North Carolina combines a fast-growing population with one of the country's most active academic research and development economies. The state also hosts a dense concentration of knowledge- and technology-intensive industries, which speaks to the North Carolina government's high priority on innovation.
This guide to the top online colleges in North Carolina explores the state's leading schools, along with employment and economic trends. Use it to research majors, career paths, and colleges that can help you reach your personal and professional goals.
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 for 2025
#1 Best Online Colleges in North Carolina 2025
Montreat College
- Montreat, NC
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
What Sets It Apart:
Despite being a small private liberal arts school, Montreat College has more than 25 years of online learning experience. The school offers more than 20 online associate, bachelor's, and master's degree programs in various disciplines and is designed for working adults seeking a Christ-centered education.
Cost per Credit:
In State | $430
Out of State | $430
Why Students Choose Montreat College:
- Accessible Programs: Students can choose from several start dates each year and apply for admission with no application fee.
- Student Services: Online students enjoy access to health, wellness, counseling, and academic support services.
- School Community: While online learners may not have access to campus facilities, they can join several student organizations.
Know Before You Enroll:
- Accelerated Sessions: Online classes at Montreat run in accelerated eight-week sessions (two each semester), which may make coursework more rigorous for students.
- Financial Aid Options: At Montreat, 99% of students receive financial aid in the form of loans, scholarships, and work-study programs.
Percent Online Enrollment
43%
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 2025
Western Carolina University
- Cullowhee, NC
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
What Sets It Apart:
At Western Carolina University, online students can choose from over 30 degree and certificate programs that run entirely online or in a hybrid format. The online programs run primarily asynchronously with set schedules, though some self-paced courses may be available.
Cost per Credit:
In State | $42
Out of State | $208
Why Students Choose WCU:
- Online Support: WCU's online students receive ample support during their studies, including online orientations for new students and free software to help them in their programs.
- Student Community: At WCU, online students can access more than 100 student organizations and services, including health and wellness and professional development services.
Know Before You Enroll:
- Higher Out-of-State Tuition: Out-of-state students pay five times more for tuition than in-state students.
- Degree Completion Programs: Many of WCU's online programs are degree completion programs that require undergraduate credits for entry.
- In-Person Requirements: The engineering technology program has in-person course requirements. WCU also offers some proctored exams in person for online students.
Percent Online Enrollment
54%
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 2025
North Carolina Central University
- Durham, NC
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
What Sets It Apart:
North Carolina Central University, a historically Black college and university (HBCU) founded in 1910, offers more than 40 online degree and certificate programs. The school's online programs run asynchronously and feature no campus requirements, accommodating even the busiest schedules.
Cost per Credit:
In State | $184
Out of State | $727
Why Students Choose NCCU:
- Community-Focused: NCCU's online students enjoy interactive online classes and many networking opportunities with the school community.
- Online Support Services: Online learners receive strong support during their studies, including tutoring and online student orientations.
- Exclusive Career Services: Online students can pursue support for their in-program internships and postgraduate careers.
Know Before You Enroll:
- Elevated Out-of-State Tuition Rates: Out-of-state online students pay nearly four times the tuition rate of in-state students.
- Lower Tuition Rates in Summer: NCCU offers summer tuition rates to help online students lower their overall tuition and accelerate their program completion time.
Percent Online Enrollment
61%
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 2025
University of North Carolina Wilmington
- Wilmington, NC
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
What Sets It Apart:
At the University of North Carolina Wilmington, you can pursue one of 66 online programs, including 17 degree programs, as an online student. The school has adapted its campus programs to run online asynchronously to accommodate a broader range of schedules.
Cost per Credit:
In State | $185
Out of State | $293
Why Students Choose UNCW:
- Fast-Tracked Degrees: Online students can access degree programs with multiple start dates and accelerated courses that fit easily into busy schedules.
- Accredited Programs: UNCW students can pursue programs accredited by reputable organizations, including the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education and the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business.
- Support Services: Online students can access the same support services as UNCW's on-campus students.
Know Before You Enroll:
- Limited Undergraduate Options: UNCW has only one fully online undergraduate program among its 17 online degree programs.
