina residents attending a four-year public college paid $7,260 in tuition and fees during the 2020-2021 academic year, according to the NCES. Out-of-state degree-seekers spent just over $23,000. In- and out-of-state online learners can save about $10,000 by not paying for on-campus room and board.

North Carolina online colleges can help you save money in other ways, like merit-based scholarships. You may qualify for institutional, state, or federal aid programs depending on your financial need.

Is online college free in North Carolina?

Although no online colleges in North Carolina offer free tuition, many schools 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 residency to attend an online college in North Carolina. However, 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.

Check programs' academic requirements closely before applying. Some online programs may ask you to attend on-campus seminars or other events.

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AffordableCollegesOnline.org 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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