2026 Best Value Science & Tech Schools in North Carolina
Looking for the best-value Science & Tech degree programs in North Carolina? Our ranking highlights 163 institutions by value — the balance of cost and student outcomes, using our 2026 methodology. Each school below is scored on factors such as tuition, student debt, and post-graduation earnings to surface the strongest return on investment.
To arm you with the information you need, Course Advisor analyzed 85 schools to produce this 2026 value ranking, drawing primarily on U.S. Department of Education data (IPEDS and College Scorecard). View our full ranking methodology.
Top 25 Best-Value Science & Tech Degree Schools in North Carolina
Learn more about these high-value schools below:
Leading the list is South Piedmont Community College, our #1 best-value Science & Tech school in North Carolina. This public school is set in Polkton, NC. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $2,022, compared with $6,630 for out-of-state students. South Piedmont Community College Science & Tech students take on a median of $10,098 in debt. Median earnings reach $37,308 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $10,098 median debt. More on South Piedmont Community College
A rank of #2 makes Craven Community College one of the best values in North Carolina. Set in New Bern, NC, Craven Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $2,022, compared with $6,630 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $8,924 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $34,231 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $8,924 median debt. Get the full Craven Community College report
Out of the 85 schools in North Carolina in this year's value ranking, Pitt Community College landed the #3 spot. Pitt Community College is a public school based in Winterville, NC. Students from in state pay about $3,871 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $13,087. Typical Science & Tech student debt is $19,741. Median earnings reach $37,259 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. More on Pitt Community College
Out of the 85 schools in North Carolina in this year's value ranking, Vance Granville Community College landed the #4 spot. This public school is set in Henderson, NC. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $1,944, while out-of-state students pay about $6,552. The median Science & Tech program debt is $14,833. Vance Granville Community College alumni report median earnings of $34,304 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $14,833 median debt. Get the full Vance Granville Community College report
Out of the 85 schools in North Carolina in this year's value ranking, Alamance Community College landed the #5 spot. Alamance Community College is a public school based in Graham, NC. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $2,592, compared with $8,736 for out-of-state students. Alamance Community College Science & Tech students take on a median of $6,625 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $34,241. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. See the full Alamance Community College profile
Durham Technical Community College landed the #6 spot for value in North Carolina this year. Located in Durham, NC, Durham Technical Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $2,240, while out-of-state students pay about $7,531. Graduates carry a median of $20,408 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $36,142. Set against $20,408 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read the full report on Durham Technical Community College
Wake Technical Community College ranked #7 on our 2026 list of the best-value Science & Tech schools. Based in Raleigh, NC, Wake Technical Community College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $2,254, with out-of-state students paying around $6,862. Graduates carry a median of $17,900 in student loans. Median earnings reach $41,769 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. More on Wake Technical Community College
Forsyth Technical Community College landed the #8 spot for value in North Carolina this year. This public school is set in Winston-Salem, NC. In-state tuition and fees run about $2,276, while out-of-state students pay about $6,884. The median Science & Tech program debt is $16,374. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $34,139. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. More on Forsyth Technical Community College
Caldwell Community College And Technical Institute placed #9 among the best-value Science & Tech schools in North Carolina. Set in Hudson, NC, Caldwell Community College And Technical Institute is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $2,528 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $6,528. Students borrow a median of $8,750 to complete their Science & Tech program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $34,515 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $8,750 median debt. See the full Caldwell Community College And Technical Institute profile
Guilford Technical Community College placed #10 among the best-value Science & Tech schools in North Carolina. This public school is set in Jamestown, NC. In-state tuition and fees run about $2,320, compared with $7,696 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $20,501 in student loans. Median earnings reach $33,934 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Get the full Guilford Technical Community College report
Beaufort County Community College ranked #11 on our 2026 list of the best-value Science & Tech schools. Beaufort County Community College is a public school based in Washington, NC. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $2,540, compared with $8,684 for out-of-state students. Typical Science & Tech student debt is $7,947. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $32,519. Set against $7,947 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read more about Beaufort County Community College
Central Piedmont Community College landed the #12 spot for value in North Carolina this year. This public school is set in Charlotte, NC. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $2,792, compared with $8,936 for out-of-state students. Central Piedmont Community College Science & Tech students take on a median of $11,861 in debt. Median earnings reach $37,865 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $11,861 median debt. Read the full report on Central Piedmont Community College