- Scheduled Classes: While many courses run asynchronously, some programs may require synchronous sessions.
- In-Person Requirements: Some online programs feature internships and campus residency requirements.
Percent Online Enrollment
70%
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 2025
North Carolina A & T State University
- Greensboro, NC
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
What Sets It Apart:
North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University offers more than 20 online degree and certificate programs. Most courses are asynchronous and run over 16-week semesters. The HBCU accommodates all students, including busy learners who need flexible scheduling and service members who receive discounted tuition.
Cost per Credit:
In State | $120
Out of State | $588
Why Students Choose N.C. A&T:
- Support Services: N.C. A&T's online learners enjoy access to student services that include academic advising, career guidance, and counseling services.
- Online Communities: Online learners join a collaborative and engaging online community that connects through multiple online platforms.
Know Before You Enroll:
- Additional Fees: In addition to tuition, online students pay several fees, including a technology fee, a distance education security fee, and an access fee.
- Payment Plans: N.C. A&T offers online students monthly payment plans with no-interest options and no credit check required.
Percent Online Enrollment
61%
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 2025
Fayetteville State University
- Fayetteville, NC
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
What Sets It Apart:
Fayetteville State University, an HBCU founded in 1867, offers more than 15 online programs that may run asynchronously or synchronously. In addition to providing financial aid to many of its students, FSU is part of the state-run NC Promise Tuition Plan, which caps tuition at $500 for a semester of full-time study.
Cost per Credit:
In State | $42
Out of State | $104
Why Students Choose FSU:
- Support Services: FSU students can access online tutoring, academic support, and career services.
- Fewer Fees: At FSU, online students who are not North Carolina residents pay half the tuition of out-of-state students attending the school in person.
- Accessibility Resources: Despite studying online, online learners still receive accessibility support, including reader guides and captions, plus self-help apps.
Know Before You Enroll:
- Degree Completion Programs: Among its 15 online programs, cybersecurity is the only fully online undergraduate degree program. The remaining 14 offerings are degree completion programs.
- Out-of-State Licensure: Programs that lead to licensure may only apply to students living in North Carolina.
Percent Online Enrollment
86%
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 2025
Appalachian State University
- Boone, NC
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
What Sets It Apart:
Appalachian State University features more than 35 online degree and certificate programs — including the country's first online bachelor's in veterinary technology — with a mix of synchronous and asynchronous courses. Boasting ample student services and engaging classes, the university ensures that online students feel as connected to the school as its on-campus students.
Cost per Credit:
In State | $177
Out of State | $911
Why Students Choose App State:
- Student Services: Among the many services available, you can access career development assistance, tutoring, a writing center, and library services.
- Online Program Support: Online students can access information sessions and online orientations to ensure they get started on the right track.
- Involvement in Student Organizations: App State's online students can join many clubs and organizations.
Know Before You Enroll:
- Higher Out-of-State Tuition: Out-of-state students pay more than four times the tuition rate of in-state students.
- Degree Completion Programs: Some of App State's online programs are degree completion programs, which require previous undergraduate credits for entry.
- Scholarships: Not all scholarships are available to App State's online students.
Percent Online Enrollment
56%
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 2025
Gardner-Webb University
- Boiling Springs, NC
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
What Sets It Apart:
Gardner-Webb University has offered online education for more than 25 years. The private Christian school now has more than 35 online undergraduate degree completion programs and graduate programs, including business, nursing, and education options.
Cost per Credit:
In State | $375
Out of State | $375
Why Students Choose Gardner-Webb:
- Financial Support: GWU students enjoy access to numerous financial aid options and flexible payment plans.
- Community Involvement: Online students can join one of more than 50 student-led organizations and school clubs.
- Engaging Environment: An average GWU online class has only 17 students, which allows for better engagement.
Know Before You Enroll:
- Degree Completion Programs: Admission into one of the degree completion bachelor's programs requires a minimum of 24 undergraduate credits.
- Digital Learning Fee: GWU's online students must pay a $75 digital learning fee on top of tuition each semester.
