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North Carolina Colleges

North Carolina Colleges

135 Colleges
$50,936 Avg 4-Year Tuition (In-State)
$28,541 Avg 4-Year Student Loan

North Carolina ranked #10 in the nation for degrees handed out in 2021. Around 125,928 students received some type of diploma that year. Students who are able to take advantage of in-state tuition will only pay an average of $12,734 per year to get their degree at a college in North Carolina, while out of state students will pay an average of $17,216 per year.

About 45% of students who go to college in this state take out loans, with the average yearly loan amount being $7,135 per year.

Learn more about the most popular schools below:

#1

North Carolina State University

Raleigh, North Carolina
Public Public vs. Private
$8,895 Yearly Tuition & Fees (In-State
42% Freshmen Loans

There are 36,042 students at NC State in total, 26,150 of which are undergraduates, and of those, 22,929 are full-time. The school has a student-to-faculty ratio of 16 to 1.

Roughly 42% of students at NC State take out loans to pay for college. The typical student loan amount is $7,194 a year.

The early-career average earnings of bachelor’s-degree holders from NC State is $57,623.

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#2

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

Chapel Hill, North Carolina
Public Public vs. Private
$8,989 Yearly Tuition & Fees (In-State
20% Freshmen Loans

There are 30,092 students at UNC Chapel Hill in total, 19,395 of which are undergraduates, and of those, 18,505 are full-time. The freshman retention rate at UNC Chapel Hill is 96%, which is great when compared to the national average of 68%.

Approximately 20% of the students who attend this school take out loans. The typical student loan amount is $7,953 a year.

A typical bachelor’s-degree holder from this school earns an average of $57,057 during the early-career years.

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#3

University of North Carolina at Charlotte

Charlotte, North Carolina
Public Public vs. Private
$7,214 Yearly Tuition & Fees (In-State
50% Freshmen Loans

There are 24,175 undergraduates at UNC Charlotte, of which 21,104 are full-time, and there are 30,146 students altogether. For undergraduates at UNC Charlotte, the average graduation time is 4.5 years.

Approximately 50% of the students who attend this school take out loans. The average amount of student loans is $7,127 a year.

A typical bachelor’s-degree holder from this school earns an average of $48,812 during the early-career years.

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#4

East Carolina University

Greenville, North Carolina
Public Public vs. Private
$7,361 Yearly Tuition & Fees (In-State
57% Freshmen Loans

There are 28,798 students at ECU in total, 23,056 of which are undergraduates, and of those, 18,886 are full-time. For undergraduates at ECU, the average graduation time is 4.4 years.

Approximately 57% of the students who attend this school take out loans. The typical student loan amount is $7,654 a year.

The early-career average earnings of bachelor’s-degree holders from ECU is $46,420.

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#5

Duke University

Durham, North Carolina
Private not-for-profit Public vs. Private
$65,805 Yearly Tuition & Fees (In-State
19% Freshmen Loans

There are 6,717 undergraduates at Duke, of which 6,572 are full-time, and there are 16,172 students altogether. The average graduation time for an undergraduate student at Duke is 4.1 years.

19% of Duke students take out loans to afford college costs. The average amount of student loans is $6,351 a year.

The early-career average earnings of bachelor’s-degree holders from Duke is $85,792.

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#6

Appalachian State University

Boone, North Carolina
Public Public vs. Private
$7,541 Yearly Tuition & Fees (In-State
42% Freshmen Loans

There are 18,061 undergraduates at Appalachian State, of which 16,905 are full-time, and there are 20,023 students altogether. The average graduation time for an undergraduate student at Appalachian State is 4.3 years.

Approximately 42% of the students who attend this school take out loans. The typical student loan amount is $7,207 a year.

A typical bachelor’s-degree holder from this school earns an average of $43,663 during the early-career years.

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#7

University of North Carolina at Wilmington

Wilmington, North Carolina
Public Public vs. Private
$7,317 Yearly Tuition & Fees (In-State
47% Freshmen Loans

There are 14,650 undergraduates at UNCW, of which 11,989 are full-time, and there are 17,915 students altogether. For undergraduates at UNCW, the average graduation time is 4.2 years.

47% of UNCW students take out loans to afford college costs. The average amount of student loans is $8,040 a year.

Students who graduate from UNCW with a bachelor’s degree make an average of $46,972 during the early years of their career after graduation.