College Of The Albemarle offered strong value this year, earning the #13 position. Based in Elizabeth City, NC, College Of The Albemarle is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $2,242 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $7,652. Graduates carry a median of $10,240 in student loans. College Of The Albemarle alumni report median earnings of $33,234 a decade after entry. Set against $10,240 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. More on College Of The Albemarle
Catawba Valley Community College landed the #14 spot for value in North Carolina this year. Located in Hickory, NC, Catawba Valley Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $2,427, compared with $7,803 for out-of-state students. Catawba Valley Community College Science & Tech students take on a median of $9,842 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $36,977. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. See the full Catawba Valley Community College profile
Wayne Community College landed the #15 spot for value in North Carolina this year. Wayne Community College is a public school based in Goldsboro, NC. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $2,566, while out-of-state students pay about $8,710. Students borrow a median of $5,500 to complete their Science & Tech program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $34,148 ten years after entry. Set against $5,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. More on Wayne Community College
Lenoir Community College landed the #16 spot for value in North Carolina this year. Based in Kinston, NC, Lenoir Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $2,578, with out-of-state students paying around $8,822. Typical Science & Tech student debt is $9,984. Median earnings reach $33,866 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $9,984 median debt. See the full Lenoir Community College profile
Montgomery Community College placed #17 among the best-value Science & Tech schools in North Carolina. Based in Troy, NC, Montgomery Community College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $2,538, with out-of-state students paying around $8,682. Median earnings reach $32,742 ten years out. Read more about Montgomery Community College
Davidson County Community College came in at #18 in this year's value ranking. Located in Thomasville, NC, Davidson County Community College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $1,980, while out-of-state students pay about $6,588. Davidson County Community College Science & Tech students take on a median of $16,693 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $36,337. That is a strong return on a $16,693 median debt. More on Davidson County Community College
Central Carolina Community College placed #19 among the best-value Science & Tech schools in North Carolina. Set in Sanford, NC, Central Carolina Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $2,711, compared with $8,855 for out-of-state students. Central Carolina Community College Science & Tech students take on a median of $10,266 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $33,525 ten years after entry. Set against $10,266 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read more about Central Carolina Community College
Haywood Community College offered strong value this year, earning the #20 position. Located in Clyde, NC, Haywood Community College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $2,580, while out-of-state students pay about $8,724. Graduates go on to earn a median of $34,770 ten years after entry. More on Haywood Community College
Mitchell Community College landed the #21 spot for value in North Carolina this year. This public school is set in Statesville, NC. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $2,651, with out-of-state students paying around $8,795. Mitchell Community College Science & Tech students take on a median of $6,313 in debt. Median earnings reach $33,298 ten years out. Set against $6,313 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read the full report on Mitchell Community College
Gaston College placed #22 among the best-value Science & Tech schools in North Carolina. Located in Dallas, NC, Gaston College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $3,186 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $9,330. Graduates carry a median of $10,915 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $35,386. Set against $10,915 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read the full report on Gaston College
Cleveland Community College came in at #23 in this year's value ranking. Located in Shelby, NC, Cleveland Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $2,602, while out-of-state students pay about $8,746. The median Science & Tech program debt is $7,131. Graduates go on to earn a median of $33,755 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read the full report on Cleveland Community College
Johnston Community College came in at #24 in this year's value ranking. Located in Smithfield, NC, Johnston Community College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $2,756, while out-of-state students pay about $8,900. The median Science & Tech program debt is $9,490. Graduates go on to earn a median of $37,310 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. More on Johnston Community College
Richmond Community College landed the #25 spot for value in North Carolina this year. This public school is set in Hamlet, NC. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $1,956, while out-of-state students pay about $6,564. The median Science & Tech program debt is $8,407. Richmond Community College alumni report median earnings of $29,951 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $8,407 median debt. See the full Richmond Community College profile
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value Science & Tech Degree Schools in North Carolina
These schools rounded out the top of this year’s value ranking:
Bladen Community College offered strong value this year, earning the #26 position. Located in Dublin, NC, Bladen Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $2,314, compared with $7,690 for out-of-state students. Typical Science & Tech student debt is $9,905. Bladen Community College alumni report median earnings of $30,591 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. See the full Bladen Community College profile