Percent Online Enrollment
48%
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 2025
Campbell University
- Buies Creek, NC
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
What Sets It Apart:
With more than 25 years of online education experience, Campbell University offers 35 degree and certificate programs 100% online — more than any other private school in North Carolina. The asynchronous online programs at Campbell feature the same faculty as on-campus programs, and the school provides its students with substantial financial support, such as its military tuition discount program.
Cost per Credit:
In State | $465
Out of State | $465
Why Students Choose Campbell:
- Student Services: Campbell's online learners can utilize student advising, tutoring, and counseling services.
- Financial Support: Students can pursue financial aid programs designed specifically for them.
- Frequent Interaction: Despite the asynchronous delivery, online courses offer considerable opportunities for interaction with peers and instructors.
Know Before You Enroll:
- Accelerated Programs: Campbell's courses run in eight-week blocks, which accelerate the program but may make it more challenging.
- Technology Fee: Along with tuition, online learners pay a technology fee of $30 per term.
- Admission Requirements: Campbell's admission requirements include a minimum 2.0 GPA in previous college coursework.
Percent Online Enrollment
30%
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 2025
University of Mount Olive
- Mount Olive, NC
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
What Sets It Apart:
For nearly 50 years, the University of Mount Olive has focused on providing flexible learning opportunities for adult and nontraditional students. The school offers over 25 online programs, including 100% online programs and degree pathways with evening classes for working adults.
Cost per Credit:
In State | $455
Out of State | $455
Why Students Choose UMO:
- Accessibility: Online students can apply to the university for free and enjoy accommodating requirements for acceptance.
- Student Services: The Academic Resource Center connects online learners to tutoring, academic support, and clinics. These services are in addition to the traditional ones offered, such as career support, academic advising, and writing center access.
Know Before You Enroll:
- Additional Fees: Online students pay additional fees on top of tuition, including a $150 general fee and a $50 technology fee each semester.
- Payment Assistance: UMO helps online students financially by offering flexible payment plans and tax credits for eligible students.
Percent Online Enrollment
73%
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 and data from reputable sources like the U.S. Department of Education to help you find the best school for your needs. Our most important metric — affordability — accounts for 60% of our formula on our most affordable rankings. We also consider academic quality, program offerings, online enrollment, and graduation rates.
This list is from 2025. To learn more, consult our school ranking methodology.
Price Check
According to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), in the 2022-2023 school year, in-state students at four-year North Carolina public colleges paid an average tuition rate of $7,327— around one-third less than the national average.
10 Fast-Growing Jobs in North Carolina
Many of North Carolina's fastest-growing jobs cluster in service industries, with fields like health sciences and technology leading the way. These trends align with the 10-year projections released in 2018 by the North Carolina Department of Labor, which predicted strong near-term growth in the healthcare, social assistance, and professional, scientific, and technical services sectors.
The chart below explores some of the fastest-growing jobs in North Carolina.
Fast-Growing Jobs In North Carolina
| Job |
Projected Growth (2022-2032) |
Mean Annual Salary in North Carolina (May 2023) |
| Nurse Practitioners |
55.5% |
$121,590 |
| Statisticians |
43.7% |
$119,280 |
| Data Scientists |
42.2% |
$125,950 |
| Medical and Health Services Managers |
38.7% |
$127,620 |
| Restaurant Cooks |
38.7% |
$33,550 |
| Physician Assistants |
36.7% |
$123,860 |
| Information Security Analysts |
36.3% |
$128,720 |
| Occupational Therapy Assistants |
35.9% |
$69,500 |
| Computer and Information Research Scientists |
34.2% |
$122,750 |
| Genetic Counselors |
33.3% |
$86,950 |
Source: BLS North Carolina, Projections Central
Majors to Consider to Prepare for North Carolina's Job Market
Choosing the right college major can help you enter one of North Carolina's fast-growing, well-paid career paths. To that end, consider these four fields:
-
Computer Science or Information Technology
Undergraduate degrees in computer science and information technology provide a versatile educational foundation while supporting entry into high-tech jobs. You can study as a generalist or pursue a specialization, such as information security, if you'd like to target a specific career path.
-
Healthcare
Nurse practitioners, medical and health services managers, physician assistants, occupational therapy assistants, and genetic counselors rank among North Carolina's fastest-growing careers. The North Carolina Office of State Budget and Management projects the state's older adult population to increase by 50% by 2040, giving the state's healthcare careers a future-proof profile.