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#8

University of North Carolina at Greensboro

Greensboro, North Carolina
Public Public vs. Private
$7,593 Yearly Tuition & Fees (In-State
53% Freshmen Loans

The total student population at University of North Carolina at Greensboro is 19,764, of which 15,995 students are undergraduates and of those, 13,391 are full-time. It takes the average UNC Greensboro undergraduate about 4.4 years to complete their degree.

Roughly 53% of students at UNC Greensboro take out loans to pay for college. The average amount of student loans is $5,755 a year.

The early-career average earnings of bachelor’s-degree holders from UNC Greensboro is $39,869.

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#9

Western Carolina University

Cullowhee, North Carolina
Public Public vs. Private
$4,532 Yearly Tuition & Fees (In-State
54% Freshmen Loans

There are 10,517 undergraduates at WCU, of which 8,760 are full-time, and there are 12,243 students altogether. It takes the average WCU undergraduate about 4.4 years to complete their degree.

54% of WCU students take out loans to afford college costs. The average amount of student loans is $6,250 a year.

The early-career average earnings of bachelor’s-degree holders from WCU is $43,085.

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#10

Wake Technical Community College

Raleigh, North Carolina
Public Public vs. Private
$2,336 Yearly Tuition & Fees (In-State
60% Freshmen Loans

There are 6,944 full-time undergraduates at Wake Technical Community College, and 21,760 students altogether. The school has a student-to-faculty ratio of 18 to 1.

Approximately 60% of the students who attend this school take out loans. The typical student loan amount is $5,460 a year.

Students who graduate from Wake Technical Community College with a bachelor’s degree make an average of $35,300 during the early years of their career after graduation.

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#11

Wake Forest University

Winston-Salem, North Carolina
Private not-for-profit Public vs. Private
$64,758 Yearly Tuition & Fees (In-State
16% Freshmen Loans

There are 5,441 undergraduates at Wake Forest University, of which 5,367 are full-time, and there are 8,789 students altogether. Wake Forest University has a freshman retention rate of 94%, which is a good sign that once students arrive at the school, they want to stay.

16% of Wake Forest University students take out loans to afford college costs. The typical student loan amount is $10,075 a year.

The early-career average earnings of bachelor’s-degree holders from Wake Forest University is $67,722.

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#12

North Carolina A & T State University

Greensboro, North Carolina
Public Public vs. Private
$6,748 Yearly Tuition & Fees (In-State
64% Freshmen Loans

The total student population at North Carolina A & T State University is 12,753, of which 11,130 students are undergraduates and of those, 9,933 are full-time. It takes the average NC A&T undergraduate about 4.6 years to complete their degree.

64% of NC A&T students take out loans to afford college costs. The average amount of student loans is $6,617 a year.

Students who graduate from NC A&T with a bachelor’s degree make an average of $36,638 during the early years of their career after graduation.

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#13

Central Piedmont Community College

Charlotte, North Carolina
Public Public vs. Private
$2,792 Yearly Tuition & Fees (In-State
1% Freshmen Loans

The total student population at Central Piedmont Community College is 16,668, which includes 6,367 full-time undergraduates. The school has a student-to-faculty ratio of 22 to 1.

1% of Central Piedmont Community College students take out loans to afford college costs. The typical student loan amount is $8,400 a year.

The early-career average earnings of bachelor’s-degree holders from Central Piedmont Community College is $32,138.

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#14

Elon University

Elon, North Carolina
Private not-for-profit Public vs. Private
$44,536 Yearly Tuition & Fees (In-State
28% Freshmen Loans

There are 7,117 students at Elon in total, 6,291 of which are undergraduates, and of those, 6,073 are full-time. The freshman retention rate at Elon is 90%, which is great when compared to the national average of 68%.

28% of Elon students take out loans to afford college costs. The typical student loan amount is $9,977 a year.

Students who graduate from Elon with a bachelor’s degree make an average of $58,082 during the early years of their career after graduation.

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#15

University of North Carolina at Pembroke

Pembroke, North Carolina
Public Public vs. Private
$3,571 Yearly Tuition & Fees (In-State
51% Freshmen Loans

The total student population at University of North Carolina at Pembroke is 8,262, of which 6,436 students are undergraduates and of those, 4,945 are full-time. The average graduation time for an undergraduate student at UNC Pembroke is 4.5 years.

Roughly 51% of students at UNC Pembroke take out loans to pay for college. The average amount of student loans is $5,157 a year.

The early-career average earnings of bachelor’s-degree holders from UNC Pembroke is $37,126.

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#16

Fayetteville Technical Community College

Fayetteville, North Carolina
Public Public vs. Private
$2,628 Yearly Tuition & Fees (In-State
29% Freshmen Loans

There are 3,975 full-time undergraduates at FTCC, and 10,932 students altogether. The school has a student-to-faculty ratio of 16 to 1.