Rowan Cabarrus Community College offered strong value this year, earning the #27 position. Rowan Cabarrus Community College is a public school based in Salisbury, NC. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $2,064, with out-of-state students paying around $6,672. Rowan Cabarrus Community College Science & Tech students take on a median of $10,867 in debt. Rowan Cabarrus Community College alumni report median earnings of $34,936 a decade after entry. Set against $10,867 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read more about Rowan Cabarrus Community College
Surry Community College landed the #28 spot for value in North Carolina this year. Set in Dobson, NC, Surry Community College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $2,668, with out-of-state students paying around $8,812. Typical Science & Tech student debt is $9,537. Surry Community College alumni report median earnings of $36,012 a decade after entry. Set against $9,537 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read more about Surry Community College
Isothermal Community College ranked #29 on our 2026 list of the best-value Science & Tech schools. Based in Spindale, NC, Isothermal Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $2,030, with out-of-state students paying around $6,638. Graduates carry a median of $6,625 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $33,325. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read the full report on Isothermal Community College
Southwestern Community College Sylva offered strong value this year, earning the #30 position. This public school is set in Sylva, NC. Students from in state pay about $4,112 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $13,184. Students borrow a median of $13,708 to complete their Science & Tech program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $34,145. Set against $13,708 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. See the full Southwestern Community College Sylva profile
Fayetteville Technical Community College placed #31 among the best-value Science & Tech schools in North Carolina. Based in Fayetteville, NC, Fayetteville Technical Community College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $2,628, compared with $8,772 for out-of-state students. Typical Science & Tech student debt is $16,909. Median earnings reach $31,861 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $16,909 median debt. See the full Fayetteville Technical Community College profile
Cape Fear Community College landed the #32 spot for value in North Carolina this year. Cape Fear Community College is a public school based in Wilmington, NC. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $2,748, compared with $8,892 for out-of-state students. Typical Science & Tech student debt is $12,388. Median earnings reach $38,654 ten years out. Set against $12,388 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. More on Cape Fear Community College
Piedmont Community College ranked #33 on our 2026 list of the best-value Science & Tech schools. Set in Roxboro, NC, Piedmont Community College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $2,556, while out-of-state students pay about $8,700. Students borrow a median of $11,000 to complete their Science & Tech program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $33,274. That is a strong return on a $11,000 median debt. See the full Piedmont Community College profile
Nash Community College came in at #34 in this year's value ranking. Set in Rocky Mount, NC, Nash Community College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $2,866, compared with $8,866 for out-of-state students. Typical Science & Tech student debt is $16,969. Graduates go on to earn a median of $34,912 ten years after entry. Set against $16,969 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Get the full Nash Community College report
Asheville Buncombe Technical Community College ranked #35 on our 2026 list of the best-value Science & Tech schools. Located in Asheville, NC, Asheville Buncombe Technical Community College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $2,882 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $9,026. Typical Science & Tech student debt is $18,883. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $36,048. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read the full report on Asheville Buncombe Technical Community College
Coastal Carolina Community College landed the #36 spot for value in North Carolina this year. Coastal Carolina Community College is a public school based in Jacksonville, NC. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $2,512, while out-of-state students pay about $8,656. Students borrow a median of $7,125 to complete their Science & Tech program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $36,444. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read more about Coastal Carolina Community College
Wilkes Community College landed the #37 spot for value in North Carolina this year. Based in Wilkesboro, NC, Wilkes Community College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $2,572, with out-of-state students paying around $8,716. The median Science & Tech program debt is $9,125. Graduates go on to earn a median of $34,728 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $9,125 median debt. Get the full Wilkes Community College report
Sandhills Community College offered strong value this year, earning the #38 position. Sandhills Community College is a public school based in Pinehurst, NC. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $2,040, compared with $6,648 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $9,238 to complete their Science & Tech program here. Median earnings reach $31,656 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. See the full Sandhills Community College profile
Blue Ridge Community College Flat Rock ranked #39 on our 2026 list of the best-value Science & Tech schools. Located in Flat Rock, NC, Blue Ridge Community College Flat Rock is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $2,660, with out-of-state students paying around $8,804. Graduates carry a median of $16,252 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $36,324. Set against $16,252 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Get the full Blue Ridge Community College Flat Rock report
