Best Online Colleges in North Carolina
North Carolina has one of the fastest-growing populations in the United States. Between the 2020 census and July 2024, the population increased by 605,000 residents and has become the ninth-largest state by population. This impressive growth rate reflects a strong and diverse economy and outstanding job prospects in the near future.
Online colleges in North Carolina provide a convenient and flexible way to upgrade your education and train for a rewarding career. As you choose where to go to school, explore the Tar Heel State’s education and employment opportunities.
North Carolina at a Glance
- There are 69 nonprofit four-year institutions in North Carolina.
- Around 37% of adults in the state hold a bachelor’s degree or higher.
- In fall 2023, nearly 60% of students at North Carolina institutions were enrolled in online courses.
- In fall 2023, there were over 150,000 students aged 25 and over enrolled at North Carolina colleges.
10 Best Accredited Online Colleges in North Carolina
San Diego State University
- San Diego, CA
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- Accredited
Why We Chose This School
At San Diego State University, you can choose from over a dozen online bachelor's and master's programs. The school's first-to-second-year retention rate of 89% exceeds the national average, as does its 78% graduation rate. Further, 89% of undergraduate students received grant or scholarship aid in the 2022-2023 school year.
HighlightsÂ
- Offers a varied lineup of popular, practical majors
- Utilizes a seven-step process to ensure the academic rigor of its online programs matches that of its on-campus programs
- Has a wide selection of online courses, many of which are self-paced
Know Before You Apply
- Some online programs are degree completion programs that require 60 transferable credits from another school.
- The school admitted only 34% of applicants in fall 2023.
Programmatic Accreditation
- Association for the Advancement of Collegiate Schools of Business
- Council on Education for Public Health
- Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs
- Network of Schools of Public Policy, Affairs, and Administration
56%
$ 5,742
90%
$17,622
- Acceptance Rate
- 34%
- Students Enrolled
- 36,637
- Institution Type
- Public
Humphreys University
- Stockton, CA
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- Accredited
Why We Chose This School
Affordable and accessible, Humphreys University maintains an open admission policy and offers a low average net price of just $7,108 as of the 2022-2023 school year. The school offers its entire lineup of programs in fully online formats.
HighlightsÂ
- Focuses on practical, career-oriented programs in business, education, law, and more
- Operates on an efficient quarter system, helping you make rapid academic progress
- Allows you to apply at any time during the year
Know Before You Apply
- Humphreys has just nine full-time faculty members.
- Among undergraduates, 82% are female, but just 33% of full-time, first-time female students go on to graduate.
87%
$14,760
100%
$14,760
- Acceptance Rate
- N/A
- Students Enrolled
- 393
- Institution Type
- Private
National University
- San Diego, CA
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- Accredited
Why We Chose This School
National University offers more than 45 fully online programs at all levels, including associate, bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees, as well as certificates. An open admission policy offers excellent accessibility, and National's four-week course structure supports fast advancement toward graduation.
HighlightsÂ
- Offers online degree and certificate programs in business, education, healthcare, law, psychology, STEM fields, and more
- Supplies guidance to students through personal academic advisors
- Utilizes year-round enrollment and monthly program start dates to fit into your busy schedule
Know Before You Apply
- Only 26% of part-time, first-time bachelor's students return for their second year.
- The school's average net price for undergraduates nearly tripled between the 2020-2021 and 2022-2023 school years.
Programmatic Accreditation
- ABET
- Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs
- Association for Advancing Quality in Educator Preparation
- Commission on Accreditation for Marriage and Family Therapy Education
- Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
- Council on Education for Public Health
- Council on Social Work Education
- International Accreditation Council for Business Education
67%
$13,320
64%
$13,320
- Acceptance Rate
- 55%
- Students Enrolled
- 18,631
- Institution Type
- Private
University of La Verne
- La Verne, CA
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- Accredited
Why We Chose This School
An officially designated Hispanic-serving institution, the University of La Verne offers 13 online bachelor's degree completion and master's degree programs. The school reports strong first-to-second-year retention rates among full-time and part-time students. The learning community's multiracial and female students fare particularly well, with six-year graduation rates of 81% and 71%, respectively.
HighlightsÂ
- Offers inclusive admission policies for first-time undergraduates, adult learners, and transfer students
- Connects students one-on-one with academic advisors in person, by phone, or online
- Boasts one of the most diverse student bodies in the U.S.