Approximately 29% of the students who attend this school take out loans. The typical student loan amount is $4,303 a year.

Students who graduate from FTCC with a bachelor’s degree make an average of $28,528 during the early years of their career after graduation.

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#17

Campbell University

Buies Creek, North Carolina
Private not-for-profit Public vs. Private
$40,410 Yearly Tuition & Fees (In-State
52% Freshmen Loans

There are 5,964 students at Campbell in total, 3,720 of which are undergraduates, and of those, 3,098 are full-time. The average graduation time for an undergraduate student at Campbell is 4.3 years.

Approximately 52% of the students who attend this school take out loans. The typical student loan amount is $7,421 a year.

The early-career average earnings of bachelor’s-degree holders from Campbell is $45,511.

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#18

North Carolina Central University

Durham, North Carolina
Public Public vs. Private
$6,542 Yearly Tuition & Fees (In-State
68% Freshmen Loans

The total student population at North Carolina Central University is 8,078, of which 6,067 students are undergraduates and of those, 4,962 are full-time. It takes the average North Carolina Central University undergraduate about 4.6 years to complete their degree.

Roughly 68% of students at North Carolina Central University take out loans to pay for college. The average amount of student loans is $5,949 a year.

Students who graduate from North Carolina Central University with a bachelor’s degree make an average of $35,967 during the early years of their career after graduation.

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#19

Guilford Technical Community College

Jamestown, North Carolina
Public Public vs. Private
$2,319 Yearly Tuition & Fees (In-State
25% Freshmen Loans

There are 10,821 students at Guilford Technical Community College in total, 4,146 are full-time undergraduates. The school has a student-to-faculty ratio of 17 to 1.

Approximately 25% of the students who attend this school take out loans. The typical student loan amount is $4,947 a year.

The early-career average earnings of bachelor’s-degree holders from Guilford Technical Community College is $29,705.

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#20

Fayetteville State University

Fayetteville, North Carolina
Public Public vs. Private
$3,969 Yearly Tuition & Fees (In-State
60% Freshmen Loans

There are 6,726 students at Fayetteville State University in total, 5,661 of which are undergraduates, and of those, 3,959 are full-time. It takes the average Fayetteville State University undergraduate about 4.7 years to complete their degree.

60% of Fayetteville State University students take out loans to afford college costs. The average amount of student loans is $5,396 a year.

The early-career average earnings of bachelor’s-degree holders from Fayetteville State University is $37,831.

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#21

Cape Fear Community College

Wilmington, North Carolina
Public Public vs. Private
$2,748 Yearly Tuition & Fees (In-State
11% Freshmen Loans

There are 8,680 students at CFCC in total, 3,054 are full-time undergraduates. The school has a student-to-faculty ratio of 24 to 1.

Roughly 11% of students at CFCC take out loans to pay for college. The typical student loan amount is $9,710 a year.

A typical bachelor’s-degree holder from this school earns an average of $32,234 during the early-career years.

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#22

Pitt Community College

Winterville, North Carolina
Public Public vs. Private
$1,970 Yearly Tuition & Fees (In-State
9% Freshmen Loans

The total student population at Pitt Community College is 7,688, which includes 3,031 full-time undergraduates. The school has a student-to-faculty ratio of 15 to 1.

Roughly 9% of students at Pitt Community College take out loans to pay for college. The typical student loan amount is $5,722 a year.

A typical bachelor’s-degree holder from this school earns an average of $29,104 during the early-career years.

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#23

High Point University

High Point, North Carolina
Private not-for-profit Public vs. Private
$44,208 Yearly Tuition & Fees (In-State
46% Freshmen Loans

There are 4,628 undergraduates at High Point, of which 4,575 are full-time, and there are 5,617 students altogether. The average graduation time for an undergraduate student at High Point is 4.1 years.

46% of High Point students take out loans to afford college costs. The average amount of student loans is $12,079 a year.

A typical bachelor’s-degree holder from this school earns an average of $50,955 during the early-career years.

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#24

Winston - Salem State University

Winston-Salem, North Carolina
Public Public vs. Private
$6,735 Yearly Tuition & Fees (In-State
72% Freshmen Loans

There are 5,169 students at WSSU in total, 4,689 of which are undergraduates, and of those, 4,033 are full-time. For undergraduates at WSSU, the average graduation time is 4.6 years.

72% of WSSU students take out loans to afford college costs. The average amount of student loans is $6,507 a year.