Robeson Community College landed the #40 spot for value in North Carolina this year. This public school is set in Lumberton, NC. In-state tuition and fees average $2,604, with out-of-state students paying around $8,748. Robeson Community College Science & Tech students take on a median of $9,949 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $29,036. Set against $9,949 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. More on Robeson Community College
Western Piedmont Community College offered strong value this year, earning the #41 position. Based in Morganton, NC, Western Piedmont Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $2,650, while out-of-state students pay about $8,794. The median Science & Tech program debt is $11,999. Median earnings reach $34,195 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read the full report on Western Piedmont Community College
Edgecombe Community College came in at #42 in this year's value ranking. Located in Tarboro, NC, Edgecombe Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $2,640, with out-of-state students paying around $8,784. Students borrow a median of $22,153 to complete their Science & Tech program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $33,267 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $22,153 median debt. More on Edgecombe Community College
Sampson Community College came in at #43 in this year's value ranking. Set in Clinton, NC, Sampson Community College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $2,877, while out-of-state students pay about $9,789. Graduates carry a median of $12,596 in student loans. Median earnings reach $33,409 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $12,596 median debt. Get the full Sampson Community College report
Elizabeth City State University came in at #44 in this year's value ranking. Located in Elizabeth City, NC, Elizabeth City State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $6,536, with out-of-state students paying around $10,536. Typical Science & Tech student debt is $26,992. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $40,026. Set against $26,992 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 64% of applicants are accepted. Get the full Elizabeth City State University report
Carteret Community College offered strong value this year, earning the #45 position. Carteret Community College is a public school based in Morehead City, NC. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $2,310, with out-of-state students paying around $8,222. Graduates carry a median of $5,566 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $33,357. That is a strong return on a $5,566 median debt. Read the full report on Carteret Community College
University Of North Carolina At Pembroke came in at #46 in this year's value ranking. University Of North Carolina At Pembroke is a public school based in Pembroke, NC. Students from in state pay about $3,648 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $7,648. Typical Science & Tech student debt is $27,089. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $43,407. Set against $27,089 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 93%. Get the full University Of North Carolina At Pembroke report
Western Carolina University ranked #47 on our 2026 list of the best-value Science & Tech schools. Based in Cullowhee, NC, Western Carolina University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $4,630, with out-of-state students paying around $8,630. Graduates carry a median of $24,174 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $49,458. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 82% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on Western Carolina University
Fayetteville State University ranked #48 on our 2026 list of the best-value Science & Tech schools. Set in Fayetteville, NC, Fayetteville State University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $4,353 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $8,353. Graduates carry a median of $27,869 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $40,144. That is a strong return on a $27,869 median debt. The acceptance rate is 82%. Get the full Fayetteville State University report
University Of North Carolina At Chapel Hill ranked #49 on our 2026 list of the best-value Science & Tech schools. Based in Chapel Hill, NC, University Of North Carolina At Chapel Hill is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $8,994, compared with $41,203 for out-of-state students. Typical Science & Tech student debt is $15,117. Graduates go on to earn a median of $72,200 ten years after entry. Set against $15,117 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of North Carolina At Chapel Hill has an acceptance rate of 15%. See the full University Of North Carolina At Chapel Hill profile
East Carolina University ranked #50 on our 2026 list of the best-value Science & Tech schools. Based in Greenville, NC, East Carolina University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $7,361, compared with $23,638 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $24,747 to complete their Science & Tech program here. Median earnings reach $55,146 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $24,747 median debt. The acceptance rate is 89%. Read more about East Carolina University
More Science & Tech Value Rankings
Ranking Methodology & Notes
The ranking above is published by Course Advisor (DMS_RANKING_2023), 2026 edition. The methodology weighs the balance of cost (tuition and student debt) against student outcomes (post-graduation earnings) — a measure of return on investment — drawn primarily from the U.S. Department of Education (IPEDS and College Scorecard).
Ranking method: College Best Colleges For Money · Scope: State · 85 schools evaluated. *Averages shown above reflect the top 163 ranked schools only.
References
- Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) — National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Department of Education (core institutional data).
- College Scorecard — U.S. Department of Education (graduate earnings and outcomes data).
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