Know Before You Apply
- Students with a household income of $30,001-$75,000 pay more than double the average net price of learners from lower-income households.Â
- Some online programs are only available to California residents.
Programmatic Accreditation
- Network of Schools of Public Policy, Affairs, and Administration
59%
$45,850
77%
$45,850
- Acceptance Rate
- 75%
- Students Enrolled
- 4,171
- Institution Type
- Private
Los Angeles Pacific University
- Los Angeles, CA
- 4 year
- Online
- Accredited
Why We Chose This School
A fully online institution, Los Angeles Pacific University delivers accredited, affordable education by eliminating overhead costs. The university offers more than 20 relevant and practical associate, bachelor's, and master's programs.
HighlightsÂ
- Uses a unique practitioner model, requiring instructors to have professional experience in addition to academic credentials
- Assigns each student a personal success coach who provides close support until graduation
- Allows students to finish their degree programs up to 50% faster than traditional universities
Know Before You Apply
- LAPU delivers curricula from a Christian worldview.Â
- The school's overall graduation rate is 33%.
- First-to-second-year retention rates for full-time and part-time bachelor's students are 25% and 20%, respectively.
N/A
$11,400
25%
$11,400
- Acceptance Rate
- N/A
- Students Enrolled
- 1,895
- Institution Type
- Private
Who Accredits Online Colleges in North Carolina?
If you’re considering online colleges in North Carolina, always make sure a school holds proper accreditation. Accreditation tells you that the school has met certain academic standards and will provide you with a quality education.
Attending an accredited school also means that you can qualify for federal financial aid programs. Avoid schools that are unaccredited.
Most colleges and universities in North Carolina are accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
How Much Does College Cost in North Carolina?
In North Carolina, tuition rates fall well below national averages for most school types. The lone exception in the institution types listed above applies to private colleges for undergraduates.
Even so, you may need financial aid. Many online colleges in North Carolina offer in-house financial aid programs to eligible students. In addition to checking with your school, explore these state-backed scholarship programs:
- The Next NC Scholarship Program, which offers at least $3,000-$5,000 per year to students from lower-income households who study at public institutions
- The NC Need-Based Scholarship for Private College Students
- Golden Leaf Scholarships for students from select rural and economically disadvantaged regions of North Carolina
If you plan to enroll online in the University of North Carolina (UNC) system, check your eligibility for the NC Promise Tuition Plan. This program can reduce your semesterly tuition to just $500 at four participating UNC schools.
Career Opportunities in North Carolina
$46,950
Median annual wage in NC (May 2024)
+10%
Projected job growth in NC (2022-2032)
3.7%
Unemployment rate in NC (August 2025)
The median salary in North Carolina falls about 5% below the national median, but the state also has a below-average cost of living — especially for housing and transportation. Projections Central forecasts very high job growth in North Carolina from 2022-32, enhancing the state’s appeal as a place to build a career.
The fastest-growing North Carolina jobs that require a bachelor’s degree include data scientist, medical and health services manager, and information security analyst.
Popular Cities for Recent Grads
Raleigh
- Raleigh is part of North Carolina’s Triangle region, an economically prosperous yet affordable area of the state.
- In 2025, Raleigh topped an ADP survey of the best U.S. metro areas for recent college grads for the second straight year.
- The Wall Street Journal cites Raleigh’s strong technology, healthcare, and financial services job pipelines.
Charlotte
- Charlotte is North Carolina’s largest city.
- It benefits from a lower cost of living than most other cities of its size, a low unemployment rate, and a strong economic and employment growth profile.
- In the fourth financial quarter of 2024, average weekly wages in the Charlotte area reached $1,460 per week, or nearly $76,000 per year.
Asheville
- Asheville is a picturesque city in the Blue Ridge Mountains that is well-known as one of the top U.S. college towns.
- Historically a manufacturing hotspot, Asheville has blossomed into a leading regional cultural center and a popular tourism destination.
- Asheville is also noted for its excellent social mobility and affordability ratings.
Frequently Asked Questions
According to the NCES, North Carolina was home to 133 recognized degree-granting institutions in the 2022-23 school year. It is ranked ninth in the U.S. in terms of both the number of institutions and population.
