Best Accredited Online Colleges in North Carolina
If you live in North Carolina, you likely know the state is no slouch when it comes to higher education. Home to the prestigious University of North Carolina (UNC) system and a number of other top-tier public and private colleges, the state offers education options that can meet your different needs.
Attending one of the many online colleges in North Carolina can give you the flexibility to maintain a career while earning your degree. Read on to learn more about online schools in NC.
Popular Online Programs
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
10 Best Online Colleges in North Carolina of 2024
University of North Carolina at Charlotte
Charlotte, NC- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$3,812
- Out-of-state$17,246
- In-State$4,337
- Out-of-state$17,771
- Retention Rate85%
- Acceptance Rate79%
- Students Enrolled30,448
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment69%
- AccreditationYes
East Carolina University
- Greenville, NC
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$4,452
- Out-of-state$20,729
- In-State$4,749
- Out-of-state$17,898
- Retention Rate81%
- Acceptance Rate94%
- Students Enrolled28,021
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment74%
- AccreditationYes
University of North Carolina Wilmington
- Wilmington, NC
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$4,443
- Out-of-state$18,508
- In-State$4,719
- Out-of-state$18,548
- Retention Rate83%
- Acceptance Rate68%
- Students Enrolled18,030
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment75%
- AccreditationYes
North Carolina A&T State University
- Greensboro, NC
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$3,540
- Out-of-state$17,050
- In-State$4,745
- Out-of-state$17,545
- Retention Rate77%
- Acceptance Rate57%
- Students Enrolled13,322
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment58%
- AccreditationYes
University of North Carolina at Greensboro
- Greensboro, NC
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$4,422
- Out-of-state$19,581
- In-State$5,219
- Out-of-state$18,937
- Retention Rate78%
- Acceptance Rate91%
- Students Enrolled19,038
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment82%
- AccreditationYes
Appalachian State University
- Boone, NC
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$4,242
- Out-of-state$19,849
- In-State$4,839
- Out-of-state$19,849
- Retention Rate86%
- Acceptance Rate85%
- Students Enrolled20,641
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment60%
- AccreditationYes
Western Carolina University
- Cullowhee, NC
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$1,000
- Out-of-state$5,000
- In-State$4,435
- Out-of-state$14,842
- Retention Rate75%
- Acceptance Rate79%
- Students Enrolled11,877
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment54%
- AccreditationYes
North Carolina Central University
- Durham, NC
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$3,728
- Out-of-state$16,435
- In-State$4,740
- Out-of-state$17,694
- Retention Rate74%
- Acceptance Rate76%
- Students Enrolled7,953
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment61%
- AccreditationYes
Lees-McRae College
- Banner Elk, NC
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$26,267
- Out-of-state$26,267
- In-State$9,000
- Out-of-state$9,000
- Retention Rate67%
- Acceptance Rate59%
- Students Enrolled873
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment23%
- AccreditationYes
Fayetteville State University
- Fayetteville, NC
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$2,982
- Out-of-state$14,590
- In-State$3,438
- Out-of-state$14,503
- Retention Rate63%
- Acceptance Rate82%
- Students Enrolled6,748
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment90%
- AccreditationYes
Did You Know…
- North Carolina is projected to add more than 509,500 new jobs from 2022-2032.
- Jobs for nurse practitioners, solar installers, and statisticians are projected to grow the fastest in NC, with projected growth rates of over 40% through 2030.
- North Carolina offers some of the most affordable two-year colleges in the country.
- The UNC System enrolled 242,500 students across all institutions in fall 2023.
- In 2021, the UNC System unveiled a $97 million plan to support adult online education.
Sources: North Carolina Department of Commerce, National Center for Education Statistics, UNC System, Inside Higher Ed
Why Consider Online Colleges in North Carolina?
- Many online schools in North Carolina offer accelerated programs, allowing you to earn your degree faster.
- Online universities in the state may offer fields of study you can’t find at local colleges.
- An online degree program can make juggling work and family obligations easier.
- Research shows that having a bachelor’s degree can lead to a higher salary.
- North Carolina is home to several top universities, including Duke University and UNC Chapel Hill.
How Accreditation Works for 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. Avoid schools that don’t don’t hold accreditation.
Accreditation comes in two major forms: institutional and programmatic. Most accredited online colleges in North Carolina are accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
10 Fast-Growing Jobs in North Carolina
If you plan to attend one of the many online colleges in North Carolina, you may already be considering your career options after graduation. Those living in or planning to move to North Carolina can expect huge growth for highly skilled jobs such as nurse practitioner, information security analyst, and statistician.
Each of the careers below requires at least a bachelor’s degree. An online college in North Carolina can help prepare you for one of these in-demand careers should you decide to move to the Tarheel State after completing your degree.
| Job | Projected Growth in North Carolina (2022-2032) | Annual Median Wage in North Carolina (May 2023) | Degree Required |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nurse Practitioners | 56% | $121,590 | Master’s Degree |
| Statisticians | 44% | $119,280 | Master’s Degree |
| Medical and Health Services Managers | 39% | $127,620 | Bachelor’s Degree |
| Physician Assistants | 37% | $123,860 | Master’s Degree |
| Information Security Analysts | 36% | $128,720 | Bachelor’s Degree |
| Computer and Information Research Scientists | 34% | $122,750 | Master’s Degree |
| Software Developers | 32% | $130,970 | Bachelor’s Degree |
| Speech-Language Pathologists | 32% | $84,650 | Master’s Degree |
| Actuaries | 31% | $140,040 | Bachelor’s Degree |
| Health Specialties Teachers, Postsecondary | 29% | $149,600 | Master’s or Doctoral Degree |
How Much Do Online Schools in NC Cost?
Tuition rates for online colleges in North Carolina vary, but you’ll generally pay from $2,500-$54,000 per year, according to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), depending on which school you attend. North Carolina’s average annual tuition costs at public universities run more than $2,000 lower than the national average.
Factors such as whether the school is public or private, whether you enroll part time or full time, and whether you’re a state resident can all affect how much you pay.
In general, public schools charge lower tuition rates than private colleges. You’ll pay the lowest tuition at public schools as an in-state resident.
Financial aid in the form of grants and scholarships can also lower your overall college expenses. You should always submit the FAFSA to see whether you qualify for federal funding.
| Institution Type | Average Tuition and Required Fees in North Carolina | Average Tuition and Required Fees in the U.S. |
|---|---|---|
| Public Four-Year (In-State) | $7,327 | $9,750 |
| Public Four-Year (Out-of-State) | $23,155 | $28,297 |
| Private Four-Year | $40,176 | $35,248 |
How to Qualify for In-State Tuition as an Out-of-State Student in North Carolina
North Carolina is among the few states that does not participate in tuition reciprocity agreements. To qualify for in-state tuition at a North Carolina public college, you must have held residence in North Carolina for the preceding 12 months and show your intent to reside long-term in the state.
The state offers a few exceptions to this rule, primarily to active-duty military members, refugees, federal law enforcement employees, and non-citizens sponsored by a nonprofit entity. However, some universities in South Carolina and Tennessee offer in-state tuition to qualifying North Carolina residents.
Frequently Asked Questions About Online College in North Carolina
North Carolina is home to 68 four-year colleges and universities and 64 two-year public and private nonprofit institutions. These numbers include top-tier research institutions, state universities, liberal arts colleges, and community colleges.
Many of these schools offer fully or partially online programs for in-state and out-of-state residents.