The early-career average earnings of bachelor’s-degree holders from WSSU is $40,557.

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#25

Forsyth Technical Community College

Winston-Salem, North Carolina
Public Public vs. Private
$2,256 Yearly Tuition & Fees (In-State
15% Freshmen Loans

There are 2,712 full-time undergraduates at Forsyth Tech, and 7,587 students altogether. The school has a student-to-faculty ratio of 11 to 1.

Roughly 15% of students at Forsyth Tech take out loans to pay for college. The average amount of student loans is $3,654 a year.

Students who graduate from Forsyth Tech with a bachelor’s degree make an average of $30,285 during the early years of their career after graduation.

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Other North Carolina Colleges

Rank School Yearly Graduations
26 Gardner - Webb University 1,141
27 Caldwell Community College and Technical Institute 932
28 Rowan-Cabarrus Community College 915
29 Wingate University 856
30 Queens University of Charlotte 846
31 Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College 789
32 University of Mount Olive 784
33 University of North Carolina at Asheville 772
34 Gaston College 755
35 Catawba Valley Community College 734
36 Johnston Community College 719
37 Strayer University - North Carolina 677
38 Lenoir - Rhyne University 671
39 Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary 641
40 Durham Technical Community College 634
41 Coastal Carolina Community College 618
42 Sandhills Community College 614
43 Alamance Community College 605
44 Davidson College 598
45 Davidson County Community College 593
46 Meredith College 562
47 Wayne Community College 555
48 Central Carolina Community College 549
49 North Carolina Wesleyan College 504
50 Craven Community College 500
51 Randolph Community College 462
52 Vance-Granville Community College 461
53 Lenoir Community College 441
54 Mitchell Community College 428
55 Wilkes Community College 424
56 Johnson & Wales University - Charlotte 419
57 Methodist University 408
58 Cleveland Community College 403
59 Surry Community College 396
60 Southwestern Community College 395
61 College of the Albemarle 385
62 Isothermal Community College 379
63 Stanly Community College 362
64 Richmond Community College 355
65 Nash Community College 345
66 Pfeiffer University 343
67 Belmont Abbey College 331
68 Guilford College 327
69 Elizabeth City State University 321
70 Sampson Community College 320
70 Beaufort County Community College 320
72 Blue Ridge Community College 319
73 Western Piedmont Community College 318
74 Brunswick Community College 311
75 Bladen Community College 283
76 Barton College 282
77 Mars Hill University 279
78 Catawba College 278
79 Southeastern Community College 277
80 South Piedmont Community College 273
81 Johnson C Smith University 267
82 Rockingham Community College 260
83 Robeson Community College 256
84 Greensboro College 245
84 University of North Carolina School of the Arts 245
86 Haywood Community College 234
87 Carteret Community College 228
88 Wilson Community College 221
89 Tri-County Community College 217
90 William Peace University 215
91 Lees - McRae College 213
92 Chowan University 199
93 Edgecombe Community College 197
94 Shaw University 193
95 Salem College 190
96 Piedmont International University 189
97 Miller-Motte College Wilmington 175
98 James Sprunt Community College 174
99 Montreat College 172
100 Piedmont Community College 160
101 Carolinas College of Health Sciences 153
102 Halifax Community College 152
103 Cabarrus College of Health Sciences 151
103 McDowell Technical Community College 151
105 Warren Wilson College 147
106 Brevard College 139
107 Montgomery Community College 136
108 Mayland Community College 123
109 Martin Community College 120
110 Livingstone College 116
111 St. Andrews University 113
112 Saint Augustine’s University 108
113 Roanoke-Chowan Community College 90
113 Louisburg College 90
115 Pamlico Community College 62
116 Mid-Atlantic Christian University 53
117 Chamberlain University - North Carolina 47
118 Daoist Traditions College of Chinese Medical Arts 45
119 Shepherds Theological Seminary 39
120 Bennett College 37
121 Charlotte Christian College and Theological Seminary 35
122 Carolina College of Biblical Studies 34
123 Grace College of Divinity 31
124 Hood Theological Seminary 28
125 Miller-Motte College Jacksonville 21
126 Miller-Motte College Raleigh 19
127 Jung Tao School of Classical Chinese Medicine 17
128 Living Arts College 13
128 Southeastern Free Will Baptist Bible College 13
130 Carolina Christian College 11
130 DeVry University - North Carolina 11
132 Heritage Bible College 10
132 Miller-Motte College Fayetteville 10
134 Watts School of Nursing 0
134 South University, High Point 0

References

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