-
Business
Business majors benefit from constant labor market demand, ranking the field among the most popular and practical college degrees. Business degrees also translate well to many other professional backgrounds or majors, making them ideal for pairing with schooling or work experience in diverse fields.
-
Mathematics
North Carolina's labor market projects a favorable growth profile for computer scientists, data scientists, and statisticians. A versatile, readily transferable undergraduate degree in mathematics offers excellent preparation for these and other STEM-focused career paths.
Cost of Living in North Carolina
Overall, North Carolina's living costs fall below the national average. Even so, students can always benefit from saving money, and online colleges in North Carolina can support that goal. For example, you could significantly reduce your monthly transportation costs by enrolling in a commute-free, fully online program.
Consider this data to get a feel for estimated living costs in North Carolina for one adult without children:
Cost of Living in North Carolina
| Cost of Living Category |
Estimated Cost Per Month |
| Housing |
$1,164 |
| Grocery & Food |
$359 |
| Transportation |
$824 |
| Medical Care |
$275 |
Source: MIT Living Wage Calculator
Scholarships and Cost Savings for Online Colleges in North Carolina
Scholarships rank among the most desirable sources of financial aid since awards directly lower your education costs and do not require repayment. North Carolina students can take advantage of many scholarship opportunities from various sources, including governments, businesses, professional organizations, educational institutions, and philanthropic agencies.
These five scholarships offer a glimpse of what's available:
High school or college students living in rural areas who meet low-income criteria 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 November 30 for spring
This $5,000 scholarship awards funding to high school seniors in certain North or South Carolina counties. Application materials may include an essay, brochure, billboard, or music video detailing the dangers of drunk or distracted driving.
Deadline to Apply: March 24
The NC Education Lottery Scholarship awards up to $3,768 annually to residents enrolled for at least six undergraduate credits per semester. Applicants must also meet Pell Grant requirements.
Deadline to Apply: As soon as possible after Oct. 1
This scholarship awards $1,000-$2,000 to Hispanic students who are graduates of North Carolina high schools. Application requirements include two recommendation letters, a personal statement, and a minimum 2.5 GPA.
Deadline to Apply: April 4
Residents of North Carolina's Rockingham County with demonstrated financial need may apply for this scholarship of $1,000-$3,000. You must also enroll at a University of North Carolina institution.
Deadline to Apply: Rolling
Tuition Reciprocity Benefits for Out-of-State Students in North Carolina
Tuition reciprocity agreements extend discounted or in-state tuition rates to nonresident students from neighboring states. While most Southern states participate in some form of tuition reciprocity agreement, North Carolina does not.
This means you must be a North Carolina resident to qualify for in-state tuition rates. The most direct path to establishing residency involves maintaining an independent physical presence in North Carolina for at least 12 months before you register at an educational institution as a student. For full details, consult this North Carolina State University resource.
Frequently Asked Questions About Online College in North Carolina
How many colleges are in North Carolina?
North Carolina hosts 133 degree-granting institutions, according to NCES data from 2022-2023. This includes two-year and four-year schools and counts public, private nonprofit, and private for-profit institutions.
What is the cheapest online college in North Carolina?
Fayetteville State University, Elizabeth City State University, the University of North Carolina at Pembroke, and Western Carolina University all rank among the cheapest online colleges in North Carolina. As of January 2025, all four schools charge in-state online students just $42 per credit in tuition.
How many community colleges are in North Carolina?
NCES counted 62 two-year degree-granting institutions in North Carolina in 2022-2023, 58 of which were public institutions. According to the North Carolina Community College System's Virtual Learning Community, all 58 offer fully online degree, certificate, and/or diploma programs.
Is online college free in North Carolina?
Not usually, but some North Carolina colleges offer full tuition grants or waivers to North Carolina students from low-income households. Examples include Duke University, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, and Warren Wilson College.
Do I need to be a resident of North Carolina to attend an online college in North Carolina?
No. Online colleges in North Carolina that participate in the State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements (SARA) accept students from other states. Before enrolling, ensure the school you plan to attend participates in SARA.
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